Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)

Depends on the mood

It was fine. Not my favorite type of hip hop, but some of the songs were entertaining. I knew C.R.E.A.M.

When I think of good hiphop, this is the album that comes to mind. The rawness of the beats, the variation in rap styles. What's not to love.

Dimensiono su impacto cultural. No me gustó a mí.

One my first hip hop albums that got me into the genre, it’s got some of the best sampling you will ever hear and the energy levels are off the charts, I don’t even need to mention how influential this is as well, an amazing start to the whole Wu Tang music lore as well and I think it’s really cool how this was the introduction before all if them making solo albums (some of which even add up to the quality of this one). They must be one of the only groups with that many members to have every one have verses with each bringing their own personality to the songs. The skits, despite being needlessly long sometimes and me not usually bring a fan of skits being attached to the songs, weren’t as bad as I remember to be honest, they add personality and don’t drag like I thought but I still think they can be annoying but honestly it’s worth it to hear the songs even if you can’t skip them. Favourites: all. Overall maybe not quite a 10 which feels a but strict but it’s just how I feel, 9/10.

I'm usually always impressed by old school hip hop, but this was not doing it for me. There was nothing clever about the lyrics, every song sounded the same, and the production was very poor. I'm surprised they have as many fans as they do. I can't even name one song that I liked the best because they were all so mediocre.

Not in the mood for "WOO! GUNS ARE GREAT!" on the day of yet another mass shooting. Got about halfway thru the first song and noped out.

Some albums are so good they change your taste in music. Some albums are so good you remember where you were when you first heard them. (The good old days the good old days) Some albums are so good that, the world around you disappears and it feels like you’re in a movie. Some reviews are so cringeworthy and full of hyperbole that you wish you’d just written “5 Stars”.

I'm disappointed by this. I thought it would be more dynamic, but outside of a few tracks or interesting pieces of production, and a few good rhymes, it's kind of flat. The whole album is weirdly murky. I'm being generous here. 2.5 rounded up.

Like a roundhouse kick to the face, Wu-Tang come crashing in and will not let up till they want to. Brilliant stuff, five stars all the way

Hip hop is just not my thing 2/5

This is so grimy it rules

This album is fucking awesome and I regret not listening to it sooner; so many parts of this album very obviously inspired the groups and singers I listen to now, I can hear so many samplings from this album. So great.

Iconic

This thing still sounds like a basement lab: dusty loops, chopped kung-fu flicks, and nine hungry voices crowding one mic. RZA turns cheap gear into alchemy - minimal, menacing beats that leave space for personalities to crash through. And every voice cuts different: Meth’s grin, Ghost’s technicolor slang, Rae’s street cinema, GZA’s cool precision, ODB’s beautiful chaos, Deck’s razor syllables. It’s grimy and DIY, but the vision is airtight. Staten Island mythology, comic-book world-building, and hooks you end up chanting without realizing. It’s a cultural earthquake that also works as a front-to-back album: momentum never drops, the skits stitch the universe together, and by “C.R.E.A.M.” you’re fully converted. What more can be said? It blows past expectations because it owns its environment and turns limitation into style. Standouts: “Bring da Ruckus,” “Protect Ya Neck,” “Da Mystery of Chessboxin’,” “C.R.E.A.M.” Wu-Tang is for the kids.

Good.

While I am more of a new school rap listener, this is one of the biggest exceptions. I love the inclusion of all 9 members on atleast 1 track for the album. The absolute rawness, which some may not be a fan of, is absolutely brilliant for it being a first for the group's career. The absolute rawness makes me love coming back to it. But if you aren't a fan of the harder hitting songs, there is always more softer songs like C.R.E.A.M. In which, I think this is truly the best way a group can start their careers. With more raw and more soft songs available which does make it a great listen. Favorite Song(s): C.R.E.A.M or Protect Ya Neck (split currently)

I can respect its influence on hip-hop, but it’s not my jam. I know some people find a lot of charm in this record, but it felt muddy, messy, and just not very enjoyable to me. Probably not something I’ll ever revisit.

