Who that?: The GZA is probably the most revered member of the Infamous Wu-Tang Clan. After one forgettable rookie solo offering (Words From A Genius), he came back strong with a bonafied, arguably the Wu-Tang's strongest album to date, "Liquid Swords". What vibe?: The GZA, seems only interested in delivering lyrical blows into the ears of the listeners, whether it be complex battle rhymes, or gritty street tales. This album is completely devoid of nonsense, just pure hip hop from beginning to end. Good News: Well, first of all, it's the GZA, so you know some gems will be dropped lyrically, but the best news is how well this album comes off sonically. I thought that once the RZA started taking more of a backseat role in the production field, the Wu's production started to drop off immensly, and RZA, not staying sharp, in turn lost some luster on his beats (just a theory). I think its greta to see some producers besides the RZA deliver some not mediocre to good beats (4th Disciple and True Master), but great beats. Props to Mathematics, John the Baptist, and Arabian Knight (who did the nice Breaker, Breaker jawn). Also, I was very impressed by Wu newcomer, female MC Njeri. She really shined next to GZA on this album, which is no easy task. Bad News: Once again, just as is the case for most Wu albums, there are too many guest appearances. Some worked (Njeri, Killa priest), some didn't (Meth, Hell Razah, Ol Dirty). Track by Track commentary: 1) Intro: Exactly what the title says.....no silly role playing skit, just a voice telling us what's going on, with a dope little beat afterwards. 2) Amplified Sample: Nice rugged beat, complete with some hard knocking drums, and some filthy strings, with the GZA kicking a ridiculous, Rakim-esque braggadocio rhyme. Incredible start. 3) Beneath The Surface ( f/ Killa Priest and RES): Another incredible beat concocted by the Rebel I.N.S. himself, featuring soulful strings and nice piano sprinkles throughout. Very nice, smooth, jazzy sounding hook by a female singer, who added a relaxing touch to this smooth yet rugged song. Another really nice song. 4) and 5) Skits 1 & 2: Two well done skits..... you hear me? I said well done SKITS! 6) Crash Your Crew ( f/ Ol' Dirty Bastard): INCREDIBLE! Really hectic beat, courtesy of John The Baptist, with some ill horns, jumping sloppily all over the place. After the first verse, there is this little 5 second break in which there is strings and a choir going off.....must be heard to be believed. Kudo's to John The Baptist for the ill beat, and to the GZA for his usual lyrical brilliance. 7) Breaker, Breaker: Okay, honestly, At first, I didnt really know what to think about this song. I wasnt used to hearing The GZA, #1) ripping over such an uptempo beat, and #2) ripping over such a clean and antiseptic track. I know know what to think of this song.....Its incredibly dope. The violins are sick in this joint! 8) High Price, Small Reward (f/ Masta killa): This beat is a little blander than most of the rest on hear, but it still slams. Masta Killa stops through and rips a nice verse, and The GZA of cours does his thing. 9) Hip Hop Fury ( f/ Hell Raizah, Royal Fam, and Dreddy Krueger): Nice, but too short piano loop highlights this track. The guests cant hold a candle to the GZA, but still a really nice track, with the RZA?coming through and ripping the hook. 10) Skit #3: The obligatory anti-industry, sarcastic skit. 11) 1112 (f/ Masta Killa, Killa Priest and Njeri): The only track produced by the RZA. This beat is kinda subpar for the RZA, as it just was missing something (a bassline maybe?). Anyway, GZA does his thing, and the guests do too, but I was left extrememly impressed by the new Wu female MC, Njeri as she rips a 5 star verse on this track. I'll definitely be checking for her in the future. 12) Skit #4:Nice background music, with some powerful, yet sickeningly true statistics on violence and handguns in the United States, Nice touch. 13) Victim (f/ Njeri and Joan Davis): Nice, laid back, guitar laced track and GZA's down to earth, yet apocalyptic and conscience verse highlights this one. Njeri rips an even more impressive verse then last time! Lauryn and What What, theres a new mic mistress in town. I'm jocking! 14) Publicity: Sick! nice, string influenced beat, in which the GZA wraps a battle rhyme around naming the names of at least 50 magazines (a'la Labels). Soon to be classic material. 15) Feel Like An Enemy (f/ Hell Raizah, Killa Priest, Trigga, and Prodigal Son): Nice, yet unremarkable posse cut, with a tight beat. 16) Stringplay (f/ Method Man): Easily the weakest track on the album, with a bland beat, and average lyrics for both. Kind of dissapointing. 17) Mic Trippin: Nice track, yet again unremarkable. GZA, does his thing, but the track is somewhat bland. 18) Outro (f/ La The Darkman & Royal Fam): Dope finale......La is cool, and so is Timbo King. Nice, modest finish to a spectacular album. The Final Word: I knew the GZA wouldnt let me down, and I was right, he didnt. There are only two track in which I don't particularly like, and even those are at worst, mediocre. Hopefully the GZA will make good on his promse and release another gem late this year, because I'll finally have an excuse for taking this one out of my CD changer. What more else can I say? Pick it up if you dont have it! Aight, that was my third review. Did you agree? Disagree? What did you think of the quality of the review (which was admittedly a little rushed). I welcome all comments and constructive criticism. Peace! Reply to Damachine32@hotmail.com Peace and sanity, Terrence "Absent" "I give a damn if any fan recall my legacy/ I'm trying life in the sight of God's memory" - Mos Def, "Theives in the night" And just like that....he was gone....