Legend of the Liquid Sword

The Legend Returns
by: tom reiter

As I sit in my Wu-Wear T-shirt reminiscing about the days of the 36 Chambers and whatever happened to the group I watched revolutionize hip-hop, I pop in the latest solo effort one of the original clan members...the GZA.

The GZA returns from a long hiatus after his last release, Beneath the Surface, which dissappointed many critics. The approriately titled, Legend of the Liquid Sword, however, marks his return to what made his first post-Clan solo release so successful. The GZA / Genius's talent for witty and knowledgable lyrics sets him apart from not only the Wu-Tang, but MC's in general. I'm not saying their aren't other talented MC's out there, but the GZA is unique in what he does.

When it comes to flow, the GZA also stands apart. Like "Labels" on Liquid Swords, GZA uses a connecting technique with his lyrics to tell a story in "Animal Planet" and "Fame". The first describing an urban jungle and animal interaction, the second tying celebrities together. Legend of the Liquid Sword features a slew of Wu affiliates but only in minor roles, including Ghostface Killah, RZA, Masta Killa, Inspectah Deck, Prodigal Sunn, and others.

All in all, GZA remains true to his style and the grittines the Wu became famous for, not the flashiness they may have become. It's deja vu for fans of the Wu. 31-Jan-2003 11:00 PM