
Busta Rhymes kicks ass and takes names in “Dragon Season… The Awakening.”
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TOP 3 SONGS
Honorable Mention. Do The Busabus, Pt. 2
The Busabus > The “Cha Cha Slide” and “Electric Slide” combined.
This might be a contender for one of the worst songs of 2025, but I do think it’s something you have to hear. In the track, Busta Rhymes gives his best impression of a crackhead who thinks he’s channeling Rick James. That said, once he really starts jiving, the track becomes a lot more listenable.
3. Keep Executing
Do y’all remember that Busta Rhymes was once signed to Aftermath?
The reason I mentioned the first paragraph is that the production driving this track gives me Dre, Eminem, and 50 Cent vibes. Imagine tossing one of them on this track—it would take it to a whole other level. Nonetheless, Busta Rhymes still does his thing, delivering a mix of singing, dynamic flows, and lyrical content that suggests if he’s in a 20-on-1 situation or a jungle full of lions, pray for everything and everyone but him.
Hell, toss Lloyd Banks on this s**t, and I would be happy.
2. National Treasure
Can you imagine hearing a song like this on a record player in the ’90s?
I’ve always loved hearing Busta Rhymes’ scratchy, monstrous voice over gentle, soulful production. I loved it in “Thank You,” and I definitely loved it in “Decision.” What’s different about “National Treasure” is that he doesn’t hit us with thoughtful, touching lyrics this time; instead, he comes across as ultra-competitive, talking about squeezing his competition and slaying women like a demon. It’s like imagining a wild, over-the-top character at a quiet brunch in downtown DC, acting out of place.
1. Unleash Me
The last rapper we unleashed ended up getting sued by Drake.
I don’t think a single woman would enjoy “Unleash Me.” As a matter of fact, if a woman hears this track and doesn’t: a) ask me what the f**k is wrong with this dude or b) squint her face in disgust, she is not wifey material. In the track, which is powered by production that has some soul but way more Godzilla-like vibes, Busta Rhymes finds clever ways to crush his competition like bugs. I personally love the way the song flows in a sluggish manner, with Busta Rhymes coming across as the perfect anti-hero.
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
RGM RATING
(77%)
Busta Rhymes is a hip-hop legend. At this point, he has nothing to prove and holds a high spot on many people’s top rappers list. That said, in Dragon Season… The Awakening, Busta sounds like he’s playing with house money. Throughout the project, he spits bars over experimental beats, using rap styles that teeter between villainous and downright demented. As for lyrically, he mainly speaks on dominating his competition and smashing chicks like a man with straight rabies, even using the word “crush” multiple times. If your testosterone levels are high and you enjoy attending fight clubs, this album is for you.

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.