Search - Busta Rhymes :: When Disaster Strikes

Busta's Best Work So Far (4 Stars)

Norfeest | Washington DC USA | 09/05/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"People are going to probably think I'm crazy, but I think this is Busta's best album. When I first heard this album, I had to go to court the very day that it came out. When I got out of court around 12 noon, I had just missed my bus. So I had to wait at the bus stop for an hour and I was getting tired of the CD I had in my Discman (Love, Peace, & Nappiness by The Lost Boyz, I think). So I walked over to some CD shop and bought this Busta CD. For an hour and 30 minutes (metro buses in DC/MD are almost ALWAYS late), it was just me and Busta vibing at the bus stop. I thought this album was better than his first joint. "The Coming" wasn't as complete as this album was. He also switched his style up and managed to remain tight. I always thought his screaming and yelling was somewhat gimmicky and I thought it was refreshing to hear him just rhyme for a change. There are a few missteps on this album though. Tracks like "Get High Tonight" and "There's Not A Problem My Squad Can't Fix" are good songs, but they're only good for one or two listens before you get tired of them. While "Turn It Up" and "Survival Hungry" aren't bad tracks, they are definitely boring tracks. And the Intro is incredibly long (4:44). There are some positives about this album that outweigh the negatives though. Contrary to popular belief, "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See" is a classic joint. Tracks like "The Whole World Lookin' At Me", "Dangerous", and "Rhymes Galore" show Busta at his lyrical peak. Throw in tracks like "Get High Tonight", "The Body Rock", and "We Could Take it Outside" and you have a very well rounded album. You even get a sample of Erykah Badu kickin' knowledge alongside Busta on the very underrated "One". And "Things We Be Doin' For Money" Part 1 & Part 2 (which features a then unknown Anthony Hamilton) show Busta venturing into the world of storytelling and he does a damn good job of it too. Overall, this album is dope. It's better than good, but there are too many mishaps to make it a classic. Busta's skills are in steady decline nowadays. If you want to witness Busta Rhymes when he was sharp and on point, then his first album "The Coming" and this album are the ones you want to hear, not his most recent stuff.



Standout Tracks: Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See, Rhymes Galore (My Favorite), Dangerous, We Could Take It Outside feat. The Flipmode Squad, One feat. Erykah Badu, Things We Be Doin' For Money (Part 1), Things We Be Doin' For Money (Part 2) feat. Rampage, Anthony Hamilton & The Chosen Generation, and The Body Rock feat. Rampage, P. Diddy, and Ma$e"

Love it

JiggaJ1979 | Thomasville NC | 11/26/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Good Solid Album by Busta I like the Party beats the serious beats and the East Coast beats just a good albun"

Strong Rap Release From Busta(4.5 stars)

Nick Mackler | Canada | 10/07/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

""When Disaster Strikes", Busta Rhymes sophomore album shows the rap/hip-hop artist spitting his lyrics over top some heavy, boucing beats and, ultimately flowing masterfully. Although at times Busta's voice can be frustrating in it's growliness, the flow is sensational, and lyrically this album is on the mark.



The Intro opens angrily and raw, with reputed verbal shouts sounding distinctly brutal. This leads into maybe the best hip-hop cut on the album, "The Whole World Looking At Me", with a chorus sung nicely. The beat is composed orchestrally, and very well. "Survival Hungry" expresses a flashy flow from Busta, spitting his rhymes effectively. The self-titled track boasts great intensity, a very essential element in rap.

"So Hardcore" is another intense rap track, with a rather obscure chorus reference. "Turn It Up" is the most popular track on the album, with it's groovy, down-to-earth beat and impressive rhymes. "We Could Take It Outside" is in my opinion the best song off "When Disaster Strikes", easily incorporating some of Busta's best lyrics into some very impressive verses, and also seeing a great guest appearance from a female rapper. "Rhymes Galore" in some senses spoils great lyrics, because the beat lacks in rhythmic, or musical qualities to it. "Dangerous is a strong album cut, and "Get Off My Block" has a catchy, very memorable chorus. The album ends on an Outro.



To conclude, this is definitely a solid selection in the genre of rap music, as Busta Rhymes has one of the best flows in the rap industry, and can deliver his rhymes very quickly. The trademark growl is great at times too, adding a heavy effect to each of his songs. Highly recommended for rap and hip-hop fans, and is definitely one of Busta's best releases.



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