More of Busta's Homophobic Nonsense

By Keith Boykin, in music
Tuesday, June 27 2006, 11:46AM

busta rhymesBusta Rhymes is not my favorite rapper. He's already on my shit list after attacking a gay man in Miami earlier this year, and for homophobic comments he's made. I think it's time that black gays and lesbians boycott Busta for his gay-bashing nonsense. But someone else has now joined the fray.

Rhymes has recently been criticizing his former girlfriend, Joanne Wood, who is the mother of his three children, while he's been promoting his new album. Wood says the rapper hates her not because she is a bad mother, but because she is a lesbian. The former couple recently ended a bitter custody battle and Wood says the real reason Trevor Smith (Busta's real name) is angry with her is because she chose a woman over him.

"His ego is definitely hurt," Wood told the New York Post in an interview. “If he’s being emotional, then let him just be emotional - that’s like the bitch in him." (Yes, she said that's the bitch in him. Hmmm.) "If you want to be emotional, I don’t have a problem with that,” she added, but “he’s wearing his emotions on his sleeve.”

But the story gets worse. It appears that Wood lost custody of her children, in part, because she is a lesbian. The court decision notes that on one occasion, one of the kids walked in on Wood and her female lover having sex in the bedroom, but she and her lawyer point out, "Where else should they have sex?"

Wood makes a good point. Although I haven't read the entire decision, for the judge to harp on this incident alone suggests some sort of homophobic bias. Another part of the judge's decision notes that Wood and her lover may one day get married. That, if anything, should be a positive attribute, not a negative critique, but the judge appears to have taken it the wrong way.

"It seems that this judge was dwelling on the fact that it was a woman with a woman, and that's what came out of this, and it seems to be very unique," said her lawyer, Rick Savitt.

Earlier this year, Busta became enraged when a young gay fan approached him to congratulate the rapper on his recent comeback. Busta turned around and repeatedly screamed, "Why the fuck you touchin' me, man? Get the fuck away from me." His two bodyguards then pushed the man away. Busta reportedly told his bodyguards, "I hate fucking faggots, man."

In another incident, Busta cracked a champagne bottle over the head of former Source Magazine founder David Mays. Mays reportedly received 50 stitches in his head from the attack. And Busta's already been convicted on gun charges before.

Busta himself is known for his homophobia. And in his recent "Touch It" remix, the song features a line where rapper DMX says, "Fuck you faggot, I shot at you!" If the custody judge is worried about the kind of people that the two parents associate with, he ought to be concerned about the murderous words that come out of the mouths of some of Busta's associates.

I don't know whether Busta Rhymes would make a better parent than Joanne Wood because I don't know the two of them. However, it seems the judge was concerned that the children might grow up in an environment where they were exposed to homosexuality. If that's the case, that was wrong. The judge needs to be more concerned that the kids might grow up in an environment where they are exposed to Busta's ridiculous behavior and his violent homophobia.

Comments (37) reveal

Comments conceal

Shabaka[TypeKey Profile Page]
June 27 2006, 12:01PM

I will honestly say that I enjoy Busta's style of rapping.And then after finding out about his homophobic comments, I got torn apart between acknowledging his credit or just hating his guts. Since I can't really do both, I'll choose the easiest...Drop "the bitch"!

Bernie[TypeKey Profile Page]
June 27 2006, 12:08PM

And let us not forget Busta's silence and uncooperative stance with police regarding the murder of one of his body guards. This guy is dead and he's not willing to either tell what he knows or demand that somebody in his posse step forward.

I guess the only positive qualification he brings to being a parent is his heterosexuality.

Rockinrob
June 27 2006, 12:32PM

SHABAKA: I'm totally with you. Damn supporting him when he obviously don't give a damn about us. Not that I need for him to have luv for me, but hell, don't just hate me because I'm not like you. Drop his ass!

keeping it real
June 27 2006, 1:06PM

I wonder what he is hiding in the closet or who..

psun
June 27 2006, 1:10PM

eh, I dont agree with the 'positive qualification he brings to being a parent is his heterosexuality' comment, as if to imply that being a gay parent is a negative.

I dig Busta, but I wont buy a single record of his. I have heard some of the comments he has made about his ex and her relationship, and he is just angry and bitter. Sucks to be him cause he STILL has to pay her regardless.

