11. BLOCKBUSTA (2023)

Blockbusta (2023) feels like Busta Rhymes trying to chase trends rather than setting them, and the result is the weakest entry in his catalog. Despite the big names behind the production—Swizz Beatz, Pharrell, and Timbaland—the album is a scattered, unfocused mess. Instead of delivering the high-energy, innovative work he’s known for, Busta spends much of the record trying to connect with the trap generation, and it simply doesn’t land. Tracks like “Big Everything” with DaBaby, Homage” with Kodak Black, and “OK” with Young Thug attempt to tap into the modern sound but come across as forced and uninspired.

Much of the album feels like filler. Songs like “Roboshotta” and “Beach Ball” lean on trendy, hollow production, making Busta sound like a guest on his own record. Even when the beats are more vibrant, like on “Tings” or “Open Wide,” the tracks lack the intensity or polish to leave a lasting impression. The few moments where Busta’s charisma breaks through—like his closing verse on “If You Don’t Know Now You Know Pt. 2”—are drowned out by the overwhelming mediocrity of the rest of the project.

Ultimately, Blockbusta tries to be everything for everyone, and in doing so, it fails to be memorable for anyone. | 4/10

10. Back On My B.S. (2009)

Back On My B.S. feels like Busta Rhymes attempting to find his footing in the changing landscape of mainstream Hip Hop during the late 2000s. The album leans heavily into radio-ready production, autotune-laden hooks, and guest-heavy tracks. While Busta’s signature energy is still present in moments, much of it gets buried under generic beats and clunky attempts at trend-chasing. Tracks like “Arab Money” stand out for their catchiness, though the track’s awkward execution sparked plenty of controversy. “Respect My Conglomerate” offers a moment of strength with its braggadocious vibe, but even here, the overdone hook detracts from the song’s momentum.

The project often struggles with cohesion, bouncing between sleek, polished pop rap and forced aggression. For every decent moment like “Decision” (a heartfelt collaboration with Mary J. Blige, John Legend, and Common), there’s something like “Sugar,” a baffling misstep that feels out of place even within the album’s commercial direction.

While Back On My B.S. isn’t completely without merit, it’s hard to ignore the weak production, uneven execution, and lack of the bold creativity that once defined Busta. This was a period of transition for him, but the results here don’t quite stick the landing. | 4.5/10

9. Year Of The Dragon (2012)

Year of the Dragon stands out in Busta Rhymes’ discography for all the wrong reasons. Released as a free Google Play download, the album has an air of inauthenticity, as if it were more of a business experiment than a creative endeavor. The production feels loud and overstated, often leaning into gaudy synths and hollow attempts to replicate blockbuster Hip Hop trends. Tracks like “Til We Die” aim to hype but come across as heavy-handed, while “Movie” is so bizarrely constructed it’s hard to take seriously.

There are fleeting moments of intrigue, like the James Brown-sampling “Make It Look Easy,” which briefly channels the energy of Busta’s earlier days. The playful chemistry between Busta and Reek Da Villian on “King Tut” is another rare highlight, injecting some much-needed charisma into an otherwise lackluster project.

Despite its moments, the album stumbles on its sequencing, overloaded with filler tracks like “Wine & Go Down” and “Crazy” that are forgettable at best. Many of the collaborations fall flat, with features from artists like Robin Thicke and Gucci Mane doing little to elevate the material. Year of the Dragon is a scattered effort, lacking the focus and creative spark that once defined Busta’s work. | 5/10

8. It Ain't Safe No More... (2002)

By the time It Ain’t Safe No More… dropped, Busta Rhymes was leaning into a more polished, radio-ready style while still trying to balance the raw energy that had defined his earlier work. The album opens strong, with tracks like “It Ain’t Safe No More” and “Call the Ambulance” showcasing aggressive, fast-paced delivery over pounding beats. The Neptunes’ production on “What Up” gives the record a brief jolt of creativity, blending quirky synths with a playful rhythm.

However, the album quickly becomes uneven. The singles “Make It Clap” and “I Know What You Want” (featuring Mariah Carey) offer some of the most memorable moments but also reveal a shift toward broader commercial appeal. While catchy, these tracks lean heavily on repetition, and their slick production sometimes overshadows Busta’s undeniable talent as an MC.

