Reviews (page 6 of 9)
а что тут сказать, олдскул рэп, политика, жесть, кровля, мясо с кровью
alright beats but boring rapping to back it up leaves it to not give me the best time with this.
I liked this, I’d give it a 3.5 if I could
Took me a minute to get it but shit was hot fire
Atmospheric, eerie, cinematic, almost lo-fi production. His flow is nice. I like it as background music, but that's a backhanded compliment in this context. Despite everyone gushing about his lyrics, I can't help but find them boring and repetitive. Similar feeling to what I had for Illmatic. I just can't possibly relate to anything he is rapping about. This sounds naive, but plenty of other more pop-savvy rappers can make similar topics more catchy or fun enough for me to enjoy. I've never really gravitated to these East Coast technical "street cred" rappers like the Wu-tang Clan or Nas, but rather ones that make hip-hop accessible, like Jay-Z or Biggie. I wish I did, and maybe this project will eventually lead me to a greater appreciation, but sadly not as of now. Also, rap skits always suck.
Your favourite rapper’s favourite Wutang member. Probably the best of the debut Wu solo efforts (and probably the closest to 36 chambers in tone). A few bangers that are as good as anything from the Wu (duel of the iron mic, 4th chamber, shadow boxin), but on some of the tracks Gia’s subdued (albeit technically brilliant) rapping doesn’t pop like it does when contrasted with the other members of the clan.
3.2 Enjoyed it with one go-through
Echte classic, die old school hiphop/Wu Tang sound. Heel vet om te horen, kende dit album niet van GZA. Maar je hoort echt de classic Wu-Tang sound, natuurlijk ook door een paar features. Oldschool hiphop op zn best naar mijn mening. Het kakt iets in halverwege, maar verder is dit een must listen als je van hiphop houdt, en wie doet dat nou niet toch? FAVO: Liquid Swords, Duel of the iron mic,, Gold, Cold world, 4th chamber, Shadowboxin, BIBLE
Decent
The beats are surprisingly catchy and engaging. The lengthy excerpts from Shogun Assassin are rather tedious.
Banger
I like it. I really enjoyed the music. The talking, not so much. 3
I like this style of rap better than most. it almost feels like indie rap.
No thanks, zero interest.
B- Liquid Swords 3 Duel Of The Iron Mic 4 Living In The World Today 4 Gold 3 Cold World 3 Labels 3 4th Chamber 3 Shadowboxin' 3 Killah Hills 10304 3 Investigative Reports 3 Swordsman 3 I Gotcha Back 3 Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth 4 This was pretty good. I thought this was SZA until just now. Oops.
some of the bset 90s rap
Classic album from one of the best to do it.
good songs as an album but not the most memorable
Like jazz, I don’t have the sophistication to know why a particular rap song or album is especially good. I just really liked this album. I’d come back to it. Keep your eye on the sparrow!
GZA ain't nothing to fuck with...
I'm never going to choose to listen to this, but I enjoyed parts of it.
The title track is great. "Cold World" is also worth a listen. The real star, per usual, is RZA's beats and production work. Though the album is a little too heavy on rather long samples from Shogun Assassin (1980). 3.2 stars rounded down.
Гений нахуй 8/10
While the Wu-Tang is always strongest together, this solo effort makes the case that the GZA could’ve made it fine on his own. And he did, his lyrical prowess on full display here. “Dual of the Iron Mic,” “Cold World,” and “Shadowboxin’” are standout cuts.
Love the beats and the lyricism, but just didn't hit for me
I enjoyed the film / video game aspect of the album.
No recuerdo ninguna canción de este disco
4.5/5
Never realized how many hip hop records have spoken word interludes. Don’t hate, but don’t love. Overall, this is pretty good. Good beats, not loud, easy to play as background music. Head bopping, not boring. Doesn’t sound dated either.
MINT
Ain’t nuthin to fuck with
Voiceovers plus Samurai themes, the only thing missing is lasers
Clever and enjoyable.
Cool rap, not totally for me
When it comes to Liquid Swords, there is one thing that i really can't get over and that is just how good the production is on this album. The beats and samples mix with the rapping really well and just are really good when it comes to complimenting each other. The samples are also from a martial arts movie which feels so on brand for a member of the Wu-Tan Clan. At worst, the songs could be a little bit boring but that was very rare when it came to this album. This is definitely a great album I can recommend to any 90s hip hop enjoyer. Best Song: 4th Chamber Worst Song: Hell's Wind Staff / Killah Hills 10304
undarground... mitä vittua tarkoittaa maanalainen? aina olluvar kuuluisia.. luulin tarkoittaa epä suosittu ja harvempi henkilö kuuntelee esim richie guerrero 400 monthly listeners. noh tota hyvä albumi tässå, wu tang jäsen jatkaa samankaltaista hip hop musiikin tuotantoa.. pakko antaa vähäisempi arvosana kuin cuban links joka oli jo heikompi kuin,36 kammiota. ryhmänä niin paljon versaliteettia että se toimii paljon oaremmin, vaikka tässä toki featureja. lyrisismi toki mahtavaa, mutta se on odotettuakin, ei mikään yllätys siinä.. neste miekat... huhhuh... killah hills 10304
Not memorable and a bad sign if the autoplay tracks after it left more of an impression
I was never huge on all the samurai/Shaolin imagery but it all really clicked for me this time. Front to back the beats are incredible. This practically put me in a trance.
really good beats here, the usage of classic action film/TV samples and absolutely KILLER drum loops create a nice consistent energy throughout. so many subgenres i'm learning about, all these different areas of the US each having their own style of hip hop...
