Buckshot, the iconic Brooklyn emcee and producer, has returned with his third solo studio album, The Package. As the frontman of the legendary 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 co-founded the influential Duck Down Music Inc., cementing his legacy as both an artist and an industry architect. Following his earlier work and the I’m the Boss EP, The Package represents a significant evolution in his solo discography.
The album opens with the self-produced “We Have Arrived,” a track that sets a sophisticated tone with a three-and-a-half-minute jazz-infused intro. This aesthetic continues on “Good Day,” where Buckshot leans into jazz-rap sensibilities to reflect on the atmosphere of his neighborhood. The project then pivots to a harder, boom-bap sound on “What I Bring to the Table,” before “Sounds of the Subway” reintroduces brass elements, firmly grounding the listener in the gritty, authentic New York sound that defined his career.
A Refined Artistic Vision
Throughout the middle of the record, Buckshot maintains a consistent, focused energy. “Just Stop” offers a mellow, boom-bap perspective on social commentary, while “Make Moves” serves as a defiant response to critics questioning his status in the game. The second half of the album, beginning with “High Tech Low Life,” showcases his lyrical endurance, with the artist noting that his pen remains as sharp as ever. “All Fans” further highlights his hunger, utilizing string arrangements to elevate his delivery.
As the album reaches its final act, “Beware Now” provides a cautionary tale, and “Band on Break” utilizes piano-driven production to address his recent absence from the spotlight. The track “Night Stress,” featuring Steele, explores themes of rebellion and the dangers of reckless behavior, while the title track closes the project on a celebratory, triumphant note.
The Verdict
While his debut, The B.D.I. Thug, was often met with mixed reactions, and Backpack Travels served as a solid entry, The Package stands out as his most cohesive and musically superior solo effort to date. For fans who have long awaited a project entirely produced by the Buckshot himself, this album delivers on every front. His lyrical performance is as sharp as it was on 2019’s Rise of da Moon, proving that his influence remains undiminished.
Score: 8/10