William A. Lewis, popularly known as Spliff Star may not be as famous as other American rappers, but his presence in hip-hop is undeniable. Hailing from Flatbush, Brooklyn, Spliff Star made his mark as Busta Rhymes’ long-time hype man.
Known for his unique voice, and excellent crowd control, Spliff Star became a vital part of Busta’s success and a fan favorite in his own right. He is recognized as one of the greatest hype men in hip-hop by both Complex and Vibe. But Spliff Star’s story goes far beyond just supporting roles. If you are eager to learn more, we suggest you give this post a read.
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Early Life
As per online sources, Spliff Star was born on 18th April 1971, in Brooklyn, New York City. Growing up in a vibrant city, he was surrounded by the hip-hop culture from an early age. As a result, he was always a fan of the genre and pursued the same after growing up.
While other details about his early life is not known, it is clear that he grew up in a supportive environment and started practicing rap at a young age.
Beginning of Career
Spliff Star’s entry into the music scene didn’t happen overnight. In the early 90s, he started performing and collaborating with local producers and artists. His unique style and charisma caught the attention of Busta Rhymes, who helped him make a name in the hip-hop world. The two formed a powerful duo, giving electrifying performances on stage. However, Spliff Star was not just a background act, he was an integral part of the performances.
Shot to Fame
Spliff Star’s big break came after he joined the Flipmode Squad, a hip-hop collective founded by Busta Rhymes. They dropped their debut album The Imperial in 1998 which showcased Spliff Star’s talent and solidified his place in the industry.
His role as Busta Rhymes’ hype man helped him gain widespread fame and attention. He added energy to their live performances and recordings, which the audience loved. Even publications like Complex and Vibe listed him as one of the best hype men in hip-hop.
Fast forward to 2007, Spliff Star established his record label, PaperRock Records, and made his solo project the next year.
Relationship
As far as Spliff Star’s personal life is concerned, there are not enough details available. However, fans do know that he is married and have three children, Brooklyn, Leilani, and Elijah.
Major Source of Income and Net Worth
Based on latest records, Spliff Star’s net worth in 2025 is approx. $25 million. Besides his performances with Busta Rhymes, he has ventured into entrepreneurship and co-founded PaperRock Records, an independent label in 2007. Under this label, he released his solo album in 2008, which helped him earned a decent amount.
A major chunk of Spliff Star’s income comes from his work as a record producer. Besides that, he earns a good amount from live performances, and streaming. Given his current net worth, it is clear that he is doing well in the field.
