Year of the Dragon is the ninth studio album by American hip hop recording artist Busta Rhymes, it was released by Google Play as a free release on August 21, 2012.[1] The album features guest appearances from Anthony Hamilton, Cam'ron, Robin Thicke, Maino, Vybz Kartel, J-Doe, Reek da Villian, Rick Ross, Gucci Mane, Trey Songz and Lil Wayne.[2]
| Year of the Dragon | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | August 21, 2012 | |||
| Recorded | 2010–12 | |||
| Genre | East Coast hip hop | |||
| Length | 50:11 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Producer |
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| Busta Rhymes chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Year of the Dragon | ||||
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Background
editThe album's title (inspired by the Chinese zodiac) and cover art were revealed on July 9, 2012.[1] The official track list was released on August 8, 2012.[3] It was released on August 21, 2012, for free download via Google Play.[4]
Singles
editThe album's lead single "King Tut", featuring Reek da Villian and J-Doe, was released on May 22, 2012.[5] The music video for "King Tut", featuring Reek da Villian and J-Doe, was released on July 25, 2012.[6] The album's second single "Doin' It Again" featuring Reek da Villian and Chanel Nicole was released on August 1, 2012.[7] The music video for "Doin' It Again" featuring Reek da Villian and Chanel Nicole was released on September 12, 2012.[8] The music video for "Movie" featuring J-Doe was released on October 16, 2012.[9]
Critical response
edit| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| HipHopDX |   [10] |
Year of the Dragon was met with generally mixed reviews from music critics. Slava Kuperstein of HipHopDX gave the album three out of five stars, saying "The problem is the same one that’s plagued just about every single Busta Rhymes album: the Dungeon Dragon cannot decide on a direction for the project. It’s not cohesive in production, styles, or subject matter. Busta’s all over the place, and does nothing to improve his reputation as one of the greatest emcees to not have a great album to his name. Here's to hoping the real album will be better."[10]
Track listing
edit| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "I'm Talking to You" | Ty Fyffe | 3:33 | |
| 2. | "Til We Die" (featuring Rick Ross and Trey Songz) |
| Dready | 4:27 |
| 3. | "Do That Thing" |
| Focus | 3:42 |
| 4. | "Make It Look Easy" (featuring Gucci Mane) |
| Ted Smooth | 3:37 |
| 5. | "Pressure" (featuring Lil Wayne) | Pop & Oak | 3:10 | |
| 6. | "Love-Hate" (featuring Robin Thicke) |
| Mr. Porter | 3:57 |
| 7. | "Grind Real Slow" | Bink! | 3:40 | |
| 8. | "King Tut" (featuring Reek da Villian and J-Doe) |
| Jahlil Beats | 4:42 |
| 9. | "Sound Boy" (featuring Cam'ron) |
| 3:23 | |
| 10. | "Doin' It Again" (featuring Reek da Villian and Chanel) |
| Ted Smooth | 3:28 |
| 11. | "Wine & Go Down" (featuring Vybz Kartel) |
| Dready | 3:32 |
| 12. | "Movie" (featuring J-Doe) |
|
| 4:12 |
| 13. | "Crazy" |
| Dready | 3:27 |
| 14. | "Bleed the Same Blood" (featuring Maino and Anthony Hamilton) |
| K. Figz | 3:46 |
Sample notes
- "I'm Talking to You" contains a sample of "Shout", performed by Tears for Fears.
- "Make It Look Easy" contains a sample of "Blues and Pants", performed by James Brown.
- "Love-Heat" contains a sample of "Baby I Don't Like You", performed by The Moments.
- "Grind Real Slow" contains elements of "I Like It", written by Eldra DeBarge, William DeBarge, and Jordan Etterlene.
- "Doin It Again" contains a sample of "Round and Round", performed by Hi-Tek.
References
edit- ^ a b "ALBUM COVER: BUSTA RHYMES – 'YEAR OF THE DRAGON'". Rap-Up. 2012-07-09. Retrieved 2012-07-10.
- ^ "Busta Rhymes Reveals "Year Of The Dragon" Is Free Release, Lists Features". HotNewHipHop. 2012-07-26. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
- ^ "Busta Rhymes Year Of The Dragon Cover & Tracklist". Rap Radar. 2012-08-08. Retrieved 2013-07-21.
- ^ "New LP: Busta Rhymes Year Of The Dragon". Rap Radar. 2012-08-21. Retrieved 2013-07-21.
- ^ "New Music: Busta Rhymes Ft. Reek Da Villain & J Doe "King Tut"". Rap Radar. 2012-05-22. Retrieved 2013-07-21.
- ^ "New Video: Busta Rhymes Ft. Reek Da Villian x J-Doe "King Tut"". Rap Radar. 2012-07-25. Retrieved 2013-07-21.
- ^ "New Music: Busta Rhymes Ft. Reek Da Villian & Chanel "Doin It Again"". Rap Radar. 2012-08-02. Retrieved 2013-07-21.
- ^ "New Video: Busta Rhymes Ft. Reek Da Villian x Chanel "Doin' It Again"". Rap Radar. 2012-09-12. Retrieved 2013-07-21.
- ^ "New Video: Busta Rhymes x J-Doe "Movie"". Rap Radar. 2012-10-16. Retrieved 2013-07-21.
- ^ a b Kuperstein, Slava (December 1, 2012). "Busta Rhymes Year of the Dragon". HipHopDX. Retrieved August 24, 2012.