Enjoyed this. 4 stars
This is the second solo studio album by American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member GZA. Similarly to the group's other solo endeavors, GZA created this album with the help and guest appearances of the other Wu-Tang Clan artists. This album uses clips from "Shogun Assassin" and the title, "Liquid Swords," references being lyrically sharp like a blade.
not my thing
Had never heard of this artist, but have to admit that compared to the other rap albums that have I listened to on the 1,001 so far, "Liquid Swords" was one of the better ones... While the lyrical content was similar - the delivery was pretty solid, and there was decent diversity throughout the album... Not sure what to make of the movie interludes between some of the tracks, but it worked okay for me, and at least wasn't contrived like some others that I've heard... The best part of this album for me, were the hypnotic instrumental tracks that were laid under the rap - as those were incredibly chill and interesting, and provided the perfect backdrop to the vocals... I almost wish there was just an instrumental version only of this album... A couple of songs that I enjoyed more than others were "Duel Of The Iron Mic" & "Gotcha' Back", so points for the music, originality, and diversity, and at the end of the day, I'll give it a 3...
Good bars and I think had I listened to it in its prime it would have been different. After being exposed to Wu Tang I was expecting something different I guess.
This is probably my favorite album by a former Wu-Tang Clan member. I’ve enjoyed some Raekwon and Ghostface Killah albums as well and they’re pretty close, but I think Liquid Swords is on par with Enter the Wu-Tang. Usually I don’t love skits in the midst of songs, but I think GZA accomplished this way better than any other rapper I’ve heard, mostly using dialogue from the film Shogun Assassin (which I should probably check out). The production for this album is incredible, especially considering it was recorded and produced in RZA’s basement. I’m unclear how advanced RZA’s home studio was, but I can’t imagine it rivaled The Firehouse or The Hit Studio where Enter the Wu-Tang was recorded and mastered (respectively). RZA and GZA made miracles on this album, it sounds over a decade advanced. Ghostface Killah’s Fishscale from 2006 and Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Pt. II are of similar quality, but they’re both over 10 years later and were recorded at more developed studios.
Higher end 3
I'm disappointed. 36 Chambers was one of my favorite hip hop albums. I wanted to love this, but it falls short. GZA just doesn't have the poetry for me. His lyrics are clever, his flow is proficient and this themes are interesting, but there's just something missing with the sound. The very best rappers paint lyrics that sing on their own. Just the sound of the words against each other, even devoid of meaning, are compelling. I just don't get it on this album. Just don't feel it.
Gets ya nodding dog noddin
Better than Mobb Deep for the most part but not the 36 chambers. Vibe actually carries the lyrics more than it seemed. But we live for the vibe
So Wu already on the list? GZA boi ur ass dismissed Liquid swords may be filled with bars But u just scrape by with soft 3 stars
GZA with the liquid words, RZA with the liquid chords. Can’t be bothered with the film quotes stuff though, so something like an 8.5/10.
This is cute. It's got a nice chill groove and he's always had a great voice. Not sure how I never listened to this one before!
3.
Interesting concept. Personal enjoyment: 2/5 Relevance to this list: 3/5
Top 3 Wu Tang Albums: 1. 36 Chambers 2. Cuban Linx 3. LIQUID SWORDS
My favorite rap album of all time. The intro sample is incredible and pulls the listener in immediately (it is also my favorite movie sample from any Wu-Tang album). Every song is perfect on here and tells a unique story critical to the album. GZA's rapping is compact and he doesn't waste any rhymes or lyrics while RZA on the other side perfected the abstract production he developed on Enter the Wu-Tang. No bad verses, no bad instrumentals/samples, and no bad features. A perfect album.
77/100
From the dark and grimy production courtesy of producer RZA to the equally gruesome yet complex rhymes displayed by GZA and the rest of the Wu-Tang members featured on here (most notably an amazing guest verse by Method Man on "Shadowboxin'"), this record is another must-listen in the boarder Wu-Tang catalog. 9/10
This is top notch.
I liked this much more than I expected to and would probably place it close to the top relative to the other very famous rap albums on this list. However I’m still not really a fan of this because none of the songs really stuck out. I’ll have to re-listen to this sometime.
almost more like a Wu Tang album than a solo one since they all appear on it. the group's contract allowed them so sign solo deals with other labels. GZA might not have had the commercial success of Method Man or ODB but he's arguably the most talented.
only had time to listen to half today. might finish later but idk i didn't love it. Never listened to any wu-tang related thing before so this was new!
HipHop als schönes Konzeptalbum.
fuck yes!! Love this album!! 5 stars!! Man, this album had so much attitude, pure gold all the way through absolutely loved it.
Why do people have such an ick for 90’s rap? I love the Instrumentals here, such wonky and non traditional beats are so fun. NY Hip-Hop was so fire back in the day, bring it back. This is another album that’s deff gonna grow on me as I reslisten. Living in the world today; 4th chamber, Investigative reports.. gah there’s too many bangers bro
The best Solo Wutang outting CHOSE THE SWORD OR CHOSE THE BALL
Albumet var helt okej. Jag gillar den. Lite old school. Det är nice. Ganska samma sound genom hela skivan. Bra flow. Glad att jag fick höra den. Andra lyssningen blev den bättre. Coola filmklipp.
Det är bra. Men lite för enformigt. Det är rätt "enkla" beats. Inget extra. Antar att texten är en viktig del. Kan inte riktigt ta in den. Skönt flow, men lågmält. Det är inte dåligt men inte heller svinbra. Lite tjatigt med alla ninjatjafs. Det var säkert ballt en gång. Men det håller inte i längden. Shadowboxin är bäst.
Älskar allt med Wu så svårt att inte vara biased här. Magkänslan var att direkt sätta en femma, men efter lite rannsakan landar den ändå i en fyra. Det är som bäst när GZA har draghjälp av de andra. Andra delen av plattan är klart bäst (t ex 4th chamber, Shadowboxin, Investigative reports och B.I.B.L.E). Några av sololåtarna på första halvan är det som håller nere betyget från en femma.
