Bulletproof

Bulletproof is Hush’s major-label album, released on August 23, 2005, by Geffen Records. It was led by the single “Hush Is Coming,” featuring Nate Dogg.

The story

Hush signed to Geffen after years in Detroit’s independent scene, including his Da Ruckus work with D12 members. “Hush Is Coming” came out in spring 2005, ahead of the album. According to the Detroit Metro Times, Geffen later pulled its support amid the backlash against rap-rock, and sales fell well short of the label’s goal.

Sound and production

Jordan Schur was executive producer and Thom Panunzio handled A&R. Eminem produced “Hush Is Coming” and “Off To Tijuana,” with additional production from Luis Resto. Julian Bunetta produced much of the rest, and Beau Dozier produced “Real T.V.” Hush co-produced “The March” and “24 Hours” with Randy Lynch and Scott Sumner, and produced “Woodpecker” on his own. Guests include Eminem, Kuniva and Swifty McVay on “Off To Tijuana,” Bizarre on “Real T.V.” and Talib Kweli on “Let It Breathe.”

Legacy

The album debuted at No. 83 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. 39 on Heatseekers Albums. Reviews were mixed. A clean version of “Fired Up” appeared on the soundtrack of Need for Speed: Most Wanted.