4th solo album. 5 years of waiting. Now we’re finally here, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2; sequel to the certified classic of the same name, without the 2 of course. Generally Hip-Hop and movies had a rule that sequels sucked, with the exception of a name few. As of late, both genres have found the ability to craft further extensions to an original story without killing the quality of what the original stood for.

If you’re a fan of Raekwon, then you’re aware of his status of storyteller supreme within the Wu-Tang Clan. You also might be aware of the 5 years of politics, pushbacks, label issues, etc that almost kept this from coming out. This very well could have gone the way of Detox or –sniffle- Crunk Rock; but it has finally made it to store shelves and true Hip-Hop heads are chomping at the bit. The Twitter buzz alone from heavy-hitters like Q-Tip and Fabolous to the educated Hip-Hop fan is ridiculous.

There’s not much more to say on this release other than it’s a put-up or shut-up proposition. Raekwon has shown the fire is still there with quality features over the past few years and despite the 5 year wait, the buzz surrounding this album is still there. Is the Chef serving up a quality follow-up to an all time classic, or was this better shelved? The wait is finally over nevertheless.

1. Return Of The North Star
Featuring Poppa Wu; Produced by BT
You can always count on a mean intro on any Wu related album and this is no exception. Beautiful horn and string beat here; a throwback to the blaxploitation flicks of the 70’s and I love it. Poppa Wu is spitting some real talk in his street preaching, then brings the comedy by trying to nab a couple of dollars during his motivation. Listen for it.

The preaching, and subsequently, the beat; fade around the last 40 seconds to give way to Raekwon plotting his hustle. It’s like coming down from a dream and realizing you got work to do to get to it. Definitely starting on the right track, let’s see what else we have in store.

2. House of Flying Daggers
Featuring Inspectah Deck, Ghostface Killah, & Method Man; Produced by J Dilla
A thumping drum pattern like only J Dilla (R.I.P.) knew how to do ushers in this track. The moment the Wu-Tang quote finishes to start this track, we’re thrown right into the track. Driven and unrelenting, save for a quiet pause here and there; you have 4 of the more lyrically-inclined members of the Clan getting into scary detail about what they’ll do to anyone standing in their way of getting a dollar. Again, what makes their spit different from a lot of rappers these days, I tend to believe them.

Nice group collab here and a great way to start the album at an energetic pace. Ghostface and Meth drop absolute show-stealers here; and it’s not like Rae and Deck weren’t trying.

3. Sonny’s Missing
Produced by Pete Rock
Now we bring the mood down a bit and Pete Rock laces a subdued, almost street noir type beat. It’s not meant to be overpowering and with good reason, you’ll miss the superb storytelling of Raekwon here as he gets into details about torture and murder that only experience could give you. Seriously, the initial torture of their victim is cringe-worthy alone…and they haven’t even gotten to the murder yet. Quality if for nothing else but the picture it paints, just be prepared.

4. Pyrex Vision
Produced by Marley Marl
UGH. I hate when a song is too short for it’s own good. The legendary Marley Marl hooks up a minimalist’s dream, light drums with a looped guitar chord. Raekwon proceeds to go into the anatomy of crack rock, in less than 58 glorious seconds. From stove to the dividends it yields, I only wonder if he had 3-4 minutes to relate this one and I find myself cheated he didn’t; especially with such an awesome beat.

Worth a listen, but the promise this track had is extinguished and snuffed due to how short it is.

5. Cold Outside
Featuring Ghostface Killah & Suga Bang; Produced by Icewater
Another throwback beat done quite well. Feels like one of those old school, “quiet storm” soul songs, complete with Suga Bang belting out the hook along with an intro verse to open the track. His worn, leathery voice adds to the street grit of this song. The beat may be beautiful, but the subject matter is not and a singer with a smoother voice would threaten to ruin the picture being painted.

Raekwon and Ghostface spit focused verses about the plights of the hoods they represent. Dead bodies, kids on drugs, senseless violence, and broken homes. Beautifully depressing is the best way I can describe this song. With the wrong artists, this would be a preachy track. However, the detail and emotion found in this track make it a worthy listen. Thumbs up.

6. Black Mozart
Featuring Inspectah Deck, RZA, & Tash Mahagony; Produced by RZA
Nothing wrong with the subject matter, just nothing particularly sticks out about this track. And I’m shocked to be saying this, but we stand at a RZA production that I’m not quite feeling. The track is almost too cartoonish in comparison to what we’ve heard before. May have been their intention to lighten the mood after such heavy subject matter, but it’s just not a particularly good attempt at doing so.

It’s merely okay and the album could have moved right along without it. Skippable. You’ll never miss it.

7. Gihad
Featuring Ghostface Killah; Produced by Necro
This song is pretty cool in the sense that it’s like a telling in the day of the life of Raekwon and GFK. Rae is telling stories of his cooking days, earning the title of Chef while Ghostface recalls the good days of easy living, womanizing, and having to fend off their jealous girlfriends. The beat is subdued in a series of them, showcasing the lyrical content of the players at hand. I wish the beat had more of those heavy bass breaks in between the ghostly “La La’s” and light drums. Definitely like this one.

