Wu Tang

Along with Dr. Dre's The Chronic, the Wu-Tang Clan's debut, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), was one of the most influential rap albums of the '90s. Its spare yet atmospheric production -- courtesy of RZA -- mapped out the sonic blueprint that countless other hardcore rappers would follow for years to come. It laid the groundwork for the rebirth of New York hip-hop in the hardcore age, paving the way for everybody from Biggie and Jay-Z to Nas and Mobb Deep. Moreover, it introduced a colorful cast of hugely talented MCs, some of whom ranked among the best and most unique individual rappers of the decade. Some were outsized, theatrical personalities, others were cerebral storytellers and lyrical technicians, but each had his own distinctive style, which made for an album of tremendous variety and consistency. Every track on Enter the Wu-Tang is packed with fresh, inventive rhymes, which are filled with martial arts metaphors, pop culture references (everything from Voltron to Lucky Charms cereal commercials to Barbra Streisand's The Way We Were), bizarre threats of violence, and a truly twisted sense of humor. Their off-kilter menace is really brought to life, however, by the eerie, lo-fi production, which helped bring the raw sound of the underground into mainstream hip-hop. Starting with a foundation of hard, gritty beats and dialogue samples from kung fu movies, RZA kept things minimalistic, but added just enough minor-key piano, strings, or muted horns to create a background ambience that works like the soundtrack to a surreal nightmare. There was nothing like it in the hip-hop world at the time, and even after years of imitation, Enter the Wu-Tang still sounds fresh and original. Subsequent group and solo projects would refine and deepen this template, but collectively, the Wu have never been quite this tight again. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide

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Contains 2 Bonus Tracks: Dirty Dancin' and Harlem World

Ol' Dirty Bastard rose to fame in the world renowned Hip Hop gang Wu-Tang Clan. His vocal input in Wu-Tang's Enter The Wu-Tang added comic relief and unpredictability to the overt gangsta lyrics, so when producer RZA worked with him to capitalize on his unique style on his own solo album, ODB jumped (probably literally) at the chance.

Return To The 36 Chambers (1995) is chock full of his rants, growls, schtick and off-beat rhymes. After release, Shimmy Shimmy Ya and Brooklyn Zoo quickly became true Hip Hop classics. An entertainer in his own right, ODB was perhaps one of the realest rappers out there, and unfortunately died in his prime in 2004.

This unique reissue of Return To The 36 Chambers contains 2 exclusive vinyl-only bonus tracks: Dirty Dancin' and Harlem World.

Numbered, Limited Edition On Crystal Clear Vinyl

The W is the third studio album by the world's baddest Hip Hop group Wu-Tang Clan. Released in 2000, the album debuted at number 5 on the Billboard 200, and instantly topped the R&B/Hip Hop Albums Chart after release. Containing the hit Gravel Pit, the album was certified Platinum a few months later.

After their 1997 album WU-TANG FOREVER and several solo projects, The W has a more rugged, less polished sound than most Wu-Tang related albums from that era. Group mastermind RZA produced The W with roughed up Soul samples and tight, tough beats. Paranoid kung fu samples and bizarre sounds drive the fantastic nightmare. The back-to-basics approach (the group's massive debut ENTER THE WU-TANG comes to mind) works so well because it puts the focus back on some of the best rappers in the game.

The album also features guest appearances from Isaac Hayes, Redman, Nas, Busta Rhymes and Snoop Dogg.

Sprawling rap collective from Shaolin (aka Staten Island), changed the course of hip-hop, spawned dozens of solo careers.

Emerging in 1993, when Dr. Dre's G-funk had overtaken the hip-hop world, the Staten Island, New York-based Wu-Tang Clan proved to be the most revolutionary rap group of the mid-'90s -- and only partially because of their music.

A watershed release in the history of the underground hip-hop movement, ''Wu-Tang Meets The Indie Culture'' reflects the convergence of Wu-Tang and the indie hip-hop culture. As ambitious in scope as it is creatively visionary, the album consists of Wu-Tang stylistic sensibility and production paired with some of the finest (as well as commercially viable) underground East and West Coast hip-hop lyricists.

The last thing youd say about the prolific young rap collective Odd Future is that theyre boring. You could say a lot of things about them, but you cant say that theyre just like everyone else.. You know what else? Theyre really good. Especially their ringleader, called Tyler The Creator. And another thing? Its awesome to see them play live. Its thrilling to hear him (Tyler), to witness him teetering on the line between an insular tribe of hardcore fans and the rest of the world. Its been a long time since rap has had someone this unknowable at center stage. Its been a long time since rap fans have been encouraged, even activated, to be weird. And its been even longer since rap fans have felt part of the process. There is potential in Tyler and in Odd Futures fans to embrace new sounds and ideas that dont resolve. Its exciting because, with them, I dont know whats next. - NPR

Beneath the Surface is the third solo studio album from Wu-Tang Clan member GZA. The album was released on June 29, 1999. Beneath the Surface is a worthy continuation and development of the Wu-Tang Clan
conglomeration. Quintessential tracks like Amplified Sample and Crash Your Crew, prove GZA's one the most innovative and talented vocalists Wu-Tang had to offer.

Canonized, marginalized or just scrutinized, Meshell Ndegeocello has given up with the politics of explaining herself. After 20 years in an industry that has called her everything from avant garde to a dying breed, what unquestionably remains is the fearsome bassist, prolific songwriter and the creativity and curiosity of an authentic musical force. With that, she has earned critical acclaim, the unfailing respect of fellow players, songwriters and composers, and the dedication of her diverse, unclassifiable fans. For the sake of setting the record straight, a few brass tacks remain: Meshell was born in Germany, raised in DC, signed at 23, and has been nominated for 10 Grammy awards.

Now, the pair have confirmed that they're putting out a collaborative album called Anything But Words featuring more big names like Florence Welch, Kool Keith, the aforementioned Ghostface Killah, Method Man, and Masta Killa.