As much as the idea of a double album pains me, I will say that this could be the only single album in hip hop history that was deserving a double disc. RZAs plan (which I realize I reference way to much, I know you get my point) finally concluded here after successful and even classic albums from Method Man, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Raekwon, GZA, and Ghostface Killah. Yes, expectations were rather high.
RZA produces large portion of the album, but actually doesn't produce all the tracks. More wu producers get a chance to shine and Inspectah Deck even gets to compose an instrumental. Can't blame RZA , because you know its kind of hard producing two discs worth of quality instrumentals.
There's endless information you can look into about this album, but I'm going to cut the intro now because as I've stated a hundred times, this is really long and I need to pace myself. Wish me good luck.
1. Wu-Revolution (Feat. Popa Wu & Uncle Pete)
Quite possibly, the very last thing anyone wanted to hear to open the album. I know I can be a little hard on reviews and skits but I'm pretty sure no one liked this, even all you Popa Wu fans. I've always found him unnecessary and basically terrible. As a colossal Wu Stan, even I would be lying straight through your computer if I said I knew who Uncle Pete was.
2. Reunited
This would have started of the album better in nearly every way imaginable. You're not even a real music fan if GZAs first verse doesn't get you pumped up as hell. Of course, RZAs production is fit for such a monumental song, although the quality of the audio might give off the thought that RZAs basement has been moved to a higher quality location, as this sounds much more polished. This was released as the third and final single, which lifted the excitement to a new level.
3. For Havens Sake (Feat. Cappadonna)
One off the less memorable track on the whole double disced album, which is an impressive feat actually. Not bad at all though, as RZAs average production (for his level at least) combined with Cappadonna leaving with the best performance makes for a good song, bit nothing that will leave you begging for more.
4. Cash Still Rules/Scary Hours (Still Don't Nuthin' Move But The Money)
Holy shit decide on a damn name you indecisive bastards. Take another gander above and realize the sheer ridiculousness of our situation. Regardless of the title, the results are still fairly good although you'd expect a damn masterpiece with the title.
5. Visionz
And here is the Inspectah deck production. I'm actually quite familiar with deck productions and I promise he improves here. Some of his work on his debut is some very quality work but the result here is sadly a very boring beat that pulls the rug on any of this songs potential potential. Decks rapping on the other hand, are some of his best and at least make me feel indifferent about the song.
6. As High As Wu-Tang Get
A great recovery from a fairly lackluster album. Dirty makes this a fun and enjoyable experience as his craziness was close to reaching a head at this point. GZA defeats the rest of the clan and tears up RZAs futuristic yet simple instrumental. He didnt really defeat the clan, because this is kind of a group effort, but his verse is the best, trust me.
7. Severe Punishment
The first truly great wu song on the album starts off with a classic eerie Kung Fu sample. This was one of song I gravitated toward when I first heard the album and a can conclude that I was still brilliant back them as well. RZAs production is just genius on here and deserves plenty of replays if you want to appreciate it. And of course the rappers wouldn't let that go to waste as everything about this knocks.
8. Older Gods
Another one of my favorites from the first side of the album. This time we are treated to a Ghost and Rae song while GZA tags along and doesn't sound completely out of place. Ghost and Rae are the two kings of slang in hip hop and let everyone know why on here. Unless you are a dedicated member of the five percent nation, it'll take you years to figure out a message from this song. In an unexplainable way, its terrific
9. Maria (Feat. Cappadonna)
Unfortunately, this is where labels first started treating Dirty as a crazy drunk guy that can't really rap. That's far from true, but his lyrics on here are just over the top. If there's any consolation, Cappadonna turns in another fine performance and gives me another reason to consider buying The Pillage.
10. A Better Tomorrow
This is one of if not the most underrated wu tang song ever, and I will fight that until the day I die. Not sure why this isn't regarded higher, but this honestly embodies everything the wu tang is about. C'mon wu tang is for the children. On another note, you all know my feelings about U-God, but holy shit he fucking rips this shit in half, to the point it makes me furious he couldn't capture this in a bottle and be a good rapper. If you haven't heard this is the likely title of their upcoming album, this summer, which warms my heart.
11. Its Yourz
The second single of the album caps off the best one two punch of the album. This was actually huge as a single although it sound almost nothing like their prior work. Also, just take what I said about U-God in the last song and apply it it RZA, although he has consisterly been a good rapper. Yeah I'm not even going to lie, U-God tears this up as well. A great way to close out the first disc.
Disc Two
1. Intro
Two intros for the price of one, how great. (Just kidding this shit was expensive as fuck) In contrast to its predecessor, I actually enjoyed this one a lot. RZA goes on about other artists R&B. (rap & bullshit) We are now aware that this is real hip hop and everyone else is terrible. Gotta love the RZA
2. Triumph (Feat. Cappadonna)
Seriously? I hope I don't need to explain this one to anyone. If you're a terrible person and aren't aware with this song, go watch the video now. (Its terrible but they spent millions on it, which means the least you can do is watch it) One of the clans most successful songs ever, and officially launched them into the mainstream. After all that I could seem contradicting, but this is a bit overrated. But only a bit. And yes, Inspectah decks verse is one of the greatest in hip hop history.