By the by, Ghostface’s tirade at the end of this track is priceless, threatening to steal the track with something that’s not even a verse. Funny, funny shit.

8. New Wu
Featuring Ghostface Killah & Method Man; Produced by RZA
RZA’s back on track with this beat after the uninspired work he did on “Black Mozart”. This track is mad relaxed and the trio of Meth, GFK, and Raekwon works so well. I love how they’re representing the Clan, but don’t feel the need to yell and scream to make their point. Strong lyrics, good production, and the occasional call to throw your W’s up make this a left field Wu-Tang anthem that works. Thumbs up and strangely original in the delivery for the type of track it is. Everything just WORKS.

9. Penitentiary
Featuring Ghostface Killah; Produced by BT
The relaxation provided by the last track is turned on ear as a tense piano driven beat takes over. If Oz had a song written for it [without all the homoerotic undertones of course] I’d imagine it’d come off like this. Two prisoners who make you wonder who’s really running the jail at the end of the day. Crazy stuff, worthy listen as well.

A lot of rappers could take notice of the storytelling these last few tracks have had.

10. Baggin’ Crack
Produced by Erick Sermon
I feel like the Way Back Machine has taken us to 1980. This is the first beat I’ve heard by Erick Sermon and it’s as disciplined and old school as his flow. It’s nothing special, but it’s just throwback enough to get with. I’m amazed at how many stories The Chef has about the various aspects of the dope game, yet all of them remain interesting. He’s damn near the Hemingway of crack cocaine in terms of detail. Good song, wouldn’t say a standout, but a solid addition as we make our way through.

11. Surgical Gloves
Produced by The Alchemist
I love the rough synth of this track. Alchemist has given Raekwon a canvas for him to paint a picture of bragging and boasting that only crack cocaine could provide. Definitely a change of pace in regards to what else he has on the album, but there is no slack in his flow just because he gets boastful. Definitely worth the listen. Between the beat and the flow, a standout from this album.

12. Broken Safety
Featuring Jadakiss & Styles P; Produced by Scram Jones
I got excited when I saw this on the track listing and it fails to disappoint. Raekwon is the filling sandwiched between flows as raw as anything you’ve heard from P or Jada. The beat by Scram is like a patchwork of different sounds to create something wildly original and worth a listen. It’s like a rhythmic churning of an engine, but in a positive manner.

This is up North flow on display with no hooks and raw lyricism and I found myself bringing this one back plenty of times. You need this on your Zune, iPod, or whatever MP3 device you’re using. The only knock you can make on this is length. Wish there was a bit more. Among the best on the album by far. Styles P drops a verse that rivals the goodness he dropped for The Roots on their Rising Down album. What’s not to like about this?

13. Canal Street
Produced by Icewater
I love how grand and ominous this beat is. You get that feeling like something bad is going to happen. Icewater had to be a student of the game when it comes to producing soul music. I could see any of his beats being used on a 70’s crime flick and loving it.

What follows is a story about what happens when you go down the wrong streets in a dirty city. Again, I love the detail of the stories and examples given. That’s sorely missing in the rap game and they toss you into that atmosphere whether you like it or not, which makes for quality listening, ya dig? This is menace done correctly and I’m pleased at how well these tracks are coming together by this point in terms of production fitting the lyrics.

14. Ason Jones
Produced by J Dilla
A track in remembrance of Ason Jones AKA Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

ODB would be proud.

Seriously, touching track with a soulful J Dilla beat as Raekwon reflects lyrically on the man behind the ODB moniker. It’s crazy, because you almost find it hard to believe ODB is the same man that Raekwon is revering, but the sincerity in his flow is nothing but true. One of the most beautiful and human tracks of the album and any ODB fan would be commend this track. A great track in it’s own right.

15. Have Mercy
Featuring Beanie Sigel & Blue Raspberry; Produced by Icewater
I remember reading The Blueprint 3 and on the track “Real As It Gets”, it was mentioned that it felt more like a Jeezy track than a Jay-Z track. I will have to echo that feeling whereas this feels like a Beanie track as opposed to a Raekwon cut. Not a terribly impressive song at that. Beanie’s flow is back at the levels of the B.Coming, with a roughly introspective style of spit.

Despite that though, the song feels like it’s just…well…there. It’s not that it’s not trying to be good, but it just seems to lack the x-factor the other tracks on this album have brought. Blue Raspberry’s vocals are fine, but nothing blow away about them. Raekwon’s verse isn’t bad either; but this song just feels like a slow number for the sake of a slow number. I doubt you’ll miss it, but you can listen. I’d call it filler though.

16. 10 Bricks
Featuring Cappadonna & Ghostface Killah; Produced by J Dilla
If you own J Dilla albums the way I do, you’ll know that beat when you hear it and you’ll be glad it’s getting put to good use. More stories revolving around coke and the seedy dealings behind it await you; along with a little boasting of how well-connected their operation is.

Again, it’s the details and presentation that make these songs. He’s talked about cocaine for 3/4ths of the album and it remains interesting based on the features and the wordplay. Expect to remain entranced by the storytelling the way you have the past few tracks.

