Beneath the Surface [ENHANCED] [EXPLICIT LYRICS]

Genius

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 29, 1999)
• Original Release Date: June 29, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced, Explicit Lyrics
• Label: Fontana Mca
• ASIN: B00000JHD7
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (112 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #30,035 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

While the Genius continues to slice through resistant mentals with his liquid sword rhyme schemes, his sophomore album is the first clear sign that Wu-Tang's pre-eminence may be waning. Without Bobby Digital working the track wizardry, Beneath the Surface is an odd amalgamation of RZA-wannabe tracks (courtesy of the Arabian Prince and Mathematics) that are starting to sound more and more like Swizz Beats every day. Gza's rhyme assaults still pack a wallop, but his album shows wear at the seams, bulging with impossibly high ambitions and uneven execution. Songs like "Breaker, Breaker," "Publicity," and "Hip Hop Fury" still burn hotter than Sahara summers, but it's not enough to help the entire LP catch fire. --Oliver Wang

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not that bad, read on, October 21, 1999

By A Customer

Alright, I've been seeing a lot of reviews criticizing this album, and frankly I find this surprising. Contrary to what Oliver Wang says, the production on this album is great, with beat-makers Arabian Knight, 4th Disciple, and Mathematics greatly outshining the RZA. Really, I think RZA is starting to fall off as far as production goes (by the way Wang, Beneath The Surface is GZA's third album, not his second). Now back to the production: it mainly consists of pianos, strings, violins, etc., which is on the completely opposite side of the spectrum as commercial hits such as Swizz Beats (check out 1112 and Victim to see what I mean). Inspectah Deck comes nice with the beats too on the album's title track. Overall I think this production is great. Lyrically, GZA shines with his thought provoking metaphors and delivery. The only problem I have with this CD is the length of the songs, some of them are cut too short. Overall this album is great, I'd say the fourth best Wu album ever (1. Liquid Swords 2. Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 3. Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version). Everyone should definetly give this album a chance.

- Nick (All comments and reactions are welcome).

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Genius's ingenius masterpiece, April 29, 2004

By	The Djeli (Ile Ife, Nigeria) - See all my reviews

Alot of people would argue with me for considering "Beneath the Surface" to be Genius's best work to date. His flow is just as well executed as "Liquid Swords" yet his lyrical content is decidely more mature and enlightening than the previous album. The gritty braggadio and war stories are replaced with a more complex focus on reflection and analyzation. The production, though Rza is phenomenal in his own right, fits the refined mentality of the Genius. In the place of hard breaks and chaotic atmosphere are lush strings and dark contemplative beats that act as the background for this prolific album. Genius's lyrics have never been more lucid or progressive as displayed on this masterpiece of an album.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the best of the best..., November 9, 2005

By	.jOshua:. "illuminated neophyte, horchata con... (Fortified Compound, CO) - See all my reviews

I am a long time head and this album hits a spot few others can reach. Consistantly dark, atmospheric, and brilliant, Beneath the Surface is strong in the running for my favorite album of all time, all genres. Indispensable. Daily play for months and months has not diminished my respect for this one. Even the admittedly lame skits don't really hurt it. I played this one out like the first Bobby Digital, multiple listens daily for a looong time. Liquid Swords is incredible too, and a must but I like this one a little more. Legend of the Liquid Swords I could not feel at all, even after repeated listenings. It just doesn't have that same darkness... GZA reigns supreme and this is his crowning glory.