In 1993, the Wu Tang Clan birthed a work of art so stunning and raw that it can only be described in bloated James Lipton-esque grandeur. That album, "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" (1993) is, without hyperbole, one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, if not of all musical genres.
However, the same cannot be said of Wu Tang's latest effort, "8 Diagrams" (2007). This is the first album following the untimely death of Russell Jones aka Ol' Dirty Bastard aka Dirt McGirt aka anything he decided to call himself that day. ODB's inimitable life was cut short by a heart attack in Wu Tang's recording studio in 2004.
Ol' Dirty Bastard's death didn't keep the RZA (pronounced rizz-a) and many of the other members of Wu Tang Clan from rejoining the fray. The RZA is the group's producer and orchestrator and has recently been producing noteworthy soundtracks like Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill." He also appears in the recent film "American Gangster" (2007), and has written a book on the Wu Tang's philosophy. All told, he's on the perennial shortlist for the Nobel Prize of Cool.
However, the RZA's domineering vision has upset many other members of the Wu Tang Clan, most notably Raekwon and Ghostface Killa'. Raekwon recently derided RZA as a "hip hop hippie" and many members are apparently not pleased with the effort, "8 Diagrams."
The album is not the group's finest work but still contains some exciting tracks. Though Ol' Dirty Bastard is conspicuously absent from "8 Diagrams," and the album suffers without the vocal diversity he brought to the table, he is still sampled at the beginning of the stellar track "Wolves." "Wolves" features funk legend George Clinton -- as awesome a replacement for ODB as could be found.The RZA's production would make Ennio Morricone, composer of the most memorable Spaghetti Western soundtracks, jealous. I would highly recommend that anybody with $.99 to spare pick up this energized and original song.
ODB is still considered by many to have been the spirit incarnate of the Wu Tang Clan. His lyrics were alternately vulgar, frightening, or bizarrely silly, but always amusing and inspired. ODB's delivery can't be classified as rapping, because he rarely rhymed. Instead, he would sing, warble, and rant his way with little to no regard for the backing track. Method Man, another member of the Wu Tang Clan as well as an actor (on the hit show"The Wire) was probably ODB's biggest supporter; Method Man once said that ODB was called Ol' Dirty Bastard because there was no father to his style.
At times ODB's off-stage antics drew more press than his recordings. You may recall the Neptunes-produced "Got Your Money" featuring a young Kelis, but you also may recall his impromptu speech at the Grammys ("Wu Tang is for the children") or when he was a fugitive from probation and appeared on stage with the Wu Tang Clan in New York City, only to be apprehended shortly afterwards. The aggregate of his antics only bolsters his legend and the sincerity of his artistry.
The first single from the album is the first legal sample of the Beatles ever used, appearing as the backing track to "The Heart Gently Weeps." John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers plays guitar, as does Dhani Harrision, George Harrison's son and an avid Wu-Tang fan. This track also features the ghostly vocal stylings of Erykah Badu. The song's ambition exceeds its musical success, but it is nevertheless an excellent example of the Wu Tang's diversity of musical sensibilities.
The first track, "Campfire," is reminiscent of the first and eponymous track from the GZA's "Liquid Swords." The RZA similarly employs a lengthy sample from a Kung Fu film before launching into a downright dope jam. "Rushing Elephants" features an infectious horns section and some excellent flows. "Unpredictable" is a driving and wild track with an interesting vocal effect in the chorus.
The album is not as engaging after the stellar "Wolves," but nevertheless makes for an excellent listen. "Life Changes" is a musical epitaph for ODB. This reviewer hopes that the sub-par "8 Diagrams" is not the epitaph for the Wu Tang Clan.
