Tag: Rza

audio review : a Mathematics compilation : Black Samson [ The Bastard Swordsman ]

audio review : a Mathematics compilation : Black Samson [ The Bastard Swordsman ]

The cover art suggests this is a Blaxploitation movie “starring” Mathematics; he produces the music for every track; but it’s also a Wu-Tang compilation of sorts. Every member is featured. It could almost be their new album. The best songs are the first three; Mandingo, Roar Of The Lion and Claudine. The plot starts to go astray from there.

my rating : 3 of 5

2025

audio review : Bobby Digital And The Pit Of Snakes ( album ) … Rza

audio review : Bobby Digital And The Pit Of Snakes ( album ) ... Rza

This Bobby Digital project is promoted as both the new Rza album and the “soundtrack” to his new graphic novel. Conceptually it works better as the latter. As a solo release, even a pseudonymous one, it makes for an odd affair as the hip-hop Clansman outnumbers himself with not just Snakes but eyebrow-raising guest crooners à la De La Soul’s Anonymous Nobody.

Some of those hooks make for the best parts though. Something Going On is a definite highlight. Even the Broadway-like harmonies of Cowards are pleasant enough on the ears. The music on these songs seems to be led by a live band of instrumentalists, which gives the album; with a mere seven songs, it’s actually more like an EP; a fresh, if not comically epic, vibe.

my rating : 3 of 5

2022

audio review : Saturday Afternoon Kung Fu Theater ( album ) … Rza

audio review : Saturday Afternoon Kung Fu Theater ( album ) ... Rza

It’s unclear why one of hip-hop’s most acclaimed beatmakers decided to limit himself to the role of MC for this project, which, with just six songs and an Intro, straddles the line between album and EP. The boom-bap is provided by DJ Scratch, who does an admirable job substantiating his “superproducer” moniker.

Every beat is composed of gritty drums juxtaposed with a layer of melody; Shaolin-style strings, horns and pianos. Rza’s raps help make Kung Fu Theater a fairly enjoyable show. The most crowd-pleasing act is Fate Of The World, though the song probably should’ve been saved for the next Wu-Tang joint.

my rating : 3 of 5

2022

audio review : 8 Diagrams ( album ) … Wu-Tang Clan

audio review : 8 Diagrams ( album ) ... Wu-Tang Clan

Rza’s beats are still the most interesting thing about Wu-Tang Clan. Over the years, it’s transcended into an experimental mix of acid hip-hop and ghetto soul with old Kung Fu movie samples mixed in for nostalgia’s sake. This album presents it amid some of the rawest vocals the eight remaining Clansmen have to offer these days, but, despite guest crooners like Erykah Badu and George Clinton, the album is weak at the hooks; one of the main Diagrams to consider when it comes to making a good rap album.

my rating : 3 of 5

2007