Broadimage/Shutterstock
Busta Rhymes shed 100 pounds over the past few years — and one specific incident helped push him to make a change.
During a recent interview with Men's Health, the rapper, Busta (real name Trevor George Smith Jr.), recounted a moment when he was preparing to be intimate with his ex. After the encounter, he experienced difficulty breathing and felt as if he was having an asthma attack, despite not having asthma. In order to avoid causing panic, Busta got out of bed and left the bedroom, making an effort to stay calm and hide his struggle to breathe. In a vulnerable state, he found himself naked in the living room, trying to soothe himself.
When he reentered the bedroom, his ex uttered words that shattered his heart - she claimed he was no longer the man who had captivated her affection. "Unaware of what transpired in the outside world, she solely focused on my physique and weight," Busta lamented. "She pleaded, 'You must shed these pounds. Your heavy breathing terrifies me. When we first met, you possessed a svelte and chiseled physique. You had everything in order. I implore you to regain the version of yourself that I fell in love with.'"
In May 2019, Busta Rhymes expressed further alarm as he recounted another incident. Following a party, he unexpectedly lost consciousness in his vehicle, requiring his eldest son, T'ziah, and security team nearly 45 minutes to rouse him. This event occurred while he was coping with polyps on his vocal cords, obstructing 90 percent of his airways and leading to debilitating sleep apnea.
"I avoided the surgery for as long as possible, but after that weekend, I finally consulted the doctor. Upon examining my throat, he warned me about the potential risk of death while sleeping," Busta recounted. "That's when I decided to undergo the surgery and started focusing on my physical fitness."
Since then, Busta has successfully shed 100 pounds and recently intensified his workout routine in preparation for an upcoming tour alongside 50 Cent. "I engage in two-a-day workouts, encompassing various activities such as weight training, circuit exercises, sauna sessions, and cryotherapy," he elaborated. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, consuming ample amounts of water, and prioritizing sufficient sleep to allow the body to recover from strenuous workouts and repair torn muscles.
Busta was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 BET Awards in June. During the event, his six children were present to witness their father accepting the prestigious accolade. In an interview with Men's Health, Busta expressed his gratitude for the genuine love and support he has received from his loved ones. He emphasized the importance of having people in his life whom he can be open and honest with, who will always protect and guide him, both professionally and personally.
Busta has children with three different women. His sons T’ziah, T’khi, and Trillian are 30, 24, and 22 years old respectively, and their mother is Joanne Wood. His daughters Mariah and Cacie, who are 25 and 24 years old respectively, are from his relationships with Jill Miskelly and Rhonda Randall. Additionally, Busta is the father of his 17-year-old daughter, Miracle.