![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
2025
2009
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
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
2019
2018
2018
This isn’t really a Wu-Tang Clan album. It’s a compilation of new songs featuring Wu-Tang Clan, U-God excluded, along with a fistful of guest rappers and singers. The project is produced by DJ Mathematics, so the beats; the sort of rough rugged hip-hop you’ve come to expect from the group; are consistently solid. So are the raps. It’s the abundance of weak breaks, like the amateurishly-cut Frozen and Hood Go Bang hooks, and awkward artistic decisions, like having nonmember Redman start things off, that flaw the set.
my rating : 3 of 5
2017