8 Diagrams [Explicit Lyrics]

Wu-Tang Clan | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 11, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Explicit Lyrics
• Label: Motown / Universal
• ASIN: B000XQ1YPG
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (94 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #82,603 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

On Wu-Tang Clan's sixth album, 8 Diagrams, producer RZA still knows how to drop the bottom out of listeners' expectations. A minute and a half into opener "Campfire," for example, he abruptly switches keys just as the accompanying vocal downshifts from a melodic Curtis Mayfield sample ("Gypsy Woman") into Method Man's merciless first verse. From then on, despite the contentious instrumentals (Raekwon practically disowned the final product), RZA's never lets his fun get in the way of the MCs' speaking largely for themselves. Unsurprisingly, they still have a lot to say, though much of it treads firmly in the most stereotypical of hip-hop posturing: self-adulation, rough-edged with a syncopated litany of more or less violent, casually sexist bravado. Of course, those who tend toward hip-hop with a heart of gold would never be listening to the Wu anyway. Erykah Badu, John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers), and George Harrison's own son Dhani can't resuscitate "The Heart Gently Weeps," but then "Take It Back," "Wolves" (with George Clinton), and especially he timpani-pummeled "Weak Spot" show that even at loggerheads, the Wu still rocks an eccentric, charismatic funk. In the end, it seems, a gaggle of irreverent rappers this talented and volatile ages well almost in spite of itself. Keep 'em coming. --Jason Kirk

Product Description

This is the return of Wu-Tang! Their first studio release since the death of Dirty Ol Bastard; these superstars have returned...GZA, RZA, Method Man, Ghostface Killa, Raekwon, U-God, Inspecta Deck and Masta Killa, they're all here. "The Hear Gently Weeps" features Erykah Badu and is the first song to feature a Beatles sample! This is A MUST for true hip-hop fans. "The 8 Diagrams" comes with a bonus DVD!!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Grown Man Music, December 11, 2007

By 

Andrew Franklin (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 8 Diagrams (Audio CD)

After reading the mediocre reviews, hearing Raekwon and Ghostface disown the album, and seeing the mostly negative discussion regarding 8 Diagrams on message boards, I was prepared to be disappointed. I bought the album anyway because I love Wu-Tang, but my expectations were low.

So I came home, put it in the stereo, and prayed it wasn't too depressingly bad. I had no idea what I was in store for. The production on this album is simply incredible from start to finish. People have been calling it experimental...no, no. RZA's arrangement of somber chants, cascading guitars, rolling pianos, weeping violins, and ominous samples on this album is deliberate. He knows what he's doing, and he does it very well. The sound is dark and threatening, and beats switch up fluidly yet unpredictably. Anyone who really understands music will at least appreciate what RZA has accomplished, if not fall in love with it. I haven't been this excited upon first hearing an album since Stillmatic.

My biggest worry was based on people's complaints about the singing on this album. Let me say this: I HATE R&B hooks on Hip Hop songs with a passion. "Back Like That" was the worst song on Fishscale in my opinion. But the singing on 8 Diagrams fits the mood perfectly. It adds to the atmosphere without sounding corny or over the top.

This is grown man music, and I suspect this album is poorly received because too many people are expecting another 36 Chambers. That's what RZA tried with Iron Flag, and we saw how that worked out. Rae's complaint was that the fans are looking for punch-you-in-the-face music. This is creep-in-the-night-and-steal-your-soul music. Besides, I can't think of anything more punch-you-in-the-face than Unpredictable, and Inspectah Deck absolutely destroys that track with a verse reminiscent of his legendary Triumph break-out. Speaking of lyrics, all the members come correct here...even U-God is in top form. If 8 Diagrams is the last album from Wu-Tang Clan, which in all likelihood it is, it is the perfect closing chapter to their legacy, and a testament to the musical genius of RZA. Bong bong!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gun will go............, December 11, 2007

By 

Darth Maul "chi-town clansman" (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 8 Diagrams (Audio CD)

clack on weak MC's!!!! I read all the pre-reviews. I had doubts. I still went out to lunch to cop this. Man, do anyone know what REAL HIP HOP is anymore? This is fire. Nothing but. Grown hip hop just like NAS hip hop is dead. Gun will go is just unbelievable. I am 30+ I am going to be chanting that hook like a 16 year old. And Campfire, that is a way to kick off of the race. I think everyone is concern because they are not jumping around and screaming like they did in the 90's. C'mon now, neither is NAS, Jay Z, Scarface, even Redman. This is an unbelievable 'dark' album and I usually do not like all dark albums. This is an exception. It is also great that it was released around this time of the year. Get em out the way Pa had me about to drive in a ditch!!! I love it!!!! What a time to be a WU-Tang fan!! "WU-TANG,WU-TANG!!!! Keep it going brothers, R.I.P. to ODB.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 8 Diagrams Of The Sun, December 11, 2007

By 

Patrick (Old School) "I represent the old school" (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 8 Diagrams (Audio CD)

Now I am a huge Wu fan, always been, always will. And when i recieved my copy of 8 Diagrams yesterday I was not expecting a 36 Chambers or another Wu-Tang Forever. Because if I wanted to hear a remake of 36 Chambers I would just save my money and listen to 36 Chambers. So when you buy this album and you put it into your player, expect a new album, not an old one. Now lets get down to business. This albums production is experimental, but I dig it. Its different but still always have the Wu-Tang style martial arts cuts, and hard hitting beats. One thing thats absolutely perfect on this album (not suprising) are the lyrics, they kill it. Now if I had a complaint, it would be there are only a few stand out tracks, but the plus to that is there isn't a song that is bad, except maybe "Starter". The production might be different, but it's still 100 Percent Wu-tang flavor. And like RZA said, Wu-Tang Clan is a family, and family goes through quarrels, but at the end of the day, that's your brother, and Wu-Tangs always forever.

My Favorite songs:

Heart Gently Weeps

Take It Back

Rushing Elephants

Wolves

Gun Will Go

Sunlight

Life Changes.