Also preferable to NWA. Wasn't as Gangster Rap as I thought it would be, but Method Man was rather...graphic.

I’ve been in a rap/hip-hop mood lately, so this hits at exactly the right time. Intense, thudding production behind raps that still hold up. You can practically measure the timeline of rap by if an album came before or after this one.

Beginning to end: stylistically innovative and reverent of its predecessors. The kung-fu theme is somehow cool instead of hokey (it's incredibly earnest) and every member is an ace. This is the album that I reference when 90's hip-hop is good but not great ("it's no 36 Chambers"). There are no generic beats here. It's a million samples layered up to propel the flow and to drag you in. I'm no expert on this kind of music, so I have an enthusiastic endorsement and then a long disclaimer, because 90's hip-hop was often about looking *hard*. Advice: wear headphones. Wu-Tang's liberal use of the N-bomb has the potential to cause some folks to take notice, 30 years later. In addition, you should be warned that there are some pretty graphic references to violence, particularly various methods of torture described in the intro to 'Method Man'; I don't think there's any question that the members of Wu-Tang are serious but it's jarring if you're not expecting it. That's a part of the posturing of rap in this era, however -- and part of why someone like Kid Rock, six years later, comes off as such a poser: he vaguely gestures at being a hard character but Wu-Tang members riff for a couple of minutes about the graphic ways in which someone crossing them would meet with creative and excessive suffering. Makes Drake look pretty silly. Peak. 5/5

I've listened to this album countless times. It is complete with undeniable classics, hidden gems, and some filler that is fine. It's still maybe the most important hip hop album of the '90s.

I enjoyed this. For the most part it’s clever, easy flow, that typical 90s era backing music that I quite like and I think having a number of different artists in the group helps keep it fresh. Probably would have been in 4 if it hadn’t had the usual issues of the threats of violence (albeit in more imaginative ways than most rap/hip hop) and dragging on a bit.

It is a decent album for sure. I personally struggle with this format though. The key selling point of albums like this is the rap and apart from that has zero musical merit from my perspective (repeated numb beats). Therefore makes this quite a slog to get through and the sillyness and macho element doesnt really appeal so struggle to find a connection with it.

Its fun, lyrically interesting, funny, clever. I loved the 90's nostalgia hit (at first) and I thought I was in for a banger. Not sure when things changed but at some point in the second half of the album I'd had enough. These old school beats are very repetitive, and the flows consist mainly of shouted call and response rhyming couplets that also get repetitive. Probably the most accessible of all the early 90's hip-hop we have had so far but still a middling album when compared to others on this list.

Real solid, added 3 songs, probably could add another one or two.

Ekki alveg mín sultutegund… cream er samt algjört vibe

Cool project and cool vibes but not music I reach for

Could've needed more bas

I've heard this before. It's a classic!

Hip-Hop

As far as rap albums go, this one is pretty good. I recognized a few songs. ODB is my favorite.

I'll start the review by saying I'm not the biggest fan of Hip Hop so you'll have to take everything with a grain of salt. A few positive things I could find on this album are the following: The lyrics can be funny at times although I felt like it lacked actual themes because most of the album's themes can be summarized with: "I'm better than you and I'm gonna hurt you fuck you", which I totally get it can be someone's vibe, just not mine. The vibe is pretty much constant throughout the album and the MCs are most definitely charismatic and they differentiate from each other very much, great performance at the very least. Now I'll go with what I didn't like: The skits (but I generally don't like skits, so that's just me) The beats. I don't get how people are saying they are beautifully produced and all of that when it's always the generic 4/4 drum beat accompanied by a bass line and a minimalistic piano. In every song. Like, who are we kidding? Illmatic came out half a year later and the beats aren't as lazy or boring as these ones are, it's not even a "it was good for its time" thing. Review is relatively short, but since, as I already said, I'm not much into hip hop, there's nothing else really I'd be able to say. Perhaps I'm just too white and european to fully get this. Either way, this is just my opinion. So try not to pay too much attention to it.

