I simply cannot believe that this album is appearing in bargain buckets or on reduced shelves. It is so good it hurts!
Back in 1993 Hip Hop was changing tack. New York was always home of what is now the biggest selling type of music on the globe, but the West Coast was taking over thanks firstly to the gangsta rap of NWA then the G-Funk of Dre, Snoop Warren G etc.
But straight outta Staten Island NYC came the clan. They first dropped a 12inch single which appears on this album entitled Protect Your Neck. How a debut single can be this mature is hard to figure out.
The clan were 8 strong and all eight have their segment on this song, and it was the perfect introduction to their different MCing styles.
Then we saw the album and every song makes you gasp. The opening track "Bring Da Ruckus" is probably the best opening track in the history of music and perfectly describes what was to follow.
But in addition to these two tracks there are eleven more to assault your eardrums. There is not a weak one amongst them, But the oft quoted C.R.E.A.M. (Cash Rules Everything Around Me) has the sort of addictive rift that will have you rapping along in your sleep.
The MC skills differ from the high pitched Ghostface Killa to the gruff ODB who of course has since enjoyed solo success in the U.K single charts. In the middle there is the fast rapping of RZA and the sensational talents of Method Man who seems to guest on every rap combos output these days such is his stature in Hip Hop.
But it is the production that is a knock out. RZA has an obsession with Kung Fu and old martial arts movies and samples of these can be heard throughotu the album, together with the swishing of swords. Sounds wierd written down, but just listen and you will be amazed.
Wu-Tang have brought out two albums since this one and there have been numerous solo efforts, but this is really the standout and the performances of all their careers. In fact it could just be the best album ever written.
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This debut revolutionized hip-hop (and launched half a dozen solo careers), as much for ... more
The RZA's raw barrage of off-kilter, off-key loops and sound effects as for its elliptically violent lyrics. Martial arts--at least as they appear in kung fu movies...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Bring Da Ruckus Shame on a nigga Clan in da front Wu Tang : 7th Chamber Can it be so ... more
simple Da mystery of chessboxin' Wu Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing Ta F' Wit C.R.E.A.M. Method Man Protect ya neck Tearz Wu Tang : 7th Chamber - Part II Method Man (Skunk mix...
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Advantages: Incredible Lyrics, Rza Production usually intact, Nas and Redman Appearances Disadvantages: ODB is still MIA, Busta Rhymes, Too Much Cappadonna, Some Below Average or Horrible Tracks
bigdiship-hop 17.08.2004 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of W, The - Wu-TangClan
Advantages: Nice guest rappers like Ghostface and Raekwon turn up at AFTERPARTY and THE TURN respectively. Disadvantages: The lyrics from Method man are disgusting and the musical production is revolting! SAY WHAT?