Arguably the most idiosyncratic MC in contemporary rap, Busta Rhymes flaunts his musical genius on his J Records debut. "Break Ya Neck," an uptempo headbanger produced by the good Dr. Dre, features Busta flipping his trade... more »mark rapid-fire delivery over some postmodern beats. The Neptunes lace Busta with some spacey heat-seeking rhythm tracks on "What It Is," featuring Kelis, while on "As I Come Back" Busta unleashes some potent dungeon-dragon roars and Jamaican-patois-inflected rhymes. Pedigreed knob twiddlers Pete Rock and Diamond D drop by to provide the dreadlocked wonder with some crisp beats and the first lady of the Flipmode Squad, Rah Digga, rips up some rhymes on "Betta Stay Up in Your House." Busta's clearly ditched the apocalyptic postmillennial musings heard on his last three studio albums for a more party-themed sound. Sure, he dabbles in a little bit of dorkery by enlisting the talents of P. Diddy on "Pass the Courvoisier," but all in all his eclectic rhymes and the plethora of wildly unpredictable beats makes Genesis a keeper. --Dalton Higgins« less
Arguably the most idiosyncratic MC in contemporary rap, Busta Rhymes flaunts his musical genius on his J Records debut. "Break Ya Neck," an uptempo headbanger produced by the good Dr. Dre, features Busta flipping his trademark rapid-fire delivery over some postmodern beats. The Neptunes lace Busta with some spacey heat-seeking rhythm tracks on "What It Is," featuring Kelis, while on "As I Come Back" Busta unleashes some potent dungeon-dragon roars and Jamaican-patois-inflected rhymes. Pedigreed knob twiddlers Pete Rock and Diamond D drop by to provide the dreadlocked wonder with some crisp beats and the first lady of the Flipmode Squad, Rah Digga, rips up some rhymes on "Betta Stay Up in Your House." Busta's clearly ditched the apocalyptic postmillennial musings heard on his last three studio albums for a more party-themed sound. Sure, he dabbles in a little bit of dorkery by enlisting the talents of P. Diddy on "Pass the Courvoisier," but all in all his eclectic rhymes and the plethora of wildly unpredictable beats makes Genesis a keeper. --Dalton Higgins
JOHNBLAZE | Denver, CO, USA - The Mile High City | 11/30/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I can't understand it. It seems that everytime Busta Rhymes comes out with something new, I have some wild instinct to listen to it until my ears hurt. And GENESIS is no different. Busta Remo rips EVERY track (that's #'s 1-20 everyone) - it's as if he doesn't know how to disappoint. He is apart of that elite few emcees who can talk about ANYTHING and make it work - from wifey-in-laws to beef with the devil himself. Matter of factly, "Bad Dreams" is one of the standout tracks on this album. Busta proves that his worldplay is second to none as he graphically describes a battle with Satan in dreamland - or so he thinks... He even calls on the Flipmode Squad to blaze "Match The Name With The Voice". And as usual, the intro/interludes on the album will leave you with sore abdominal muscles as the laughs stack up one on top of the other... If you claim you don't "like" Busta Rhymes, buy this album and I guarantee you'll be back in the store to grab his previous albums - as well as Flipmode's, Rampage's, and Rah Digga's albums... Try it. Try Busta. Love Busta. I know I do."