First listen Saved 2/13 Top track: Shadowboxin'
Out of all the Wu-Tang albums, this is the one that sounds the cleanest, has the cleverest production and sample use (thanks to RZA), and is the most consistent with mood and subject matter. But of course, it also stars GZA, the most intellectual and introspective of the collective. The flow and rhymes are insane, so smooth and imaginative, employing extensive similes and metaphors. Subject matter is centered around the injustice of the political system and the capitalist greed of record labels, and how the Wu-Tang are samurai fighting against the system. The mood is dark and ambient with each track having a different feel, and only strays from that in the last track. Very strong start. Appropriate intro sample, and "Liquid Swords" is a powerful opener with high energy and emotion that hypes the rest of the record. The 4 tracks that follow are memorable and distinctive, with impressing beats and samples, and some catchy choruses. In contrast, "Labels" is a bit forgettable and anticlimactic. Our two big tracks "4th Chamber" and "Shadowboxin" are fun and catchy while still retaining the dark vibe. From there, the momentum is kinda killed. You get a long lame skit. "Killah Hills 10304" has a sick sample and some cool effects but it's largely forgettable, and doesn't help with how muddled he sounds. "Investigative Reports" is a solid collab but feels a bit disjoint, and the production is boring. "Swordsman" and "I Gotcha Back" have cool dark horror production and elaborate storytelling but are a bit forgettable. Finally, Killah Priest's "B.I.B.L.E" closes the album which sounds really out-of-place but is an optimistic contrast to the dark mood of the rest of the record. It's 55-minute length does not help. Candidate for the best Wu-Tang album with plenty of outstanding cuts and hits. Swap "Investigative Reports" with "Labels" and improve its production, and cut everything after "Shadowboxing", maybe with a more satisfying closer, and this would not only be the best Wu-Tang album, but one of the best hip-hop albums at all. If anything, this record shows the potential for smooth and imaginative lyricism.
His flow is great. But that's about it. The lyrics are above-average. But why is popular hip hop SO thematically homogenous? Imagine if 60's folk (another lyric-centric genre) singers wrote of NOTHING but: (1) their reefer and amphetamines; (2) how attentive and considerate they were in the act of love; and (3) how stupendous their skills were in light of the lack of sophistication among all of the other Gibson-playing, black turtle neck wearing squares? It'd make the genre even worse than it is - which brings us back to popular hip hop. Moreover, the backing tracks, here, are trite and the atonal ornamentation (no doubt added as the creative "theme") is so chaotically incorporated that the producer comes off sounding like a tone deaf twelve-year old.
I liked this album enough to consider watching Shogun Assassin
A classic album with an iconic intro and opening track. Really enjoyed all the WTC features and remembered a lot more tracks from this than I expected
Very lyrical and good flow. All songs were good/great I don’t get the whole ninja samurai excerpts from almost all the songs
Not my kind of thing
It’s fine , hard edged but slightly soulless hip hop Lack of musical variation brings it down.
Stone hard NY hip hop. From the source to the next step in the 90s. Could have had a bit more soul or funk as a criticism.
Fiko
I love how Wu Tang split up but then they all just did solo albums with each other. This is a great record, a little repetitive maybe but strong rapping throughout. Loved 4th Chamber and Shadowboxin’ especially. High 4.
Nothing about this appealed to me, although I think we’ve heard worse.
VERY NY 90's boom-bap hip hop album. The Wu Tang Clan members are all good lyricists so its fun to hear them all here. I do wish the actual songs were stronger though. None of them really stuck out to me after multiple listens aside from B.I.B.L.E, which stood out to me more for GZA's political lyrics than anything else. While this does create a "vibe" for the album, I don't find it to be super memorable. RZA's production is very good and must have been great to hear at the time when most production was simpler than what we hear here.
This is noise with the same monotonous beat in every song.
One of the best rap albums of all time
GZA solo still has the wu tang feel, lots of great stuff in here
A fairly new Swedish game studio is called 'Liquid Swords', I feel pretty sure that this is where that name comes from. Anyways, the album cover game me some manga vibes so I had a hard time figuring out what kind of music this would be before putting it on. Even though it is from mid 90s (which usually is where I usually find most hip-hop that I like), this was not really to my taste. I can't really put my finger on why, it just didn't stand out somehow. It felt kind of like the hip-hop equivalent of the Black Crowes album we heard the other day, just quite boring and nothing special - though admittedly this is a bit better than that. Strong 2 for me.
Really liked this. The lyrics are dense and the rhymes and flow really stand outs. This combined with the many great samples makes it the whole package. "4th Chamber" and "Shadow Boxin" are probably my favourite tracks and also appear back to back. Generally, I think the tracks with multiple rappers are better. Just a classic rap album. While some other rap albums can feel immature from this era I feel this holds up.
Pretty meh here. A couple catchy tracks but not a lot to keep my interest.
Had to listen to this album a few times to get into it again, but yeah still a great rap album.
Very coherent hip hop album with an extremely gloomy atmosphere. I appreciate it but would not listen to it again.
The first and last tracks may be the standouts to me but the whole album has great production, menacing while not being overproduced. Atmospheric stuff. Strong rapping throughout. No throwaway interludes or skits. Consistently good and one I'd like to come back to.
Disappointingly mid. Wasn't anything lyrically or musically groundbreaking. Artwork is great and some cool tracks but had higher hopes for it.
I'm not a huge Hip-hop fan but this album is pretty damn good. The rapping is in good but it's about the music, very well produced with great use of samples to create this hypnotic atmospheric sound. Also I normally find sound bites misplaced and distracting but they actually work on this album.
I love that GZA commits to the king fu movie bit. I really like this record, way more than most of the others on this list…
I didn't like this. I thought the movie samples were weird. The lyrics were repetitive. I'd ask for this to be turned off if it was on at a BBQ.
Wasn't a fan. A couple of times I found myself in a trance like thing listening, which might have been the point. But I can't ever see trying to listen to this one again. And I hated the movie clips.
One of the best.