Harry
June 27 2006, 1:26PM

Shabaka and Rockinrob: i'm with you on this one. I liked Busta ever since Leaders of the New School...way back. His style is unique and hes worked it but that does not excuse ride, stupid behavior.

Busta is where he is because of fans like the one he dissed....that was inexcusable for any artist.

too bad

Shabaka[TypeKey Profile Page]
June 27 2006, 1:31PM

Couldn't agree more,Rockinrob and Harry! And Psun,you're more than right to point out that his heterosexuality brings no positive aspect to the table.None whatsoever!

havin_my_say
June 27 2006, 1:48PM

WOW, I didn't know Busta hated us like that. I liked a few of Busta's songs but I'll never buy any of his albums or support him in any way after hearing this. Treating a fan that way just isn't acceptable especially when he depends on those fans to support his ass! Unfortunately, this incident probably won't affect his sales much considering a good portion of his fans probably feel the same way he does regarding us. Why be in a restaurant full of gay dudes if he'd act like that when someone tries to show him love? As for the custody case, I hope the decision wasn't solely based on the mother being a lesbian. The judge should be more concerned about the safety of the children because they obviously have a father who can't control his temper.

J
June 27 2006, 2:06PM

I remain amazed that the (un)justice system is still in tact in this country. Why is that we sometimes forget we, as citizens of this country, have more power than we think. As for Busta, I've never been a fan, and this makes me even less of a fan. I don't understand why homophobia exists because nobody is making straight people become gay. This is absolutely crazy!

gs
June 27 2006, 2:12PM

I've heard a rumor or two from industry folks that Busta is a closeted homosexual himself. Typically, when people are so violently homophobic like he is they are hiding something.

Cafetino
June 27 2006, 2:17PM

That's really not kool. He really needs Jesus. I was getting ready to buy his CD but will NEVER purchase anything else from him. First Cristal goes off on Rap community and now Busta. Looks like I'm going to be saving a lot of money. :)

Cee Jay
June 27 2006, 3:05PM

I can not believe what I have read about Busta Rhymes it appears that he has some real serious issues with Gay foks and that seems odd in fact it seems strange, there is no doubt the brotha has crossed paths with gay men before and has even worked with a few, but his comments are rude and cruel, but the question is why? Could it be that a gay man broke his heart or he is afraid of himself?

Elijah Jek[TypeKey Profile Page]
June 27 2006, 3:34PM

When I read the article about the Miami incident, my respect for this man fell to zero. His music will never be a part of my collection.

Mark Norris
June 27 2006, 4:35PM

I must say this man (using the word lightly) seems to be digging a hole for himself. I have to agree with some of the earlier post. His music will never be in my very, very, VERY BIG cd collection. And as much as I love Janet, and my friends can attest to this, I will not buy that song she did with him. I know it is sorta sad, because I am blocking myself from enjoy an artist that I care about solely on the basis of another artist being on the song. But, for now, that is where I am. I used to like him, but why the hell am I gonna like someone who hates me??? HELLO. Well, since I have time at work, I am going to his site and give those kids fever.

Later,
Mark

Liquid Fonts
June 27 2006, 5:20PM

Even though I enjoy Busta's music, after learning about his hateful and violent attack on one of his own fans who happened to be gay, I no longer feel comfortable buying his music, it'd be like an act of self hatred ...

jerry
June 27 2006, 6:19PM

I'm dropping Bustas ass like a hot potato. That bitch need to learn some respect.

demetrius
June 27 2006, 7:09PM

he's been flushed alas. A bit trying since the reviews continue to say he's growing even better with this new disc. Then again, this custody battle leaves a nasty (and ms. jackson needs to school her buddy, at least in private) taste in my mouth. NEXT!

jazzi
June 27 2006, 7:16PM

I guess his homophobia can be attributed to his being of Yard (Jamaican) stock. Not that this justifies anything but we all know how they get down as far as gays are concerned. The guy needs some serious educating, quick.

That said, I don't believe Joann lost custody of her kids because she's gay. Of course she would say that but there are two sides to every story. I've read some things about her, too. Seems there may have been some dysfunction going on with her & that's why she lost custody.

Is it possible that there was bias? Of course, but it's also possible that she was an unfit parent & her losing custody had everything to do with that & nothing to do with her sexuality.

