And thats where we find ourselves now, Ol' Dirty Bastards debut album, Return To The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version. (Thats the last time I will be typing the whole damn title, because it takes a really long time.) Along with methodman, ODB wad the most distinguishable member because of his raspy voice and insane rants. Even if the album wasnt any good you know it would sell like crazy.
Thankfully RZA was producing a large portion of the album, so you knew the production would be top notch. That is an assumption that would turn out to be very true, as RZAs ultra grimy beats would shine throughout and complement ODBs delivery perfectly.
That delivery thing I was talking about, yeah its the most ridiculous and original thing you will ever hear. He goes in and rapping and singing with easy, while occasionally throwing in some ranting and mumbling for an extra hint of craziness. The weirdest part of it is that it sounds indescribably good. Seriously I have no idea why, but it just sounds right when youre listening to him.
Most people, including myself had loved ODB on the wu tang debut, but had their qualms about him directing a full length project. So was Ol' Dirty Bastard able to shock everyone and deliver on his debut? As far as I can recall, yes, but its been a long time since I've listened to this one so lets get this going.
1. Intro
For all of you all who thought he would lay low on the drugs for his full length album, this one is for you. Even now, this is still one of the most ridiculous and histerical intros ive ever heard (and Ive heard a LOT of them).
Everyone should give this a listen for pure comedic value. But as with all great intros, this still gets annoying after a couple of listens.
2. Shimmy Shimmy Ya
Easily ODBs most famous song. As far as im concerned, there is nothing even close to wrong with this song. It perfection. It showcases ODBs ability to sing, kind of throw some bars together, and just be silly. The second verse is just the first one backwards if anyone is wondering. Everyone likes this song, just ask A$AP Rocky.
3. Baby, C'mon
This is exactly what I was talking about earlier when I was talking about how RZA could alter his production to fit the delivery of the artist. In this case, the beat is incredibly raw and compliments ODB, who tries to actually rap for the first time on the album. Mix all that in with some more singing contributed by ODB and you've got yourself a pretty good song.
4. Brooklyn Zoo
Ok im not even joking here. The composer of "Rolling In The Deep" by Adele said all her inspiration came from the instrumental on "Brooklyn Zoo." I do believe its the piano that gave the inspiration, but either way it warms my heart. As for the song, it still sounds great and remains my favorite ODB song.
5. Hippa to da Hoppa
This is a song that ive traditionally skipped when listened and I see why. The beat is very boring and bland, but I will say that ODBs rapping ability sounds much better on here and he actually developed a flow that he sticks with the whole way through. Theres also a kung-fu sample at the end, which automatically makes a song twice as good. This was pretty nice.
6. Raw Hide (Feat. Raekwon & Methodman)
The first wu collaboration of the album, which is ALWAYS good. ODB build upon his last performance although his second verse is quite ridiculous. The superstar Methodman provides the hook, while laying down a solid verse while hes at it. Raekwon even got a verse on this one. I say "even" because no one really thought he stood out on the debut, but now I can see this was a way of promotion for his debut, which would come next in RZAs plan.
7. Damage (Feat. GZA)
ODB collaborates with his friend, cousin, and fellow clansman GZA. Instead of laying down verses with hooks in between, both mcs go back and forth. The result is a fun song over another grimy ass hell beat. Smartly, ODB handles the majority of the rapping on here and isnt completely out shined by the GZA, who is a much better lyricist.
8. Don't You Know (Feat. Killah Priest)
After what I guess was a kind of funny skit to start, we are lead into a pretty awesome Instrumental. ODB raps and sings all at the same time, which I must admit is pretty impressive. The wu tang was pushing killah priest pretty hard at this point so he gets another feature, which good but nothing that would make me really care about him. ODB actually tries to tell a bit of a story here as well. An obscene story, but a story
9. The Stomp
The tempo of the album has gotten a bit exhausting at this point. Im sure this would sound better by itself, but in the context of the album this is just a random mid album track. Id like to give ODB some credit here. It took nine songs for me to find something I didnt like.
10. Goin' Down
The skit is terribly long and annoying, but the instrumental more than makes up for it. Like its really good because that earlier skit is pretty damn bad. ODB sounds great on here too. Hes not really rapping, but he sounds like hes having fun, which is something that no one seems to do now a days. So yeah guys the album is good again.
11. Drunk Game (Sweet Sugar Pie)
ODB sings the entire damn thing, which says a lot about the quality of the song. For what it is though, the mans vocals arent half bad and I actually found myself enjoying this. The beat though is another story. Its not a hip hop beat, its really boring, it not produced by the RZA, and its terrible. Oh well.
12. Snakes (Feat. Killah Priest, RZA, Masta Killah, & Buddha Monk)
The best song on the album. My god everyone completely makes the beat their bitch, while making it get them a sandwich while theyre at it. Everyone showcases the wu's uncanny ability to tell a great story and display their lyrical ability. Unlike his earlier performance, it's Killah Priest who ends up stealing the show here and does give me a reason to care about him. Oh and that beat that got made into a bitch earlier, its incredible.
13. Brooklyn Zoo II (Tiger Crane) (Feat. Ghostface Killah)
Brooklyn Zoo fans beware, there is not even close to a resemblance to its predecessor. Oddly enough, ODB actually recycles lyrics from "Damage". Ghostface comes in for a quick feature and obviously enhances the song just because it Ghostface ya know. After that we reach the halfway points where beats start changing, we revisit every other song on the album, get another skit, and start up a whole new song. Its absolute havoc. See kids, thats how you utilize a seven minute song.
14. Proteck Ya Neck II The Zoo (Feat. Buddha Monk, Prodigal Sunn, Zu Keeper, Murdoc, Killah Priest, 12 O' Clock, & Shorty Shit Stain)
I deserve so many more readers simply for typing out that feature list. I mean seriously I am one of the biggest wu stans you'll ever see and I didnt even know who a couple of these guys are. This isnt bad or anything, but I cant help feeling disappointed that we are treated to these shit bags instead of some original member. C'mon its a sequel to one of the best hip hop songs ever
15. Cuttin' Heads (Feat. RZA)
Fun Fact: the instrumental of this is just clan in front backwards. Anyways, I love everything about this song. This is actually one of the first times I started paying attention to RZAs rapping ability. One of the best parts is the subject of cutting heads being rapped over such a happy beat. Awesome.
16. Dirty Dancin' (Feat. Methodman)
Well this isnt very good at all. ODBs flow is decent enough, but theres not much substance behind his words. They're really pushing this meth and ODB collaborate. It occasionally works but this can also happen, where meth completely outshines our host.
17. Harlem World
The instrumental was dope as hell but this was a pretty weak way to end the album. ODB has just run out of things to rap about at this point and hes basically improvising. I will say that he is a damn good improviser, as this shit last for like six minutes.
Rating: 4/5
Oh yeah this sounds just as good as I remember. For a guy that was mainly considered to be a side attraction or a hook man this album couldn't have been much better (ending the show after "Cuttin' Heads" would have helped but I'm being picky). Like I stated earlier, this album has something that no one else seems to have now: the ability to have fun without sounding terrible. Wu fans already have this one, but if you're new to the group it's essential you add this to your collection. Tical should be coming soon but peace for now and R.I.P. Ol' Dirty Bastard.