Disclaimer : This is a review of an advanced copy of "The Big Bang" issued by Aftermath Records. The tracklisting may be slighty different when the album hits stores.

For a man who’s never really got his props, Busta Rhymes aka Busta Buss has got a great catalogue. Starting with the semi-native tongues Leaders of the New School and shining on the excellent “Scenario Remix” at the tail end of ATCQ’s “The Low End Theory” it was obvious that Mr. Rhymes would be the one to go solo and the rest was history. After a score of great albums Busta Rhymes has finally connected with Dr. Dre on a big stage and the result is this, Busta’s 7^th solo studio album, “The Big Bang”.

The opening track “Where’s Your Money” with long time compatriot ODB (RIP) is not the “I’ve got money” track it originally seems. After ODB drawls through a verse in the way he’s loved for, Busta Rhymes shows his flow is truly great. “I Love My Bitch” with Kelis and Will.I.Am. is not the most intellectual of tracks but with a bouncy soundscape and Busta Rhymes flowing as free as water who really cares? “Ping” is the first true jewel. Not only is the production quite beautiful but it gives a somewhat reminiscent feeling. Busta shows how raw he can get spitting “Extra, extra, we out to get ya, hittin’ with rugged shit now analysed the texture, fuckin’ in the back of th e Centra, listenin’ to Slick Rick’s Great Adventure”.

On “Psycho” with Cassidy and mixtape king Papoose, Busta Rhymes continues to amaze starting his verse spitfire and while catching his breath explaining that “None of ya’ll niggas can fuck wit me”. What’s surprising is that Cass and Papoose don’t get totally outshined by Busta Rhymes. With Rick Ross the “Hustlin’ (Remix)” is great again with Busta laying down lines like a railway worker (Boom!). Busta’s underrated skills are showcased with the line “I’m on this shit too, I know you can’t believe, just call me claustrophobia, I leave no room to breath”. “Touch It” is Busta’s second (of two) solo tracks and if it doesn’t become a huge single this summer then there is something wrong with pop culture in the ‘06. “N.Y. Shit” with Swizz Beats is a great New York anthem and will be essential summer/autumn listening.

“For The Nasty” is a native tongues reunion between Busta Rhymes and Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest. Q-Tip shows that he’s still got rhyme skills and doesn’t get his Kamaal the Abstract on. However, the track sounds nothing like the two MC’s were known for 15 years ago so don’t be getting your hopes up for “Scenario Part 2”. “Look Who” is another classic Busta Rhymes flow-fest with an eerie piano loop keeping Bust’s voice in check. The ”Kryptonite (Remix)” with Big Boi’s Purple Ribbon Allstars is a great posse cut which shows that Big Boi and his purple rocking crew (not Dipset) are not to be messed with. It should be a big year for the Allstars.

I did not have high hopes for this album. There are too many featured artists and too many remixes for this album to be good, right? Wrong. This is a great album with the cameo spots just accentuating Busta’s skills and the remixes improving on the originals (for the most part). With the backing of Dr. Dre this album should sell, and if it doesn’t that just ain’t gravy.

Download : “Ping”, “Psycho”, “N.Y. Shit”, “Hustlin’ (Remix)”, “For The Nasty”, “Kryptonite (Remix)”, “Look Who”, “Touch It Part 2”.

Don’t Bother : “Cannon”, “Address Me As Mister”, “I Love My Bitch.

Overall : 5 Out Of 6 Shots; Love him or hate him, Busta Rhymes has got mad skills.