Where the project falters most is in its second half. Songs like “Taste It” and “Hey Ladies” feel like filler, weighed down by questionable hooks and dated production choices. Even standout contributions, like the Dilla-produced “Turn Me Up Some,” can’t fully rescue the bloated 70-minute runtime.

It Ain’t Safe No More… is a mixed bag. There are flashes of brilliance and solid moments of lyrical dexterity, but the overall lack of focus makes it feel stretched too thin. It’s a decent effort but far from Busta’s best. | 6/10

7. Genesis (2001)

Genesis (2001) finds Busta Rhymes stepping into the new millennium with a mix of ambition and uneven execution. This album marks a shift in Busta’s sound, embracing a glossier, more commercial production style while attempting to retain his signature energy and rapid-fire delivery. With heavyweight producers like Dr. Dre, J Dilla, the Neptunes, and Pete Rock on board, the tracklist promises fireworks—but the results are hit or miss.

At its best, Genesis delivers some undeniable bangers. Tracks like “Break Ya Neck” explode with intensity, powered by Dre’s relentless, head-spinning beat and Busta’s unmatched ability to turn velocity into a performance. The Neptunes’ work on “As I Come Back” and “What It Is” feels futuristic for the time, blending off-kilter percussion with deep basslines. Meanwhile, J Dilla’s contributions, such as the ethereal title track, balance aggression with a sense of groove. Busta is at his strongest when he’s leaning into his chaotic, animated style, pulling listeners into his world with sheer force.

However, Genesis is weighed down by its bloated length and scattered focus. The second half loses momentum, leaning too heavily on repetitive party tracks and crass attempts at mainstream appeal. Cuts like “Pass the Courvoisier” lack the punch of their high-profile production, while others meander into forgettable territory.

Though far from Busta’s strongest effort, Genesis shows an artist navigating new terrain, occasionally striking gold amidst a mix of experimentation and excess. | 6.5/10

6. Anarchy (2000)

Busta Rhymes’ Anarchy is an album with undeniable energy but struggles with consistency. Released in 2000, it’s a massive project—22 tracks long—that gives listeners a mix of highs and lows. At its best, the album captures Busta’s unmatched charisma and ferocious delivery, with tracks like “Bladow!!” and “The Heist” delivering the kind of booming beats and sharp lyricism that remind you why he’s one of Hip Hop’s most dynamic MCs. Large Professor’s production on “The Heist” brings out a cinematic, Wu-Tang-inspired vibe, and Busta’s storytelling prowess holds its own alongside Raekwon and Ghostface.

However, the album’s length works against it. Clocking in at 78 minutes, it suffers from uneven production that leans too heavily on uninspired beats. Songs like “How Much We Grew” and “Why We Die” fail to hit their mark, despite guest appearances from heavyweights like DMX and Jay-Z. The production team’s overreliance on trendy sounds of the time occasionally overshadows Busta’s performance, creating moments that feel flat rather than explosive.

Still, there are gems throughout. Nottz’s “Get Out” is a pounding, venomous standout, while Scott Storch’s “Bladow!!” crackles with aggression. Anarchy is ambitious, but it could have been a tighter, more focused effort. It’s a flawed but fascinating piece of Busta’s discography—an album where the highlights shine brightly, even if they’re buried in filler. Fans will appreciate it, but casual listeners might find it overwhelming. | 6.5/10

5. The Big Bang (2006)

The Big Bang didn’t get the love it deserved when it dropped, with many critics quick to dismiss it as a commercial misfire or a sign that Busta Rhymes had lost his edge. But in hindsight, this album holds up far better than those initial reviews suggested.

Busta had been away for a while, and when he returned, it was with a sound that felt more in tune with the evolving landscape of Hip Hop. The production, spearheaded by Dr. Dre, alongside Timbaland, Swizz Beatz, and others, was polished and forward-thinking, without feeling out of touch. Tracks like “Touch It” and “I Love My Bitch” were perfect for the clubs, but the album also had moments of introspection and substance, with songs like “In The Ghetto” and “Don’t Get Carried Away” showing Busta’s depth as a rapper.