Really good

Like others, I appreciate the cultural significance of this album. I find the skits cringe to listen to and the kungfu style a bit stale. The beats get repetitive and the lyrics are just violent, yet real. Maybe that’s the appeal, but as a white boy from the suburbs it’s not my taste. C.R.E.A.M. Is a classic though, 2.5 stars.

What are the odds that I get a Wu-Tang album on the same day that Ghostface Killah released his new album? Pretty crazy coincidence there if you ask me. Anyways, this has got to be one of the most iconic hip-hop albums ever released. I mean, it's Enter the Wu-Tang. This album marked the beginning of one of the greatest collectives in hip-hop history, and the album itself has stood the test of time as a stone-cold classic of the genre. How do I feel about it? Well, I'd say that the hype is warranted. This thing's great! It's especially great for the time. This was released in 1993! While this wasn't the first great album to come from a hip-hop group, it was one of the first to really change the game, and it's an easy inclusion for a list like this. Hell, even if it was 101 albums instead of 1001, Enter the Wu-Tang would probably make the cut. It's that iconic. Of course, this isn't just a symbol. It's an actual album, and a pretty great one at that. I'll start with RZA's production, which is really cool. The samples are used excellently and the beats all fit their songs very well. Speaking of songs, there aren't any bad ones. They're all good. "Bring Da Ruckus" is an effective opener. I want to bring up "Shame On a N****" mostly because System of a Down did a version of the song with RZA and it's pretty funny to hear Serj Tankian both say the N-Word and rap verses that were originally done by a guy called Ol' Dirty Bastard. Just had to acknowledge that cover. It's pretty good, as is the original. I think the latter half is where the album really picks up though. The entire run from "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'" onward might be one of the greatest strings of songs in hip-hop history. "C.R.E.A.M." has got to be the album's masterpiece. This might be one of the best hip-hop songs of all time. The beat especially is stellar. "Protect Ya Neck" is awesome. "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing ta F' Wit" is great. The whole album is great. The rapping is very good. I enjoy hearing every member of the Clan do their work. Might as well shout all of them out. RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Ol' Dirty Bastard, U-God, Inspectah Deck, and Masta Killa, I salute you. Great job. The skits work in the context of the album. They're not particularly annoying, and the old movie samples are actually a pretty cool part of the Wu-Tang vibe. I don't think I need to say anything else. Do I really need to convince anyone reading this of the value of Enter the Wu-Tang? It's one of "those albums," you know? It's not my favorite hip-hop album, but if you said it was your favorite, I'd get it. This thing's great. 5/5.

crack and weed feels like a crazy combination

WU TANG AINT NOTHIN TO FUCK WITH!!!!! um ngl the method man track really grossed me the FUCK OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! almost wanted to give it a 2 star demerit for that alone but they had bangers too

I mean what else can it be but 5 Stars

I'd been meaning to give this album a listen for a while, so it being my album of the day was the perfect opportunity. Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) by Wu-Tang Clan is a pretty good album. I don't think that there were any bad songs; everything was enjoyable. I enjoyed the theming, and the blending of the Asian sounds with the early hip-hop. I don't really know what else to say. I liked this album. I enjoyed my time with it. That is all. Solid piece of music. :)

Такого продакшену не було й не буде. Ні RZA, ні всі навколо Вуфем продюсери так і не змогли повторити цей сирий та брудний, проте супер качовий звук. В кожній пісні є дуже коротенькі семпли чи клавіш чи струнних і це звучить дуже потужно. Ну і склад MC. Починаючи з першого куплету на Bring Da Ruckus, де Гостфейс з двох ніг влітає на своєму фірмовому флоу, і далі весь альбом 9 голодних топ МС видають свій максимум. Дуже атмосферні скіти з фільмів про Шаолінь та проханням поставити Вутенг again and again. Щиро люблю цей альбом. На жаль жодна інша спроба як гурту навіть не наблизилась до цього успіху.

una basura

friggin EPIC! dont fuck with the wu-tang

Landmark record that goes hard with every song you listen to. The flow, the chemistry, the songs are all great.one of the best rap records in existence.

