After the success of Raekwon's solo debut, it was GZA the Genius who was next up to bat. For hip-hop purists, this was music to the ears, as it was a consensus that GZA was far and away the best lyricist of the group. To an extent that is a fair observation, but it was easy to think he lacked the charisma to carry an entire album. Looking back on it, I think we all can agree that was a pretty bad observation.
A big reason for the success of Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... is the tremendous production of the RZA. As I've previously stated, RZA is able to change up his style for whoever he is producing for, a skill that has set him apart from all other producers over the years. After the cinematic and mafioso themes of OB4CL, he seamlessly transitions into GZAs world. I'm not even going to try to describe the sounds of GZAs world. (Man I'd pay some good money to see what goes through his head)Liquid Swords went in to sell a shit load of copies and turned out to be the nail in the coffin that the wu tang had officially taken the shit over. (Hopefully this isn't spoiling anything, but I'm going to tell you to buy this damn thing.)
Many claim this to be the greatest thing to ever come out of the wu tang camp, with OB4CL being its only competition. This is the second wu album I ever purchased and I still consider it to be one of the top five albums of all time.Of course there's always the remote chance my ears have been lying to me up until this point and this shit actually sucks, so I will now start the reviewing process.
1. Liquid Swords (Feat. RZA)
In wu tang fasion, Liquid Swords opens up with a long sample from Shogun Assassin, which is used throughout the project. This actually scared the shit out of me when I first heard it. Its very eerie and I was like twelve fucking years old. As for the song, its top notch and one of the best on the album. GZA lyrics rip through RZAs incredible beat with relative ease. I highly recommend giving the video atleast one watch.
2. Duel Of The Iron Mic (Feat. Ol' Dirty Bastard, Inspectah Deck, & Masta Killa)
No drop off of quality here (a running theme throughout the album) as GZA picks up right where the last track left off. Not that gza and deck dont sound good, but its Masta Killa who completely steels the show, as im sure everyone expected. Masta was actually GZAs so called prodigy, which is very obvious at this point of time. Their flows and even voice to an extent sound very similar. Also, I'm a big fan of the hook.
3. Living In The World Today (Feat. RZA & Method Man)
Definitely one of the more miscellaneous tracks on the album, but by no means is it bad. Truth be told im a bit surprised at how good this sounds. You more that likely wont be visiting the album just to give this a spin but this is a bit of a hidden gem that you'll only hear when listening to the whole album. The Mef and GZA connection isnt as good as it is on Shadowboxin, but there is undeniable chemistry between the two and its a shame they didnt collaborate more often.
4. Gold (Feat.Method Man)
Well shit, turns out Meth and GZA were all over this album. I swear I didnt even realize Meth was on this when I wrote that last song, and now I look stupid. He doesnt actually rap, but rather rambles on at the beginning. Anyways, RZAs beat is raw as hell and GZAs flow is absolutely disgusting. (I mean that in the best possible way) Weirdly enough, this is one of the first songs I gravitates towards when I first heard the album, which is weird as hell. Guess that shows the accessibility of the album.
5. Cold World (Feat. Inspectah Deck & Life)
One of GZAs finest lyrical showing of the album. This was actually released as the third single, which ive always found a bit weird. Wouldnt be my choice to release, but GZAs been a hell of a lot more successful than me so I wont doubt him. Meanwhile, Inspectah deck makes an appearance, sounding right at home. Not sure how others feel about it, but ive always enjoyed the hook. Quality track.
6. Labels (Feat. RZA)
One of my favorite GZA formats. He manages to rhyme the name of record labels throughout the song without it sounding forced. He later does this with magazine names on his next effort. Unfortunately, this is one of the weakest instrumental on the album although its still ten times better than anything on Indicud.
7. 4th Chamber (Ghostface Killah, Killah Priest, & RZA)
Holy shit, this song is absolutely incredible. One if my favorite songs of all fucking time, and the best on the album. RZAs masterpiece of a beat falls under the long "dopest beats of all time" list. Furthermore, RZA steals the song with his rapping as well, and lays down one of his greatest verses in his entire body of work. Ok, im finished with my 4th Chamber love fest.
8. Shadowboxin' (Feat. Method Man)
Yes, this is the earlier mef and GZA collaboration I mentioned. If you didnt catch it, this song is the shit and serves as the latter song in one of the greatest one-two song punches in hip-hop history. Everything about this falls into place perfectly and beautifully complements RZAs beat. This is a wu classic that I can only describe as beautiful, which is a bit odd considering its hardcore lyrics
.9. Killah Hills 10304 (Feat. Ol' Dirty Bastard & RZA)
I promise there is a song on this, if you are one of those who just flat out skipped the song during the incredibly long skit. If you stuck it out, you were greatly repayed. RZAs instrumental is among the best on the album that you should go listen to right now. GZA rhymes about the life of a drug dealer, which I guess gives the opening skit a bit of a purpose. Another victory for the genius.
10. Investigation Reports (Feat. U-God, Raekwon, & Ghostface Killah)
I know I sound like a broken record at this point, but RZAs beat knocks. Its dramatic as hell and sets the tone of the song perfectly. Since GZA is a good guy and wanted to feature everyone on his album, U-God provides the hook, but is hardly bad. In a plot twist, Ghost and Rae dont connect very well here if you pay attention but you cant really notice given the overall quality of the track. The album has a full head of steam at this point and shows no sign of showing down.
11. Swordsman/Unexplained
I honestly have no idea what the correct name of this is but it is commonly refered to as both. Not that it really matters though because this song is awesome. GZA actually gets a solo effort here and makes the most out of it by being good at rapping. Moral of this song though, dont mess with GZA, he'll smack you in your motherfucking face.
12. I Gotcha Back (Feat. RZA)
Ive always felt this was a bit out of place on the album. Not even sure why, it just sounds kind of akward. That being said, its still a great song in which GZA flexes his lyrical ability, while RZA capitilizes on the opportunity to echo GZAs words in the hook. Great move by just letting the instrumental playing out for a bit until the next skit. Skit is kind of scary, which means it fits the album perfectly.
13. B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) (Feat. Killah Priest)
Nothing about this song comes close to making sense. GZA is no where to be found, while this is the lone song RZA doesn't produce. Most shocking of all, this is absolutely incredible. Killah Priest gets a solo shot and closes the album. I have numerous theories as to while this song appears here, none of which make much sense. Most likely though, this has to be paying back Killah Priest for not making the group. This is actually a bonus song, but you wont find too many people that would argue against this being part of the album.
Rating: 5/5
I sure as hell hope I'm not surprising anyone with this rating. I'm fairly certain I didnt say I didnt like any of the song on the entire album. Liquid Swords is one of the few albums that is unanimously considered a hip-hop classic. I obviously agree and consider this to be the finest solo album to come out of the wu camp. If you dont already own this, literally get up and slap yourself in the face. Proceed to go out and buy the album, listen to it four times and hope you can regain some of your dignity. Enjoy the rest of your day.