In a manner fitting for his rhyme style, the Genius has steadily and stealthily crafted one of the best discographies in hip-hop history. Despite this, the guy’s rarely mentioned in greatest rapper arguments and granted, while he’s probably a bit too dry to inhabit that rarefied air, he’s certainly not far off. Pro Tools is the GZA’s fifth album in the 13 years since he released his debut Liquid Swords, declared the 12th best album ever by blog group think. Accordingly, anything post-Liquid has been met with the Illmatic curse, in that people will forever compare his first effort to subsequent works. This, despite the fact that even Gary Grice’s worst album (Beneath the Surface) remains pretty good.
So, no, Pro Tools isn’t Liquid Swords 2. Obviously. But separated from the baggage, it’s a modest late-career triumph. There’s nothing flashy about it, it possesses no “4th Chamber” type stand-outs, it’s just good. I won’t give it the full-blown review treatment, Floodwatch already got Freudian on it and Nate Patrin wrote an excellent Pitchfork review, complete with slightly too-low Pitchforkian score. If you want specifics and details I suggest you head there. If you want broad generalizations, let’s just say that it’s as impressive as any Genius album in 2008 has a right to be.
It’s hard to pick a favorite cut on Pro Tools. Other than “0% Finance,” which shamelessly xeroxes the beat from Legend of the Liquid Sword’s “Stay In Line”, there aren’t any tracks I actively dislike, nor any that I enjoy significantly more than the others. But if pressed to pick, I’d opt for “Paper Plates,” Genius’ scathing attack on 50 Cent. In a rap world devoid of interesting beefs and fewer rappers capable of drawing blood, GZA essentially decapitates Curtis. In hindsight, the conflict seems almost Manichean, with the duo diametrically opposed, the avaricious, flashy hook machine vs. the understated, scholarly artisan. Headline-grabbing hubris against sturdy, quiet professionalism. Make no mistake, the GZA’s an assasin, but a silent one. And plus, I’m a sucker for anything that mocks Tony Yayo. I mean honestly, how is it possible that that guy is allowed to make money rapping?
Download:
MP3: Genius/GZA-”Paper Plates”
MP3: Genius/GZA ft. Masta Killa & Rza-”Pencil”
9 comments
Berto says:
August 29, 2008 at 3:32 am (UTC -7)
Did you really think “0% Finance” was the weakest track? Even if the beat was recycled, it sounds to me like vintage GZA. It’s almost as stellar as “Labels” just for its sheer scope, IMO.
DocZeus says:
August 29, 2008 at 8:09 am (UTC -7)
I was pretty underwhelmed by Pro Tools, actually. Grandmasters is much, much better.
Passion of the Weiss says:
August 29, 2008 at 8:57 am (UTC -7)
I think the lyrics are cool on 0% finance but the sheer laziness of the beat recycle just irked me. GZA’s better than that.
padraig says:
August 29, 2008 at 10:50 am (UTC -7)
I dunno, I always ride for GZA in GOAT debates. not as a clearcut thing mind, just to say that I put him right up there on the Rakim/Nas/Pharoahe Monch level. I also rate Liquid Swords much higher than 12, though that has a lot to do w/it being the first rap album that I listened to enough times to memorize most of the words.
anyways, re: Pro Tools – yup, stellar consistency pretty much sums it up. if only he could get some better production…but then it wouldn’t be a Wu album ca. 2008.
Disco Vietnam says:
August 29, 2008 at 12:27 pm (UTC -7)
Firehouse is the best track on here and Ka spits the most purely Wu verses in years. I gotta find him.
listen to my id, respect my ego
if i need counsel, bounce through, check my people
Tray says:
August 29, 2008 at 8:07 pm (UTC -7)
It’s weird how Masta Killa has put out the best Wu albums the past few years. Of course, he benefited from super-low expectations.
Praverb says:
August 31, 2008 at 4:27 am (UTC -7)
I agree with Padraig…GZA does need to utilize his resources and get some better production…that is why I respect Term, Stimuli, Skyzoo, Wiz Khalifa and more…they always seem to have consistent production
Illusion says:
September 1, 2008 at 6:22 pm (UTC -7)
Cosign on DocZeus’s statement. My exact feelings. Underwhelmed by Pro Tools, LOVED Grandmasters. I’d like to see another Muggs/GZA album. They have a chemistry almost like that of RZA/GZA. Haha.
Nick says:
August 5, 2009 at 11:31 am (UTC -7)
i would have to agree that i’m relatively underwhelmed by pro tools, but that doesn’t mean i didn’t enjoy it. the album definitely does showcase that gza is one of the most consistent rappers of all time