![audio review : a Mathematics compilation : Black Samson [ The Bastard Swordsman ]](https://marcellee.com/posts/135493.jpg)
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
2025
2009
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
This album presents Wu-Tang Clan as not just a rap group but a cultural and spiritual movement, though Islam is the religion of choice and mere men are referred to as “god”. It’s a “double CD” of what Rza describes as hip-hop “in the purest form”. That’s a boastful claim, but it’s one that’s hard to argue against when it comes to the beats; raw lo-fidelity New York City slum music.
The verses; there are no nonaffiliate guest rappers; are consistently on-point, especially in the case of Rza. He’s my favorite rapper in the group, despite his mumble-mouth speech impediment. It’s the hooks, not so much the silly Kung Fu samples or sloppy mixing and mastering, that flaw the set. Reunited is a grand opener though and Bells Of War is one of their best songs.
my rating : 3 of 5
1997
The best beats here are produced by Green Lantern. Epicenter, one of the few songs not bogged down by lame breaks, has the DJ channeling a young Rza. Most of the others are comparatively inept.
It’s called Venom because that’s what U-God thinks he’s spitting. I disagree; his wordplay is unexceptional to me; but, for what it’s worth, he is one of my favorite members of the Wu-Tang Clan.
my rating : 3 of 5
2018
NAME_NOT_RETURNED :
I think something is wrong with your eardrums if you think that the best beats on the album is Epicenter. In fact U-God has proven that he still has the exact flow from the early 90’s on epicenter but he also transcends his unique and versatile flow into this new age era Hip Hop. This dude recreates himself so many times. That’s how he’s able to stay relevant for twenty-five years! And let’s not forget that the fans started crying that Wu-Tang’s flow was too difficult to decipher. Therefore, most of them dumbed down their lyrics for the exception of critics like you in. This album is very inspirational and a Hip Hop classic! And those tracks with Jackpot Scotty Wotty?! Fire bro! With all due respect sir.
2018
This song should have a different title. There’s a horn sound at the end, but I don’t hear any bells. The beat, a mellow hip-hop groove, is one of Rza’s best though. He also has the best verse. “I stay highs like treble,” he declares, “Those who oppose get plucked like rose pedals.”
Wise decision not adding a hook, which, judging from other Wu-Tang joints, would’ve probably shot the quality down. Not so wise to include a discussion about the latest upsets in pro boxing, which needlessly reminds future listeners they’re listening to a song made in 1997.
my rating : 4 of 5
1997
1997
2011
This is a pretty good song if you can get pass Sunny Valentine and his annoying chorus, which doesn’t sound as bad over a jazzy Rza beat with Tash Mahogany crooning softly in the background. It’s basically a love ode bursting with ghetto testosterone and sloppy metaphors. The concept has the rappers putting their girls on a sports team, which is about as romantic as Wu-Tang get.
my rating : 4 of 5
2007
U-God sets the tone with a fitting flow. The other rappers should’ve mimicked it, but they do their own thing. Cappadonna’s “crazy” line is funny and Rza begins with a nice rhyme scheme, but they’re somewhat anticlimactic after U-God. The beat is on target when the guitar loop plays. The horns that replace it during the breaks are a miss. Perfect title though.
my rating : 4 of 5
2011
