In hindsight, 1996 was a golden year. At the time, it felt like anything but. Thirty years later, here are the best rap albums of 1996.
Dimas SanfiorenzoBusta Rhymes
Busta Rhymes is a rapper and actor known for his rapid-fire delivery and dynamic vocal style that have shaped hip-hop since the early 1990s. He was born Trevor George Smith Jr. on May 20, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York. Rising to prominence with the Flipmode Squad collective before launching a solo career, he is distinguished by his intricate rhyme schemes and visually striking, often humorous music videos. His defining feature is an explosive energy that blends complex wordplay with theatrical flair, making tracks like "Break Ya Neck" and "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See" stand out. Fans return for his ability to push hip-hop’s boundaries through collaborations spanning from legends like A Tribe Called Quest to contemporary stars such as Nicki Minaj, reflecting his influence across generations.
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From pioneers like LL Cool J to legends like Jay-Z to newer icons like Pop Smoke and ASAP Rocky, these are the 35 best dressed New York rappers of all time.
Mike DeStefano
Whether it was Lil Baby's fake $400,000 Patek or Soulja Boy's bootleg Gucci collection, our favorite celebs have been caught wearing some hilarious fakes.
Lei Takanashi
Scar Lip, one of the most energetic artists coming out of New York, talks about getting advice from 50 Cent, working with Swizz Beatz, and more.
Jordan RoseLatest Stories
Tyrese Reacts to Busta Rhymes, J Dilla's 'Dillagence II' Project: 'You Have Stressed Me the F Out'
The actor-singer's reaction to Busta and Dilla's new 19-track project has fans talking online.
Mark Elibert1 day ago
Busta Rhymes on Never Receiving a Grammy Despite 12 Nominations: 'I Never Chased Anything'
The legendary rapper said that if he's ever going to win one, now might be a good time following the release of his new album 'Dillagence II.'
Trey Alston3 days ago
Busta Rhymes Settles Former Assistant’s $6 Million Lawsuit for $25,000
The rapper denied his former assistant’s allegations, and neither side admitted wrongdoing in the deal.
Mark Elibert7 days ago
Busta Rhymes Previews D’Angelo Feature From ‘Dillagence 2’ With Hype Williams-Directed Video
Busta shared a snippet of the D’Angelo-assisted track and its Hype Williams-directed visual.
Mark Elibert9 days ago
Busta Rhymes Recruits Lil Wayne for J Dilla-Produced 'Talk Ya Sh*t'
The second track from Busta's upcoming 'Dillagence 2' album hears Weezy spit on a Dilla beat for the first time in his career.
Will Lavin19 days ago
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Busta Rhymes Shares New J Dilla Collab "Spazzz" Ahead of 'Dillagence 2'
The sequel to Busta's 2007 Mick Boogie mixtape with the late producer is "loading" and on the way.
Will Lavin26 days ago
Busta Rhymes Announces New Album, 'Dillagence 2,' Built on Unreleased J Dilla Beats
"History is about to [be] made in a new way…" Busta said of the release.
Mark Elibert27 days ago
Ebro Slams 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, Ja Rule, and Others for Performing at Trump Jr. Club
50 Cent is set to play the Executive Branch on July 3, the eve of America's 250th anniversary.
tara mahadevan63 days ago
New Yorkers Are Celebrating Knicks Championship With These Songs Instead of "Empire State of Mind"
For many New Yorkers, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys's 2009 blockbuster isn't the go-to anthem.
Trace William Cowen78 days ago
Busta Rhymes Responds to Heckler in the Most New York Way Possible
The Flipmode Squad head honcho was quick with the clap back after being mobbed by paparazzi and fans outside Madison Square Garden.
Trey Alston192 days ago
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Busta Rhymes Announces New 'Dillagence 2' Project With J Dilla Production
The release date and tracklist haven't been revealed yet.
Trey Alston193 days ago
SZA Honors 'Friend' Mariah Carey: 'You're the Blueprint'
The 'LANA' singer-songwriter said it was "insane" to call Carey a "friend" during a tribute at this year's Musicares Person of the Year gala.
Jaelani Turner-Williams213 days ago
Busta Rhymes Reveals Early Mariah Carey Crush During MusiCares Speech: 'I Love You So Much'
The rapper celebrated his longtime friend, who was named 2026's MusiCares Person of the Year.
Jaelani Turner-Williams213 days ago
Nelly Says Metro Boomin Will Executive Produce St. Lunatics’ First Album in 25 Years
The only album the St. Lunatics ever released was 2001’s 'Free City.'
tara mahadevan260 days ago
Busta Rhymes Loses His Cool After After Camerman Tells Him to ‘Stay Black’
Busta Rhymes also snapped at a TikTok troll who called him "Tracy Morgan.'
Jaelani Turner-Williams266 days ago
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Busta Rhymes Checks Kid Who Trolls Him By Calling Him Tracy Morgan
The incident took place at an Art Basel event in Miami.
tara mahadevan267 days ago