So dull
Not for me but I respect the artistry
As far as rap goes, this was lyrically next-level but it’s another case of appreciating something I don’t relate to and musically didn’t really inspire me. Listens: 1 1/2 Fave Track: I think I liked the collaborative tracks better in general. Rating: 3 (for the rap quality, prob 2 for enjoyment)
Nice, I should read the lyrics to give a much accurate review
Heavy and poetic, a genre I know little of. Each song is poetry, a saga, a story. I couldn't possibly relate with what GZA is putting down and yet, you can't help but feel it. Impressive style and lyrical mastery. Shadowboxing and 4th Chamber in particular struck a chord of a kind.
Some pretty cool experimental hip hop from one of the Wu Tang members. Some sick samples and beats, but hasn't stuck in my mind really. Still dope tho. Fav songs: - Liquid Swords - Duel of the Iron Mic - 4th Chamber - Shadowboxing
Not sure how this differs from Wu Tang, but it's good.
Great album. Wu Tang is somehow both huge and under appreciated. They avoid the dumb skits so common in 90s rap, especially in West Coast, in favor of movie samples, which holds up much better. The beats, the flow, the lines, all excellent.
Very unique in the way they sampled the movie into this. I didn’t think I’d like it but it grew on me.
I'm not sure there's a standout song, and many seemed a bit repetitive.
Not my thing.
Interesting to listen to but not one I knew or prolly listen to again. Good beats. Not a big fan of some of the lyrics although I respect where it comes from.
Nope
Just okay
Liquid Swords is SUCH and influential album. You can see the cinematic qualities on pseudo-underground rap like Denzel Curry and MF Doom. There aren't many standout songs, in my opinion, but it is a vibe to listen to. Best Songs: Cold World, Shadowboxin', B.I.B.L.E. Worst Songs: Swordsman
I love Lone Wolf and Cub (although the samples are from an American recut called Shogun Assassin) and I love Wu-Tang, so this was just great from start to finish. Mid 90s hiphop beats just hit different.
Duel Of The Iron Mic and Investigative Reports are brilliant songs. 4/5
Album has such a mood to it. Lo-fi and atmospheric with a lyrical journey.
5 swords.
Great hip hop, would definitely listen again Favourite song:Liquid Swords
4.5 I repeat, RZA is the king. Definitely my favorite Wu solo album prior to starting this project. The beat on Liquid Swords is one of my favorite of all time. GZA is so, so smooth throughout. I could listen to this on repeat all day.
9/10
This album rules. The first song is very very good. Will I listen to again: 100%
felt ok to listen to but not super memorable. maybe a high 3 but doesn't feel like a 4
I've started to enjoy some Rap recently. Totally different world and almost 30 years away. This deserves it's place in the 1001
Favorite was "B.I.B.L.E"
what a journey - loved all the twists and turns. fantastic hip hop album, but i'd expect nothing less from the 'spiritual head' of wu-tang clan
According to my brother this is the best of the WuTang solo records, but I've never really understood that statement
I am a fan of Wu Tang and this album is one that I am familiar with although I have never listened to it the whole way through. It's really good, I'm sure that I will listen to this one again.
Moody and atmospheric. Suited the day I spent driving around Montreal in the rain. Still long though.
Hier geht es ja wieder mal vor allem um den Text, den ich kaum verstehe.
7/10
Dude’s will listen to this a go “Hell Yeah”. Now give me Wu-Tang. 10/10
Ascoltabile, ma senza nulla che spicchi particolarmente.
Another wu tang member’s solo album 2 days later… again middle of the road listen, again it’s not something I mind but wouldn’t listen to often
I don’t like rap music
I've listened to this album for years and have always thought it's alright. That perception continues on this listen. Some really stand out tracks on the first half of the album, but it fades by the end to just ok. 3/5.
Like to give zero. Same noise and lyrics as the other dozen WTC guys albums
It was alright, nothing special
Apparently the are connected with Mr. Wu Tag
This album bleeds style, flow, intelligence, and everything I want in a hip hop album. GZA's lyrics are complex and deep, and mixed with RZA's beats create a whole world through the storytelling, ambiance, and samples. If it wasn't for the out of place bible song at the end this album would be about as good as it can get.
Not my favorite genre but an enjoyable listen. 6/10 (3/5)
Practically a Wu Tang album. & Wu Tang is forever.
I'm always down for hip-hop. Favorite tracks: - The whole album is a banger
Liquid Swords is the second solo album by the American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member GZA. The East Coast hip hop album contains dark themes on crime, philosophy, and chess, while sampling dialogue from the martial arts film Shogun Assassin. It's a sophisticated production with awesome beats and snazzy rhymes that has been considered as one of the best hip hop albums of its time. It has been certified platinum in the US. Liquid Swords is a deadly-sharp assassination executed flawlessly. Its dark and mysterious raps cut deep with layered lyrics that are complimented by the creepy string melodies and heavy bass beats. This was an awesome hip hop album and one of the best solo albums in Wu-Tang's collection. I do recommend.
Really enjoyed the beat throughout this album, but I’m not the target audience for the lyrics and what these songs are about so I didn’t connect with it.
One of the easiest 5's I'll give on this list. I agree this is one of the best solo Wu records, but it is in great company among Ghostface KIillah's Supreme Clientele and ODB's Return to the 36 Chambers. This album is impeccably produced with a continuation of the ninja warrior motif taking the focus of a number of references (both background samples and intro/outro cuts). Though there are a number of quality Wu posse cuts scattered throughout, GZA carries the brunt of the work here putting his wordplay on full display. His flow is buttery and fluid as it wraps around soulful bass and punchy drums. Standouts being Living In the World Today, Shadowboxin', and Liquid Swords.
There's definitely beats that get my head bopping throughout. Flow is good too. Nothing really exciting here for me though. Just a rap album with a cool album cover. Nothing earth shattering here either good or bad.
Pretty middle of the road hip-hop album for me. It was ok to listen to in the background with repetitive beats but thats about it
Fuck yeah WU. Probably the best "solo" Wu album of all time. RZA continues his insane production style and love the martial arts samples. Like most Wu albums, this one flows so damn well with incredible beats and great appearances from all members coming in and out. The front half I gotta say I loved more than the back. Still was great just nothing incredible. Just gets me amped for whenever we get 36 Chambers - and we better be getting it. High 4
Creative
GZA may be devoted to the sub-genre he helped to create, to the music, to the fans... and to many of us, he's "faith."
