Busta Rhymes E.L.E. 2 The Wrath of God Album review –Here to Prophecy again
Trevor George Smith Jr., popularly known as Busta Rhymes, released his 10th studio album, E.L.E (Extinction Level Event) 2: The Wrath of God, the sequel to E.L.E: The Final World Front – twenty-two years in between. Busta Rhymes is many things to rap and humanity; an icon, a legend, god MC, or even a prophet. Busta Rhymes lyrical aggression on the mic and his prowess when it comes to speed rap made him hard to forget in the earlier years of hip-hop. Fast forward to over two decades in the industry and with the rapid evolution of the hip-hop scene, only a select few would be willing to stick around to listen to Busta Rhymes, especially not the newer generations.
Aside from the Grammy nominations the prequel produced, it was widely recognized as a prophetic statement due to the predictions regarding the 9/11 attacks in his city, New york. With the pandemic and unrest happening across the world, Busta wants to use E.L.E. 2 to pass across similar messages of prophecy.
The album features a long list of old and new collaborators which include, Mary J. Blige, Q-Tip, Rakim, M.O.P, Mariah Carey, Vybz Kartel, Rapsody, Rick Ross, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Pete Rock, Bell Biv Devoe, Nikki Grier, Chris Rock, Minister Louis Farrakhan, Anderson. Paak and Kendrick Lamar, who Busta holds in high regard. Just as with the collaborations, the productions on the album also come from different times in the hip-hop era, in his interview with ‘Vulture’, Busta tells us that, the first beat after the intro which was produced by Nottz is 22 years old – wanting to pick up where the prequel ended.
Busta Rhymes E.L.E. 2 THE THEME
The entirety of the album is mainly based on prophecy and celebrating the longevity of Busta Rhymes in the industry.
In the ‘Intro’, Busta with the help of Chris Rock, Rakim and Pete Rock; references are made to readings and chapters from the Bible and the Quran. Then making reference to the 2001 attacks and stating that ‘Conspiracy is reality’, a reminder for those who think he is just a mere conspiracy theorist. Busta makes mention of ‘Atmospheric variances that melt the polar ice caps’ which would refer to the Climate change, a topic that is widely debated today. Finally on the Intro, Busta makes mention of ‘An incurable virus’ which would refer to the Coronavirus pandemic that has hit the world and currently has no cure.
The track ‘Czar’ which features Chris Rock and M.O.P, talks about the longevity and acclaim Busta has gained in the industry, ‘True Indeed carries a similar message from Busta – all the talk about his lyrical prowess as he claims is indeed true.
‘Outta my mind’ features a sample from the track ‘Poison’ by Bell Biv Devoe in the chorus.
The track E.L.E. 2: The Wrath of God, Busta and political activist Louis Farrakhan exclusively speak about their views on the politics of the land (America), a political atmosphere that is increasingly becoming toxic.
Busta Rhymes and Rapsody split the scene on ‘Best I Can’ with no chorus, the track plays out a scene between a couple talking about the things they could have done and are doing to be the better.
In ‘Deep Thoughts’, Busta describes some intimate moments he spends with his woman, reminding us that even though they are not moments to be shared in public, those are still the moments where his thoughts are deepest.
‘The Young God Speaks’ is a young Michael Jackson interlude from the Jackson 5. Michael and the Jackson 5 influence sips into ‘Look Over Your Shoulders’ featuring Kendrick Lamar and Nikki Grier.
Nikki takes charge in ‘Freedom?’ speaking about the so-called rights and freedom for black people, which is just an illusion.
The track ‘Satanic’ completes the album as Busta speaks about the influences in the music industry that seem to portray more of satanic symbolism and worshipping than promoting the actual music of the artistes.
Busta Rhymes E.L.E. 2