The courts are becoming more open to the idea of gay parenting. Gays are becoming foster parents, adopting & having children of their own but there are those who simply should not have kids, gay or str8.

Patrice
June 27 2006, 7:22PM

I couldn't help but shake my head @ Busta. I guess it's ok to portray the image of rapper who engages in menage- a-trois' and spit lyrically about two girls "getting it on" but when that girl is your ex u act a fool.
What a farce!

alicia banks
June 27 2006, 8:50PM

busta is mad at all gays because one lesbian stole his wife...

sounds like a personal problem to me

he is a weak pathetic clown/baldhead ugly dog

shame!!!

peace
ab

Steve
June 27 2006, 11:35PM

Only time I've seen someone react so hot and negative on gays, they were closet cases. Wonder who busta fantasizes about while he's gettin' off?

AntiBusta
June 28 2006, 12:04PM

I wanted to vomit when I saw the response that creep got at the BET awards last night. It didn't help to see Mary J. Blige still associate herself with him, and Chaka Khan say she looks forward to a collaboration. These weak suckers don't stand for anything. The signs were apparent when he backed out of the effort to find his bodyguard's killer. I already deleted this bastard from my iPod. I don't know what's taking me so long to throw out the cds. Today's the day.

deacon3110
June 28 2006, 1:02PM

Busta's one of a hundred homophobic rapper's, does this mean black gays are going to stop buying hip-hop, I say let's take it one step further, since hip-hop r&b has become the norm as far as the type of music being played in the clubs (I'm a house head from the old school) how about telling club owners that we'll stop coming to their clubs if they play any song buy a homophobic hip-hop artist, radio stations that we'll stop listening to any stations that plays music buy a homophobic artist, and tell BET that if they play their video's we'll change the channel and stop watching 106 & Park (sorry Tigger), I've been doing that for years now but I'm just one person.

theeunuch3
June 28 2006, 10:54PM

Looks like Busta needs a lesson in appreciation — as in his fans, his kids' mother and the general public. "Warning comes before destruction, and pride before a fall."

Skid Row Blues
June 29 2006, 6:46PM

I don't want to appear to blame the victim but if this is true, why was the guy touching him anyway. And how did he approach Busta? I don't know what happened with his x but it's good to see a man get custody every once in a while.

Norman
June 30 2006, 2:08AM

ok yall damn! this man is simply being himself, he's an artist so of all people we should give him and other artist a pass to freely express themselves. ask yourself how long did it take you to come to terms with your own sexuality 5-10-what 15yrs. you definately can't expect others to except something that you deal with on a second-to-second basis. plus why was the nigga all on his nuts anyway sounds like a groupie to me and about the quote "your comeback" he a leader of the new school if yall can remember he's never gone away to have to comeback thats an insult and all he did was give one right back at the dumb fag. and yes i am gay but that was some "faggity ass bullshit" as Mon'ique would say.

Kenneth Winfrey[TypeKey Profile Page]
June 30 2006, 8:42AM

I love Busta's music! Yet, I've always been troubled by the occasional mention of his hatred for gay people. "On the other hand," I thought, "this man might grow up one day so that his values better match his musical genius." Because of his homophobic reputation, I haven't bought any of his music--and now I'm sure that I won't any time soon, unless he can prove that he's pried back his narrow mind.

I'll separate the man from his music. I'll watch the videos, turn up the radios, and even accept his music if it's "given" to me. But he won't get a dime of my money out of my pocket. In the meantime, let us all pray for him and his family...

Shai
July 2 2006, 9:44PM

I totally agree shabaka. How will buster act when his he catches his son giving oral to his homeboy?

StarbuXxX
July 3 2006, 6:30PM

All of the love I had for Busta has been promptly nullified. As an out and proud gay DJ, I can't even justify supporting him after reading this. Thank you Keith for keeping me informed. As a DJ I already feel terrible for mixing any of his music at all. There is better music out there to listen to.

And the same goes for Earl Simmons as well (DMX).

