Wu-Tang Clan - "8 Diagrams"
Wu-Tang Clan is still around? I'm admittedly a huge fan, seeing as Wu is the group that got me into hip-hop way back in 1993 with "36 Chambers," but there is no way the group can remain relevant in 2007, right? Even after seeing them several times on the summer 2007 Rock The Bells Tour, I remained skeptical. In the last week, though, my fears were quelled: "8 Diagrams" is excellent, as it totally disregards contemporary standards for success in hip-hop and focuses solely on pleasing the group's cult following.
For the collective's fifth studio album, ringleader RZA takes the reins, helping create a cohesive and nostalgic voyage into the mid-'90s. RZA expands the trademark Wu-Tang sound of dusty soul loops, eerie orchestration and kung fu movie samples by adding in layers of live instrumentation, including snappy drums, funky bass and face-melting guitar solos. The result is an avant-garde hip-hop sound that happily lives between art and the streets.
This is most evident on "The Heart Gently Weeps." The track, which samples The Beatles' classic "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," features George Harrison's son on acoustic guitar, John Frusciante of Red Hot Chili Peppers on electric guitar and neo-soul songstress Erykah Badu on chorus vocals. All the while Raekwon, Ghostface Killah and Method Man weave dark tales of street life.
The piano ballad "Life Changes" is a touching ode to deceased Wu member Ol' Dirty Bastard, while songs such as "Rushing Elephants" and "Wolves" are upbeat anthems that bode well next to Wu-Tang's classic-heavy catalogue. Skeptics can let their guards down: "8 Diagrams" is the real deal. Check it out, considering it is likely the final Wu-Tang album.