Lone wolf and cub reference was interesting. That’s about it.
This era of Wu-Tang adjacent hip hop is unmatched. Perfectly understated while still being a masterpiece. 4.5/5
Didn't do anything for me.
NOPE!
New one for me
Seen Wu-tang twice and I’ve never listen to this album but it honestly slapppppps, bangers on here for sure that I’ve heard live 🤩
Best song: Killah Hills Vibes: epic/cinematic lyrical NY rap Themes: Kung fu, fighting
Not really my thing man, some were okay but didn't really stand out for me, sorry to say. 4.5/10 #55
A typical 90s rap album, but nothing too memorable
Wasn’t for me but I still appreciate these guys love of Tony Stark
Yer was alright this, few good tracks
This is what you would get from a clockwork rap album producing machine - it is completely predictable, dull and includes the obligatory fly on the wall segment in the middle which explodes into argument and threats to show how authentic they are - exactly as every other rap album of the era does.
Heard it a few times now and is a solid one with a ton of clever rhymes. No outstanding tracks so I dont think I'll revisit, so I have to give it a 3.5
Liquid Swords Duel Of The Iron Mic 4th Chamber Shadowboxin'
1995, East Coast hip hop, hardcore hip hop Definitely not my 'go-to' music genre....Contains three top 10 US Rap singles. Singles: I Gotcha' Back, Liquid Swords, Cold World, Shadowboxin' Standouts: Liquid Swords 3/5
GZA and WuTang were a bit before my time. The verses on “4th Chamber” were impressive.
Prefer Wutang, but this was pretty good.
Yawn, yet another '90s explicit lyrics rap album. I couldn't understand a lot of the lyrics, but the words I did understand made it clear it's not anything I'd be interested in anyway. Had some movie dialogue interspersed. For what reason? No idea. Barely 2/5.
Saturday Afternoon Classic Hip Hop Listening Party second entry of the day after Run D.M.C. I can't say I was paying a huge amount of attention to the lyrics, as I was puttering around doing chores, but I enjoyed the production, pacing, and consistency. It has a dark, mellow sound palette that I was not expecting.
It’s pretty enjoyable for the parts where you can zone out and not hear all the NGE/nation of Islam hate group stuff
I don’t really think I was in the mood for this today. It was fine, I guess? I just never got into it.
I guess this is how other people felt listening to Berlin by Lou Reed. A lot of the music was really enjoyable and I liked a lot of the songs but sometimes I'd suddenly realize the content of the lyrics and be bummed out and uncomfortable. It also just seemed like a lot for one sitting.
As far as Wu-Tang goes, I liked this more than most. But I still can't get into Wu-Tang stuff. I think the beats are a bit boring and the hooks are generally underwhelming. I want to be one of the cool kids who likes Wu-Tang, and I can't do it.
GZA more like ZZZZZZZ
I mean.
5 / 10 Rap clásico, no va conmigo.
How does Gza do it? Extremely satisfying album with deep, metaphysical lyrics and dope beats. Hip hop at its finest.
Not at a Method level album. No song stood out, though I was fine with the album as a whole.
I enjoyed the beats. Heard some clever lyrical combinations. Mostly faded into the background. In a good way?
GOAT.
Pish
Like most 90s albums, this is too long. It's not bad, just too long. And quite monotonous, but that's obviously intentional. Favorite song: liquid swords
it's alright
So smooth and effortless can't believe it took me this long to listen to this in full B.I.B.L.E. especially is crazy good
I've listened to the first 7 songs. That's enough. Perfectly acceptable rap album. But I just can't get into this shit the same way i once did....
Nothing about this whatsoever appeals to me. The struggle is real today.
Pas mal pour du rap, surtout d’un membre du Wu-Tang
It was ok. Chill tunes and nice rapping. Not quite my style. Questionable opinions, kinda cool theme with the samurais but didn't quite get it.
I love that Wu Tang sound. Something about the lilt of the samples and crisp lyrics
I’ll be honest, I didn’t even remember this album, and I had already given it at least four stars just based on GZA alone. In addition, it has plenty of Inspectah Deck, my personal favorite flow artist in the Clan. The flows are great. RZA produces with the standard sound. The lyrics are sharp even when they verge on making this a concept album based on the movie, Shogun Assassin. Yep, I just talked myself into five stars.
Rap is not a style that I listen to often, but I do enjoy story tellers in all genres and GZA (along with the rest of the Wu-Tang Clan) delivers in this area. I absolutely love the aesthetic of Wu-Tang Clan, mixing the East Coast hip-hop/rap of early/mid 90s with the backdrops of Martial Art movies and Motown grooves and samples. I have always appreciated that aspect of it without really listening to it before recently. The album was mixed in RZA's basement studio and that gives a guerilla warfare feel to it. The beats are simple but tight with samples layered into the background. All laid down to paint a picture, no real wasted brushstrokes here, everything seems to serve the narrative of each song. Having just recently done a dive into Enter the Wu Tang(36 Chambers), I appreciate the rest of the crew jumping in with GZA on these tracks. They accentuate but don't overshadow the solo work here. I can see this album working it's way into a regular rotation for me when the Rap mood hits me.
Awwwwwwful!! I gave it a try but can't take it!
La barrera del idioma me impide disfrutarlo en su maximo esplendor. Aun asi, buen disco, la poesia se transmite aunque no sepa tanto el idioma y no esté muy metido en el tema de hip hop estadounidense
Went over my head. I'll have to give it another listen sometime. Very amateurish, but that's not a bad thing.
i really like this typa music however it just didnt do it for me
Beats niet zo funky als gedacht. Leuk thema
Interesting rhymes and beats. Love the samples from the samurai movie.
I´m really not into Hip-Hop/Rap but this one sucks less than others.
