Customer Reviews

W

5 star:		(82)
4 star:		(56)
3 star:		(29)
2 star:		(20)
1 star:		(13)

 

 

If you are new to the phenomenon of the Wu-Tang Clan, you might wonder how a group that only put out three albums in eight years survived in the fickle rap world. If you're not, you're probably one of those soldiers who went out and copped every Clan member's solo album; from the sublime (Ghostface) to substandard (U-God). There are even a few people inside and outside of rap music who fall between the cracks - people who know Method Man from his "N 2 Gether Now" duet with Fred Durst but otherwise don't follow the Wu or understand what it's all about.

To truly explain Wu-Tang Clan detail would take twice as long as this review; so maybe you can just take the writer's word that when "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" came out in 1993 it created a sonic landquake whose P and S waves still continue to sheer through hip-hop today. At the time, the Wu's thematic usage of martial arts and rugged (some said unmastered) production were a sensation - a wholly new sound. The dynasty it shook loose though has caused envy in the rap world and lead some to say their debut was a universal fluke that can't be recaptured; or worse still, that every Wu album (solo or group) since falls short of their original.

The double album "Wu-Tang Forever" in 1997 should have answered all of their critics, but heads are still wondering if they've got it. Clan leader RZA's response was to craft a new album which is supposed to be "back to basics" in rap skills and the Wu-Tang sound that first rocked the world. "The W" is the fruition of his efforts - he produced all of this album's thirteen tracks except for "Do You Really (Thang, Thang)." The album's lead single "Protect Ya Neck (The Jump Off)" even borrows it's title from the lead single of that landmark 1993 long player.

With this approach, Wu-Tang Clan is not necessarily trying to be innovative or revolutionary - yet on several levels the album achieves those goals anyway. "Let My N***** Live" is an ominously simple combination of tambourine, conga drums, and throbbing bass that is as deadly as a "fierce snake." Don't worry, the Wu-Tang sent special guest Nas by FedEx courier to calm things down on the joint. Equally as dark and twice as futuristic is the banging "Careful (Click, Click)" where the slumbersome Cappadonna manages to sound like he's flowing on beat and coming with the heat; although scene-stealer Ghostface quickly takes his shine. What may be the most surprising is the righteous dancehall reggae tone of "One Blood Under W" featuring Junior Reid, who also gets shine on the album's closer "Jah World." The latter is a mournful lament to black suffering; which suffers a bit itself due to the exact same sound (down to Ghostface's emotional rapping) appears on "I Can't Go to Sleep" with Isaac Hayes. Both tracks are quality but by occuring on the same album they lessen each other's power.

For a more traditional sound, heads fear not - there is plenty of down to Earth Wu-Tang s***. "Protect Ya Neck (The Jump Off)" sounds like an inversion of EPMD's "Rampage" beat and succeeds by keeping each member's time short enough to let the entire group literally jump off the track. For an equally classical Wu approach, the lead track "Chamber Music" has the Kung-Fu movie samples that fans of the Clan have come to know, love, and expect. The Genius a.k.a. GZA gets some nice shine time on this one with rhymes emblamatic of their new approach - simple yet complex.

Long time Wu-Tang Clan fans may at first be dismayed by the number of guest appearances (Busta Rhymes on "The Monument", Redman on "Redbull" and so on) but it does not dilute the pleasing sound of the whole Wu reuniting for another album. Even the chronically confused Ol' Dirty Bastard somehow managed to sneak an appearance onto this album on "Conditioner." Perhaps it's appropriate that he raps this song with Snoop Dogg; given that both have had their share of trial and tribulation with the law and the media. Even the heavily uptempo "Gravel Pit" seems appropriately Wu-Tang - falling somewhere between Method Man's high-octane "Judgment Day" and the supersonic speeds of OutKast's "Bombs Over Baghdad." And rest assured, the group's in-house (no guests) songs like "Hollow Bones" are as on point and high quality as would be expected. Inspectah Deck's verse here is just one of many lyrical highlights to be found throughout.

To say this album is a complete success would be a mistake; to say it was a failure would be even more of one. This writer finds that the album works best when considered as a combination of elements of "Enter the Wu-Tang" and "Wu-Tang Forever" - the parts that made each one come off hard and rock the spot. A few slow moments and missteps put dents in their armor, but RZA's production keeps their swords sharp and holds it together well. From Raekwon to Method Man, from Ghostface to Masta Killa, from The GZA to U-God, from the RZA to Cappadonna, from Rebel INS to Ol' Dirty - rest assured that "The W" is back.

Alright, I went out last night and bought this in freezing cold NY at midnight. It was worth it. My friend and I were on the subway laughing, knowing we were about to hear new Wu for the first time in three years. Now, for those of you expecting something like 36 Chambers you will be surprised. Unlike most hip hop acts, the Wu are driven by their producer. RZA has developed his style and has begun to transcend the traditional "limits" of the hip hop song. It was obvious by his work on Supreme Clientele, that he was not on the same "Wu-style" that had become so easy to recognize. However, I had no idea how far he was willing to go in his growth as a musician. The MCing on this album is also amazing. Rae, RZA, Meth, Nas, Red, and a little sprinkling of ODB's special blend of herbs and spices make for solid, solid mic work. The real standout (and , in my opinion, the sharpest in the whole Clan) is Ghost. GHOST HAS CHANGED THE RULES. Like RZA (on the production side), Ghostface has developed even further - he is miles ahead of ALL other MCs. His delivery is unorthodox by rap standards and far more expressive than the thuggy, monotone style employed by garden variety Mic Checkers. The version of The Jump Off is different than the single - it's better. Let My Niggas Live finds Nas Illmatic again (finally) and is probably his best song in years. Careful (Click, Click)is brutal - like mood music from some super grimy movie. I would do this track by track, but it would turn into me saying "bang" over and over. After only holding this for 16 hours, my favorites are Jah World, I Can't Go To Sleep and Hollow Bones. Conditioner may be the most interesting of all tracks, the listener finds a CLEAN AND SOBER DIRTY (it sounds like he actually wrote this down before recording) at the top of his game. In fact, one of my only gripes about The W is that Dirty is only on this one song(obviously this isn't by choice). The W is nothing like any other Wu product. It sounds like RZA did a solo album with guests all over it - there is no feeling of a group effort. This is a special album nonetheless - even the perpetually weak U-God sounds good! I know a lot of kids won't like this because it's so different, but MUSIC fans of every stripe will. If I wasn't still stuck on the new Sade and PJ Harvey albums, The W would be taking up residence in my CD player for an extended period with NO COMPETITION.

This album isn't as listenable as the past two, and there are a couple of reasons for this. The beat are different. I think that's the key. The RZA in most os the songs is experimenting with subtleness and harmonizing as well as creating a mood with his beats, instead of the typical things he's been known for thus far. That's good i think, but on some of the songs, it falls through because the lyrics aren't great on some of them. One song that it works great with is "Let My N----'s Live". featuturing Nas. Conditioner is the kind of song that will get stuck in your mind. The problem I have with that one, is that the lyrics are too loud for the beat and has too much bass in it...I think others will know what I'm talking about. "I Can't Go to Sleep" Is the most interesting thing I've heard the RZA do so far, but even in that, there is sloppiness that I can't really explain. Gravel Pit, you all know is nuts as well is The Jump off. So basically the album I think is a pretty half and half result, which is why I give it 3 stars. This is definitely one for people who are already fans of the music. Any new listeners will want to start from the beginning. "Enter the Wu Tang"

The Wu-Tang Clan returns on their third official album, The W. Unlike their previous album, Wu-Tang Forever, which was a sprawling two-disk set, The W is a single disk, thirteen song affair that still allows enough space for all the Wu's MC's to flow as well as include numerous guests. Method Man cohort Redman appears on the psychotic "Redbull" and reggae star Junior Reid provides his gruff styling on the Wu unity anthem "One Blood Under W" and the album's closer the hopeful "Jah World". Nas appears on "Let My Niggas Live" and Snoop Dogg trades verses with ODB on "Conditioner". Unfortunately due to his iron vacation, ODB could only provide his manic flows to the one track. "I Can't Go To Sleep" features Isaac Hayes and samples his powerful version of "Walk On By". The song is a great effort with a sultry rap from Mr. Hayes and impassioned verses from Ghostface Killah. RZA lays down some of his best beats especially on the tight "Hollow Bones" and "Do You Really (Thang, Thang)" which may be the best track on the album. All the Wu MC's, U-God, Method Man, Raekwon, Cappadonna, GZA, Inspecta Deck & Ghostface Killah, show why they are best crew in hip hop. The W is a great album and welcome release in a dry spell for hip hop.

After Wu-Tang released the successful "Wu-Tang Forever" album they came back 3 years later in 2000 to release another debut album called "The W". People were again, really hyped by for the album since "36 Chambers" and "Wu-Tang Forever" were such great albums. Some people were sort of not satisfied by the way this album turned out. A lot of RZA production, but people just didnt feel that whole vibe to it. Well I did, but ill break down and tell you what I think about this album

Lyrically, alright lets notice, they have already released two albums, meaning that we already know they can spit the hottest lyrics ever. This album does not fail lyrically. Every verse on the album is hott. They spit that real street sh** and what really goes on where they are from. Each member shines on this album! There really isnt much to say about the lyrics on this album except that they are still hott and they didnt fall off on this album like people said. Just read the lyrics while listening, they are complex.

Production wise, this is where people start to be like "What happened"? Well let me explain, I loved the production on the album. They sort of went back to a grimey sound again! I personally liked every beat on the album and im telling the truth. It kinda gets me when people say "Wu-Tang" fell off on this album. Explain to me why then ill talk with you about it, because they didnt. Which fell off, lyrics or beats? In my opinion neither. Some beats im really feeling on this album are "Careful", "Redbull", "Protect Ya Neck", "Let My Ni**az Live", "The Monument", "Gravel Pit". Those are all SICK beats!

Let me break it to you like this, if your new to Wu-Tang Clan, this album isnt for you JUST YET! Get "36 Chambers", then "Wu-Tang Forever" THEN THIS! Get them in order! Then you will undetstand their vibes and where they are coming from when making the albums! Out of all 4 Clan albums, this is the 3rd best one. Lyrics are great, production is great its all cracken. Only downfall, is that it seemed sort of short, maybe its because they just dropped a double album 3 years before "The W" came out. But get this album, its real WU material. So support REAL HIPHOP and buy this album!!! You have to check out "I Cant Go To Sleep" also, Ghostface and RZA drop MAD knowledge!!!

***SUPPORT WU-TANG CLAN AND REAL HIPHOP AND BUY THIS***

My Top 5 Songs
1.Redbull
2.Protect Ya Neck (Jump Off)
3.Let My Ni**az Live
4.I Cant Go To Sleep
5.Gravel Pit

The above title stems from The RZA'a proclamation on 1997's Wu-Tang Forever (Disc 2-"Bells Of War"), when he states "the next Wu-Tang album isn't gonna come out till 2000...It's gonna strike like a commet). After one listen to The W, you can tell that these cats were out to prove something: that they never fell off. Many fans say that The W is their most commercial album as a unit, but that doesn't really have to be a bad thing. For the first time, Wu-Tang experimented by adding special guest appearances outside of the Wu family (Redman, Junior Reid, Snoop Dogg, Nas, Isaac Hayes, and Busta Rhymes). The results were pretty good. The thing is that the fans wanted another 36 Chambers, and that can never happen because a classic can never be duplicated, but an artist(s) can always make another classic (but not the same type of classic twice). The W is not a classic but it is not a bad album neither. The sinlgles are hot: "Protect Ya Neck" (The Jumpoff), "Gravel Pit" featuring Majestic on the vocals (the same chick who appeared on Ghostface's "Cherchez LaGhost"), "Careful", and "I Can't Go To Sleep" featuring Isaac Hayes. The bad thing about the album is that ODB only appeared on one song ("Conditioner" featuring Snoop Dogg) due to the fact that he was incarserated at the time. The W met Wu-Tang's goals of accomlishment, as it went 2X platinum quickly, and got the mainstream and hip-hop fans alike talking about Wu-Tang again (which began earlier in 2000 after Ghostface released the classic Supreme Clientele). The Wu didn't return to their former spot as hip-hop's favorite sons, but returned to the top nonetheless. However, would they stay at the top for long? Stay tuned....

