The other day I went to a CD store to see if they had anything that I could rock along to in the car. I stumbled upon a Wu-Tang Clan’s greatest hits CD. I knew that some of my friends liked their music, but I had never listened to it and didn’t know much about the group. The CD was amazing so I looked into more of their music and found that their first studio album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), is regarded as one of the best rap albums of all time, and after the first listen, I knew why.
The energy on the album screams 90’s New York through its boom-bap beats. With this album, the legendary group brought street sound to the studio in a way that had never been done before. It was written at a time when culture was being influenced by the rise in popularity of foreign martial arts films (hence the name Wu-Tang, from the ’83 Hong Kong film Shaolin and Wu Tang). On the album they include many soundbites from their favourite movies.
From the very first song, I was encapsulated by the group’s energy when they collectively shout “Bring da mothaf***n’ ruckus.” It sets the tone for the rest of project – loud, catchy choruses separated by methodical verses by 9 of the greatest rappers of all time.
I would mention my favourite songs from this album, but I really believe that this is an album that should be listened to front-to-back. Most of the Wu-Tang Clan’s most famous songs come from this album (C.R.E.A.M., Protect Ya Neck, Wu-Tang Clan Aint Nuthing ta F’ Wit, etc.). It is truly a piece of rap history.
PS. Vevo doesn’t allow me to embed music videos in my posts. Most of the songs I post have music videos, so just head over to YouTube and you can watch them there.
Joshua's Music Collection 