Really cool concept, andhard-hitting societal lyrical content. Faves: BIBLE
Awesome
Great samples and strong rap.
so fuckin good. every track. raw, bizarre beats and clever raps.
Interesting rap album. Liked most of the tracks.
I don’t get it
If I'm being honest, I'm so busy with work that I couldn't pay super close attention to the lyrics of this album which is unfortunate because this album is known for its solid lyricism. The album flows very well. The low-fi production makes everything feel so smooth. The instrumentals/samples are atmospheric and keep things interesting.
Love this one. It feels so New York. The rhymes are awesome, the beats are chill and flowy. It does have that old school vibe, but it doesn't feel out of date. GZA is so sharp and calculated with his delivery. The record also feels kind of proto-MF DOOM. I wouldn't say its a concept album, but it has a lot of connection between songs and an overall lore to it. They lyrics are probably the strongest part, GZA is deep and spiritual with his delivery. I dig it. Wu-Tang Forever!
I enjoyed this one, to mye own surprise. The production is dark and dense, and the songs have a continous flow that reminds me somewhat of more consept oriented records. I like that the lyrics are a lot smarter than the average 90s hiphop full of bitches and hoes( I am looking at you Grandpa Snoop). Guest lines from fellow Wu Tang-members ensures a nice variety in voices and styles that keeps the record from becoming monotonous. I'll stick this one to my "will listen again"-list.
cool! never listened to wu tang let alone individual members...
Nope
Classic 90s hip hop, scary beats. Flow was smooth, but not my style.
Not my jam, but good.
Hip-hop is not my jam, but this work is solid. I found the rhythms inviting and engaging. I enjoyed listening to it.
Ugh, I'm done with hip hop. I've tried. I just can't do it. This is boring, monotonous garbage. There is absolutely nothing good about this record at all. It's literally the same tropes and ridiculous rhymes as any other hip hop album since the mid 90s and I feel like that's the problem with the whole genre. The last song is the only one with any semblance of good lyrics but the bar was set so low already it’s not exactly an accomplishment. Same exact beat in nearly every song, somewhere in the neighborhood of 80bpm I think. Terrible cover art too, it looks like something a high school kid did in art class while trying to look like a badass.
Best of the solo records better than everything except 36 Chanmbers
Not a fan.
Meh, might grow on me
Flat-sounding Wu-Tang spin-off rap, uninteresting backing track. Not my thing.
I think this album is going to be the record that makes me realize I just really find this type of hip-hop TERRIBLY boring. I think I always kind of knew that lyrically impressive hip-hop artists that rely mostly on their story telling and inventive ways of rhyming never really excited me the way it does others. And while I do appreciate someone like GZA who was doing stuff like this decades before it really hit the mainstream, it just does absolutely nothing for me. There was some cool production choices on this, I really enjoy the old school martial arts film snippets placed throughout. But I just can't pay attention to the lyrics long enough to really say anything too deep about this record.
Great beats and lyrically sound. Solid 4/5
My first thought was “oh god another dated hip-hop album to listen to” but this is GREAT
Awful
I hate modern rap with a passion, but I LOVE old-school rap. Makes me feel like a badass. It's not my favorite of this genre but overall it's easy to listen to. 4/5
gotta love good ol hip hop. lyrically good and musically catchy
Not my style but it could be worse
The epic audio samples between the tracks really elevate the album.
Rocking Meh
To use a culinary metaphor: Chef tastes dish. "Hmm, this is pretty mundane and derivative. Sriracha is popular. Let's dump Sriracha on everything. It may all taste the same, but it will get their attention."
listened 3x. it grew on me for sure. 3.8/5 catchy
I enjoyed listening to this album, and the artists and songs are all new to me. Very into the hypnotically rhythmic grooves with vocal deliveries that work great on top of it. I will have to come back to this one.
Really good, can’t agree with the people saying it’s the best hiphop album of all time but i’ve only listened too it once, so maybe if i listen again.
Pretty chill album.
A small step above some of the other godawful hip hop I’ve heard here. GZA isn’t for me at all and I’ll never listen to him again, but I at least made it through the record without wanting to throw my device out the window.
Favourite tracks: dual of the iron mic; cold world; 4th chamber; shadowboxin; killah hills; I gotcha back
I don‘t like Hip-Hop. The aggressive attitude is boring.
Smooth old skool hip hop and samurai film samples - what more could you want
Good rap album, but a lot of it started to blend together.
This was really good. The opening title track is honestly phenomenal. Really a great album of the day.
Nope.
Interesting album. Not sure where they got the intercut samples....but it gave it an interesting vibe. Not a bad listen.
Some really strong songs and great lyrics on here, love the usage of movie clips and the features from other WuTang members, but overall the vibe isn't 100% what I would want from an album. It's really strong, definitely a 4 star, and I'll definitely come back to some of these songs, especially the title track and Killah Hills + Shadowboxin! But I probably won't be listening obsessively to it as a whole project
Нормально. Хороший рэпчина, от него не отдает плесенью, качово и спустя 30 лет
Really good album
Smooth flow from some of the GOATs. Every Wu-Tang member is present on this jam. Literally had a discussion tonight with my 18 y/o son. He said I only like rock. In spite of my arguments against that position, he didn’t buy it. Think I’m going to send him this.
Not really my thing but ok.
I have to admit Iv not listened to much Wu Tang Clan solo output before starting this project so this is another new one to me today. Another Wu tang solo album by name only given appearance from all the other members on the album. This another very high standard rap album, probably one of their best I heard. Feels like this stands up against the best of 90’s rap. Love the atmosphere throughout the album, it has a dark, gritty, and cinematic sound that reflects the harsh realities of life in New York, which reminds me a lot of my favourite rap album illmatic. The album features crisp and intricate production, with samples from kung-fu movies and soul music, and GZA delivers razor-sharp and witty rhymes on topics ranging from chess to crime. Really enjoyed this and going to suggest this is a 90’s rap masterpiece, it’s aged better than the Chronic, (also big plus for not having any skits!) and should be held on a par with Ilmatic so gets the full 5 stars from me.