One of the most groundbreaking and influential albums of all time. Wu-Tang Clan had such a unique sound that they crossed over into fans of rock and electronic music. I prefer Wu-Tang Forever, but the debut is certainly one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever created.

Was alright

When I heard the first song, I thought it was exactly my cup of tea. But the more songs I listened to, the more they felt very standard. It’s like listening to the same Gorillaz song over and over again.

GOAT

Although this type of hip-hop never really appealed to me, I recognize how innovative the album must have been at the time. What we now call classic old-school rap, with lyrics ranging from gangsta to funny, all tied together by an old kung fu movies aesthetic. 3.5/5

Ahhh yeah, again and again!

Nicht ganz durchgehört; ich kann den Einfluss verstehen, ist aber musikalisch nicht mein Fall.

Ok, so there's some hard-core East Coast rap I can almost get behind. I could do without the descriptions of torture in 'Method Man'. I do get why this is such an important album and group. Interestingly, my wife, a 57 year old white woman, has been listening to a fair amount of Wu-Tang lately. Makes me chuckle. I probably won't be coming back to it, but I can appreciate it for what it is, maybe more so that some of the other gangsta rap that I've heard via this list up to now.

This was pretty good. Really flows from track to track. I’ve never really listened to wutang outside of some songs here and there. So this was interesting but what stands out the most is this sounds like a rap album from the mid to later 90s, not 92. Which really tells how far advanced the sound on this was. Or that everyone started copying wutang.

En jaksanut kuunnella loppuun. Biisit kuulostaa aika samalta joten kyllästyi nopeasti. Hyvät biitit kuiten, mitta nekin toistui niin kauan että alkoi ärsyttään. Ja miksi joka toinen sana on kirosana? Ehkä hiphop vaan yleisesti ottaen ei oo mun juttu.

it’s not my style of music, but i did enjoy it as much as i could. i like the lyricism and instills, with each of the tracks flowing nicely. i just might not relisten, and that’s okay!

A perfect middle ground between gangsta rap and the nerdier stuff of TCQ, DP and AD

Excellent for cleaning the house.

thoughts: NO SKIPS. i’m more into the ghostface style but these guys are so different in their flow and their approach that this never gets old. i’m a huge fan of sample-based/instrumental hip hop and man, this scratches that itch. the production of “C.R.E.A.M.” with that sample is unbeatable. it’s a perfect album. songs: “bring da ruckus”, “can it be all so simple/intermission”, “C.R.E.A.M.” rating: 10/10

One of the most acclaimed and classic hip-hop albums of all time. It's actually not that bad. There are some very good songs here, but the samurai movie samples peppers throughout are SO. DAMN. CHEESY! Key tracks: C.R.E.A.M. Protect Ya Neck

Great album but the skits really kill the flow

The skits kind of slow the momentum but this is a lot of fun

If I had to listen to hip hop, this would be on the list

Not my thing at all. No melody, harmony, or complex instrumentation.

I haven't enjoyed the various Wu-Tang solo albums I've reviewed and after hearing about 15 of the 36 Chambers I was resigned to not liking this either. The murky production just didn't do it for me. Then, halfway through, it got really good! Track after track of catchy beats and engaging rapping. I think having the whole clan together adds a welcome sense of camaraderie, energy and humour that the solo records lack. Suddenly I'm starting to understand the hype. 3.5

I had a few days of classic rock in a row and this was refreshing as hell. Such a vibe loved it

Some say it's good

i dont like rap so i didnt listen it im sorry, but im sure that people that like rap are going to love this

slaps

'DO YOU THINK YOUR WU-TANG SWORD CAN DEFEAT ME?' How do we give something 100 stars?