Whether it's Elektra or J Records Busta always brings it
J. Highsmith | Mitchellville, Maryland United States | 01/29/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I remember when I saw first saw Busta Rhymes in the Leaders Of The New School. Although it was a group, Busta always stood out amongst the others. My boys and I in high school, always said that one day Busta Rhymes will go solo. LONS did make their mark with "Case Of The PTA", "Sobb Story", "What's Next", and on A Tribe Called Quest's "Scenario" and the "Scenario" (Remix) but eventually after their 2nd disc, "T.I.M.E." flopped, Busta decided to test the solo waters. That was Busta Rhymes' smartest move. His first solo CD, "The Coming" was an impressive debut. It included the singles, "Woo Hah!" and "It's A Party" featuring Zhane, as well as, "Everything Remains Raw", "Ill Vibe" w/Q Tip, "Flipmode Meets Def Squad" w/Redman, Keith Murray, Jamal, Rampage and Lord Have Mercy, and a song with the LONS, "Keep It Movin'". Busta had definitely made his mark and he had a promising career ahead of him. His 2nd disc, "When Disaster Strikes", included one of his best singles of all time, "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See". To this day in 2002, that song can pump in any club or party and the crowd will get hyped up. "When Disaster Strikes", "E.L.E." and "Anarchy" were all filled with the same Busta Rhymes that we are used to and each time out he gives us a little something different while sticking to the same formula that has always kept us fans of his music. His other singles and tight songs have included "Things People Do For Money Part 2 w/Rampage", "Body Rock" w/Rampage, Puff Daddy and Mase, "Gimme Some More", "Everybody Rise", "What's It Gonna Be" w/Janet Jackson, "Party Is Goin' On Over Here", "Salute Da Gods", "Tear Da Roof Off", and "Why We Die" w/Jay Z and DMX. After switching from Elektra to Clive Davis' J Records, Busta Rhymes is back with his 5th disc, "Genesis". The song "What It Is", produced by The Neptunes, was the first single from the Violator 2 compilation CD. I am sure that most people are tired of the Neptunes , but if you can get past the chorus from Kelis, this is still a tight song. The first single from "Genesis" is the Dr. Dre produced, "Break Your Neck". This song is definitely off the hook and just what the doctor ordered for diehard Busta fans. The Neptunes' "As I Come Back" takes Busta's words from "Scenario" and twists them around to make the chorus. If you have any kind of a system in your ride then you need to check this song out. This song is my favorite song on "Genesis". On Just Blaze's "Everybody Rise Again" Busta takes the energy from the prequel on "E.L.E.", "Everybody Rise" and slows the pace up this time which still brings good results. My 2nd favorite song is "Better Stay Up In Your House". This song features Rah Digga and it is off the hook for real. It samples Curtis Mayfield's "Eddie You Should Know Better" from the Superfly soundtrack and Busta and Rah Digga trade lines like they have been rapping together for over 10 years. Yogi from P Diddy's Hitmen did an excellent job with the beat as well. Other gems include the Dr. Dre produced "Truck Volume" and "Holla", "Match The Name With The Voice" w/Busta's Flipmode Squad" and "We Got What You Want" which are both produced by Just Blaze and "There's Only One" w/Mary J Blige. Overall, by listening to the 20 tracks on this CD, yes I did say 20, 1 intro and 19 actual real songs, not 13 songs and 7 interludes, you will realize that Busta Rhymes really put his effort into this CD. Yes he does have an all star production team, however, you still have to know what to do with it. "Genesis" is definitely worth your time and your money. Any fan of Busta's 4 previous CDs will enjoy "Genesis". The new Flipmode Squad CD should be out some time in May."
Busta Rhymes is reborn on "Genesis"
Anthony Serrano | New York, NY United States | 12/12/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"No matter how skilled an emcee is, a song can not sound good unless the production is creative and tight. Busta Rhymes reached his prime in terms of rhyming and production with "When Disaster Strikes", for after that, it went downhill. Busta messed too much with crossovers and catchy Broadway samples instead of keeping his album streamlined. On Genesis, Busta rhymes over quality beats with the ferocity of a newcomer.Busta's album is pure solidity, despite the chaotic nature of the emcee himself. The commercial hits, "As I Come Back" and "Break Ya Neck" display Busta Rhymes at his best. Not only is his signature rapid-fire rhyming polished, but the beats are innovative without being obtrusive. Instead of overpowering Busta, they complement him nicely. That is rare in today's world of hip-hop in which producers have to "carry" a song because of a rapper's lackluster rhyming.Hidden jewels are abound in this album. "Shut 'Em Down 2002" showcases a battle-happy Busta and is reminiscent of his earlier days as an emcee. "Holla", while a popular title for a song (Ja Rule and Memphis Bleek have used the title for their paltry songs), is not down sloppily, for Busta speaks with the speed and accuracy that doesn't come with hollering. "What It Is", which was originally off the Violator 2.0 album, is included in the tracklisting. Its simplified beat allows Busta to rap at barely a whisper, but with such force.This album lacks power in very few areas. While the skits are incredibly funny, they have little or nothing to do with any of the songs. Other than that, "Genesis" is truly a rebirth for Busta Rhymes. Instead of dark beats and out-of-control rhyming, he is controlled and focused. The production is just as honed, with the Neptunes and Dr. Dre blessing the tracks. Busta's time off has done good, because even the greats need to rest in order to be most effective."
