9th Wonder, one of the most well respected and critically acclaimed hip hop producers shared with fans that he had just listened to Busta Rhymes forthcoming album. He put it out a resounding endorsement that it might be one of the best albums of the year. 9th Wonder disclaimed this was strictly his opinion as a fan since he is not involved with the album in any way. This will be Busta Rhyme’s 10th studio album. He last dropped an album back in 2012 with Year of the Dragon.
Busta Rhymes has to be considered one of the best to ever get on the mic. He has been in the game for close to 30 years. Maintaining relevancy throughout by delivering high caliber material with individuality and creativity. Along with the ability to adapt to change over time. With his album to hopefully come out before the end of the year wanted to revisit some highlights from his career early on.
First track to look at is “Come On Down” from Big Daddy Kane’s 1991 album Prince of Darkness. Along with Big Daddy Kane, Busta Rhymes would also appear alongside with Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest who he would collaborate with numerous times throughout his career. Being on a track with Big Daddy Kane was and still to this day a big deal. At this point Busta was building a name for himself as a member of the group Leaders of the New School. They had just dropped their debut album A Future Without a Past….
Big Daddy Kane – Come On Down feat. Q-Tip & Busta Rhymes
Right around the same time, A Tribe Called Quest dropped their sophomore album The Low End Theory. The track “Scenario” which was released as a single the following year in 1992 pushed Busta Rhymes into the spotlight. Both the original and the remix are considered classics. Busta Rhymes appearance set the stage for a solo career.
A Tribe Called Quest – Scenario feat. L.O.N.S.
A Tribe Called Quest – Scenario (remix) feat. L.O.N.S
In 1993 Leaders of the New School released their sophomore album T.I.M.E. with “What’s Next” as the lead single with a remix by famed producer Large Professor. To this day this would be the last album the group would put out. Prior to Busta’s solo album dropping he would make a string of appearances on other people’s albums and remixes. One notable remix to mention is “The Points” off of the 1995 Black Panther Soundtrack. The track was produced by Mista Lawnge from the group Black Sheep. Besides Busta Rhymes there were a number of prominent acts on the track. This included Coolio, Redman, Big Mike, Notorious B.I.G., and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.
Leaders of the New School – What’s Next (remix) (prod. By Large Professor)
Busta Rhymes – The Points feat. Redman, Biggie, Bone Thugs & others (remix) (prod. by Mista Lawnge)
This would lead up to Busta Rhymes debut album, The Coming released in 1996. After being in a group and making guest appearances Busta was able to shine alone. His individuality and creativity showcased on the album foreshadowed what was in store for fans until for years to come. The track off the album that stands out the most is “Everything Remains Raw” produced by Easy Mo Bee.