The album wasn’t quite as wild or experimental as his early work, but that doesn’t mean it lacked personality. Busta’s energy was still evident throughout, even as he toned down some of the outrageousness. The guest features—ranging from Nas to Missy Elliott—added flavor, but Busta never got lost in the mix.

Critics may have been too quick to judge The Big Bang when it came out, focusing more on what it wasn’t rather than what it was: a skilled rapper adapting to the times without losing his identity. For fans who wrote it off in 2006, it’s worth giving The Big Bang another spin—it’s an album with more to offer than it’s often given credit for. | 7/10

4. Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God (2020)

A return to form. After eight years of silence, Busta Rhymes’ Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God arrived as a thunderous sequel to his 1998 classic. This album blends apocalyptic energy with sharp lyricism and a production lineup as legendary as its guest features. Across 22 tracks, Busta balances sheer vocal intensity with a variety of moods, offering listeners a mix of nostalgia and fresh power. Unlike many of his post-2000 albums, Busta doesn’t seem to be trying to pander to a non-existent audience this time around, which is a definite plus.

From the opening moments, the album pulls no punches. “The Purge” sets an ominous tone with its siren-laced production, while “Czar” (featuring M.O.P.) is a symphonic war cry that explodes with aggressive bravado. The energy never lags, whether through the upbeat swagger of “Outta My Mind,” which flips Bell Biv DeVoe’s “Poison” into a party anthem, or the layered introspection of “Deep Thought.”

What makes this project unique is the way it unites eras of Hip Hop. Tracks like “Look Over Your Shoulder,” featuring a soulful Kendrick Lamar verse layered over a Jackson 5 sample, and “True Indeed,” built on DJ Premier’s stripped-down loop, feel rooted in tradition without sounding dated. Meanwhile, collaborations with modern voices like Anderson .Paak (“YUUUU”) and Rapsody (“Best I Can”) offer contemporary perspectives without compromising the album’s essence.

Though undeniably ambitious, the project’s heft can feel overwhelming. Chris Rock’s interjections and Farrakhan’s lengthy speech stretch the runtime, and a few tracks, like the Mariah Carey-assisted “Where I Belong,” struggle to live up to their star power. Even so, Busta’s command over the microphone remains unparalleled. His breath control, dexterity, and infectious personality shine, reminding everyone why he’s one of Hip Hop’s most enduring figures.

Extinction Level Event 2 might not top his golden-era classics, but it stands tall in his catalog, proving that Busta Rhymes still holds a unique space in the genre’s pantheon. | 7.5/10

3. When Disaster Strikes... (1997)

When Disaster Strikes... finds Busta Rhymes in top form, balancing wild energy and tight flows with a heavy dose of paranoia, particularly about the coming apocalypse. This is an album that feels like a celebration of impending chaos, both musically and thematically. From the opening, Busta’s rapid-fire delivery and off-the-wall personality take center stage, pulling you into his world of anxious, sometimes comical, visions of disaster.

The beats are bold and vibrant, often leaning into funky, tribal rhythms. The tracks “Dangerous” and “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” highlight these elements, with their infectious percussion and rhythmic intricacy, yet they’re just the beginning. There’s a constant push and pull between hard-hitting bangers and more introspective, laid-back moments, like “One” with Erykah Badu, which offers a reflective break from the energetic chaos elsewhere.

Busta’s flow remains one of his most compelling features here. It’s unpredictable, switching between rapid-fire syllables and more deliberate pacing, keeping things engaging. He effortlessly transitions from confident, boastful bars to moments of serious reflection, especially in tracks like “Survival Hungry” or “The Whole World Lookin’ At Me.” Lyrically, he touches on everything from street life to self-promotion, but it’s his unique delivery that elevates the material.

The album has a loose structure, and that’s where it can lose some of its momentum. A few tracks, like “Things We Be Doin’ For Money Pt. 2,” feel more like filler, with collaborations that don’t quite live up to the intensity of Busta’s solo cuts. Still, the highs—especially the singles—are undeniable.

When Disaster Strikes… might not be flawless, but it’s a rollercoaster of a ride that further establishes Busta Rhymes as one of Hip Hop’s most exciting and unpredictable voices. | 8/10

2. The Coming (1996)

When Busta Rhymes dropped The Coming in 1996, it was impossible to ignore. From the jump, the album demands attention with its bombastic energy and frantic vibe, setting the stage for an artist ready to carve his own lane. The album opens with a cinematic intro that’s part storytelling, part hype, before Busta bursts onto the scene, his voice larger-than-life, as if it’s shaking the very ground beneath your feet.

