Liquid Swords - Genius/GZA

The Gza, also known as the Genius (This is exactly what he should be known as) brings us, in my opinion, one of the best albums in wu history. The most lyrically gifted member of the Wu-Tang Clan, with intellectual, hard hitting rhymes, put together in a compelling way. This album will make even the most anti-hip hop of people sit down and listen. (Then get up to shake bootie and appreciate).

So at a steep price of £13.99 (HMV) is ...
...YES! With 13 tracks, most with the Kung Fu/ Shaolin theme, with sound clips from movies and vocals that make this CD so enchanting, there is always a good moment to listen to the sounds of the original GZA.

This album is now over 10 years old, produced by the RZA for Wu-Tang productions back in 1995, but it is as much the classic now as it was back then. The Wu-Tang being the foundation for Hip Hop as it is today (though following ... more

The Gza, also known as the Genius (This is exactly what he should be known as) brings us, in my opinion, one of the best albums in wu history. The most lyrically gifted member of the Wu-Tang Clan, with intellectual, hard hitting rhymes, put together in a compelling way. This album will make even the most anti-hip hop of people sit down and listen. (Then get up to shake bootie and appreciate).

So at a steep price of £13.99 (HMV) is this CD really worth it? The answer is undoubtedly YES! With 13 tracks, most with the Kung Fu/ Shaolin theme, with sound clips from movies and vocals that make this CD so enchanting, there is always a good moment to listen to the sounds of the original GZA.

This album is now over 10 years old, produced by the RZA for Wu-Tang productions back in 1995, but it is as much the classic now as it was back then. The Wu-Tang being the foundation for Hip Hop as it is today (though following in the footsteps of greats such as NWA and Public Enemy).

Each Track on this album has an originality of it's own but still following in the 'theme' of the whole CD. Other members from the Clan feature in some of the tracks, just enough to add variety but still letting the GZA take the forefront.

1. Liquid Swords:
Wow, what a start to this CD. With a bouncy base line and smooth rapping that's bound to get anyone's head bobbing. I really like this song especially as it's the title song for the album.

2. Duel of the Iron mic:
'Oh mad one, we see your trap. You can never escape. Submit with honour to a duel, with my son.' The Shaolin voices give each tune a great intro and really set the mood so to out it of each track. This track isn't one of the best music wise but lyrically it gives you just what you need!

3. living in the World Today
This track I really like. It is very powerful with both great beats and raps. Featuring Method Man and a couple other members from the clan.

4. 4th chamber
This tune is even angrier with dark beats and even darker raps. Featuring
U-God, Ghostface and Raekwon.

5. Cold War
'I had a bad Dream'. 'Don't be afraid, bad dreams are only dreams, what a time you chose to be born'. The beginning of this track has a slight whiney sound to it but once the base kicks in with GZA and his hard raps, it turns into a great tune.

6. Labels
I like this track but I always feel like I'm waiting for it to kick in properly. Not one of the best on the CD.

7. Hells Wind Staff:
OH YES!!!WHAT A TRACK!!! No doubt the best track of the album. The beats, the loud angry lyrics rapped smoothly together. 'Why is the sky blue? Why is water wet? Why did Judas grad the Romans while Jesus slept?'………' I judge wisely, as if nothing ever surprise me'. Lyrically genius.

8. Shadowboxing
Another classic! Featuring more Method Man. The beats are tranquil but still with powerful lyrics and a class bit of scratching!

9. Killah Hills 1034
A great intro brings you into the bounciest of all the tracks on this CD. Raping about Drug dealing in the hood (but rapped a lot more cleverly) you need the base blasting out on this one!

10. Investigative Reports
This is a fairly trancey tune with outstanding lyrics and great voice overs. Still as angry as all the others. Basically it's about crime and murder.

11. Gold
This one is probably the only track I'm not too keen on. It sounds quite messy with too much going on behind the rapping. Different base lines giving you a bit of a headache!

12. I Gotcha Back
'I gotcha back but your best to watch your front'. Lyrically superb, but the music is still pretty messy!

13. BIBLE (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth)
I find this track quite uplifting. The heavy base with light piano playing gives a good sound. Even the rapping seems peaceful (in a heavy hip hop way.) A great end t a great album.

So to conclude if you haven't heard of this album, why not? If you've heard of it but haven't bought it, double why not? No one will be disappointed with this album, it's a must for all collections!

PRAISE TO GZA AND THE WU_TANG CLAN!

PEACE!!

 

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