Sound: Busta’s one-of-a-kind, idiosyncratic flow meets Dr. Dre’s slickly orchestrated gangsta grooves on half of The Big Bang’s tracks. But it’s the minimalist and hypnotic club banger by Swizz Beats (“Touch It”) and the electro funky radio single by Will.I.Am (“I Love My Bitch”) that provide the most excitement.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “Touch It“; “I Love My
Bitch” (featuring Kelis and Will.I.Am)
Medium Rotation tracks: “You Can’t Hold the
Torch” (featuring Q-Tip); “Goldmine” (featuring Raekwon)
Recommended: As good as it may have sounded to some on paper, Dr. Dre’s laid-back and gleaming beats often don’t allow one of hip hop’s most hyperactive and in-your-face MCs to shine. The production is often exciting (especially a few non-Dre-produced tracks), but it rarely sounds like a proper fit for Busta. There are certainly a few exceptions, so it’s best just to focus on the highlights.
Grade: B-