The Bottom Line
Pros
- Exceptional production
- A coherent album
Cons
- A barrage of guest features nearly kill the momentum
Description
- Guests include Stevie Wonder, Q-Tip and Missy Elliott
- J Dilla, Dr. Dre, and will.i.am all contribute to the soundscape
- Busta's good friend Q-Tip makes two appearances
Guide Review - Busta Rhymes - The Big Bang (Aftermath)
Just in case you've ever questioned Dr. Dre's proficiency in the production department or Busta Rhymes infinite energy, The Big Bang is the biblical truth that'll surely set you free after one listen.
Bang kicks off with the popular single, "Touch It," where Busta alternates between a near-whisper howl and a buckwild bark. Then comes the Swizz Beatz-assisted "New York Sh*t," a venerable attempt to retrieve hip-hop from the gripping paws of the dirty south. Speaking of the tri-state, self-proclaimed King of New York Nas and his queen Kelis make appearances on "Don't Get Carried Away" and "I Love My Chick" respectively. The former is a brazen up-tempo smash while the former is a groove gussied up with Dr. Dre's cotton-gauze wash of synths.
Catch 22's are far and few between. A plethora of guests threatens to kill the momentum. Some yield impeccable chemistry ("You Can't Hold a Torch" ft. Q-Tip), others resonate with complaceny ("How We Do It Over Here ft. Missy).
The Big Bang's magnum opus, however, is the Stevie Wonder collaboration, "Been Through the Storm," where Sha Money XL's symphonic piano loops and distinctive drums result in his best beatsmithing in years. With a slew of splicing nihilistic raps laced over urban soundscapes, it's safe to say that Bussa Bus is back with a Big Bang.