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Name: The Wu-Tang Clan
Album: "Enter The Wu: 36 Chambers
Released: November 1993
Category: East Coast, Hardcore, Raw
Rating: 5/5
Reviewed By: Lord Smeely
There is no doubt, that the Wu, will always be hip hop's
most beloved crew. These energetic and gifted
Staten Island emcees have entertained us, rocked us
and fed us vivid images from the slums of Shaolin for
years now. Even through all the classic albums
this clan has put out, be it solo projects or group
LPs, one record will always stick out in my mind as
one of the greatest rap discs ever created.
What
"Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" brought us was straight
hardcore, grimy, New York City hip hop with no frills
attached. The first thing you notice on this record
is a lack of annoying pointless skits. Hip Hop
records are notorious for these types of filler tracks
and this record thankfully does not make that mistake.
Some entertaining kung-fu action
flick samples are incorporated throughout but they never
tire and serve as an entertaining break from the RZA's
trademark rugged beats. The only true skit is
a hilarious little piece where Method Man, with the
help of a few other clan members, introduces the listener
to each member of the Wu. Funny shit no doubt.
The
Wu-Tang Clan will always be known as some of the greatest
hip hop storytellers we've ever seen. Songs like,
"Can It All Be So Simple" and "Tearz" demonstrate this
art perfectly. They are probably the two slowest
songs on the album but they have a raw emotion that
is rarely seen anymore these days. The heart felt
ghetto tales they spit on these two tracks are even
more potent given the solid skills and charismatic delivery
every member of the clan possesses.
Songs
like, "Bring Da Ruckus," "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing
Ta' F' Wit" and "Protect Ya' Neck" are straight heat.
It's the Wu at it's best comin' with punches that would
put today's best battle rappers to shame. Ghostface,
Meth, Raekwon, and the rest bring some of the most heated
verses hip hop has ever witnessed throughout these songs.
Once again the lyrical prowess of each crew member shines
through on these tracks.
The
beats are all dope on this album and I can't recall
a track that is wack. My only complaint however
is that sometimes they become a bit monotonous, but
that is just me TRYING to find something I can be critical
about. The RZA hits you with nothing but straight
New York ghetto beats coupled with some creative samples
and kung-fu bits. Some very tight shit on this
album.
This
solid production, coupled with some of the most on point
lyrics you will ever find and the insane delivery of
a now jailed ODB, creates a ghetto opus of hardcore
rap that has not been duplicated to this day.
This is one of the greatest and most influential rap
albums ever recorded, as Wu-Tang truly did bring da
ruckus. Forget, "The W," or "Forever," or "Iron
Flag." If there is one Wu album, an essential
Wu album it's this one. If you don't have it yet,
cop it now, this is an essential record for any true
hip hop fan. - Lord Smeely
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