17. Fat Lady Sing
Produced by RZA
It takes a while for this track get going, they take time to establish the situation before Raekwon gets going. I’d call this more of an interlude track of sorts with a nice background beat by the RZA as Raekwon spins a yarn about selling on the wrong block and the consequences that come with it.

You can probably guess by the title how it all ends up. Short, but effective.

18. Catalina
Featuring Lyfe Jennings; Produced by Dr. Dre
The 1st of two Dr. Dre beats on this album and he fails to disappoint [WHERE’S DETOX YOU BASTARD!?!? –mad he missed the 7 year quota-] on this piano driven production. Has an almost island feel to it. Raekwon rides this with ease, letting you know what it takes and the motivation behind being a dope boy.

Lyfe is a welcome addition to the track and his hook duty evens out the smooth verses from Raekwon. I’m definitely feeling this track and Raekwon is showcasing his ability to ride all sorts of beats. A winner of a track and Dre is 1 for 2 on beats thus far. Glad he hasn’t lost a step.

19. We Will Rob You
Featuring GZA, Masta Killa, & Slick Rick; Produced by Allah Justice
Wow.

I’m loving this. The hook is a thugged out interpolation of “We Will Rock You” by Queen and although he may have used a moniker to craft this beat, Allah Justice is easily exposed as GZA after listening to how well crafted this beat is. The shit’ll have you nodding and watch for the “Across 110th” street sample that rears it’s head throughout.

All the flows here are so polished and this is a case where everybody comes through on their parts to craft an awesome track here. GZA is especially motivated and he always brings a party vibe to any track he’s apart of. One of the best of the album and good to see Rick, Killa, and GZA still at it.

20. About Me
Featuring Busta Rhymes; Produced by Dr. Dre
Two for two, Dre. Two for two.

Speaking of twos, Busta and Raekwon pair up quite nicely and I hope there will be more on the horizon for the two in terms of collabs. Not much rocket science to this track, just two rappers letting you know what they’re about, what they do, and what they WILL do if pushed. Definitely and no need to reinvent the wheel when the beat and lyrics are this well done. Thumbs up.

21. Mean Streets
Featuring Inspectah Deck, Ghostface Killah, & Suga Bang; Produced by Allah Mathematics
Wu-Tang’s resident DJ handles production on this track. The production is fine, but we’ve had Icewater already give a college course class on how these type of beats should be done. Suga lends his rough crooning to this track, not quite the home run like it was in his previous feature, but still good stuff.

All three break down what goes down on their streets, where not to cross, and what happens if you dare make enemies with them. Ghostface is especially unapologetic about what he’s got to do in his streets and if this track has a failing, it may be that the hook doesn’t quite seize you like other usages of it on this album. This may have been the place for a hookless flow, but a minor complaint.

22. Kiss The Ring
Featuring Inspectah Deck & Masta Killa; Produced by Scram Jones
I love when an ending track SOUNDS like an ending track, with all the fanfare that goes with it. Scram is responsible for another must listen of the album and this beat works because it’s so space age compared to everything else on this album. Captivating.

There’s nothing terribly deep about this, but given how long this album took and after listening to how well-crafted it was…you can’t help but agree that this is indeed Raekwon’s night and he has a lot to celebrate. It sounds like victory and it is well deserved by The Chef and all parties involved.

A fitting end to an album many thought wouldn’t happen. Kiss the ring, bitch.

Bottom Line:
Raekwon should be proud.

This album for all intents and purposes shouldn’t have made it out and should have been an afterthought in the changing landscape of Hip-Hop.

Not only is it out, but it upholds the stature associated with Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. This is a worthy sequel with only two songs of 22(!!) that don’t quite live up to stature. Forgive me if I love an underdog, but this album had every reason not to be good and here it is, holding up against anything out there on the shelves now.

This is quality Hip-Hop start to finish and albeit throwback in nature, injects just enough surprises and bucks against tradition to show you that The Chef, Wu-Tang, and a bevy of others aren’t prepared to go quietly while Hip-Hop gets bastardized. Loving the attitude and I’m hoping other artists are paying attention.

My only regret is this album being released against the pushed up Blueprint 3, which makes me fear how it will sell. But whether 1 or 1 milli, there is nothing to be ashamed of on this release and if anybody questions if the wait was worth it it, it is a resounding YES. No question.

Scratch “Black Mozart” and “Have Mercy” and you have a no-bullshit, quality track listing from start to finish. Here’s hoping Raekwon works up the nerve and fire to make this a trilogy. I don’t think I’m quite ready for it to stop here and I hope real fans of Hip-Hop feel the same way.

You need this in your collection. No question. This sequel doesn’t suck.

nappyPicks: “Broken Safety”, “New Wu”, “Kiss The Ring”, “Ason Jones”, “We Will Rob You”, “Pyrex Vision”, “Catalina”, “House of Flying Daggers”

Download: Raekwon – “Walk Wit Me” (UK Bonus Track)

Download: Raekwon feat. Ghostface Killah – “The Badlands” (iTunes Bonus Track)

With love comes jealousy. And a strong rise always leaves room for a rough fall. However, I never understood why Wu-Tang caught such strong hate after Wu-Tang Forever. It may have been over saturation of the market between the highly successful classic 36 Chambers; with the addition of successful solo efforts from the members as well. The concept of a group of strong rappers and producers creating superb group work then boosting their own singles cred was a huge success; a formula still flawed to this day due to ego.