Enjoyed this way more than I expected, seriously good

I find hip-hop and rap quite difficult to rate so i'm sure this album is better than I think. However - it's not my vibe. I will be giving it another listen. Loved Da Mystery of Chessboxing

Hip hop has never been so good

A very nostalgic album of classic 90's hip-hop Fav song - Da Mystery of Chessboxin' 4/5

One of my hip hop favorites. Except for a few places where they are talking to each other for distracting amounts of time this is an amazing album, hip hop or otherwise.

Not my type of music. Bouldering gym loves it though.

That's not my taste in music - But ok

Dope

Classic

I was expecting a bit more from this album

Good

Wu-Tang Clan ain't nothin to fuck with, that's for sure. One of the OG hiphop supergroups coming out of the gate with a very good grasp of their own lyricism and catchy rhythms. Uncontroversially one of the finest west coast rap albums to come out of the 90s and it's aged far better than a few of its contemporaries (if you ask me, its slightly messy/dirty production and fluctuating quality between tracks gives it a lot of charming character and authenticity). Not a fan of the skits (as usual) but obviously very common considering the era. This one gets the money. (Also I swear that Breathe by Prodigy samples the same movie sample as at the start of Chessboxin'. Wikipedia seems to claim that the popularity of the song is also what brought Chessboxing into the public conscious in the 90s which is very funny if true) Best tracks: CREAM, Tearz, 7th Chamber Pt. 2

Total classic. So many bangers, still sounds so vital, clever and funny today. Easy 5 Heard before? Yes Owned: Yes. 3/1001, 3/14 (21%) Will I get? Already have Recommend: Yes

Fuck yes, it’s about time this record popped up. I don’t need to listen to it to know Im going to give it a hard 5, but I’m going to. 5/5

Hell yeah

дебютный хип хоп альбом, оставивший свой огромный отпечаток на этом жанре. big influence полностью оправдано (пианино в некоторых песня так круто сочетается с хардкор хип хопом) стоит послушать для развития музыкального кругозора

Never had a Wu-Tang phase, but always thought I’d like them. They are the Arrested Development of my 90s rap-ertoire.

Hardcore 90’s hip hop. I really liked how each rapper came out with their own style and just threw down their rhymes. Culturally significant, but not really my genre and I doubt I’ll ever give it another spin.

Great album

A great album that defined more than a decade of hip hop. It’s an absolute classic full of legendary tracks. You can almost touch the raw energy of an enthusiast crew of newcomers eager to prove themselves. Let’s be real : the music itself is far from perfect. The production is rough and still a bit simplistic, very far from the absolute gems that RZA would later come to produce. The sound recording is pretty awful (I swear it feels like they’re in someone’s basement), and the overall lack of experience is obvious. From a strictly musical point of view, it probably doesn’t deserve more than a 4*. Later Wu Tang albums are objectively better produced than the 36 Chambers. However, its importance in the history of hip hop can’t be ignored. It’s the album that started it all. It gave birth to the Killa Bees super-possee, served as a platform to launch countless artists who would later have a fantastic solo career, like Method Man and Ghostface, and turned the Wu Tang into a production powerhouse with a myriad of affiliated bands like Killarmy and Sunz of Man. And let’s not forget the subjective component... I’ve listened to this album so many times over the years, I can’t give it any less than a full 5*. ‘nuff said !

Non fa per me

I had heard this album a couple times but I am more familiar with the latter-day side projects than the source, so I’m glad this came up.

Rounding up from 2.5. Not my thing at all, but interesting. The first track is good.

