It's hard to believe that Busta Rhymes is considered an elder statesman of hip-hop.
It seems like only yesterday he was bouncing around like a red-faced Buster Poindexter on the "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See" music video.
But that was nine years ago, and the always-evolving hip-hop scene has since welcomed several new generations of lyricists into the fold.
Rhymes (real name: Trevor Smith) lets his fans know how he feels about these newcomers to the game on his latest release, "The Big Bang."
"They ain't got it in them to make a classic / These (expletive) can't hold a torch so why pass it / I ain't bringing their names up / These (expletive) sound trash, straight fouling the game up," Busta lets loose, verbally sparring with rapper Q-Tip on the track "You Can't Hold the Torch."
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Delivered under fellow rap icon Dr. Dre's celebrated Aftermath label, Rhymes claims in press materials he has a whole new sound with "The Big Bang" — his first album since his 2002 "It Ain't Safe No More," released on J Records.
Not entirely true.
Though the lyrical content is fresh, fans will appreciate that the forceful beats and quirky delivery found on the album still hold strong to Rhymes' signature style.
They also might find it interesting that — despite his lyrical disdain for some of the hip-hop's new kids — Rhymes has an all-star crew supporting him on this release.
Missy Elliott complements Rhymes with her own distinct delivery on the track "How We Do It Over Here," and Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon kicks things off on Rhymes' piano-flavored "Goldmine." Additional artists on the release include Kelis, the Black Eyed Peas' Will.I.Am, Nas and Q-Tip.
What is sure to be a popular radio single this summer, the album's high point, "Touch It," features a fast-tongued Busta set over hard-hitting rhythms laid down by producer Swizz Beatz.
"Touch it / bring it / pay it / watch it / turn it / leave it / stop / format it," recites a hypnotic female voice on the track amid Rhymes' onslaught of unbridled flow, a talent sure to project him right back into the hip-hop spotlight.
Review
"The Big Bang," Busta Rhymes. Aftermath Music. Released June 13.
