Hype: Leader of a new school.
When hype finally evolves into a purchasable or in this case a downloadable product it either lives up or more often then not falls about 70 miles short. Ofcourse I have to ask, what is hype? The masses sharing similar thoughts of inpatience of a certain item through a movement generated by excitment? Perhaps. Hype is what has made some less then impresive albums in hip-hop history sell and it's that very story which usually sums hype up. But however once in awhile an artist comes along packed head toe filled with hype and actually delivers.
The Coming.
About 2 years since Busta Rhymes initially confirmed rumours that he had infact inked a deal with super-producer and all in all music icon Dr. Dre, fans have literally watered at the mouth for what could be one of the best albums in Busta Rhyme's long and distinguished career. With close to 50 leaked songs prior to "The Leak" finally happening, people often argued if Busta and Dre could or couldn't deliver. At times signs weren't so great check "The Crown" and/or 'Rebel Musik" both solid tracks but definately no where near the potential Busta can produce. Then there was times in which all signs pointed up to an absolute banger check "We Up To No Good" and/or "I'll Hurt You".
When Disaster Strikes.
May 29th and the anticipated Busta Rhymes Aftermath debut album (his 7th solo) hits the internet. Fans frantically hit every server in which the album has been uploaded onto to download the album. 'Get You Some' featuring Q-Tip and Marsha from Floetry kicks off The Big Bang in style. In a heavy piano key frenzy stuck inbetween string chords which one would expect arranged from a producer like The RZA, not Dr. Dre (the songs actual producer). Busta comes through with an energtic flow and rhymes appointed to much braggacio of his new coming. Met by Tip on the chorus, the song plays well for just under 4 minutes of banging instrumental and flow.
'Touch It', the bass drenched first single follow's up and it's what we have come to expect from a Busta Rhyme's 1st single. The unexpected. The Swizz Beatz clap-o-bass-o-mania serves just right for the dance floor. Switching inbetween a monotone and energized delivery, Busta flows with no sweat. Missy Elliott features on the next track titled 'How We Do It Over Here', an infectious Dr. Dre produced party starter. Though generic lyrically and under developed flow-wise, the beat alone carries this song. However even the beat can get repeatitive after a few spins.
Extinct Level Elevation.
"New York Shit", back-to-the-gutter-style-grit-&-grime-1993-type-of-song. New York's almighty hip-hop scene is in a slumber but by no means is it extinct. And that message alone is what Busta uses to carry this DJ Scratch produced gem. A stand-out song which isn't fully handed over to fans as the 3 minute shout-out list at the end has been cut for the album. "Been Through The Storm", a beautifully crafted legendary Stevie Wonder (R.I.P.) featured, Dr. Dre produced pearl continues us in the journey of The Big Bang. Busta speaks on his up bringings and comes with a more personal side which many might never heard/seen from him. A standout song. Stevie Wonder's melodies sound both soothing and alive through the hook.
"In The Ghetto" which sees Busta Rhymes unite with another lost legend in Rick James (R.I.P.). A more uplifting song then the previous, Green Lantern composes one of his best beats to date as Busta trades ghetto tales to everyday questions which we all can relate to over a quickened flow and sharp delivery. "Cocaina", leads us next with Busta coming through with perhaps his more lyrical track on the record.
Anarchy.
"You Can't Hold The Torch" featuring Q-Tip and Chauncey Black is simply beautiful. Tip and Bussa-a-Buss trade verses remincent of early in their career's. Touching on the topic that new rappers don't deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as legends, not deserving to be classified as hot. Claiming most rappers these days sound both dates and generic, repeative and stale and pretty much lack any creativity or sense of music direction. Busta and Tip hit us with the realest truth of the state of the industry, J-Dilla's (R.I.P.) magnificant and lush instrumental only livens up the already classic song. All rappers should take this song to heart and have a good look at themselves.
"Goldmine" see's Busta gel perfectly with Raekown. The chemistry they share is only enhanced by Erick Sermon's beat. "I Love My Bitch" is a more ackward song which perhaps belongs on a Black Eyed Pea's album then a Busta Rhymes album. The instrumentals is hyped, featuring Kelis and Will.I.Am (from Black Eyed Peas) Busta trades verses of sexcapades over this ready to be on the radio track.
Genesis.
"Don't Get Carried Away" is a hip-hop remedy, Busta Rhymes uniting with Nas only makes this already dope song better. Dre's menacing beat complimented by Busta's strong delivery and Nas' lyrical witness makes this song another standout on the album. We proceed onto the dark themed pimped out Kon Artis produced "They're Out To Get Me". Busta rhymes with paranoia about how money can make friends become enemies, sheep becomes wolves and truth become lies.
"Get Down" see's Busta partner Timbaland's african jungle drums and he continues his strong presence with his delivery and flow. A club banger ready packed to make everyone hit the dance floow as soon as the needle hits.
It Ain't Safe No More.
"I'll Do It All" continues Busta Rhyme's unifaction of the Jackon family. In this case Latoya, the spaced out Pac-Man escé beat sets the backtone for Busta's heart on the special lady in his life.
"Legend Of The Fall Offs", add 1 part Busta Rhymes on vocals, 1 part Dr. Dre on the beats, 1 part Rakim sample and a shovel. The end result in a haunting finalé, the bass dipped dark theme banger, in where Busta touches on how he got to this place of his career. Reminicing about the past, pondering about the future and focusing on the now. Peep the subliminals.
The Big Bang.
Overall a strong album commercially that lives up to the hype which started 2 or so years ago. Busta Rhymes comes correct with perhaps a mistep or 2 along the way. Sonically very strong courtesy of the all star production line up headed by Dr. Dre. Final words? Go out and cop it when it drops
peace.
one of the hottest songs i've heard this year if not the last decade.