Musically, The Coming never settles. Tracks like “Everything Remains Raw” and “Abandon Ship” are fueled by aggressive, sometimes erratic production that feels just as wild as Busta’s rapid-fire flow. Easy Mo Bee’s raw beat on “Everything Remains Raw” is a great example of this—its jagged edges perfectly match Busta’s chaotic delivery. And yet, even in these high-energy moments, there’s a certain precision to how the beats align with his bars.

The most memorable track is undoubtedly “Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check,” where Busta’s unpredictable flow makes the track unforgettable. The beat itself is playful, but Busta turns it into something else entirely with his playful ad-libs and off-the-wall verses. It’s an anthem, but not the typical kind—this one doesn’t try to fit into any molds.

However, not every moment is as frantic. “It’s a Party” offers a brief breather, with its smooth vibe and laid-back production from Easy Mo Bee, showing that Busta can switch gears without losing his trademark charisma. The album keeps you on your toes with each track, refusing to settle into one mode for too long.

From start to finish, The Coming is a whirlwind. Busta’s larger-than-life persona drives the record, and even when the music calms down, his energy is inescapable. It’s the kind of album that demands your full attention, a wild ride that makes Busta Rhymes one of Hip Hop’s most captivating figures. | 8/10

1. Extinction Level Event: The Final World Front (1998)

Busta Rhymes’ Extinction Level Event: The Final World Front (1998) is a wild, all-encompassing journey through the late 90s, dripping with energy, chaos, and an unforgettable sense of urgency. With this album, Busta firmly plants himself at the center of both Hip Hop and pop culture, offering an apocalyptic vision wrapped in funky beats and fierce flows. It’s a record that balances darker, foreboding themes with a party atmosphere, making it as much about the end of the world as it is about celebrating the unpredictability of life.

The album opens with “There’s Only One Year Left!!! (Intro),” immediately setting a serious tone, a warning of impending doom. This somber mood gives way to the bombastic “Everybody Rise,” where the relentless piano and driving drums echo the feeling of a world hurtling toward catastrophe. The track mirrors the album’s overall vibe: frantic, demanding, and utterly captivating. Busta’s delivery is full of intensity—his voice crackles with the sense that something big is coming, and you don’t want to miss it.

Throughout the record, Busta crafts a dense atmosphere, leaning into eclectic production choices. Tracks like “Where We Are About To Take It” offer quirky, glitchy beats that feel experimental yet accessible, while “Extinction Level Event (The Song of Salvation)” takes a more exotic turn with its Far Eastern influences, giving the track a unique swing that’s pure Busta. Despite its conceptual weight, the album doesn’t lose sight of fun. “Tear Da Roof Off” packs a punch with its thunderous opening and hard-hitting strings, a track that commands attention while still leaving space for Busta’s charismatic flow to shine through.

The mood swings throughout the album—from the dark and menacing to the playful and boisterous. A clear example is “Gimme Some More,” where the high-energy, staccato production complements Busta’s lightning-fast rap. The track is infectious, with a memorable flow and plenty of personality. Meanwhile, “What’s It Gonna Be?!” with Janet Jackson mixes sultry vibes with Busta’s sharp delivery, creating an odd but compelling synergy that’s impossible to ignore.

As the album progresses, Busta continues to shift gears. “Iz They Wildin Wit Us & Gettin Rowdy Wit Us,” featuring Mystikal, is a fast-paced, almost chaotic track that feels like a verbal sparring match, while “Hot Sh*t Makin’ Ya Bounce” introduces a laid-back, funky vibe that contrasts with the album’s earlier intensity.

While the album isn’t without its missteps—some of the guest features fall flat, and tracks like “This Means War!!” featuring Ozzy Osbourne might feel forced to some—it never loses its edge. The core of Extinction Level Event is Busta Rhymes in full command of his craft, blending personal expression, thematic depth, and infectious beats into one loud, unforgettable experience.

Extinction Level Event is Busta Rhymes’ magnum opus, if you ask HHGA. | 8.5/10