As mentioned though, over saturation led to Wu-Tang only holding to a loyal fanbase; the climate of music and new artists taking the place of the Shaolin street sweepers. But why do people talk about the Wu like they can’t spit or something? 5 albums deep and quality material along the way. But if a good album happens and nobody listens…did it really happen?

There’s your philosophical question for the day, in the spirit of the Shaolin monk.

But it now leads us to Chamber Music, a compilation album endorsed by the Clan, featuring 5 [Inspectah Deck, Ghkostface Killah(!!!), U-God, Raekwon, and RZA] of the standing 8 members of Wu-Tang [We miss you ODB. I like it raaaaaaw too.] with two interesting concepts introduced by lead producer RZA, naturally. The first are features by a who’s who of NY spitters from Havoc of Mobb Deep to M.O.P; adding a fresh sound to the familiar Wu-Tang rhymes and beats we know and love. The second, a very welcome decision, is the use of LIVE instruments from soul band, The Revelations.

Despite the hate they catch, I was quite excited to hear about this release. Does this look to be another quality offering from a group not given enough credit for releasing them, or does this look to be a cash-in on a recognized standard in Hip-Hop? No subtitles for this one, but I’ll make my words clear and true on this.

1. Redemption (Intro)
Produced by The Revelations, Bob Perry, & Noah Rubin
The excerpt for this song makes complete sense when you think about it, featuring a old-time cinema intro for that feel of something epic. Military style drums and strings help set the tone of a disgraced warrior taking his last shot at redeeming the glory of his clan’s name. Beautiful way to set the tone of this album, the intro quite fitting. For those who know the Clan’s history, it resonates.

2. Kill Too Hard
Featuring Inspectah Deck, U-God, & Masta Ace; Produced by Gintas Junusonis & Fizzy Womack
Definitely feeling the beat. Sounds like one that Camp Lo would have hopped on with no question with the old school swag to it. Fortunately, the trio of rhymers know exactly what to do with this. All three move with a pretty brisk pace to the short track, but it’s a great way to start the album on an energized note. This is good ol’ fashioned NY street spit and there isn’t a thing wrong with that. Only gripe would be length, but that’s just nitpicking. Thumbs up.

3. The Abbot (Skit)
Featuring RZA; Produced by The Revelations, Bob Perry, & Noah Rubin
RZA kicks some knowledge in the form of an old Kung-Fu adage about an Abbot. The background music is ominous, another taste of what The Revelations can do. I’m ready to hear them on an actual song at this point. Worth listening to for the message.

4. Harbor Masters
Featuring Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, & AZ; Produced by Andrew Kelley, Noah Rubin, & Fizzy Womack
Enjoying the old school feel of the beats thus far. Nothing terribly complicated, just good drum patterns with the right elements added to keep them moving. Ghostface brings the bravado and wild metaphors, describing a level of lavishness on a Jay-Z level. Deck and AZ also tell tales of rocking the show and all the spoils that come with it. Nice cruising song or just something to vibe to. I can appreciate a track like this, with “swag” tracks that try to do too much. They express that point without all the fat. Frank Lucas style, ya dig?

5. Sheep State
Featuring RZA; Produced by The Revelations, Bob Perry, Noah Rubin
More proverbs from The RZA. Another ominous overlay by the talented Revelations. I wish he’d space these things out though. Especially at the start of the album! Can we hit them over the head with some heat first before all the window dressing? It’s not that he doesn’t have a point to what he’s saying…just very ill-placed.

6. Radiant Jewels
Featuring Raekwon, Cormega, & Sean Price; Produced by Andrew Kelley, Noah Rubin, & Fizzy Womack
Beautiful.

This makes up for that ill-placed skit. In a big way.

Raekwon bursts out the gate with a wonderfully gutter verse. It’s almost impossible for Cormega and Price to catch up, but they show no lack of trying. I cannot express the simple beauty of this beat. Drum pattern and a well placed string set. Classy. A stark contrast to the venomous words laid over it, but it all blends together perfectly.

Easily the best of this album thus far. The song lives up to the title and all parties involved should be proud. Why Raekwon doesn’t get more respect, I’ll never know. His verse alone could stand against the current heavy-hitters.

7. Supreme Architecture
Featuring RZA; Produced by The Revelations, Bob Perry, & Noah Rubin
Another RZA proverb. Another ill-placed time for it. Again, no problem with what he’s saying or what is backgrounding it. It just throws the flow all off. Moving on.

8. Evil Deeds
Featuring Ghostface Killah, RZA, & Havoc of Mobb Deep; Andrew Kelley, Noah Rubin, & Fizzy Womack
This team of Kelley, Rubin, and Womack is a blessing. They have yet to falter on the production and this is another standout. There production is the level of class that Rick Ross was going for in Deeper Than Rap; this team making it seem effortless track after track.

