Genesis [PA]

Performer: Busta Rhymes
Artist: P. Diddy; Mary J. Blige; Rah Digga; Kokane; Jaheim; The Flipmode Squad; Kelis
Engineer: Brian Vibberts; Patrick Gordon; Vinny Nicoletti; Tim Nitz; Mauricio Iragorri; Brian Garten
Distributor: BMG (distributor)

Notes: Personnel includes: Busta Rhymes, Rah Digga, P.Diddy, Jaheim, Kelis, Mary J. Blige, Kokane, Flipmode Squad. Producers include: Nottz, Dilla, Just Blaze, The Neptunes, Dre. "Pass The Courvoisier Part II" was nominated for the 2003 Grammy Awards for Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group. Personnel: Dolemite, P. Moore, k., Kelis (vocals); Mike Elizondo (electric guitar); Scott Storch (keyboards, keyboard bass); Camara Kambon (keyboards); Truth Hurts (background vocals). Audio Mixers: Dr� ; Vinny Nicoletti; Duro; Pete Rock; Brian Springer. Recording information: Armoury Studios, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Daddy's House, New York, NY; Enterprise Studios, New York, NY; MasterSound Studios, Virginia Beach, VA; Record One, Woodland Hills, CA; Right Track Recording Studios, New York, NY; Soundtrack Studios, New York, NY. Photographer: Mista Dean Karr. Arrangers: Pharrell Williams; Chad Hugo. Busta Rhymes takes his charismatic style of rapping and applies it to a new production style on Genesis, his fourth solo album. This time around the beats seem darker and more synth-oriented, giving it an edge reminiscent of the bass-heavy G-funk sound. "As I Come Back" is a good example, featuring a sustained keyboard note droning on throughout the chorus with Busta rapping in his raspy style. On the other hand, Rhymes can still make a good dance song, like the hypnotic "What It Is," a fractured funk anthem that features robotic female vocals from Kelis and a slow beat consisting of clicks and snaps. Other guest appearances include P. Diddy's turn on the dramatic "Pass the Courvoisier," Mary J. Blidge on "There's Only One," and the occasional appearances by the Flipmode Squad, as well as production work from Pete Rock and Dr. Dre, among others. The only questionable track is a remake of Public Enemy's classic "Shut 'Em Down" that may leave some fans cold due to its different feel and message. But outside of the one track, this is another solid release from a consistent hip hop artist who can still make relevant, interesting albums long after his days with the Leaders of the New School. ~ Bradley Torreano With his rough-hewn voice, edgy delivery, and hard-hitting lyrical scenarios, hip-hop icon Busta Rhymes has never been one to tread softly. GENESIS is no exception; on this album, Busta pretty much keeps to his strengths, spitting out tongue-twisting rhymes with an almost startling facility atop beats that are both texturally inviting and danceably funky. Despite his no-holds-barred style, though, there's more to Busta than thug-life/gangsta scenes. Anybody who can pull off a tune like "Pass the Courvosier" and make it a duet with P. Diddy no less, has obviously been living the high life long enough to know that hooks and accessibility are of equal import to the upfront style for which Rhymes is famous.

Rolling Stone (1/17/02, pp.48,50) - 3.5 stars out of 5 - "...GENESIS backs up his undeniable vocal substance with beats that sustain his willfully overstated style....its peaks prove Busta ain't broken yet..." Q (2/02, p.106) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...Busta's gruff, urgent voice remains a potent instrument in the right setting..."

Brooklyn-born rapper Busta Rhymes first came to prominence in the early 1990s as a member of the Leaders of The New School, whose two albums found a place in the hearts of many hardcore hip-hop fans. Later in the decade, he embarked on the solo career that was inevitable, considering his talent, charisma, and unique style, with his distinctive brand of in-your-face, dancehall-flavored rhyming sticking out among the sound-alike MCs. He continued his style of apocalyptic imagery funneled through a hard-partying attitude into the 21st century, releasing the excellent THE BIG BANG in 2006.

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