Wu-Tang comes back to us with their 5th studio album and first since the critically disappointing Iron Flag. This is their first album since Ol' Dirty Bastard passed and they pay him tribute by making him an executive producer on the LP. All eight of the original remaining members are on the album with appearance from frequent collaborators Streetlife and Cappadonna. Featuring production from RZA in majority, the album also features help from Easy Mo Bee, Mathematics and George Drakoulias .

There has been rumors of internal beef within the Wu ranks so this album was a question to ever happen especially with RZA's movement into movie soundtracks, Method Man's into the movies and all the principal's success as solo artists.  

If you are looking for Wu-Tang Forever or their first LP Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) you may be disappointed but that doesn't mean you will think this is a bad product by far! The Wu does thing on this LP and compared to the current characters in Hip Hop they play their roles exceptionally well!

This LP is like the Raekwon and Method Man show because they seem to be on all of the powerful songs. Of course when Ghostface and Rae get together it's a problem and they do that best on "The Heart Gently Weeps", a slow storytelling track with John Frusciante on the lead guitar, Dhani Harrison (son of Beatles' George) on rhythm guitar and Erykah Badu on the chorus. Many people say this is the best track on the LP and while I decline to say that it is probably the most unique and the guitar play is absolute sick!

"Take It Back" is another Ghost and Rae jawn and along with the Rebel INS and U-God they roast any competition that think the Wu isn't for real! The Wu are veterans in the game and show it throughout the album. As Meth says in the chorus "Before you even had a name you were screaming Wu-Tang!".

"Rushing Elephants" has the sound of your favorite Kung-Fu flick and Masta Killa, RZA Raekwon and GZA do their collective thing, talking about   their prowess on the microphones.

"Unpredictable" could really be "Triumph ,Pt. 2" as this cut sound like a movie scene with chaos in it! RZA drops his lines and Inspectah Deck comes with his exceptional ability to capture the track for himself.

"Wolves" remind me of Gravel Pit but also of a horror flick and features George Clinton on the chorus. U-God rides the beat from the jump and he talks about his force in the rap game. Method Man does his thing of course and Masta Killa add something as the beat changes up.

Sunny Valentine is singing his heart out on "The Gun Go", a track about the streets and what you need to do to survive. Rae, Meth and Masta Killa represent the Wu on this track and do so well. The track talks about many urbanite's reality and protecting yourself.

The RZA flies solo on "Sunlight", a powerful track about the beauty of Allah. The song feels like it's title and the RZA does his God justice as he talks about how he is there for people at all times and in all instances.

"Stick Me For My Riches" is especially relevant in today's urban culture because we have seen many athletes and rappers getting stuck up recently. Method Man, RZA and Inspectah talk about making money, being successful and having to watch your back because now you are a target.

"Windfall" features Rae, U-God, Meth, Cappa, Masta Killa and the GZA and reminds me of a western movie mixed with a time traveling machine.

"Starter" talks about that number one lady in a man's life and features Sunny Valentine and Tash Mahogany. U-God actually does a whole verse about Tennessee's woman basketball star Candice Parker (of al least someone very similar)! The GZA, Inspectah and Streetlife join in also.

"Life Changes" is the groups tribute to O.D.B. and although all don't drop verses you know they miss the energetic MC. The members revisit how they felt when they got the news and how talk about how special he was.

Other tracks include "Weakspot" and the bonus tracks: "6 th Chamber" (bonus: overseas) and "Tar Pit" (available on Best Buy CDs)

Overall I listened to this for 2-3 days straight and while I miss Ghost on some tracks there is enough Wu to do make you forget. Like I said before this is really Rae and Meth's show and they hold the album together with the RZA producing his best beats since Wu-Tang Forever. The RZA keeps up with the best producers and adds his signiaure skills and sound that surpasses many in the game.  

The flow on the LP is excellent from all the people on the tracks and I'm oh so glad the Wu is still around and they sound very strong. They are from a throwback era where lyrics and beats mattered more than catchy choruses and that's what I like to hear. The Wu isn't dead by any means and I wish they could do an album every year! Hip Hop needs as much!

I'll give 8 Diagrams 4 GeoGlobes.

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