A seductively played piano backs a ominous drum pattern; Killah, RZA, and Havoc digging into a dark place to pull their rhymes, reveling in the sins they’ve committed while reminding you they’d gladly commit more. The piano breakdown mixed with RZA’s hook is also delightful. The track is engrossing and I’m simply amazed at how well they’ve brought this together. This trio of producers need more work and when they get it, they need rappers as skilled as the three that murdered this track. We have another standout.

Props to Havoc for dropping the first GOOD Twitter punch I’ve heard. “I ain’t wit that Twitter shit, nigga’s try to follow me.” Love it.

9. Wise Man
Featuring RZA; Produced by The Revelations, Bob Perry, & Noah Rubin
Copy and paste what I’ve said about these and keep it moving. Geez. We get it. Num-Yo-Ho-Renge-Kyo and all that jazz. More FIYAH please.

10. I Wish You Were Here
Featuring Ghostface Killah & Tre Williams; Produced by Bob Perry & Fizzy Womack
Warning you now, this beat is going to sound like an unfinished version of “I’d Rather Be With You” by Bootsy Collins. That is NOT a bad thing. Tre Williams belts a soulful hook to cater to this throwback; Ghostface’s stream of consciousness flow aiding to tell of a story of love lost. Tre takes the brunt work of the track, but Ghost simply NAILS it for the time he gets. I was NOT expecting a track like this from this album, but I am so pleasantly surprised.

I’m also impressed that rappers try tracks like this and get it ALL wrong. Meanwhile, Starky Love [Ghostface ya’ll, keep up!], Tre, and their producers make this such an easy exercise in spitting your feelings. This album is hitting a block of hot tracks ever since Radiant Jewels and I’m hoping it continues. Another keeper and a go-to for how to do love profession in Hip-Hop RIGHT.

11. Fatal Hesitation
Produced by The Revelations, Bob Perry, & Noah Rubin
The same as the RZA “proverbs” just without RZA and an extended Kung-Fu movie quote. I get the sudden urge to see the Adult Swim blurbs after so many of these. Moving on…

12. Ill Figures
Featuring Raekown, M.O.P., & Kool G Rap; Produced by Fizzy Womack & Josh Werner
Minimalist drums that compound harder where the hook should be. It’s intense, focused, and so are the rappers. It’s a stripped down hustle anthem, but done very well. No hooks from anyone and it backhands you with sudden metaphors and earnest real talk from all three. In a world of over-production, this is definitely refreshing to hear and I only wish it was longer. I definitely wouldn’t skip this and I am enjoying that the album is bucking a lot of hip-hop conventions in everything from layout to production. Another winner as the hot block continues for this album.

13. Free Like ODB
Featuring RZA; Produced by The Revelations, Bob Perry, & Noah Rubin
RZA’s earnest thoughts about ODB set to a crazy drum solo. Of all of these skits like this, this definitely would be the most touching.

14. Sound The Horns
Featuring Inspectah Deck, U-God, & Sadat X; Produced by Andrew Kelley, Noah Rubin, Fizzy Womack, Gintas Janusonis, & Josh Werner
I want to like this beat. I like everything about it but the obnoxious set of horns at the beginning and peak up in the song. You’ll know em’ when you hear em’. Otherwise, we’ve got some good old fashioned up North bragging, boasting, and smack-talking. I can’t say there’s anything bad about the track aside from that horn selection. It’s just a good track.

The problem is, it is merely good compared to so much great before it. Tough listening to this after that nice block of heat prior. On its own merits, perfectly fine; but the placement creates a quick dip for the streak the album is on.

15. Enlightened Status
Featuring RZA; Produced by The Revelations, Bob Perry, & Noah Rubin
I’ll take this time to say, the Revelations should have been used on a track. I feel they’re wasted just doing these skits when I can already think of some awesome ways they could have contributed to the previous tracks. Hell, imagine what they could have crafted left to their own devices? Oh well…you know what happens here. Next.

16. NYC Crack
Featuring RZA & Thea Van Seijen; Produced by RZA, Fizzy Womack, & Andrew Kelley
This would be at home on the Afro Samurai soundtrack I love this track. RZA’s flow is driven and this beat sounds like it was made in another dimension in the best way possible. Van Seijen adds another other-worldly quality to this track, her Dutch wail making for a left field hook the likes of which would be tough to forget. Haunting and a mash of elements that create something worthy of listen after listen. You just need to hear it.

17. One Last Question…
Featuring RZA
10 seconds. Someone asks RZA what type of Buddah he’d be. I would have rather they closed with a song, but oh well.

Bottom Line:
I am simply blown away at the QUALITY of this album. The production is top shelf and layered to give it a sound unique to anything you’d hear out right now. The rappers all bring the heat. Even when one of them outshines everyone else on a track [i.e. Raekown in "Radiant Jewels"] the others still turn in worthy efforts that aren’t phoned in. I listen to this and wonder why Wu-Tang catches the hate they catch. If it weren’t for the average, compared to what else is on display, nature of “Sound The Horns” and the ill-advised placements of the skits, this would be a perfect album that I would defend to the death for a 5 star treatment.

