Original review: Overall, this is a solid album and as far as the inconsistent Busta goes, it's probably up there for the most tracks with replay value partly due to Dre providing some good production, that sound a bit like what Jay got on Kingdom Come. 'Don't Get Carried Away' with Nas is one such Dre beat, and is the standout with Nas stealing the show. Nevertheless, like every Busta album, the problem is that there are too many tracks that don't do a lot for me. It's worth a listen if you're a fan, but as the rating shows, not all will like. He is one of the many talented veterans in the rap world, but he is still yet to make an outstanding album front to back.
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2023 revisiting review: After basically dropping an album every year from '96-'02, Busta took some time off before this hit the shelves in '06. From the start, the haunting chorus and production by Dre on the opener is dope. Swizz gives us something original, but not that great, with 'Touch It' before the thumping 'How We Do It Over Here'. From there, it's almost all good music and it would be hard to argue against this being Busta's most consistent project. It's also probably his most consciously-minded lyrically.
It drops off with 'Get Down' and 'I'll Do It All' towards the end of the album, but they are the only real average moments. 'I Love My Bitch' could be mentioned as well, as it does feel somewhat out of place on this album, but it's catchy enough to not dislike. Whether it be the unexpected Stevie Wonder and Rick James features or just the producers bringing their A game, there is something to like in almost every song. The production, executive produced by Dre and Busta, is more enjoyable, and includes some bangas like the ones I mentioned plus 'Don't Get Carried Away' with a great Nas feature.
It's worth mentioning two songs that didn't make the album. 'I'll Hurt You' features Eminem and is produced by Scott Storch and Dr. Dre. Em and Busta flow over the fast violins making it sound like a unique song. I don't think we get the best Eminem here though. The more soulful 'Where's Your Money?' is the other, that features Ol' Dirty Bastard. Both songs would have been worthy additions to the album. In the old days, Busta filled his CDs to the brim and they probably would have been included but perhaps with Dre at the helm, he was talked into more quality control. They both purportedly received a lukewarm response when they leaked which may have been why neither were included.
There aren't enough amazing moments to rate this higher, but there is a lot to enjoy and I find more here in the second tier of songs than I originally did.
Beats: ★★★★
Rapping/Bars: ★★★★
Hooks: ★★★☆
Best Tracks: Get You Some, How We Do It Over Here, New York Shit, Goldmine, Don't Get Carried Away, Legend of the Fall Offs
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