The Coming cover

Released 30 years ago

The Coming

Busta Rhymes · 1996

63 min · 13 tracks · hardcore hip-hop

A frenetic blend of rapid-fire lyrics and eclectic beats that celebrates the exuberance of hip-hop culture.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Do My Thing Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check — This track features Busta's signature energetic flow and catchy hooks, serving as a definitive single that propelled him into mainstream success.
  • →
    Everything Remains Raw — With its raw production and aggressive lyrics, this track encapsulates the essence of hardcore hip-hop while showcasing Busta's lyrical prowess.
  • →
    Flipmode Squad Meets Def Squad — This collaboration highlights the synergy between two influential hip-hop collectives, demonstrating Busta's ability to unite various styles and artists.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Busta Rhymes' lyrical skill and energetic production, marking a strong debut in his solo career.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a brief intro that sets a frenetic tone, immediately followed by high-energy tracks that maintain a rapid pace.
  • Busta Rhymes employs complex rhyme schemes and varied flows, often switching his delivery within verses to keep the listener engaged.
  • Several tracks feature layered production with samples and beats that create a dense soundscape, particularly in 'Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check'.
  • The final track serves as an outro that contrasts the intensity of the preceding songs, providing a reflective closure to the album.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic progression with resolution
  • infectious energy for parties
  • lyrical intricacies for deep listening
  • wave-like pacing keeps engagement
  • celebratory anthems for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer consistent calm tempos
  • seek standalone single tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album established Busta Rhymes as a solo star after his group tenure.
Themes
90s hip-hop energy· lyrical competition
Career context
The Coming marked Busta Rhymes' first solo album following his tenure with Leaders of the New School. Released on March 15, 1996, it showcased his unique style after gaining recognition for his contributions to A Tribe Called Quest’s 'Scenario' and the collaborative efforts on the debut album from Flipmode Squad.
Stylistic neighbors
Missy Elliott· Ludacris· Q-Tip

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Everything Remains Raw

    Busta delivers a relentless barrage of intricate rhymes that depict the rawness of street life and authenticity in hip-hop.

    The choice to weave complex internal rhymes showcases his technical skill while emphasizing the unfiltered honesty that characterizes much of his work.

Tracklist

  • 1 The Coming (intro) 4:32
  • 2 Do My Thing Start here 4:00
  • 3 Everything Remains Raw 3:41
  • 4 Abandon Ship 6:02
  • 5 Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check 4:31
  • 6 It’s a Party 5:53
  • 7 Hot Fudge 5:09
  • 8 Ill Vibe 3:29
  • 9 Flipmode Squad Meets Def Squad 8:10
  • 10 Still Shining 2:57
  • 11 Keep It Movin’ 7:32
  • 12 The Finish Line 5:06
  • 13 The End of the World (outro) 2:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata