Wu-Tang Clan
Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)


4.5
superb

Review

by pixiesfanyo USER (118 Reviews)
February 13th, 2007 | 2301 replies


Release Date: 1993 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Wu-Tang Clan's debut is a nearly flawless rap classic.

Very few artists have the egos of rap stars. Even before they become successful, hopeful rappers are bragging about how great their flow is, how fresh their beats are, how much tail they get, and etc. This is why it is not surprising to find one of the most highly prolific and highly respected rap groups of all time uttering the words "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthin' Ta *** Wit " on the groups magnum opus. Throughout the twelve tracks of metaphor slinging, life-spilling stories on "Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers" the nine members of the Clan prove their claim. Even if you examine the time at which this record was released, the words this band says seem to be the same they live by. For example, clan member U-God was imprisoned, Ghostface Killah supposedly was wanted by the police, and Ol' Dirty Bastard was just beginning his slow descent that would eventually lead to his death. All of this goes without mention of the groups ridiculously intense live shows which had much more in common with the riot aspect of punk shows than the typical party environment of rap concerts. While "Enter the Wu-Tang" isn't a perfect album, there is no denying it is an essential and classic hip-hop album that, thanks to its originality and sheer talent, will go down in history as one of the key albums of the 1990s

While some rap groups are just put together because some childhood friends are trying to make it big, The Wu-Tang Clan is obviously a group of extremely well balanced MCs. RZA provides the groups trademark mostly piano-based beats and above it everything from Ol' Dirty Bastard's vocally ever-changing nonsensical flow to the GZA's methodical gruff story telling. Lyrically every member is given their chance to shine through their various prisms. The depressing nature of RZA's backing which almost evokes the trip-hop scene will certainly give any listener a down feeling, but overtly ridiculous choruses like "Bring da mother ***in' ruckus" show the excellent amount of playfulness in Wu-Tang's music. The ability for the Clan to evoke such opposite ends of the emotional spectrum is one of the most everlasting qualities of "Enter the Wu-Tang", although the groups members are evoking their woes and realizing that "Brothers, passin away / I gotta make wakes " the group is able to take a step into a personal realm of fantasy and fictionalize their realties.

Rap is certainly known for it’s over-indulgent nature when it comes to samples, joke tracks, and filler, but Wu-Tang falls prey to none of these faults on "36 Chambers.” The album clocks in at about an hour with only twelve tracks and the skits that are included are latched on to the actual songs and either illustrate what the songs are going to be about or touch on some aspect of the Clan that a first time listener may be curious about. The skits do not distract at all from the album because, unlike most rap albums, they actually help move the record forward. Also the samurai fetish of the group helps provoke the almost ludicrous life style the members seem to be illustrating. The constant dropping of lines like "I come sharp as a blade and I cut you slow" further perpetuate the samurai mindset the group abides by. Wu-Tang is clearly centered on being spiritually and mentally aware in their chosen battle, which in this case seems to be their rapping skills.

To touch on the actual tracks of the album, there are numerous highlights ranging from the lament of poverty "C.R.E.A.M." with its unforgettable chorus to the nostalgic "Can't It All Be So Simple" featuring Ghostface and Raekwon and some excellent soul sampling by the RZA. "Shame On A Nigga" follows the burst of energy of intro "Bring Da Ruckus" with it's excellent build up to Ol' Dirty Bastard's insane outbursts of "Burn me, I get into ***/ I let it out like diarrhea." "Method Man" features the excellent bridge of "I got myself a forty/ I got myself a shorty" and also further shows the versatility of two of the most praised Clan MCs GZA and Method Man. Essentially every track on this is a classic, but the dynamic build up into one of the best beats I've have ever heard clearly puts "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nothing Ta F'Wit " above the rest. Not to mention the excellent performance put in by producer RZA who lets out such lines as "I'm causin more Family Feud's than Richard Dawson/ and the survey said -- ya dead ."

Listeners could obviously find problems with the amount of excess the Wu-Tang Clan deals with. Tracks like "Tearz," primarily focusing on the violent and sexual aspects of city life, certainly make the group seem like a one trick pony to those less-inclined listeners. Also, RZA's production techniques, while highly influential and highly original at their time, do seem kind of monotone after nearly an hour of them. But most complaints I seem to have with this record are immediately put away once I start listening to the album. The absurd and realistic aspects of the album combine to make a truly one-of-a-kind experience, and while it certainly has it's flaws, I can hardly find fault with it whenever I'm actually listening to it.

"36 Chambers" is the finest example of a group demonstration of the Wu-Tang Clan. While records like "Tical," "Liquid Swords,” and "Fishscale" may all be more enjoyable listens, this is the group’s first and most honest statement. Before the members had been effected by the ridiculous amount of success this record brought them, they were simply just a group of nine unknown MCs reflecting the words that "Wu-Tang Clan ain't nuttin ta *** wit/all over the whole ***in globe."



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user ratings (3431)
4.6
superb
other reviews of this album
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Comments:Add a Comment 
ToWhatEnd
February 13th 2007


3173 Comments


Wu-Tang Clan ain't nothin' to **** with is right, haha. Nice review.

The Jungler
February 13th 2007


4826 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

I really like CREAM/really need to get this.

Very good review.

Sepstrup
February 13th 2007


1567 Comments


Nice review. I like this album, but I've only listened to it twice or so. I should listen some more.

Zebra
Moderator
February 13th 2007


2647 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

This album is brilliant. It's my favorite Wu-Tang related album with the exception of Liquid Swords.

lunchforthesky
February 13th 2007


1039 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

S'hit hot album.

Sepstrup
February 13th 2007


1567 Comments


It's the only Wu-tang related album I've heard. I should give Liquid Swords a listen.

The Jungler
February 14th 2007


4826 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

yeah this is pretty amazing



pulseczar
February 15th 2007


2385 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

it's tha method man for short mr. meth MOVE IT ON YO LEFT AH



This album is brilliant at working with andplaying off the different styles and chemistry in the Wu, it's a shame Masta Killa couldn't make it on at least one more song for icing on the cake.

sgrevs
February 16th 2007


698 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

I was just thinking that before I read your comment^^

The only way this could have been improved would have been if Masta Killa featured more, cos him and Ghostface are currently my favourite Wu-Tanger's. This varies frequently however.

Apocalyptic Raids
February 18th 2007


810 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Amazing album.

KingDanroth1
March 25th 2007


24 Comments


Wu-Tang Clan is lame

Sepstrup
March 25th 2007


1567 Comments


So's your face

Thor
March 26th 2007


10357 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

BRING THA MUTHAFUCKIN' RUCKUS!!!!!

MrKite
December 6th 2007


5020 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

most complaints I seem to have with this record are immediately put away once I start listening to the album.




Fucking this^^^



I'm close to giving this a five.This Message Edited On 12.05.07

LifeInABox
February 20th 2008


3709 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

Album is the shit

south_of_heaven 11
March 16th 2008


5614 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

I fucking love this.

SHAME ON A NIGGA

8ight8all
March 16th 2008


178 Comments


I think South of Heaven wins the best avatar contest.

south_of_heaven 11
March 16th 2008


5614 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

yeah I get that a lot

8ight8all
March 16th 2008


178 Comments


Kattun could have potentially given you a run for your money. But you win because yours moves.

J34
May 13th 2008


24 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

Who gave this album a 0.5??



One of the best rap albums ever! Definetely not like the garbage that is put out nowadays in rap



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