This is an album that was crafted by rappers sure of their skill. No need for over-production, over the top features, or other gimmicks. Listening to it and thinking more about the intro…I wouldn’t be surprised if everybody involved challenges themselves to go above and beyond what everyone was used to. I’m talking for not just the Clan, but Hip-Hop as well. They’ve bent conventions and crafted something daring. For the Wu haters out there; I dare you to deny this offering. It’s a CD that can be learned from and appreciated on many levels and I encourage fans of HIP-HOP to listen it.

The production team of Kelley, Womack, and Rubin deserves major respect for a hell of a coming out party production-wise. RZA, Ghostface, and the like spit as if they were unsigned; hungry to prove themselves. It brings an energy level and mastery of their styles that helps craft something elevated from the usual. No one should be ashamed of their contributions to this album…well…maybe RZA. A SKIT AFTER EVERY SONG MAN?! Geez.

Cut the skits and get straight to the music and you have one of the best albums of this year. I expected good, I was not expecting this. Go out of your way to give this a listen, Wu-Tang fan or not and you will get a glimpse of what skill mixed with sheer creativity can get you. The score would be higher if not for the broken flow due to the skits.

With offerings this good, I hope Wu-Tang lives forever. Haters be damned.

nappyPicks: “Radiant Jewels”, “Evil Deeds”, “NYC Crack”, & “I Wish You Were Here”

Download: Wu-Tang Clan feat. Raekwon, Cormega, & Sean Price – “Radiant Jewels”

Download: Wu-Tang Clan feat. Inspectah Deck, U-God, & Masta Ace – “Kill Too Hard”

Damn, you know January/February is slow for Hip-Hop when we reviewing anime soundtracks. But hell, it is a Hip-Hop album. There are no scores from the movie either: just short, 45 second skits included in the tracks, so it’s a straight up, no nonsense Hip-Hop album. After The RZA’s last Afro Samurai soundtrack released two years ago, I was disappointed: there were maybe 5 or 6 hot tracks out of a 25 song album. But after hearing some of the tracks off of the new soundtrack, I was hooked. Plus I saw I got some of you guys on the site interested (916-ness has that new avatar, MaCK and Ebb said it was dope, etc.). Let’s see what The RZA put together this time.

Combat
RZA & P. Dot
After a quick introduction from Samuel L. Jackson playing Afro Samurai, the beat drops, and it’s hot. P. Dot’s hook is “So many times I had to sneak up on a nigga with my finger on the trigger like, like I’m pulling out my sword, this is combat man this is war.” That’s too hot!! The RZA also goes in pretty well also, nothing really notable, but at the same nothing bad. This is the song that starts everything off, and it does the job perfectly. They been playing this all on the trailers for a reason: this is the song that got me interested in the soundtrack.

You Already Know
Kool G Rap, Inspectah Deck, & Suga Bang
The RZA pulls out a Caribbean style beat on this one, and man, is it infectious. The hook is kind of weird, but after you hear this song, you’ll be singing it too. Suga Bang’s Caribbean style hook is too good on this. Inspectah Deck and Kool G Rap both turn in respectable verse for a solid song. I’m really feeling this song, can’t believe they didn’t use this in the movie!

Blood Thicker Than Mud “Family Affair”
Reverend William Burk, Sly Stone, & Stone Mecca
This song is kind of a slower rap song, but still hot: “It’s a family affair…” and William Burk turns in some hot verses on this one. Hell, you even got backing vocals and singing from Sly Stone from the famous soul band and Stone Mecca from the last soundtrack. Nice! This wasn’t used in the movie, but I guess that’s alright because I don’t see how it would fit. I’m liking this track, it’s not as good as the last two, but still good.

Whar
RZA, Kool G. Rap, Ghostface Killah, & Tash Mahogany
This song is fire! It’s just 4 minutes of lyrical onslaught on this one. Crazy! Ghostface definitely goes the hardest on this track out of all of them, even though all of them turn in great performances. This definitely a great, standout song on the album, I can’t believe this wasn’t in the movie either! This woulda made it much better.

Girl Samurai Lullaby
Rah Digga & Stone Mecca
This song focuses on the girl samurai of the movie, Sio, voiced by Lucy Liu. Stone Mecca’s crooning on the track sounds perfect for this track. Rah Digga is also coming hard on this; she’s really aggressive for a girl. This was used in the movie and it fit perfectly with the theme, showing Sio as a young girl meeting the teenage Afro Samurai for the first time. A good addition to the soundtrack.

Fight For You
Thea Van Seijin
I forgot to say that the album switches up to R&B a lot of the time. Here you got one of the sickest soul singers out there on a song just pouring her soul on the track. This was also in the movie. Even though it involved the villains from the movie, Sio and Jinnosuke/Kuma, the track displays so much emotion, it really makes you feel what they are going through and why they are doing it. Another great track, not really so much standalone, but it works well in the movie.

