Artist: Busta Rhymes

Album: Back on My Bull Shit (B.O.M.B.S)

Label: Flipmode ENT/Motown/Universal

It finally appears that  New York artists are feeling the chokehold the south has had on everything rap related in recent memory. In response to the south reigning over Hiphop, it would seem that the NY elite are banding together to take back the game. But is it a case of too little, too late? The past year has seen high profile releases from Jim Jones, Nas, a possible future classic by Jadakiss, and now the highly anticipated “Back On My Bull Shit” by Busta Rhymes. But is Busta back on his BS, or is he just bull shittin’? 

With the lack luster perfomance of his 2006 effort “The Big Bang”, a lot is riding on this latest effort. The album opens with an opera skit that finds Busta proclaiming to be back on his BS. A promising opening in classic Busta style, is abruptly cut short by the slow paced ‘Wheel of Fortune.’ This opening is indicative of what is to come with this album. The current single is one of the few highlights. ‘Respect My Conglomerate’ plays well and comes off sounding like the 2009 phone tap with Jadakiss and Lil’ Wayne playing the AZ and Nature roles. ‘Hustler’s Anthem 09′ is another bright spot on the album, with T-Pain assisting Busta as they combine humor and thug braggadocio, with a bouncy beat and signature Busta Rhymes flow.

Busta proves he can still drop certifiable bangers with tracks like ‘Arab Money’, the problem is the hits are sprinkled amidst a collection of lazy sounding production ready to be consumed by cross-over audience. This is evident in the Flo-Rida-esque sound of ‘World Go Round’ ft. Estelle. The album is not all lost; ‘Don’t Believe ‘Em’ produced by Cool & Dre, and ft. T.I. and Akon finally finds Busta back. The smooth intro is cut short by a rapid fire flow that hasn’t been heard from Bussa Bus in years, Busta proceeds to spit one of the most well delivered verses on the project. On ‘We Want It,’ Busta reunites with NY producer Ron Browz for what in my opinion is one of the most gangsta, “make you make a ugly face” joints of 2009. Definitely a welcomed surprise to hear some Tims and hoodie hip-hop as we approach the more hit friendly summer months.
   
Overall the album shows Busta is trying to bring it back, but to say he is back on his BS is, well…BS. There are definitely some itunes coppable tracks, but as a coherent work the album does not succeed. But fans should not worry, the album has enough singles to keep Busta’s name in rotation for another few months. Hopefully he uses that time to build back his leadership role in the rap game, and drop some product that the fans are truly fiending for.

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