Busta Rhymes stole the spotlight at the NYC premiere of Venom: The Last Dance, not just for his larger-than-life persona but for opening up about his personal journey, upcoming projects, and some serious current events. From his health transformation to his growing bond with actor Tom Hardy, and even sharing his thoughts on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal issues, Busta had plenty to share. Here’s everything you need to know about his candid interview with Extra’s Mona Kosar Abdi.
Busta Rhymes’ Fitness Journey: A Dad’s Motivation
In a refreshing moment of vulnerability, Busta Rhymes shared how his recent fitness journey was inspired by something much closer to home: his children. The rapper, 51, explained that it wasn’t just about looking good but about being there for his family in every sense of the word.
“It’s called busting your ass, being consistent in that gym, and being even more consistent with the diet — and I don’t even like calling it diet,” Busta shared. “I prefer calling it lifestyle changes.”
For Busta, the drive came from wanting to be a hero for his kids, who gave him some much-needed tough love. “I started to not look as cool to my kids and I started to hear about it. I didn’t like how that felt,” he admitted. “I love the honesty of my children, though, because it actually did a lot to motivate me to want to save myself and be here for my family.”
It’s a beautiful reminder that even the biggest stars need that extra push from the people who matter most.
Tom Hardy and Busta Rhymes: An Unlikely Friendship
Surprisingly, Busta also touched on his friendship with Venom star Tom Hardy. Who would’ve thought that the rap icon and the British actor would hit it off? But their connection runs deeper than just casual acquaintanceship—Hardy’s portrayal of Batman’s villain Bane was reportedly inspired by Busta’s distinct voice.
Busta couldn’t help but gush about Hardy, saying, “He’s just one of the most phenomenal actors in the world to me, personally.”
Their friendship blossomed naturally after connecting through mutual respect for each other’s work. “Once we got an opportunity to speak to each other, the organic nature of just how the relationship evolved, he’s like a brother to me now.”
Busta revealed that their friendship has even turned into a working relationship, with the two collaborating on a commercial for Venom’s promotion. “It went incredibly well,” Busta said, hinting at more exciting projects to come. “We have a lot of dope ideas of things that we’re going to be doing together.”
It’s clear that Busta is eager to make his mark not just in the music world but in film and television too, with Hardy helping to guide that journey.
On Sean “Diddy” Combs: Busta’s Call for Caution
Switching to a more serious topic, Busta also shared his thoughts on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal troubles. Currently, Diddy faces charges of racketeering, conspiracy, sex trafficking, and more. When asked for his opinion, Busta took a reserved but thoughtful stance.
He made it clear that this was not a “hip-hop” situation and warned against jumping to conclusions without knowing the full story. “I think a lot of times, people don’t realize how insensitive it could be to have opinions on things that you have no understanding of outside of what you’re being told,” Busta commented. “Propaganda is a real thing, and we also know that the truth is a real thing.”
Busta’s advice? Wait for the facts before forming opinions. “Understanding is the reflection of knowledge and wisdom. The truth is undisputed,” he added, stressing the importance of waiting for the truth to come out.
In a rare moment of personal reflection, Busta expressed empathy for everyone involved. “I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy, and I’m talking about for the victims and I’m talking about for Diddy.”
His balanced perspective was a reminder to approach serious matters with caution, empathy, and understanding.
Conclusion
From fitness inspiration to movie magic, and serious commentary on current events, Busta Rhymes proves that he’s more than just a rap legend. With his sights set on both health and Hollywood, his evolving relationship with Tom Hardy and his thoughtful take on Diddy’s legal troubles show that Busta is a multi-faceted figure navigating a world far beyond music. As he continues to evolve, one thing is for sure—Busta’s journey is one to watch.
FAQs
What inspired Busta Rhymes to focus on his health?
Busta Rhymes said that his children motivated him to focus on fitness and make lifestyle changes. Their honesty pushed him to want to “save” himself and be there for his family.
How did Busta Rhymes and Tom Hardy become friends?
Tom Hardy was reportedly inspired by Busta’s voice for his portrayal of Bane in The Dark Knight Rises. Their mutual respect for each other led to an organic friendship, with the two even collaborating on a commercial for Venom.
What did Busta Rhymes say about Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal troubles?
Busta advised against passing judgment prematurely and emphasized waiting for the full truth to come out. He expressed empathy for both Diddy and the victims involved, saying it’s important to be mindful of spreading uninformed opinions.
What projects are Busta Rhymes and Tom Hardy working on?
After collaborating on a commercial for Venom: The Last Dance, Busta hinted that they have more “dope ideas” in the works, though specific details have not yet been revealed.
How has Busta Rhymes changed his lifestyle?
Busta Rhymes credits his fitness journey to consistency in the gym and a complete lifestyle change in his eating habits. He emphasized that it’s a “work in progress” but has made a huge difference in how he feels and how his kids perceive him.
