Buckshot, the iconic Brooklyn emcee and producer, has returned with his third solo LP, The Package. As the frontman of Black Moon and a foundational figure in Boot Camp Clik, Buckshot has long been a pillar of New York hip hop. Alongside his business partner Dru Ha, he helped establish the legendary Duck Down Music Inc., cementing his legacy as both an artist and an executive. Following his earlier work and the I’m the Boss EP, The Package stands as a testament to his enduring creative evolution.
The album opens with the self-produced “We Have Arrived,” a track that sets the tone with a three-and-a-half-minute jazzy introduction. This jazz-rap aesthetic continues on “Good Day,” where Buckshot reflects on the atmosphere of his neighborhood. The project shifts gears with “What I Bring to the Table,” a hardcore boom bap cut that highlights his lyrical prowess, followed by the horn-heavy “Sounds of the Subway,” which leans further into his classic New York sound.
As the album progresses, “Just Stop” offers a mellow, introspective vibe, while “Make Moves” serves as a defiant response to critics questioning his status in the game. The second half of The Package, beginning with “High Tech Low Life,” showcases a rugged, focused lyricism. Tracks like “Beware Now” and “Band on Break” maintain the jazz-inflected production style, while “Night Stress,” featuring Steele, provides a gritty look at street life and rebellion. The title track closes the album on a celebratory note, signaling Buckshot’s continued confidence and ambition.
While his debut, The B.D.I. Thug, faced criticism upon its release, and Backpack Travels served as a solid entry, The Package feels like a significant step forward. It is arguably his most cohesive and musically superior solo work to date. For fans who have long awaited a project where Buckshot handles the production duties entirely, this album delivers. Lyrically, he sounds as sharp and vital as he did on 2019’s Rise of da Moon.
Score: 8/10