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....