The music was eclectic snd interesting. Im definitely not the target audience but never have much use for the swaggering thymes from this era of hip hop

2/5 - I needed to hear this record so I could say I tried. It’s hard to access this album without a guide when it’s so far outside what I typically listen to, especially lyrically. Obviously, this is a landmark hip-hop album, and it will get plenty of high marks. I was fine with several songs, but when you’re not in on the joke on the skits, it’s annoying, and the album doesn’t invite spending more time on it.

I enjoyed this more than i thought i would.

I always struggle with rating hip-hop albums since I'm not a lyrics-first listener. I know this is a classic and I can see why, but can't say I fell in love at first listen.

Great album, and one of the progenitors of what east coast hardcore rap/hip hop would become. Innovators for sure.

Это как бы супер легенда, да. И как бы вообще мать и отец всего современного рэпа, Брокхэмптон и так далее. Наверное этого достаточно, чтобы считаться величайшим. Лучшая песня - C.R.E.A.M.

For a proper review of this album, I must channel the prophets Daryl Hall and John Oates who once said "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)"

Kinda whelmed by my first time hearing them proper. It may also just not be my style? But it's not bad either.

This is chock full of fun, creative, expressive beats by a team of people who clearly are both really passionate and talented about their craft. This is really teetering on the edge of a 4 for me. It's just not quite there.

Another 90s hip hop classic with memorable beats and great flow.

Wu-Tang Clan ain’t nuthin to fuck with

ahhh as much as I enjoy the Wu-Tang concept and personas, 36 Chambers wasn't the all-time classic I was expecting. The Low End Theory dropped two years earlier, and to this day feels like a way more cohesive and timeless NY album. My enjoyment here comes mainly from RZA's production, plus the charmingly lofi recording quality typical of early 90s east coast rap albums. That raw sound, plus the group's energy, make for ideal workout music -- so I guess it DOES have a place in my rotation. In the broad hiphop landscape though, it's far from my fav pick. Standout: CREAM

This is a style of rap I have never really enjoyed. The beats are lackluster and that is what usually makes up for the dated style for me on these older albums. I feel like this album began all the trends I dislike in east coast 90s rap.

This album makes me cum cum cum

Didn't enjoy as much as I thought I would

I need a few more listens with the lyrics to really understand this album, but I enjoyed it. My only issue is that the mixing sounds a bit hollow, like an instrument is missing in most songs.

Mumble mumble, ghetto yeah, shooting yeah, mumble mumble... Shit back then and even more shit now.

very popular band, but i'm not able to vibe with the tracks

Hmmm ok head bopping stuff but a but boring after a while

Don't really get Wu-Tang or why this album is so reverred. I'd rather listen to Public Enemy, N.W.A. or The Roots or several other hip hop collectives. There doesn't seem to be much variety to the rapping and not every track needs to have a kung-fu sample.

This album came out in late 1993, but I was in love with metal, so it wasn’t on my radar. After listening to it 2-3 times, I should have gotten into the Wu-Tang because the beats are cool, simple, and they sound great. The rapping is very inventive and I think it’s better than anything people are doing today for the most part. Old Dirty Bastard just sounds completely different from anybody and Method Man and Ghostface Killah are legends. Hip-hop today seems too simple and uncreative from what little I hear. The skits aren’t that great, but most weren’t back then. Rappers were not comedians for a reason. The standouts are Bring Da Ruckus, Shame on a N,, C.R.E.A.M., Method Man, and my personal favorite Can It All Be So Simple. I’ll go back to this in the future.

I enjoy hip-hop.

