Busta Rhymes - E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front

He's one of the most distinctive MCs around--he's taller, has funkier dreads, has great taste in samples (the Knight Rider theme), has a sense of history ("Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check" comes right from the Sugarhill Gang), and ooh, that growl. Ever since his days in Leaders of the New School--let's trace it back to his contribution to A Tribe Called Quest's classic posse cut "Scenario"--Busta's brought something special to the party. It's all there on Extinction Level Event: there's the Armageddon concept, the guest stars (Janet Jackson, Mystikal, Ozzy Osbourne), and a great soundscape to frame Busta's raps. Still, it feels like something's missing: there's no huge standout hit; the production, in the hands of someone like Timbaland, could be even better; and Busta's raps often feel like he's relying more on that voice rather than writing anything new. But it's hard to fault someone who, even with all his success, includes a skit where the B-boy gets reprimanded with the line, "Look, you played-out player, I don't need you--I got a vibrator." --Randy Silver Amazon.com

This is the Busta Rhymes I remember

I know a lot of people are going to catch flack with me for saying this but this is Busta Rhymes best effort since The Coming. Busta Rhymes was a lot better as the schizophrenic MC we know and love and not this cookie cutter rapper we here now(talking about guns and drugs. WTF for?) Busta's crazy flow would keep you hanging on every word as the awesome production literally would make you "Break Your neck". Standout tracks:EVERYBODY RISE, WHERE WE ARE ABOUT TO TAKE IT, TEAR DA ROOF OFF, AGAINST ALL ODDS, GIMME SOME MORE, IZ THEY WILDIN WIT US & GETTIN ROWDY WIT US(one of the best matchups in 1998: Busta Rhymes and Mystikal), PARTY IS GOIN ON OVER HERE, DO THE BUS A BUS, WHATS IT GONNA BE, HOT S*** MAKIN YOU BOUNCE, WHAT THE F*** YOU WANT etc. Filler: Just give to me raw and Do it to death fall short. Bottom Line: Extinction Level Event is Busta Rhymes's most consistent effort since The Coming. Busta flows smoothly or roughly on each track making it more enjoyable with each listen plus the production is crazy. Cd collection material here. January 9, 2007

Love this

as a young'n lookin' for hip hop, i only listened to Fugees and 2Pac cus those were the only 1s i knew at the time, then Busta Came with "Gimme Some More" i bought this album, and the others. i love this album so much. i still listen to busta, love all hes stuff. November 10, 2006

everybody RISE

Busta is a very consistant mc and most of his albums are never disappointing. E.L.E is a great follow up to "..disaster.." and i recommend this cd. busta is great and he'll leave askin give me some mo
rating A- October 1, 2006

A Mystical Arrangement(4.5)

Busta Rhymes will always stay detached from any other MC in the business, defined by a fierce growl, unhinged, dark and creative music videos, and space-like beats. And although "Extinction Level (The Final World Front) remains uneven at times, with a few throwaway tracks, the standout tracks are simply outstanding, ecclectic and exhilariting. "Everybody Rise" is a bouncin', funky beat with Busta calling out to all the states, telling them lyrically to rise with him. "Where We Are About Take it" has a spacey, synth descending beat with fairly average lyrics, not yet expressing Busta's musical genius. The self-titled song has a catchy chorus, and to follow it up is the single "Tear Da Roof Off", an energetic, collaborative track with a raw, vibing beat that is great. "Against All Odds" is in the same vain, with the whole Flipmode Squad coming together, rapping over another funky beat. Lyrically, the next few tracks all display Busta Rhymes as a great MC, with mystical beats. However the songs themselves are simply not very memorable. "Gimme Some More" is the biggest hit single off the album, with an orchestral beat and Rhymes flowing quickly and sharply.

"Iz They Wildin' Wit Us & Gettin' Rowdy Wit Us?" is quite simply a boisterous rap expression, with Mystikal guest starring. Both rappers are flowing at astounding speeds, and the track stands out strongly on the album. "Do The Bus A Bus" is one of Busta's ludicrous singles, but it is catchy. Groovy Hip Hop seems to be the theme of the album at this point, as Janet Jackson joins Busta in a collaboration, and "Hot Sh*t Makin' Ya Bounce" has a very laid-back, stylish beat with sensational lyrics. The last few tracks are less memorable, except the sampling of "Iron Man" in "This Means War" with Ozzy Osbourne making an appearance.

It seems people are making many subjective statements as to Busta's prime in his career, and I personally think he chose to take a new direction with each and every album. At this time, he is set to release his latest album "The Big Bang" in July of 06, featuring a great track called "I'll Hurt You" but also releasing a single called "Touch It", which is less impressive. At this time, he has officially signed to Dr. Dre and Aftermath, so he will have access to the best beats out there. Overall, I would recommend this album to any Busta fan, and if you are looking for somewhere to start, I would begin with "Genesis". January 20, 2006

E....L.....to the MFing E

Hiphop at its best If you like hiphop Busta is really showing out on this one rapping to the beat which are good beats! November 26, 2005

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