BUSTA RHYMES Vinyl & CDs

Review: Busta Rhymes' 7" release on Kickin Kutz features two dynamic tracks from his fifth studio album, Genesis. Side-1 boasts 'Break Ya Neck,' a high-energy hip-hop track produced by Dr Dre, with additional vocals by Truth Hurts, originally released as the album's second single in 2001 and incorporating an interpolation of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' 'Give It Away.' The official remix, featuring Twista and Do or Die, further elevates its appeal. Side-2 presents 'As I Come Back,' featuring Kelis, which showcases Busta Rhymes' rapid-fire delivery and innovative style. Two classics of Busta Rhymes' early 2000s sound.

Review: After an explosive announcement trailer showing American MC legend Busta Rhymes on a four way call with some of the greatest hip-hop producers of all time it's hard not to be excited: Pharell Williams, Timbaland and Swizz Beats. His 11th studio album. Busta is indisputably one of the top 50 MCs of all time, a gracious and benevolent force in the industry that has played a hand in Miss Elliot's career, as well as a host of others on his self-founded label Conglomerate. Busta is no nice guy though, with a spine-chilling level of raw talent he's one of the smartest to hold the mic in our time. If 2020's 'Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God' is anything to go off, expect a star-studded line-up, with that album having appearances from Eminem, Mary J Blige, Rapsody, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Q-Tip, Kendrick Lamar, Mariah Carey, Rick Ross and more. When Busta knocks, you answer. Even Timbaland bows to the king: "I'm so grateful that you chose for me to be a part of your legacy".

Review: As you'd expect given his profile and position within hip-hop, Busta Rhymes eleventh studio album - his first for three years - is something of an all-star affair. The set's panel of executive producers boasts Timbaaland, Swizz Beats and Pharrell Williams, while the impressive roll call of guest MCs, singers and producers includes Giggs, Young Thug, Shenseea, T-Pain and Burna Boy. It has the feel of a celebration of his legacy and work, with s guests delivering hard-hitting lyrics and thoughtful flows over backing tracks that flit between sparse, distorted heaviness (recent single 'Beach Ball'), snappy, horn-sporting post-crunk weightiness ('OK') and G-funk influenced future party jams ('Luxury Life', with its aquatic P-funk bass and dusty, golden era drums).

Review: The Big Payback series hits third volume and again bangs together classic soul and funk artists with hip hop giants. This JB & The Soul Mates take on Busta Rhymes. They layer up jazz-funk drums and synths into lively arrangements that are topped with sick verses from the master and plenty of James Brown ad libs also colour the groove. It's a high energy party starter, but if you need something a little less busy, the instrumental on the flip has you covered with its big horns and sax lines getting hands in the air.