Busta Rhymes - Anarchy

The Current State of Anarchy is not just a generic title; it's the manifesto for an album that aims to be both solitary and collective, balancing the instrumental shadows of an end-of-the-world scenario with the features that humanize its commercial peak. It arrives at a moment where "hardcore" rap dominates American charts, but it also marks the end of an era: this is his final opus with Elektra Records before Genesis (2001). With 22 tracks for a total runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes, the album offers significant listening density that contrasts sharply with the standard format of late-90s records.

Intro: The Current State of Anarchy — silence before the storm

The opening track, Intro: The Current State of Anarchy, is a solo track without features that immediately sets the solitary and threatening tone of the album. Unlike the collaborations to follow, this solo track leaves no room for vocal exchange; it establishes pure instrumental and narrative tension. It serves as an introduction functioning like a warning: before even other artists step onto the scene, Busta Rhymes defines the framework of a world where anarchy reigns. This absence of additional vocals on Track 1 is a strong editorial choice: it emphasizes that the album begins with an individual assertion before transforming into a communal project.

The Heist / Why We Die — when the underground meets the blockbuster

Later in the album, Why We Die (track 20) reunites DMX and JAŸ-Z. Their presence on this track proves that Anarchy is not an album turned solely toward the charts, but also a project drawing from diverse artistic circles.

Make Noise — Lenny Kravitz's rock surprise amidst the chaos

But behind these successes lies a tension: it is an album that works equally well in solo form and featuring collaborations, between instrumental tracks like Intro: The Current State of Anarchy and partnerships with artists such as Ghostface Killah or Lenny Kravitz. This duality explains why the album was able to appeal both to hardcore rap fans and those seeking a broader sonic experience.

Verdict: an album between solitude and communion

Beyond the notoriety of the featured artists, it is the production team that gives Anarchy its coherence. While the eponymous track is produced by Nottz, it is primarily DJ Scratch and Jay Dee (Jay Dee) who dominate the credits. DJ Scratch has notably released on Salute da Gods!!, We Comin' Through, and C'mon All My Niggaz, C'mon All My Bitches, while Jay Dee is responsible for producing Enjoy da Ride, Live It Up, and Show Me What You Got. Just Blaze, meanwhile, produces Street Shit and Here We Go Again, adding his characteristic touch. Busta Rhymes also produced several tracks, including Fire and Ready for War, which reinforces his role as musical conductor. With 22 tracks spread over a total runtime of 1 hour 18 minutes, the album offers a particularly dense listening experience. This structure allows Busta Rhymes to vary tempos and moods without ever exhausting himself. Each track, whether solo or collaborative, contributes to this sonic richness. Instrumental tracks like Intro: The Current State of Anarchy alternate with songs featuring fast and aggressive flows, creating a sustained rhythm that keeps the listener engaged. Anarchy thus distinguishes itself by its willingness to offer complete immersion, almost cinematic, through its 22 tracks. It marks a turning point in his career: it is his final opus with Elektra Records, but also an album proving he can navigate between the individualism of solo rap and the communion of collaborations.

Technical Details

- Release: June 20, 2000 - Label: Elektra - Tracks: 22 (1 hour 18 minutes) - Opening / Closing: Intro: The Current State of Anarchy / Outro - Guests: Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Roc Marciano, Flipmode Squad, Lenny Kravitz, M.O.P., DMX, JAŸ-Z