Busy Bee Starski facts for kids

David James Parker (born October 26, 1962), better known by his stage name Busy Bee, is an American rapper from New York City. He is a pioneer of old-school hip hop, a style of rap music from the 1970s and 1980s. Busy Bee started his career in 1977 and worked with many of hip-hop's earliest stars, like Melle Mel, Disco King Mario, Afrika Bambaataa, and Kool DJ AJ.

Music Career

Busy Bee was inspired to become a rapper after seeing early hip-hop artists like Kidd Creole, Melle Mel, and Keef Cowboy. He first teamed up with Disco King Mario, who had a powerful sound system and promised to help make him a star.

Busy Bee became famous for his funny and clever rhymes. He built a large fanbase by competing in MC rap battles. These were events where rappers would take turns trying to out-do each other with their best rhymes. He battled in places like Staten Island, Brooklyn, and New Jersey.

Famous Rap Battle

One of the most well-known rap battles in hip-hop history was between Busy Bee and Kool Moe Dee in December 1981. The battle took place at a club in Manhattan, NY. This event showed how rap battles could be exciting competitions of skill and wit.

In 1985, Busy Bee's talent was recognized when he won the MC World Supremacy Belt at the New Music Seminar.

Joining the Zulu Nation

In the early 1980s, the famous DJ Afrika Bambaataa invited Busy Bee to join the Zulu Nation. This was a group of artists who promoted peace and unity through hip-hop culture. Busy Bee often served as a DJ at parties for the Zulu Nation.

Busy Bee is still active in music today. In 2007, he was featured on the album Hip Hop Lives by KRS-One and Marley Marl.

Movie and TV Appearances

Busy Bee appeared in the 1983 movie Wild Style. This was one of the very first movies ever made about hip-hop music and culture.

In 2002, he played himself in the movie Paid in Full. He was also featured in a 2007 video documentary called Hip Hop Legends.

In 2018, a new music video was made for his song "S...". The video was directed by Robert Rippberger and included a special appearance by the famous rapper and actor Ice-T.

Personal Life

Busy Bee lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is married to his wife, Michelle, and they have two daughters.

Discography

Albums

• 1988 – Running Thangs
• 1992 – Thank God for Busy Bee

Singles

• "School Days" (1981)
• "Making Cash Money" (1982)
• "Busy Bee's Groove" (1985)
• "S..." (1987)
• "Express" (1988)
• "Keep It Movin'" (2002)
• "Rock the House" (2002)

See also

In Spanish: Busy Bee Starski para niños