A
July 13 2006, 11:02AM

Okay is everyone commenting on this site homosexual? Though I do not agree with violence against homosexual, Busta has a right just like everybody else to like or dislike whoever he wants. And for those of you who love his music and is refusing to buy his cd because of this stupidity between his baby mom and busta or the incident with the gay fan, do you stop buying gas at those gas station that supposedly support Al Kida (Sorry ya'll I just don't know how to spell it) or not buying Philips and Morrison Products because supposedly are a racist company or maybe or not buy Coca Cola products cause they clearly paying black employees less than white employees (My cousin work for them and received a settlement from that case)? Some may say yes but most may say no. Maybe, he was just having a bad day. On top of all of that, Yes he's bitter and hurt. How would you feel it you gay lover left you for a straight lover? He apparently loved Ms. Woods to ask her to marry him 3 times. He's hurt!

Rellán
August 9 2006, 7:29PM

Reguardless of if Busta is hurt or not, he's also a grown a$$ man and if he cannot control himself when a fan, one of the people who are responsible for his revenue, approach him to congratulate him on his success then he needs some professional help. That's ridiculous that a person in his position in the entertainment industry would act that way towards a fan reguardless, of their sexual orientation.

Clearly Busta is so hostile towards homosexuals because he himself is a closeted one in an industry that is definately not accepting of such lifestyles. His anger is probably manifesting itself in violent behavior. How do i know this? Not to rely on Wendy for all my inside information, however her 2004 book The Wendy Williams Experience points out two well known rappers in the industry, without using names, who enjoy the company of men. Him being one. Not only Wendy but i've heard from several sources including people who are working to get their feet inside the music's industry door and met him.

Dogman
August 14 2006, 12:01AM

"FUCK YOU" FAGGOT>>..IIII SHOT UUU.

BTW: What world are u living in? Most NY rappers say faggot in there rhymes all the tim.
DMX always say faggot..and I dont think he is referring to a gay man. What the hell deal would he have with a gay?

Kinbea
August 23 2006, 1:25PM

I don't care where you are from saying "faggot" is wrong.Does it make it right for justin timberlake to say "nigga" just cuz he's worked with many black producers? Hell fuckin'no!

C Man
September 24 2006, 6:38PM

DMX is referring to gay men a lot when he uses the word faggot. Haven't any of you heard Where The Hood At?

I recall a verse where he spits lines such as "How you gonna explain fucking a man?/ even if we squash beef I aint touchin ya hand/ we dont show no love to homo thugs/

Fuck DMX. Fuck Busta Rhymes. Fuck Beenie Man. Fuck Fifty Cent. Fuck Ras Kass. Fuck Jahiem. What homophobic hiphop artists did I miss? I need to know who else to stop listening to. If somebody wants to stereotype me I refuse to support their music. Simple as that

Aaron
December 17 2006, 6:32PM

What a crock of BS, OK, so some lesbian who had plenty of times to leave the relationship only stayed with him because he was getting more successful as time went on cannot be called a gold digger then what the hell is a gold digger.

My uncle married a lesbian after 3 months.. GEE only after he got his degree and was making money.. Then pregnant, then married, and the second the kid hit the floor she moves out and in with her "lesbian lover".

When will MEN wake up an realize American women are 100% garbage. You may dismiss hatred for being bad but people have a right to be angry and Busta has a HELLAVA right to be angry.

He's lucky, he's rich and can get another women any time, his only fault was he was foolishly in love with someone that didn't love him and he was addicted to the constant battle of gaining her affection which sadly never really existed.

DMX
February 28 2007, 2:07PM

You need to realize birds aren't chirping and the flowers aren't blooming everywhere in the world. You faggots and lesbians need to straighten up and realize shit isn't working out. You cannot mary, cannot biologically conceive a child, people, like myself, cannot fucking stand you. Yea... and fuck you all too...

Oblivion
March 16 2007, 9:54AM

IT'S PRETTY DAMN OBVIOUS THAT BUSTA IS NOT HOMOPHOBIC! INFACT BUSTA LOOKS LIKE HE TAKES A LOT OF BACK SHOTS! IF YOU EVER GET THE CHANCE TO MEET HIM, YOU CAN TELL WHAT TEAM HE'S ON. HE HAS BEAT UP PLENTY OF GAY DUDES IN THE PAST INCLUDING B.JONES WHOM USE TO WORK FOR HIM AT HIS RECORD LABLE. DO THE RESEARCH PEOPLE! BUSTA IS ON THE DOWN LOW!