No idea what this is. Ah - 90s Gansta Rap. This just isn’t good. Bad production, boring beats. Didn’t bother delving into the lyrics. Apparently this guy was part of wu tang clan - I get his influence on the genre but I don’t like this one at all.
This is a strong contender for the best Wu-Tang solo record. Of course, solo record is a bit of a stretch given that all eight other members of Wu-Tang Clan are present throughout the album. RZA's production is slick and the beats are deliberate and hypnotic. GZA's lyrics are complex, philosophical and cinematic, further punctuated by the interspersed samples from the film 'Shogun Assassin.'
Yass
Ok
Solid hip-hop album.
Certainly better than most of the current rap music I hear. I kind of get this.
Cool album! I can't say that I'd ever turn on this type of music for fun, but I dig it just the same.
Favourite Song: Cold World Not my usual type of music, but the album feels very cinematic at time which is always appealing to me.
Could Not Listen more than one Minute. It is awful
Here we go with hip hop, post 80's. I just don't get it. I though a couple beats and grooves were decent, but it just couldn't keep my interest. I use to watch Chapelle back in the day. This guy did a song called Knock, Knock. This, I felt is a solid song. Have it downloaded as part of my rap collection and listened right after this album was done. That song not on the album. Bummer. 2
3 Not really getting the hype surrounding this one. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a fine rap album, and I had a decent time listening to it, but nothing about it felt particularly noteworthy or special. I mean, the guy has good flow, but beats and lyrics-wise it all seemed pretty average and not like anything I haven’t already heard before. Really the only two tracks that stood out to me were Cold World and Shadowboxin’, which I will say have probably contained the best two beats on the album, but they also weren’t anything that imparted any kind of lasting impression or that I found myself missing when they were gone. Supposedly there’s a large following for this album online, so I’m clearly missing something. I’m not overly familiar with Wu-Tang Clan, so maybe I’m just lacking some context there? I do know there is some praise thrown onto the album for its “cinematic” qualities, which I’m assuming refer to the B-movie-esque interstitials. I did think those were kind of neat, but at the same time, I also don’t really feel like they paired with any of the songs or created any kind of overarching connection in any sort of meaningful way. If you’re a huge fan of this album, please let me know what I’m missing! I will say, the album cover is dope as hell and probably a 5/5 in my books if we were grading solely based on that.
Hip-hop. Bastante monótono y rollo. Un 2.
Not for me
I was enjoying this as much as Tical. I felt GZA's flow was great, and he was definitely turning some pretty brilliant rhymes. But then GZA started rapping about God, and I kinda got turned off a bit. Still, most of the earlier stuff on the album was pretty good. And the other guys from Wu-Tang made it enjoyable as well. But if I want to hear about God I'll listen to Stryper. Which I most certainly will _NOT_. So I liked Tical a little bit better, but I will still give this a 4 on the strength of the earlier songs.
I liked it, but it feels like a hard album to love. It's very heady. It's got a dark feel, almost like listening to a comic or graphic novel. Which is cool and lots of respect to the concept album and to GZA's lyrics. But similar to Method Man's debut album that was released around the same time and that I just listened to, when the album is over I'm struggling to remember what was so cool or what will keep me coming back for more. Feels like a 3.5.
Sick beats, groovy, got that ghostface killah, last emperor groove. Really enjoyable and the lyrics were great too - need to relisten and check out but its really good
not for me
Can’t stand rap
Good this init
LIFE OF A DRUG DEALER
06/02/2024
Enjoyable rapping by a legend.
One of my Favourite hiphop albums
Yes
Not my style. The storytelling segments mixed with the music was interesting but also felt a bit disjointed.
Beim durchzappen hörte sich für mich ein Stück wie das andere an (und leider nicht gut). Habe nicht bis zu Ende durchgehalten ...
Genre: R&B Rap (90s) Instruments: 3/5 Modern Translation: 2/5 Dance Potential: 1/5 Listening Location: commute to work Heard it before: No Favourite Song: Cold World, 4th Chamber and Investigative Reports Made me feel: I didn’t listen to the lyrics much, but this album felt like a classic 90’s rap album. I thought it had variety and it was well-made.
In a lot of ways, this is the greatest album from the Wu-Tang Clan, collectively or as individuals. The only thing that gives me pause from making that claim ironclad is that when I'm not listening to Liquid Swords, I basically forget it exists. I don't know if that's a me problem or a problem with the album. When I am listening to it, though? Whew.
When GZA said "Iron Man be sippin' rum, out of Stanley cups", he was predicting the future
Probably the best solo Wu Tang album
great production, world building, storytelling
Incredible beats and unique production only few rap albums achieve (mostly Wu-Tang alumni). But the real bread and butter of this album is GZA and every features lyricism. Truly incredible writing
This one wasn't as annoying to me as some other 90s rap.
Some great bars here, even if the accompanying production felt a bit uninspired compared to the vocals’ energy. Prime example of an LP that could’ve benefitted from getting out of its own way - the sampling gets a bit excessive, and the last track feels so heavy-handed and tacked-on that the flow/finale of the album is tainted.