3. Impossible (Feat. Tekitha)
Almost everyone forgets this song because of its place one the album. (Something had to come after triumph) The hook has significant room for improvement, but this is actually one of my favorite songs on the album, based on Ghostfaces verse alone. RZA once said it was the best verse anyone in the group aver recorded, which is complete bullshit but its still incredible. Ghost is so engaging that I'm honestly tensing up.
4. Little Ghetto Boys (Feat. Cappadonna)
A mirror image of the first disc's "For Heavens Sake" in the sense that its good enough but completely unmemorable. Actually, Cappa turns in another good performance and continues to quietly have a solid overall showing, but not solid enough to get a spot in the group. This still isn't better than dr. Dre's version off the Chronic, even though there's not an official connection
5. Deadly Meadly (Feat. Streetlife)
This was right before Streetlife got a huge push from the wu, and here we have the mans debut. Fantastic group effort that unfortunately goes under my own radar most of the time. I hold Masta Killas debut album in very high regard, but I can only imagine how good it would sound if it was released in 98' as he's clearly at the top of his game here.
6. The City
Because I'm weird as hell, this was my favorite song when I first heard the album. Well, I'm still weird as hell and this is still one of my favorite songs. Without hesitation, I can say this is the best instrumental on the album. The layers and complexity of the beat is simply beautiful and should serve as a blueprint for making a classic beat. Since I obviously enjoy this song, you could probably make the assumption that decks rapping is top notch on here. Well, you'd be correct.
7. The Projects
A direct playoff of the former track, this track fails in comparison in almost every way. Rae's lyrics are nothing more than mediocre and the instrumental is a little lazy. I guess this was due after the previous momentum. I did thoroughly enjoy the hook if that still counts for anything any more.
8. Bells of War
Ah, I was pleasantly surprised by this song. Looking at it, I couldn't really remember anything standing out other than Method Man having a pretty good verse. Turns out, the instrumental on this joint is actually outstanding and the rappers complement it nicely. Quite underrated.
9. The M.G.M.
If you haven't heard, these Ghost and Rae seem to have a bit of chemistry. RAGU (Ghost And Raekwon United) turn in one of their better performances that can be found on a wu tang album. I'm usually not that big a fan of these two rapping back and forth instead of giving individual verses, but this was an exception.
10. The Dog Shit
Yeah this is right around when O.D.B. started losing his damn mind. Osiris gets a solo joints and provides some pretty ludicrous, yet comical bars. In contrast to the lyrics, the instrumental on here is quite respectable. Skit is still unneeded.
11. Duck Seazon
Come on guy, is there any real benefit to misspelling season? Probably, but nothing about the name takes away from the quality of the song. Raekwon and RZA both sound as good as they have on they second disc. The instrumental is simple as hell for the most part, but also works for the most part. Drums are banging throughout. Method Man rap a respectable verse as well.
12. Hellz Wind Staff (Feat Streetlife)
Oh man Streetlife actually raps with a damn purpose on here. Not to be outdone, everyone sounds better but I wanted to give Streetlife some love. Instrumental falls under the same category of "The City". The tambourine is actually what takes his track to the next level, even if you don't realize it at first. Great song,
13. Heaterz (Feat. Cappadona)
Even today this song still gets a ton of love from wu Stan's and has long been proclaimed a gem of the album. All those accolades are well warranted, as this only builds off of last tracks performance. Instrumental is among the best of the album. Nothing not to like here, including U-Gods verse. Maybe I should ease up a bit on U.
14. Black Shampoo
And then this shits happens. Man U-God can't catch a break because I know he had to have lost a bet or something that resulted in him having to be the one making the seducing song. For what's its worth, he's able to keep a good flow throughout.
15. Second Coming (Feat. Tekitha)
I hate this. Every single thing about it. You see the problem with double disc albums is that you already have so much material, that you feel obliged to include everyone that could possibly considered affiliated with yourself. And that kids, is why you don't associate with people like Tekitha.
16. The Closing
Raekwon talks for a few minutes and closes our show is a fairly bad way. I'm too tired right now to even find out what he's talking about but I'm assuming he's mad at someone for bitting his style or something. When he's done rambling, the album fades into the sound of a helicopter.
Rating: 4/5
When the Wu Tang Clan released their second album, they received some pretty negative reviews that were very unwarranted. Because of their success, this album had expectations set on it that could never realistically be met. The closing act of disc two mixed with a few mediocre songs spread throughout end up taking away a star from the album, giving more fuel to the argument that this would have been better as a single disc. Aside from that though, this is a great album that contains some of the groups finest work. I highly recommend you purchase this album and simply not pay that much attention to the songs that bring this down a star. With that said, I'm finally finished. *Sigh of relief.