I've been listening to Wu Tang since they first came out~ i have all they're CDs and every solo job they did too~ and i m proud to say that this is The Tang's best work so far. The rymes are smooth,never choppy~like some of the other rappers~ but instead they flow steadily. If you like dark music~ like me~ it's a must you pick up this cd. Most of the songs are much darker and more violent than most other rappers. This a must for rap fans to get.

Peace out, vinnie

Wu-Tang Clan's third effort is an hour-long album worth every penny. RZA is once again doing the beats for the album. The beats are trademark great, short loops with samples, strange effects and also piano and violin sounds here and there in perfect combination as only RZA can. The W features also few guests who contibute nicely to the album. 'Conditioner' is the only track in the album featuring ODB as he teams up with Snoop. The chorus of the song sticks like a glue with ODB rhymin 'MC conditioner, U could never say this boy's a amateur'. One of the quests featured is good old Isaac Hayes who appers in my mind on one of the best tracks of the album 'I Can't Go To Sleep' mixing in perfecly with the Clan. There's also one extra track in the end of the album. Because the album is only an hour long, it's a tight package of Wu-Tang Clan at it's prime again. Definitely one of the albums of the year, if not THE album.

With such a long wait between records, almost 3 years in the case of the Wu, there's alway high expectations and anticipation. Will it be as good as the last record, or will it only prove to be a fluke? With The W, however, the Wu-Tang Clan reaffirms their stake as the best group in hip-hop. The thing that stuck me most about the record is that instead of trying to match their style to the kind of rap that's popular today, they remained true to the style that got them this far. Coming out with the club bangas "Protect Your Neck (The Jump Off)" and "Gravel Pit" automatically garnered attention for the record. On other tracks, like the sorrowful "I Can't Go To Sleep" and "Jah World", Ghostface and RZA prove that rap can still be a powerful expressive art form. Even in ODB's absense, the Clan still manages to get him on the record, most notably on the track "Conditioner" with Snoop Dogg, which showcases some of the craziness that he brought to the group. The haunting melody of "Hollow Bones" will keep you listening long after the cd gets old. RZA's production on the record shines through brilliantly. Returning as beat master, he mixes unconventional beats to match with the different styles of the Clan. There are a few places where the record falls short however. "Careful (Click,Click)" seems to have an overused beat and unispired lyrics, and "The Monument" would have been better had Busta Rhymes not been included. These are minor distractions however, and don't do much to detract from the album. If you are a fan of the Clan, or a fan of hip-hop in general, you owe it to yourself to buy this album. This is hip-hop at its finest, and hopefully newer groups will learn something from it. Wu-Tang Forever? You better believe it.

Ever since the last Wu classic, Ghost Face's "Supreme Clientele", where fans were introduced to a "new and improved Wu Tang style", the anticipation has risen for the clans return, entitled, "THE W." The opus begins with the banger; "Chamber Music" where Rza production blends in with Rae and Meth's blazin flux. On, "Careful (click,click)" Rza's beat bangs harder than Shaq in the post, and everyone comes correct, even Cappadonna. "Hollow Bones" is a great track, with Rae and Ghost doin it Cuban Link style. On, "Protect ya Neck II (the jump off)" and "Do You Really" the WU takes a more commercial approach, which is good and the rhymes are still hard and raw. There is one somber moment though, the cluttered "Conditioner", ODB's only appearance is a let down and Snoop does nothing for the track. The best gems of this raw diamond are; "Gravel Pit", "Let My Niggaz Live" (Rae and Nas tear this track up, and god this bumps), "The Monument", and the Redman/Meth/Deck "Redbull." Also, there is some major creativity where new songs begin after songs end, and the reggae enspired "One Blood Under W" is a certified gem. "I cant go to Sleep" is a very innovative and poignant track, in which GhostFace pours all his soul over the track and Issac Hayes (yes, you damn right) is dubious on the chorus. In a word this is better than "Wu Tang Forever" by a hair, and is the best hip-hop album since "Chronic 2001." WU WU WU WU WU.......