old hip hop <3333 3.5/5
It's obvious it was going to be a hip hop album just because of the cover. Must be fun, I'm listening to hip hop rn so I'm gonna change it with this. First song, ooo filmy start(smn talked about this so I'm not gonna do it). Apparently this is east coast hip hop. Quite spooky. Little screams. And smoothly comes in the rap, both of them are doing it. I like the beat, the rap is also satisfying. The rhymes were good I must say. I'd rate this 3/5, I needed something more. Second song, again moviey start, I wonder what was the meaning of them putting this here. The fucking rhymes are eating. Also so many people here. Another one came in, the background is piano looping, and sometimes explosions. The chorus is weird at the end. And the outro is men speaking in a radio with choir sound, scratchy voice too. This was again 3/5, I generally like hip-hop and would rap with him because of the lyrical flow, dunno about the meaning though. Third song, I like the rap start, it's full and fun to listen to. It stopped, it's now the usual like rap. I have no idea how to rate hip-hop, like what do I say about them, so I just say what I think. I like how sometimes there is two voices rapping and then it comes back to the original verse type. There is trombone like sound when chorus starts. I like how he says the song title. It's just beat at the end with him rapping a little. Trombones at last. This was also 3/5 , it's just not doing its best I think, I've heard better raps and construction of such songs. First time rating songs individually and I'm not good at this, this was again 3/5 idkk. 4th song, I like the bassed beat. And again the double rapping is so nice to hear, but it stops quickly. Some rhymes are really good to me. There is this constant sound in my right ear, which is usual in the hip-hop. Long ass outro. This gave 3/5 rating because it sounded as almost same. 5th song, moviey start. It's a smooth rap, but no chorus makes the songs really boring. It's too same, though this is one of the hip-hop albums that have THAT vibe, basically objectively it's enjoyable, but I wouldn't want to hear these songs again, oh some call them forgettable songs. Now it's not rap, but some man singing. Outro is again long, Depeche mode vibes because of that. The violin is great. Rap slightly came back. This one was also 3/5, it will be 4 when I will want to listen to it again, and 2 when it's just uninteresting. 6th song, I like the way he says the n word, also his voice is really good, now that i think there are some insufferable rappers with bad voices, that would give these songs 4/5, but I'm picky. Wow this one was short and not as obscure, so I'd say 2/5. 7th song, I like how it transitioned from the moviey vibe to the beat. Also this is the best kind of rap I think, it's just simple yet lyrically full(maybe not). Again so many artists here. Glitchy sound at the end. It was unexpectedly basic, because of the intro it's 3/5. 8th song, I love how chill the vibes are, even though he's like not rapping softly, it's not aggressive or unchill either. There is "oh man" in between, and deep voiced man in my left ear. Deep voice is in right ear too. Ehh this didn't stand out 2/5. 9th song, not a movie start, I think he's just talking and there is some man's vocals as a background. Bigg intro. I used to deepen my knowledge and learn about songs' meaning, but it took so much time and it doesn't really matter at the end of the day. It's upbeat, idk what instrument it is though. Definitely not bad, just there is many songs like these, might not be lyrically as good, but still. This wass 2/5, but now that I think 5 is too low to rate them, but I'm rating subjectively anyway so. 10th song, news woman in my left ear, and rapping in my right ear. Quickly starts the song. This was downtempo low-key, liked that. The violin is also good. I just love us style and voice. Long outro with that radio speaking man. This was 2/5 too, it was too simple, maybe 1 star for that additionally, but no. 11th song, it's vibey as always. I'm getting bored tho, because of how same it sounds, it all comes down to lyrical side I guess, but I don't listen for them so. Long outro again. This one was again 2/5, maybe it's because I'm sick of the same exact vibe, but I'm still objective in a way. 12th song, there is murmuring in the song in both ears as a background voice when he's rapping. The movie scene waked me up, before it was quite chill and nice vibes, soo 3/5 it is. 13th song, and that movie scene waked me up. It's very normal after thatt. The style is better. Also this is 4/5 because of the name. Otherwise it's not very different from other songs. It was a nice one, I really liked it, I feel like this was a 3 star album, but it could be more if we think deeply. So I'd say 4 stars it is, the smoothness and the voice, plus the moviey vibe gives him such rating, much better than some rappers today.
Blind album and artist. Know him from Wu Tang, and the album is interesting and cool, but not a top tier for me that I feel myself coming back to. Sorry GZA.
Wu‐Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta Fuck Wit
Off to rewatch Shogun Assassin
3 Stars (8/15)
Warum das kein Wu-Tang Album ist, unklar. Eintönig und hinter der Zeit, imho
Not music I would listen to on my own but I like it.
"Liquid Swords" by GZA, released in 1995, is a masterpiece in the realm of hip-hop. With razor-sharp lyricism and a dark, atmospheric production, GZA, also known as the Genius, crafts an album that is both intellectually stimulating and sonically captivating. The album's conceptual coherence, heavily influenced by martial arts and street narratives, adds a layer of depth to each track. The production, primarily handled by RZA, is haunting and complements GZA's intricate rhymes seamlessly. "Liquid Swords" stands as a pillar of Wu-Tang Clan's collective brilliance, showcasing GZA's prowess as an emcee. Whether delving into social commentary or delivering vivid storytelling, every track is a testament to GZA's lyrical dexterity. Earning a solid 4/5, "Liquid Swords" remains a timeless classic that continues to influence and inspire within the hip-hop landscape.
fun, funky, i liked it
Didnt find any new songs that i didnt already have added. Nice to listen all the way through tho.
4.25
Ooft, first Wu-Tang affiliated album
Super inégal. Liquid swords c'est un de mes morceaux préféré de cette époque mais il y a plein de morceaux qui ont mal vieilli
Quelques titres sympa. J'aime bien les intros parlées.
fave track: i gotcha back final thoughts: wu-tang i owe you my life
9/10 this was such a great debut from GZA! i've been a fan of wu-tang clan for a while but never bothered to explore their solo works. this was a very lyrically complex album, i loved how martial arts jargon was used to illustrate the life GZA grew up in, being surrounded by drugs, violence and crime - it really worked well in his favour. i also love the sampling from old martial arts movies, it gave the album a lot more atmosphere. i feel like this album dragged towards the end but the songs were still good nonetheless. amazing listen.
not in the mood
Trash.
another fine album that i probably wouldn't have sought out on my own. i like the martial arts movie clips/theme running throughout the album, that was pretty neat. the songs kinda blend together for me but the lyrics seemed well crafted. i might listen to a handful of these tracks again but it wasn't my favorite 90s rap/hip-hop. favorites: liquid swords, 4th chamber, shadowboxin'
Cool production.
was ok, kinda passed me by, although a couple of songs defo jumped out more than others