Meth, Rae, & Ghost – Wu-Massacre [2010]
Written by Big D
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Part 2 was Wu-Tang’s last stand; a record that signified a once mighty hip hop empire that collapsed under the weight of break-ups, pseudo-reunions, and sadly, deaths. When I heard about the release of Wu-Massacre in early 2010, I was surprised in the fact that it would be THIS record that Raekwon the Chef, Ghostface Killah, and Method Man would unite in a final last-ditch effort to stay rellevant. However, early word leaked that the trio was rushed by the record label to release the album, which is why it’s a relatively short record (12 tracks, 10 songs, 2 skits, roughly 30 minutes or so in length). To most, it might seem like a record that short is not worth paying full price for, but I actually feel that the shorter-length albums are more tightly compacted and leave less room for error.
Is it fair to call Wu-Massacre an actual Wu-Tang record if only three of the nine members are given the forefront? I suppose so, despite Gza and Masta Killa, my two favorite Clan members, not participating. Still, we have Ghostface, who’s been lyrically on fire since the Fishscale era, Raekwon The Chef, who’s best days may be behind him but he still has the ability to bring heat if called upon, and shockingly Method Man, who is the true highlight performer of Wu-Massacre. I’ve always been one to critique Method Man as being my least favorite member of the Wu-Tang Clan, but on this album it’s almost like we’ve entered Bizarro-Land as he brings an above average energy and lyrical venom, something he has failed to do in his prolific 15 year career. He outshines Ghost and Rae almost every time!
There are some songs on this record though that one can consider modern day Wu-classics. “Smooth Sailing Remix” is the most epic of epic posse cuts, blending the hunger of Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers with the audio cleanliness of Supreme Clientele. Everybody comes correct. “Our Dreams” is a touching relationship joint stripping down the mysoginistic bravado of previous tracks like “Ice Cream” and being heartfelt and truthful. “Pimpin Chipp” is amazing and easily ranks in the top 10 Ghostface performances of all time. Ghost dons his Slick Rick hat for this solo joint, proudly exclaming on the start of the song that “Ya’ll niggas always want some lyrics, real lyrics? Ya’ll niggas can’t tell no stories” and effectively shuts the critics mouths up.
Of course, this IS a Wu-Tang album (I guess) and it DOES feature Rae and Ghost, so long-time Wu-supporters can expect the vintage sound: grimy every-day street poetry, over-the-top storyline, wacky slang, and more than a few mentions of marijuana from Meth. But it’s all wrapped together beautifully by entertaining and emotive storytelling throughout the 30 minutes of the LP. Raekwon brings the grime on “Dangerous”, effectively going back to the block. Rae isn’t the only rapper on the song, but he takes the forefront with little effort. “Miranda” showcases another great story about a seductive female who attracts Rae, Meth, and Ghost. The strong-point here is that it’s told by three different points of view, adding a nice twist to a concept some can consider played-out. “Youngstown Heist” is basically just that – the story of a heist. “Crimonology 2.5″ and “It’s That Wu Shit” are perfect intro/outro tracks to the album; vintage Ghostface hyperbole, with the former backed by Meth’s flow-centric style.
You would be hard-pressed to find a weak lyrical moment or bad beat on Wu-Massacre. There are one or two moments where everything doesn’t click, but it’s nothing too bothersome and hardly worth mentioning. Wu-Massacre is everything that Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Part 2 wasn’t. Above average performances from everybody involved, production that knows no bounds, and most importantly; an array of entertaining stories about all kinds of facets of life; even if some are pure fantasy. Wu-Massacre gives me hope that perhaps one day, the Iron Flag will be raised once more…
4.25 Stars
