The Hip-Hop legend joined forces with Love & Hip Hop creator Mona Scott-Young and actor Tyrese Gibson for the massive relief mission to his homeland.
Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica in October as a Category 5 storm with 185 mph winds, killing dozens and leaving nearly 500,000 people without power or water. Busta Rhymes has family and childhood friends who were directly affected by the hurricane. Many communities on hillsides still lack water, electricity or significant aid six weeks after Melissa’s impact.
Busta grabbed hammers and nails to help rebuild a school roof in Norwood, St. James. In the Flankers community, he gave an impromptu performance that lifted the spirits of hurricane survivors. Mona Scott-Young organized the mission after connecting with people on the ground who described the devastation. Tyrese Gibson said they brought half a pallet on their first trip, but returned with 50+ pallets thanks to Busta’s influence in the entertainment industry. The mission comes during a banner year for the 53-year-old rapper. He received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2025 and announced his new album, Vengeance. He also earned the Hip-Hop Icon Award at Harlem Week 2025, adding to his 2023 BET Lifetime Achievement Award. The relief mission worked with nonprofits, including Helping Hand for Relief and Development and the GrassROOTS Community Foundation.