Busta Rhymes (J)
When Busta Rhymes made his solo debut in 1996, sporting a mischievous grin and funky dreadlocks to go with his rowdy rapping, few imagined this streetwise son of Brooklyn would ever go on to voice a role in The Rugrats Movie or play the Cowardly Lion in an upcoming TV remake of The Wizard of Oz. Don't let those G-rated moonlighting gigs fool you. On this new album, the bombastic rapper still has the hardcore skills that made "Woo-Ha!! Got Ya All in Check!" an urban anthem. But though his vibrant beats remain irresistible, there's none of the lyrical ingeniousness he showed on last year's Anarchy.
The self-glorifying "Shut 'Em Down," filled with threatening and profane lyrics, might sound more convincing coming from DMX. Still, Busta shines on "Break Ya Neck" (produced by Dr. Dre) with his signature staccato rap style. Inviting guests Mary J. Blige and P. Diddy, Busta proves he can still hold his own with just about anyone.
Bottom Line: Not his best, but not a total Busta
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