Only Lionel Richie, Teddy Pendergrass and Michael Jackson can boast about the fact that they made hits while part of a group, and then went on to make bigger hits as solo artists. With the exception of Jay-Z, no other solo artist can brag about bringing heat to the game for 16 years strong. With the best album of his career just hitting the streets, why can't he be considered the greatest of all time? Jay-Z called him animated. But, a reinvigorated (or should I say re-animated) Busta Bus is sitting on an album that rivals Jay's best work. I would go as far as saying that The Big Bang is one of the best albums of all time. And, what's interesting is that this comes at a time in Busta's career where he should be falling off. History has shown it. Look at all of those that make your top ten list of emcees. Busta is probably not on it, but your top ten are more than likely inconsistent when you look at their track record. I love Rakim, but are you really supposed to be in the top ten when your greatest hit was recorded in 1986? Is it consistency that puts you amongst the elite, or your ability to display a flow and a mastery of words occasionally, but memorable nonetheless?
There's many emcees that have delivered memorable performances, but it's very rare that you have an emcee get better over time. The Big Bang is Busta's best offering to date. And even if me questioning if he is the G.O.A.T. is farfetched, the fact that he deserves to be placed amongst the top ten is not. If your favorite artist can't make an album, don't put them on the list. If your favorite emcee has only made one tight album, take them off. Cop Busta's album and see how a real emcee gets down.
Donella
Donella is a 88HIPHOP community member. The views and opinions expressed by him may not reflect that of 88HIPHOP and its staff.