When Disaster Strikes [PA] - Rhymes, Busta (CD 1997)

Busta Rhymes had already established himself as the rap games oddest, yet perhaps most entertaining emcee. His style had simply never been heard before. He posessed a very gruff animal like voice, yet he had the personality of a party clown whom everybody loves. After a short stint with his group "Leaders of the New School" in 1989 to 1991, Busta decided to venture of on a solo career.

It turned out to be an excellent decision. He burst onto the scene in 1996 with his debut solo album "The Coming". With this album alone, Busta gained a high amount of popularity among both hip hop and mainstream audiences. His humorous, entertaining style was something new, out of a genre that is usually dark, or negative lyrically. The album produced a smash hit single called "Woo-Hah! Got You All In Check". The song basically put Busta Rhymes on the map, and at the same time introduced his unique personality to the music world.

So it is only expected that his follow up album would be highly anticipated by fans right? He delivered his second LP in 1997, and it was titled "When Disaster Strikes". With this album, Busta takes somewhat of a darker, more insane turn in his style, as opposed to the playful, consistantly funny rap clown style that was found on "The Coming". But this is by no means a bad thing, as Busta is still pretty much Busta. Crazy as ever, excellent rhyming skills, and consistent with the effective punchlines. "When Disaster Strikes" would actually go on to be one of his most well known releases......

Track Listing

1. Intro
2. The Whole Word Lookin' At Me
3. Survival Hungry
4. When Disaster Strikes
5. So Hardcore
6. Get High Tonight
7. Turn It Up
8. Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See
9. There's Not A Problem My Squad Can't Fix
10. We Could Take It Outside
11. Rhymes Galore
12. Things We Be Doin' For Money, Pt. 1
13. Things We Be Doin' For Money, Pt. 2
14. One
15. Dangerous
16. The Body Rock
17. Get Off My Block
18. Preperation For The Final World Front

"When Disaster Strikes" marks somewhat of a slight, yet notable change in Busta Rhymes. As opposed to the strictly funny persona found on his debut album "The Coming", Rhymes seems to be slightly more vicious, or violent with his mood on much of the content on "When Disaster Strikes". However, he is still pretty much goofy overall. This is shown in tracks like "Whole World lookin at Me", "Things We Be Doin for Money pts 1 and 2" and the title track. They all produced positive results, which was not very surprising to me. As mentioned before, it's not really a huge change. The best out of those four tracks in my opinion, was "Whole World Lookin at Me", which also happens to be the opening track on the album. Backed with an interesting keyboard loop, and paranoid sounding vocals by Busta himself, the track is given a very epic feel. Busta opens up with his usual battle rapping, and delivers an excellent performence with multi-syllable rhymes and impressive delivery. He doesn't do anything wrong at all here. Overall, it is one of the darker, and better tracks on the album. The title track is somewhat similar, although production was lacking in my opinion. The keyboard loop is still there, but it's just not quite as creative. There is piano in there too, but it's barely noticeable. It was still very solid however, as Busta Rhymes continues to be quite a force on the microphone. He's always been impressive (and funny) with his metaphors, and he really lets that shine with this track. His flow seems stepped up too. The "Things we Be Doin For Money" series made for two of the most memorable songs on the album. I still didn't feel like they were highlights, although not to say they weren't solid. Part one obviously comes first, and comes with decent production of a tense but low violin loop and a couple dark keys after each few bars. This song was just meant to be an opener to the next one, as Busta just rhymes about what he supposedly does on a regular to get his cash, where his crew hangs out, etc. He is just stating facts here. He does it well, as he always does an excellent job rhyme wise. But the second part is where it gets more interesting and animated. Rhymes goes into storytelling mode, and describes a scenario of having to finish their enimies, and commiting robberies on innocent people. The production fittingly gets more dramatic here, as a mix of fast paced keyboard notes and slow heavy piano keys are supplied for the backdrop. Hype man Rampage shows up for the track, as he plays Busta's partner in the story. What made it even more enjoyable for me were Anthony Hamiltons vocals during the closing of the track. The story ends with Busta waking up, and realizing everything that happened was a dream. Hmm....

As we all know, Busta Rhymes had established himself a name in mainstream hip hop with his debut album. So it would only make sense that he would continue the string of commercial success with his second LP. "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See" is irresistably catchy, as interesting percussion, intricate chimes, and what sounds like sandpaper being rubbed make for a very bouncy feel. Busta has a very fun tone here, as he fills the track with fun, yet still impressive rhymes. As far as subject matter goes, it's your typical party rap. But Busta does such an awesome job with it. It truly is one of his best. The other single "Dangerous" was also quite a hit. Production once again bangs, with more intricate percussion, and amplified strings. His flow is near flawless, and it only makes the head nodding factor that much stronger. He impressively brags about his Flipmode Squad with more club oriented raps, as the rhymes are slightly more intricate than those on the previously mentioned track. "Turn It Up" also bears a very energetic sound. Busta Rhymes just goes on a rapid fire flow, spitting solid line after line. This track really brings out the full wild side in him. The beat is appropriatly quick paced as well, with very rapid keys and a funky bass line. He also shows a lot of his ability as an emcee here, as his lyrics are what easily make the track shine.

I've always felt Busta was massively underrated as an emcee. From what I've heard of him so far, he is an excellent lyricist with an entertaining side to him that not too many others have. "Rhymes Galore" has him intentionally showing off his full lyrical ability. He once again resorts fast paced flow, and he complements it with excellent rhymes and hard hitting punches. He intentionally brings out everything he's got for the track, as he announces it in the beginning of it. During this time period, Busta Rhymes giving it his all could never fail, at least in my eyes anyway. It is easily a highlight, as this is one of his best lyrical performences on the album. He brings out more of an eccentric side for "So Hardcore", as he is rapping like his lungs have some helium in them, and is delivering rhymes in a very odd manner. It was still quite entertaining, and not too over done. "Get High Tonight" is yet another party anthem. Despite the stupid, and TOO cliche of subject matter, (take 3 guesses what it is) the track is saved due to Busta Rhymes simply delivering on the microphone once more. I'm telling you, the guy's a great emcee. Colorful piano keys made for another solid backdrop, and also contributed to the solid status of the track. The album finally closes with the more vicious "Get Off My Block". Busta and fellow Flipmode member Lord Have Mercy deliver solid outings of battle lyrics against the fake gangstas and emcees.

Overall, I really saw nothing wrong with this album. It is not really that similar to his debut album, as some would like to believe. But he still manages to make you feel like he's the same old Busta rhymes we all know and love. His lyric game is as good as ever on this album, and he shows this on almost every track on the album. Production was very solid too, despite the occasional average beat. Many of Busta's best tracks he ever created can be found on "When Disaster Strikes". While it is not quite up to par with his debut album "The Coming", it was still a very excellent release, and easily one of his best. This one gets the nod for classic status too. (I know I'm alone here...)

4.65 rounded up to 5

Reviews in the Busta Rhymes Series

http://www.epinions.com/content_338194632324
The Coming


When Disaster Strikes

http://www.epinions.com/content_344054533764
E.L.E.

http://www.epinions.com/content_344592846468
Anarchy

http://www.epinions.com/content_344977673860
Genesis

http://www.epinions.com/content_341312179844
It Ain't Safe No More

http://www.epinions.com/content_346868780676
The Big Bang