Review Summary: A masterpiece, and can be thanked for the resurrection of east-coast hip hop in the 90s.
Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers" is an absolute beast of an album. The Wu-Tang Clan among others (Black Moon, A Tribe Called Quest, etc.) mainly from New York resurrected east coast hip hop, during a time when the west coast was prominent. This album along with various others put the east coast back on the map.
The Wu-Tang Clan consist(ed) of 9 members, GZA, RZA, Inspectah Deck, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Masta Killa, U-God, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, and Method Man. Each member has their own style as distinguished on this album. GZA is a complex lyricist (almost every Wu-Tang member is), who always has deep lyrics and verses. RZA is the abstract one, and always provides some knowledge. Inspectah Deck is a complex lyricist as well, who has a lot of highly potent verses. Ol' Dirty Bastard was a crazy rapper with a vibrant personality. Masta Killa provided knowledge quite a bit as well, as would U-God. Ghostface Killah has a lot of energy, and gives some of the greatest storytelling in hip hop. Raekwon was a fantastic storyteller as well. Method Man is the star (in terms of popularity, not talent) who always had a smooth flow. Each member has their own distinctive qualities that make them all great MCs.
Throughout the album, the members get their chances to shine and showcase their unique styles. There are different types of songs that touch various topics, and through the whole thing, the group brings a unique flavor that was (and still is) unmatched. From the opening track "Bring da Ruckus", the Wu-Tang Clan makes sure that their presence is known. The song starts off with what would become their signature sound, which is having Kung-Fu movie samples to open their songs. Whenever you hear a Kung-Fu sample, you know that it's the Wu-Tang Clan hitting you with some awesome hip hop. After the sample from the Kung-Fu flick (Shaolin and Wu-Tang) and the chorus from the RZA, Ghostface Killah opens his verse explosively, and lets it be known who he is. Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, and GZA follow up with spectacular verses as well, and make sure that you will be hitting the replay button.
There are also songs that speak on the state of the inner-cities that the Wu-Tang grew up in, and what it's like for the youth growing up in poverty. The most notable song is "C.R.E.A.M.", which has Raekwon and Inspectah Deck rapping about their daily struggles, and what they do everyday to get through it. Rae' and Deck also rhyme about what they have to do to make their money. The beat is a grim piano loop, and it sounds amazing to this day. For those that didn't know (you should by now if you're a hip hop fan), C.R.E.A.M. is an acronym for "Cash Rules Everything Around Me". C.R.E.A.M. has become a commonly used phrase in hip hop, which adds to the overall impact of this album. "Can it be All So Simple" is another song about the struggle and how people manage to get through it. The song opens up with a discussion about "the good old days", which they describe as everything being "smooth and calm", and where everybody could enjoy themselves. Raekwon and Ghostface Killah flex their storytelling skills here, and although Ghostface Killah outshines Raekwon, both of them get their points across. The beat is very dark and quiet, there isn't a whole lot to it, but it emphasizes the importance of the lyrics. Another one of these songs is "Tearz", which opens up with an interlude of a shooting that happens, and a frantic reaction from the Wu-Tang members. Following this, there's the sample of "After Laughter (Comes Tears)" by Wendy Rene, which sounds fantastic, and fits the song perfectly. Following the intro of the song, RZA tells his story about him and his friends listening to some music and having a good time, when a gunman shoots his best friend dead right in front of his eyes. RZA can't bring himself to say goodbye, and coming to grips with his death as he describes in his verse. Ghostface Killah follows RZA up with a story about trying to convince his friend to use a condom, but his friend refuses to use one, which results in him contracting HIV. The beat here is dark, and to the point.
Perhaps the greatest part about Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers is that every single song is a classic. There is absolutely no song that is forgettable, and each song provides the listener with an experience. Throughout the whole album, each Member of the Wu-Tang gets their proper chance to shine, and you hear every member in their prime here. This album was a launchpad for the Wu-Tang members to venture off into their own careers. This album is an essential piece of hip hop history, and without it, hip hop would never be the same.
Ratings:
1. Bring da Ruckus: 5/5
2. Shame on a Nigga: 5/5
3. Clan in da Front: 5/5
4. Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber: 5/5
5. Can it Be All So Simple/Intermission: 5/5
6. Da Mystery of Chessboxin': 5/5
7. Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing ta Fuck Wit: 5/5
8. C.R.E.A.M.: 5/5
9. Method Man: 5/5
10. Protect Ya Neck: 5/5
11. Tearz: 5/5
12. Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber-Part II: 5/5
Best song: C.R.E.A.M.
Weakest song: Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber-Part II
Production: 10/10
Lyrics: 10/10
Overall rating: 100/100
Grade: A+
