Every time the legendary, all conquering Wu-Tang Clan release new material the expectation is colossal. Ever Since they launched themselves and changed the game forever with “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)”, the “Clans” material has been minutely dissected by fans and press alike to see has it matched up to the uniqueness and all-encompassing brilliance of that debut epic, or as has sometimes been the case is it yet another overly self-indulgent patchwork of inconsistency.
Whether this new album can actually be added to the collective back catalogue is a matter for debate given the absence of Masta Killa and GZA, but what is clear is that “Legendary Weapons” is a very apt title as the notorious W.T.C once more climb to the top of the pile using the skills and the tools which have made them kings of the hill for years.
Whilst maybe not totally matching up to the initial promise of “36 Chambers”, “Legendary Weapons” is a mesmerising and welcome return to everything that makes this group so unique. Pointedly aggressive, unashamedly artful and incorporating a now trademark use of soulful beats and quirky samples the album it seems is as invigorating to the artists as it is to listener as with each track you get the sense that this is what comes naturally to them .
Without going through a track by track run down, you can listen and choose your own stand out, the pick of the mix lyrically and performance wise are unsurprisingly the usual suspects in Ghostface Killah and Method Man with up and coming “Clan” man in waiting Trife Diesel more than holding his own in an album dotted with superb guest appearances and performances.
Essentially this album delivers what all Wu Tang Clan fans find so appealing, it is gritty and wet without being amateurish and is delivered with experienced hands that have re-embraced a natural talent and are able to showcase that talent with an air of relaxed nonchalance born from years of being top dogs who always knew that when they eventually returned to the default setting everything else would kind of pale in insignificance.
“Legendary Weapons” is due for release on 25th July.
Album Tracklist
1. Start the Show (feat. Raekwon and RZA)
2. Laced Cheeba (feat. Ghostface, Sean Price, and Trife Diesel)
3. Diesel Fluid (feat. Method Man, Trife Diesel, and Cappadonna)
4. Played By the Game
5. The Black Diamonds (feat. Ghostface, Roc Marciano, and Killa Sin)
6. Legendary Weapons (Ghostface, AZ and M.O.P.)
7. Never Feel This Pain (feat. Inspectah Deck, U-God, and Tre Williams)
8. Angels Got Wings
9. Drunk Tongue (feat. Killa Sin)
10. 225 Rounds (feat. U-God, Cappadonna, Bronze Nazareth, and RZA)
11. Meteor Hammer (feat. Ghostface, Action Bronson, and Termanology)
12. Live Through Death
13. Only the Rugged Survive (feat. RZA)
14. Outro
