Eight Is Enough
The best albums of the 2007 list will continue on Wednesday. If your soulless employers have forced you to work today and you’re looking for a way to kill time, might I recommend a Wu-Tang feature that I wrote in this week’s LA Weekly. It’s probably not my place to say whether it’s good or not, but I think my 15-year self would be pleased.
December 24th, 2007 at 2:16 am
Good article - sent me running back to “Protect Ya Neck” on youtube. It stunned all over again - the ruthless, itchy, desperate quality of the music, the headlong tumble. You’re right to point out the lack of songcraft, but just like “Triumph”, it really doesn’t matter with verses like that. But how straightforward and measured Ghost’s flow was back then, compared to his extraordinary talents now. Like true artists (but few rappers, let’s face it), it feels like he’s really pushed himself to develop his talents.
December 24th, 2007 at 11:23 am
I was waiting for this. Happy to see it posted. Thanks. That was a great read. It’s good to see someone clearly articulate the albums strong points.
December 24th, 2007 at 2:33 pm
Very dope and well written article on the Wu’s album..I feel that 8 Diagrams is considerably better than their last, but that there are definitely 4 or 5 songs that could be taken out of the mix..
In a way though, I relate to Rae’s comments about how he wanted the album to be made..something inside every Wu fan desperately wants another ‘Wu-Tang Ain’t Nuthin ta ‘F Wit’, another track that displays the raw, gritty style that first brought them shine..We do want another grimy track produced by RZA, but if he’s not going to do it, maybe a new Wu collective of some sort could bring it back, but it’s doubtful..In the end, there will never be another 36 Chambers-era Wu..