Bitch Gonna Get Ya
Rah Digga
Damn! This track is 3 minutes of just straight lyrical assault from Rah Digga. She might be the next Queen of Hip-Hop, no doubt; she just gonna get back onto the scene. Digga continually uses clever couplets to flow from clever punch-line to clever punch-line. This track wasn’t in the movie either, but it definitely shoulda been; Sio is one lethal samurai, and this woulda been perfect for her. But it works as a standalone track, so it’s all good.

Bloody Days Bloody Nights
Thea Van Seijin & Prodigal Sunn
This song shoulda been a LOT longer. It’s really hot, but it’s less than 2 minutes long! Thea delivers an amazing hook over this dark and brooding track. Prodigal Sunn’s rapping is aiight, nothing major, but he doesn’t hurt the song either, so it’s aiight. I think this was in the movie, but I don’t really remember. Either way, this is hot.

Kill Kill Kill
Monk
The hook is kind of a whisper like track: “Kill Kill Kill: Afro Samurai…Die Die Die: Afro Samurai…” Awesome! The track in the back is kind of triumphant, which contrasts with the lyrics, but it’s nice. I liked the way they used it in the movie too: the family members of some of the men Afro killed in the beginning of the movie decided to try to battle him…you can guess the results. This fit with the movie well, I’m feeling it.

Nappy Afro
Boy Jones
Oh snap!! A shoutout to our site? Eh…not quite. I guess every album has to have a dud, and this is it. Boy Jones is going crazy on this one. I can’t believe this one was in the movie but the other ones weren’t! Here’s the hook: “I’m still gettin’ busy with my Nappy Afro/ My, my, my Nappy Afro…” Nah, just ain’t feeling it. I will say this; in the movie it was actually good. The DJ pulls out a Record with the name “Destroy All Afro Samurais” and this is what plays out of the loud speakers while 100s of soldiers attack Afro. Still, this ain’t doing it for me: first dud.

Bloody Samurai
Thea Van Seijin, Black Knights, & Dexter Wiggles
Damn! The RZA knows how to recover from a dud. This song is the shit! Thea killed this hook as usual, putting even more emotion on this track. The Black Knights and Dexter Wiggles jump on this instrumental and absolutely bury it! Did I forget to mention the beat on this is cold as hell? This just might be one of the best songs on the album. Not sure if they put it in the movie, but who cares? Check this out! And by the way, why isn’t Thea on more hooks? Girl can SANG!!

Dead Birds
Shavo Odadijan, Killa Priest, & Prodigal Sunn
This song is pretty hot, but its pretty short. Still, everybody on this track kills it: Shavo’s singing on the hook, not bad, not better than Thea, but still good. Both Killa Priest and Prodigal Sunn are both killing it on the track, I’m liking this a lot. I would bang it more, but it’s really short, so I don’t. This wasn’t in the movie, but whatever, no loss.

Arch Nemesis
Ace & Moe Rock
The song leads off with a quote from Sio: “Do you remember me? I remember you…” Then the two of these dudes go in and turn in solid performances; sometimes I think if The RZA wasn’t so good with beats, I wouldn’t be interested in any of these songs. This wasn’t in the movie, again, no loss. It’s just ok.

Brother’s Keeper
RZA, Infinite, & Reverend William Burk
The RZA comes back to rap on this track, and he and William Burke do a good job with Infinite showing he’s got a good set of pipes. The beat that The RZA turns in here is again consistantly excellent, and I can’t believe this wasn’t in the movie, seeing how Sio is pretty much Jinno/Kuma’s keeper. But I’m not sure how this would fit.

Yellow Jackets
Ace & Moe Rock
The duo makes a quick return for this one. This is a REAL dud. The RZA’s beat takes a bee’s buzzing and tries to make it sound ill, but because it happens at the end of everyline, it just gets annoying and takes away from the lyrics. But the duo isn’t really saying much, so this is a SKIP!

Take The Sword Part III
60 Second Assassin, Leggezin, Crisis, Christbearer, Monk, Tre Irie, Beretta 9, Bobby Digital, & Reverend William Burk
Damn! Look at all the features on this one! Not to mention this track is TEN MINUTES LONG…I’m not gonna lie: it’s ten minutes of straight fire, but its just too much to listen too. How many times are you going to listen to a 10 minute song? Damn…this is another dud because it’s too long. The other “Take the Sword” songs from the last OST were fire and like 3-4 minutes long, and those were like the best tracks off the album. I just can’t listen to this, even though I do like posse-cuts…don’t even ask if they put this on the movie. SKIP!!

Number One Samurai (Afro Season II Outro)
RZA & 9th Prince
This is the song they used to close out the movie; this one was also on the trailers for the DVD releases. The RZA hops on this one with 9th Prince. This song is hot; the beat here is again CRAZY! Even though the hook is simple on this one, it’s tolerable because of the beat. Check this one out, it’s great.

