Two decades since he first came on the scene as a Leader of The New School, Busta Rhymes has now become one of the elder statesmen of Hip-Hop. He got here by innovating his style, morphing to not only adjust with the times and climate but to occasionally even be a step ahead. With his eighth album, and a title like Back On My Bullshit, one would not be wrong to expect similar if not more from the Brooklyn vet.

Glimmers of gusto are sparked by tracks with first class assistance like “Respect My Conglomerate”, which features Jadakiss and Lil’ Wayne, as well as “Don’t Believe ‘Em” featuring Mr. T.I-get-jail-credit Harris. But those moments are interrupted by the equally unimpressive. “Hustler’s Anthem ’09″ and “Shoot For The Moon” are easily forgettable, and the much-maligned, oversynthesized Ron Browz feature “Arab Money” has elapsed its buzz due to numerous pushbacks. All throughout B.O.M.B., there are times where it feels like he may have rediscovered his edge. However, that edge proves to have been dulled by the numerous attempts to polish and streamline the project.

Another drawback is that Busta’s vision for his tracks doesn’t seem to be clear. One is not sure whether Bus is trying to be ironically funny or is just flat out misguided at time. The faux-dancehall, Neptunes collaboration “Kill Dem” feels tragically purposeless. Maybe Busa Bus is still buzzed off his quasi-successful remixes with Sean Paul and Elephant Man, but that was a good 5 years ago. He continues to try and rekindle past flames with “Sugar”, produced by and featuring Jelly Roll. He stuck to the Rap&B formula, but somehow missed the mark and created something new that you will either quietly love or sorely despise. That dichotomy is even more evident in his next single “World Go Round.” Estelle lends her voice to try and make this techno inspired track more familiar, but it still straddles the thin line between ill-advised and ingenious.

Although, in some cases he actually manages to make these cameos work well. “We Miss You” and the aforementioned “Respect My Conglomerate” both seem to mesh well. Another instance of good collaborations is the Denaun Porter-produced “Decision” alongside the serene speeches of Common, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, Jamie Foxx and Mr. Porter. On paper, it may seem to be an urban “We Are The World”-type track, but instead we get a very heartfelt analysis of friendships and their downfalls.

Suffice to say, if you were expecting the good old Busta Rhymes, you’d have a better chance digging up When Disater Strikes, Extinction Level Event and the tracks that got cut from the album. The new post-Aftermath Rhymes is not a wild rodeo horse, but instead a very composed, yet confused steed. He finds himself at a crossroads where he has the potential to lead the new generation of Hip-Hoppers in a new direction, or to quietly embark on his own path and exit the scene in a noble manner. He seems to be leaning towards the latter.

3.5 CIGARETTES

BONUS

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Download — Busta Rhymes Feat. Big Tigger – “If Don’t Know, Now You Know” (iTunes Bonus Track)

Previously Posted — Busta Rhymes – I B*llshit You Not Mixtape | Busta Rhymes, Superstar J & Big T – Feeding The Streets Mixtape