Trevor Tahiem Smith, Jr., better known as Busta Rhymes (born May 20, 1972), is a Grammy-nominated Jamaican-American rapper, songwriter, and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the name Busta Rhymes (from former NFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes).

Smith was born in East Flatbush, Brooklyn to Jamaican parents Cherry Green and Trevor Smith, Sr.

Busta Rhymes openly said he embraced Islam when being interviewed. Busta adds, “I used that as inspiration to go into the studio all the time when I had a free moment. After work, during my lunch break, traveling back and forth to work … to just apply myself creatively, and the opportunity finally came one day when I was downtown.” At 17, Rhymes landed a six-figure record deal.