Turn It Up: the Very Best of Busta Rhymes

Busta Rhymes

In the quick turnover world of hip-hop Busta Rhymes proves that charisma aligned to sharp intelligence and stylistic flexibility insures staying power. He emerged in 1991 as the lynch pin of Leaders of the New School, and the loose-limbed jazz-inflected "Sobb Story" from LONS's debut shows the strength of Busta's musical roots. He's able to court mainstream favour while staying true his musical inspirations, equally at home getting frisky with Janet Jackson on "What's It Gonna Be" or using dub technique and Ragga style on "Woo Hah!! Got You All In Check". His well-defined sense of fun and daring knows few limits, "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See" combines deep African grooves with a sample from soft rock specialists Seals & Crofts, whilst a kids' chorus from 50s musical The Ugly Duckling adds weight to the fearsome "Get Out". Busta's larger than life presence has made him a burgeoning Hollywood star, but Turn It Up! shows that his music has insured his longevity. --Gavin Martin