There are a few things in life that classify as miracles: Jesus coming back to Earth, the Mets winning the World Series, and Busta Rhymes and Q-Tip releasing a mixtape together. On paper, a joint project between these two undisputed legends has victory scribbled all over it in golden-era ink, but all too often fans have fallen victim to assigning superlatives to similar projects prematurely, only to wear faces of disgust on their born-day.
Luckily, Tip and Busta are fans of planned-parenthood. On The Abstract and The Dragon, Busta and Tip don’t fall victim to the enticement of new-aged Euro-beats or gargled Future hooks. In fact, the tape is more Hits, Rarities, and Remixes thanWatch The Throne; the bulk of the tape consisting of timeless songs Busta and Tip have collaborated on over the years, such as the “Vivrant Thing” remix and “One Two S###.” On that note, no need to recommend a little song called “Scenario,” or the timeless remix, and of course, no matter how many renditions “God Lives Through” undergoes, it is magical, especially with a fresh verse from Busta. Other songs like Big Daddy Kane’s “Come On Down” are well-known to anyone native to the music of the tongues.
Although the oldies are certifiable goodies, fans will no doubt be screaming gimme me some more due to the general lack of new material. But the collection is worth the download based on the nostalgic factor alone, beats and rhymes that will instinctively retreat your mind back to a blissful time of Dilla, starter jackets, Timberland boots, and a Maino-free NYC. The new material, like “Butch and Sundance,” “We Taking Off,” and the exclusives for Busta Rhymes upcoming solo release, ELE 2, are strong indications that we should expect amazing music from these two in the near future.
Busta Rhymes & Q-Tip
The Abstract and the Dragon
Lyricism – 9/10
Production – 10/10
Album Cohesiveness – 8/10
Replay value – 10/10
Overall – 9/10Personal Favorite Tracks: “Butch and Sundance,” “We Taking Off,” “God Lives Through”
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