We’ve seen clutch shots, buzzer-beaters, and even Julius Randle pretending to be the Knicks’ savior once every leap year—but a Busta Rhymes halftime performance at Madison Square Garden during the Eastern Conference Finals? That’s a rare gem the NBA just gifted us. Game 2 between the Knicks and Pacers was already hyped, but the second the 53-year-old stepped on stage, it was like MSG turned into the Tunnel circa 1998. And now the question echoing louder than Reggie Miller’s MSG nightmares: How much is Busta Rhymes getting paid for this halftime heat?

Let’s dive into it—riffs, rhymes, raps, and receipts. Busta Rhymes—born Trevor George Smith Jr.—has been blessing speakers since the Knicks were still relying on Allan Houston’s jumper and Charles Oakley’s elbows. Known for his tongue-twisting flows, high-octane performances, and a fashion sense that could outshine Dennis Rodman on a Vegas night, Busta isn’t just a rapper; he’s an event.

From leading Leaders of the New School to stealing the show on A Tribe Called Quest’s Scenario, and then launching a solo career with Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check, this man has been an institution in hip-hop for nearly 30 years. Eleven solo albums later—including the 2023 banger Blockbusta produced by the holy trinity of Pharrell, Timbaland, and Swizz Beatz—Busta’s still going harder than the ‘90s Knicks defense.

So it makes perfect sense that MSG brought him out for this Knicks vs. Pacers throwback-feel series. The crowd didn’t need caffeine. They needed a towel. Because Busta came in hot. Now to the money talk—because that’s what we’re all secretly (or not-so-secretly) curious about. In regular-season NBA games, halftime acts usually walk away with anywhere between $500 and $3,000. That’s the equivalent of a Kendrick Nunn corner three. Respectable, but nothing to write home about.

But this is the Eastern Conference Finals. At Madison Square Garden. With Busta Rhymes. So no, he ain’t showing up for free popcorn and court-side selfies with Spike Lee. According to industry booking rates for domestic U.S. appearances, Busta Rhymes’ minimum fee range is reportedly between $150,000 and $299,000. That’s more than the Pacers spent on field goal accuracy in the first quarter, by the way. And MSG’s history of going big on star acts (see their court-side celeb roster any given night) suggests they didn’t cut corners here.

While the exact number for tonight’s gig hasn’t been disclosed, we can safely estimate that Busta’s check looked a whole lot healthier than Tyrese Haliburton’s 1-of-7 shooting at halftime. Lest you think this was Busta’s first dance with the NBA, think again.

Not Busta Rhymes’ first NBA rodeo

Our man’s already got highlight reel appearances: 2014 NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans? Check. He joined Pharrell on stage for a legendary pre-game medley alongside Diddy, Nelly, and Snoop Dogg. That’s the hip-hop Avengers right there. Brooklyn Nets playoff intro in 2014? Yup. Busta introduced the Nets before their Game 3 against the Heat at Barclays, making sure Miami knew Brooklyn came with bars, not just ballers.

So MSG knew what it was doing. This wasn’t a random pick. This was a full-court press for nostalgia, energy, and pure New York swagger.

If you’re new to the Busta bandwagon, first—shame on you. Second—welcome aboard. Here are some fast facts: He’s been nominated for 12 Grammys, which is ironically the same number of shots the Pacers’ bench missed tonight by halftime. Busta was named one of the 50 Greatest MCs of Our Time by About.com, and Steve Huey of AllMusic called him one of the best and most prolific rappers of the ‘90s. His song with Mariah Carey, I Know What You Want, is still his most-streamed track. Mariah and Busta? That’s a vibe that even Jalen Brunson’s floater can’t replicate.

He’s appeared in films like Shaft and Halloween: Resurrection. So yes, he can drop a bar and swing a bat.

And let’s not forget—after losing over 100 pounds recently, Busta’s stage energy is back to its full-speed, bounce-off-the-walls, no-water-breaks glory. Even Josh Hart couldn’t keep up with that pace, and he leads the league in steps-per-game without ever being tired.

Because when the Knicks are grinding through a scrappy series and Jalen Brunson’s dropping 17 in a half, you need a halftime show that brings the same energy. And Busta did exactly that—reminding everyone that New York legends never fade. They just find new stages to burn down.

And tonight? The Garden was on fire.