Bottom Line:
The RZA learned from his mistakes last time: don’t put too many R&B tracks on the album, cut the scores off, and put on some real, raw Hip-Hop. I think he accomplished all of those goals on this project. The songs on the album fit for the most part with the movie. You can listen to each one and think of a particular scene from the movie. Overall as soundtracks go, this is hot. You definitely wouldn’t expect this from an anime television show. If you want something hot to bang in your ride or even something slow you can chill to, this has a bit of everything.

nappyPicks: “Combat”, “You Already Know”, “Bloody Samurai”, “Whar”, “Number One Samurai”, & “Kill Kill Kill”

Download: RZA, Kool G. Rap, Ghostface Killah, & Tash Mahogany – “Whar”

While Hip-Hop used to be his only hustle, now RZA is making more noise in Hollywood with his sound. However he hasn’t forgot about his fans. Dropping his fourth solo album, Digi Snacks, RZA looks to capitalize on the shaky market. RZA already has a Platinum and Gold plaque for two previous efforts; can he strike Gold again with Digi Snacks? *All tracks produced by RZA except noted.

Digi Snacks (Intro)
The albums intro starts off with some cinematic production; it seems to tell a story from just the music. Nice beat and RZA just rides the wave for the intro. GOOD START.

Long Time Coming
Once again Bobby drops a gem on the production side with this one. The lyrics are on point (for RZA) and I’m really feeling this one.

U Can’t Stop Me Now
Featuring Inspectah Deck
RZA puts together a bluesy “juke joint” sounding beat and immediately I start thinking about Kill Bill. RZA and Deck are in storytelling mode but RZA shines on Deck on the song detailing their lives in a verse.

Straight Up The Block
Produced by David Banner
Your eyes aren’t deceiving you; yes that’s RZA and David Banner. RZA changes his voice on the track, no not the T-Pain thing, like when Nas did his thing. RZA actually flipped it like a Southern cat! I like it, its fun, and I know some Wu fans aren’t going to dig this!

Booby Trap
Featuring Dexter Wiggles
The production continues to be top notch so far, but I must say the hook on this one is SICK! This song is crazy! RZA’s sample and the tone that Dexter Wiggles uses are NUTS! BANGER!

Try Ya Ya Ya
Featuring Monk & Thea van Seijen
Once again you get classic RZA production on this one with a thumping beat, some drums and a nice loop. What I like about the song is the way RZA’s unorthodox flow fit well on the track. HOT!

Good Night
Featuring Rev. William Burk, Crisis, & Thea van Seijen
I kind of like the beat on this one, the hook is kind of dreamy, but the production brings it through for RZA more often than not. The other rappers just seem to ride along without saying anything major.

No Regrets
RZA shows his versatility on this track where he speeds up the flow and even does the Jay-Z “whisper flow” on the song. My favorite line “godfather like Brando, you can download my flow on your iPod nano!” This might be another one of those ones that the Wu faithful might skip, but it’s different for Bobby.

Money Don’t Own Me
Featuring Monk; Produced by Stone Mecca
This song is screaming for ODB! The production is on the blunted side, and the lyrics are decent on the track. This isn’t on the must see list, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad.

Creep
Featuring Black Knights, Northstar, Thea van Seijen, & Dexter Wiggles; Produced by King Tech
I like the hook a play off a nursery rhyme that goes over well with the casserole beat (meaning a lot of different elements.) But Bobby steals the show with this line in my book, “Bobby covered in ice like its Frosty the Snowman/ you suckers is useless like old New York tokens!” Everybody that rhymed on this one brought the wood! BANGER!

Drama
Featuring Monk & Thea van Seijen
This is a tight song right here. Once again Thea’s vocals are on point, and Bobby and Monk are talking about the ups and downs of life. If you listen to the beat, it’s like RZA incorporated every sound he had in the background! GOOD SONG!

Up Again
Featuring Beretta 9, Rev William Burk, George Clinton, & El DeBarge
The track has a very simple beat, which is a change from all the other tracks on the record. One thing I don’t like is the talking where the hook is supposed to be. Nothing major here, even with the big names on the track.

Put Your Guns Down
Featuring Star
This is the first song I had to hit SKIP on! The beat is by far my least favorite on the whole album. The hook isn’t as good as the other ones. SKIP!

Love is Digi Part 2
Featuring Beretta 9, Crisis, & Thea van Seijen
Wow, Bobby dropped back to back duds! This song is very different than the original. Thea’s vocals get old, but this song is totally boring. NEXT!

O Day
RZA takes it back to the old days “dododododo” (digital sound) with this one. If you like that style, then you will dig this one. He even called ODB the GOAT at the end of the track. HOT!

Don’t Be Afraid
The production is back on the song, and Bobby gives us his classic flow and magical samples. This is Bobby at his best. What a way to close out an album, even though it’s a bonus song. BANGER.

Bottom Line:
When I was first asked to do this, I thought about the whopping I took about the Killah Priest review, so I went in with an open mind, and RZA put together a good album. Even first time listeners will be able to digest RZA’s fun but at times razor sharp lyrics. This album impressed me with the production, not that I thought that RZA didn’t have it, but I forgot that he used to be the dopest in the game. So if you want to experience a good album with STELLAR production, pick up Digi Snacks. This album will satisfy the average listeners even to the diehard Wu faithful.

nappyPicks: “Booby Trap”, “Creep”, “Try Ya Ya Ya”, “O Day”… I have to be honest you need to cop this!

Download: RZA feat. Dexter Wiggles – “Booby Trap”