Best Production For Any Busta Album
Nick Mackler | Canada | 12/04/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album seems to get many mixed reviews from fans, however it is my favourite out of the three Busta Rhymes albums I own. The criticism from fans seems fairly valid, as Rhymes lyrics seem a little overly typicaly, and although the lyrical content isn't all too impressive on some tracks, his flow and delivery of the lines makes up for it. Also, the beats and production is the key to making this album great. Neptunes and Dr. Dre contribute sensational rap beats for Rhymes, and he uses them to their full effect.
Although the lyrical aspect is weak at certain times, this album is filled with outstanding hooks. The Intro needs no explanation, I've never been a fan of them, so let's skip ahead to "Everybody Rise Again". This is a great opener, with what sounds like a trio singing the chorus. Busta Rhymes flows well with the beat, and this track is a highlight. "As I Come Back" was one of the singles from "Genesis", and every aspect of it is great, with an awesome Neptunes beat, a signature sound from Busta after every line yelling "rrahhh!". Certainly an album highlight, and it's followed strongly "Shut 'Em Down 2002". The self-titled track has strong lyrical content, however the hooks aren't too great. "Betta Stay Up In Your House" has Rah Digga guest starring in a hip-hop/rap bouncin' track.
"Truck Volume" has a classic Dre beat, and Busta Rhymes is flowing nicely, with solid lyrics. P. Diddy raps in "Pass The Courvoisier", and its solid, but not one of my favourites. Busta Rhymes and P. Diddy do make solid transitions, going back in forth with lyrics. "Break Ya Neck" is classic Busta, showing off his rhyming speed and also containing a great beat. "Bounce(Let Me See Ya Throw It)" is probably my second favourite song, with an awesome Dr. Dre beat, and a very catchy chorus. However "Holla", is in my opinion Busta's best song. The beat is amazing, and Rhymes is flowing with great lyrics throughout the track. "Wife In Law" has Jaheim singing hooks as the guest, and also has some of Busta Rhymes' most profane lyrics on the album. "Ass On Your Shoulders" is one of my least favourites. "Make It Hurt" makes up for that blunder, and then "What It Is" is a classic Neptune beat, and has an awesome chorus. "You Ain't F-ckin Wit Me" has an amazing beat, and Busta has pretty solid lyrics to go with it. The Flipmode squad stars on the next track "Match The Name With The Voice", and it's a great collaboration. "Bad Dreams" closes "Genesis" strongly, with Busta flowing well off the beat.
Overall, this is in my opinion one of Busta's best, with sensational production and great deliveries from Rhymes, which are consistent throughout the album. Highly recommended to any Busta Rhymes fan."
Busta Rhymes, the most consistent player in the game...
dru2dagm | Thieveland, Ohio | 11/30/2001
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Busta Rhymes' fourth solo album, "Genesis," is in a way a combination of the style's he used on his previous three albums. The only problem that I had with the album is that Busta does not play to his strengths enough. He had an exceptional talent for rhyming extremely fast and yet still crisp. However, basically the only track that has a fast rhyming Busta is the first single released, "Break Ya Neck." A track like this just teases the listener and makes us want more of his frantic yet controlled style of rapping.What "Genesis" does supply is a wide range of unique beats that probably have Swizz Eats (...) his drawers. The Neptunes, who appear to be the fad right now, make a guest appearance on "As I Come Back," a standout track. Dr. Dre has his hand in a couple songs, and as long as Dre is making beats and not rapping on them, things are alright. As guest appearances go, surprisingly the Flipmode Squad entity is respectable, with Busta and Rah Pigga trading back verses in "Better Stay Up In Your House," a solid track. "Match the Name With the Voice," which features the entire crew is one of the better songs on the album as well. Shockingly, even P. Diddy saves face with his verses on "Pass the Courvosier."A problem with this album is that every song is basically shallow, and doesn't contain much meaning. Granted, I don't expect Busta to be coming up with ways to save the ozone layer, or invent a way to keep those rodents out of Richard Gere's poopy pipe, but he could at least tell some more stories instead of dropping the continues "Bounce my [expletives]" theme. The album is pretty good, and if a new rapper would have given out this product, then it would get a lot of love. However, because Busta is an aged, mature rapper, we expect more out of him. I think all Busta Rhymes fans really wish that he would get back to that Leaders of the New School stuff, when he was just classic and original; but thats just the way it goes. Rappers evolve, get rich, and can't rhyme about being poor and rapping on street corners anymore. As album's go, I will listen to this for a few weeks and then just drop it in my rotation, but its not something that I will listen to every day when I wake up. If you are a Busta Rhymes fan, then you will be satisfied with this because it does have great beats and polished rapping; but it is definitely not his best work. Late®"