From his explosive beginning with Leaders Of The New School, Busta Rhymes is one of a few performers who has stayed true to his sound. The commanding nature of his voice, amplified by the speed & emotion of his delivery has kept Busta in the Rap game when many of his peers have fallen away. 21 years in the industry, and that's no easy feat in such a competitive field, was celebrated by the release of his 9th studio album on Google's free to listen Google Play- Year Of The Dragon.
Consisting of vocal guests Gucci Mane (Make It Look Easy), Lil' Wayne (Pressure) & Rick Ross (Til We Die), and producers Mr. Porter, Bink!, Boi-1da & Ty Fyffe, Year Of The Dragon is Busta's best full effort in recent years. The 14 tracks offered allow his style, which has little evolved from his early beginnings, to be presented in it's fullest. I know new comers to Busta's sound will enjoy this, but his is definitely a surprise for the long-time fans, as they will still appreciate his undeniable talent and flare for the dramatic.
With a blasting sample of 'Shout' by Tears For Fears for the intro/first track, YOTD knocks the speakers into submission as Busta loudly announces his arrival. This frenetic pace continues through the first half of the album, only slowing slightly for a small breather on 'Love-Hate' (w/ Robin Thicke) & 'Grind Real Slow'. The beats may have slowed, but Busta still manages to deliver rapid-fire lyrics that almost go unnoticed, due to his ability to lower the vocal output whilst keeping the delivery intense.
'King Tut', the first official single, serves as a self-look on his presence in the Rap game: a king, King Tut to be specific. And verses from loyal Conglomerate members Reek da Villian & J Doe add support to Busta's position of Rap royalty.
The final track 'Bleed The Same Blood', with Maino & Anthony Hamilton featured, is a furious finish to the album. Produced by KFIGZ, the simplistic guitar chords over a thump-clap beat allow Busta's vocal theatrics close out YOTD with an epic punch.
This album surprisingly has it all; radio-friendy jams, speaker-breaking beats from a variety of producers & a mic-hungry Busta out-shining a stellar support roster. And being well known for his studio-melting verses & delivering a classic club banger each time an album is offered- why do we (as the Hip Hop community) still not mention Busta in the 'Legendary Class' of Old School lyrical vets such as Nas or Jay-Z?
Simply put- he has yet to drop a Classic album.
Is it that his unorthodox delivery & lack of direction that has overshadowed his talent? Is it that this album being freely available is considered a mixtape? Is it the great (& often unreasonable) expectations of fans left unmet? Personally i think it's all of the above. Busta has left off, or not emphasised, a stand-out track. We all remember tracks 'Break Your Neck' and 'Put Your Hands..'- but they were offered with sub par albums. 2006's The Big Bang saw Busta's best shot at a classic album; controlled by Dre, the album's cohesiveness was what stood it apart from previous releases. But because 'I Love My Bitch' wasn't the needle breaker we wanted it to be, we dismissed the album. It went platinum, but we didn't call it classic.
And this has happened again, as YOTD is a solid, quality album full of diversity- unfortunately, this diversity esp. with the production, brings the album down. Being a free album, the focus & effort Busta displays should be worth our support without hesitation. But we all know that Busta can turn up the heat in the studio, and if a track with similar ferocity to 2008's non-album 'Don't Touch Me (Throw Da Water On 'Em)' was present on YOTD, AND there was better direction with the album style; we just may see Busta provide a signature release to shine in his increasing catalogue.
Let's hope Busta has the formula ready for Extinction Level Event 2, so we as the Hip Hop community can reward him with the term 'Classic', as he so deserves. Until then, Year Of The Dragon will stand out as a better album than previous, and I like that.
4 outta 5 - Year Of The Dragon indeed & get ready for E.L.E. 2
Bunk 24.09.12
Released August 21st, 2012
Young Money Cash Money Billionaires Records
Footnote: A very senior & almost complete effort from the Dungeon Dragon we love.
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