Hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes, best known for his infectious lyrics and energy when on the mic, started out as a thin, lanky rapper with the crew Leaders of New School. As the years went by, his stature in hip-hop grew along with the awards, accolades and album sales--but so did his size. Over the past couple of years, fans have been commenting on how Busta has "filled out" more in his belly and face. But all of that just changed.
The “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” artist, now 50, took to Instagram over a year ago to share his progress, and while he didn’t reveal exactly how many pounds he’s dropped, the New York MC has clearly taken several inches off of his waist, trading his belly for a staunch six-pack.
“DON’T EVER GIVE UP ON YOURSELF,” he told fans. “LIFE BEGINS RIGHT NOW!!! MY DEDICATION IS DIFFERENT!!
“I WOULD NEVER PUT OUT AN ALBUM AND NOT BE IN THE BEST SHAPE OF MY LIFE,” he added in reference to upcoming album, “Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God.”
“I RESPECT MYSELF TOO MUCH AND I RESPECT Y’ALL TOO MUCH!!! I’M ONLY HERE TO INSPIRE!!”
Rhymes also thanked several individuals who helped him achieve his fitness goals, including celebrity trainer Victor Munoz and bodybuilders Dexter "The Blade" Jackson, Victor Martinez and Kai Greene.
Producer Swizz Beatz congratulated Rhymes on his transformation, commenting on the photo, "I’m so proud of you King!!!!! It’s your time King !! The Deans Love you!!!"
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"I'm not even surprised. What you've been able to achieve for decades is purely because of your strong self being, discipline, and perseverance," commented legendary bodybuilder Flex Wheeler. "It has truly been an honor to listen and pose to your music. Getting to know you as a friend has truly been a blessing. You have inspired millions around the world and you continue to do so to this very day God bless you big Homie/King."
Rhymes told one fan who congratulated him, "Let's keep it going and keep it growing!"
Busta joins a growing list of other hip hop artists who have started to take their health a little bit more seriously including hip-hop award-winning producer, Timbaland.
The legendary hip-hop producer took to Instagram to unveil he's lost 130 pounds. "This past eight months I've lost over 130 pounds," captioned Timbo. "With a positive mindset I knew I had to take the initiative to make myself happy and healthy. When you realize that the only thing that is getting in the way of your goal is self doubt you'll want to push yourself harder. You got to do this for you. This is for you. This isn't about anybody. Live for you. Honor you. Never lose sight of that.
William Leonard Roberts II—better known as Rick Ross— is another one. Even though he was always a bigger guy, his health started to spiral out of control. His wakeup call came back in 2011 when he had two seizures within a few hours of each other and had to be hospitalized after losing consciousness. At the time, he weighed 350 pounds and barely slept at night, not to mention he had an awful diet. With his life on the line, Rick Ross knew he had to drop the weight to save his life.
To get the type of ab transformation that Busta had (from beer belly to six pack), it's not just about exercising, it has a lot to do with the food that he did or didn't eat.
You've probably heard of the term: “Abs are made in the kitchen.” Developing six-pack abs (or reducing your abdominal/waist circumference) has more to do with nutrition and total body weight loss.
To reduce excess fat covering your six-pack (yes, you too have a six-pack) mostly requires change in diet supplemented by sleep and exercise. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Nutrition
Carb Cycling – healthy carbs, like whole wheat and quinoa, can help you feel full and be a great source of energy. However, if your body doesn’t use carbs as energy, the storage of carbs in the body can contribute to covering your abs behind a curtain of fat. Use carbs to your advantage through carb cycling.
On days you plan to workout, increase your carb consumption. Your body will use the carbs as energy during exercise.
On days you don’t workout – reduce your consumption of carbs. For example, on days that I workout, my lunch may include a sandwich consisting of two slices of whole wheat bread, turkey, spinach, peppers and other healthy toppings. On days I don’t workout, I make a sandwich by cutting one slice of bread in half and adding turkey and the toppings previously mentioned.
Replace soda with water – soda is a major contributor to concealing your six-pack abs and widening the circumference of your abdominal/waist area. Fill up on water. Drink at least 64 ounces of water per day. Consume 16 ounces just before dinner. This will trick your body into feeling full to avoid overeating.
Load up on vegetables and fruit – this will assist in filling you up without consuming excess calories.
Eat slowly – to assist with satiety and reduce your risk of overeating, slow down the pace at which you consume meals.