I somehow have avoided Wu-Tang Clan on my entire music journey and that was a known mistake. This was a fantastic project top to bottom. Hard hitting lyrics but you can still hear how much fun they had together. There are a few too many skits and I really wish they were individual tracks for my playlists. I might change my mind once I learn the individuals better - though I am familiar with nearly everyone independently. Favorite Tracks: Tearz and Da Mystery of Chessboxin'

8/10 I’ve listened to bits and pieces of Wu-Tang before, and I think I have played this once or twice in the past, but perhaps with less focus. The general vibe is great. It really feels like a consistent and complete work as a whole, which is something I always want from an album. The production is gritty and crunchy in a way that really adds to the grubby feeling to enhance the tone of the rapping. The use of various spoken word samples and other bits of chat between the group tie everything together to make the album sound like a real slice of life from early 90’s Staten Island. It’s like they’ve just been hanging out, shooting the shit and then pop into the studio and record a track, before dropping back out to carry on where they left off. I think the subject matter just seems to be reflective of the environment these guys were growing up in, and it generally just feels like they’re having a laugh and messing around a lot of the time, rather than taking things too seriously. Even the more aggressive elements are presented with an air of off-the-cuff exaggeration, rather than with much actual ill intent. Musically, there are areas where things became a little repetitive or the choice of tonal samples didn’t quite work for me, but as a whole, the vibe is of a consistent quality throughout, which probably makes it a little more than the sum of its parts. Bring Da Ruckus - This is a real gritty start. Interesting sample choices and some nice little production edits to tie the music in with the rapping. There’s a slight looseness to the production that makes it feel a little bit on the edge of collapse, but I think that works with the general feel of this particular track. Shame On a Nigga - There’s a great pace to this track. I also think it really highlights the different styles of the MCs and there’s some nice tonal content in here too that lends it a groovy swing. Clan In Da Front - I really liked the piano sample to begin with, but it gets a bit grating after a while as it’s a constant for almost the entire track. I think the central idea for the track is good, but there’s just not enough variety in there to hold my attention in the same way as the first couple of tracks. The rapping is more sparse too, which doesn’t help. Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber - While the piano sample is quite repetitive here, there is more going on so it’s not quite as irritating as it is on the previous track. There are some nice flourishes in the production here and there that breathe life into things and again, the passing around and gang vocals keep a freshness to the track. Solid. Can It Be All So Simple / Intermission - There’s a bit of an odd juxtaposition between the intensity and tone of the rapping here and the fairly chilled nature of the rest of the track. I find the bass sample a bit irritating, it’s very repetitive and the actual sound itself just rubs my brain a bit. These tracks where things are a bit more sparse and the vocal has less variety and range don’t quite have the magic to me. The intermission sections (and other little bits like it) really put this whole thing in context and add to the general feel of the album. Da Mystery of Cheesboxin’ - There’s more going on here and the pace is great. There’s more interest with variety of sample use and there’s also breathing room left in the tonal elements by allowing them to drop in and out so they don’t get as tiresome. The gang vocals also add a great bit of emphasis and dynamic, as do the more subtle spoken woird samples. Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F’ Wit’ - This beat is great. So crispy. There’s also more heavy editing to the bass line sample so it’s not as relentless as some of the other tracks. There’s a lot of movement with the sample use and dynamic with the gang vocals that come and go. Another great one. C.R.E.A.M. - This fulfils the brief in a more satisfactory way than ‘Can It Be All So Simple’. The tone between the rapping and the instrumental is a bit more consistent. There are also enough other elements to make the piano sample a bit less of a focus, so less tiring on the ears. The vocal also seems to be shared around a bit more here, which adds to the range of the track. Method Man - I appreciate the musical lilt to Method Mans delivery in this, and the variety between sections allows things to breathe nicely too. The backing vocals add great emphasis and depth, as do the little vocal nuggets and samples the are injected here and there. Protect Ya Neck - This reminds me of Cypress Hill more than other tracks on the album. I think it’s the sample choice rather than anything else. There’s a solid groove to this one and again, the passing of vocal between the Clan adds great variety. Tearz - There’s a bit of a different feel to this one, with the sample choices adding a different tone. It’s a little more wound down in tempo, but it still has a good swing to the rhythm. The instrumental sections are perhaps a little long in places and the momentum does drag a little towards the end. Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber - Part II (Conclusion) - This has got a great, gritty bass tone and a solid, driving beat. There are some nice references back to other tracks in the rapping too, which helps round the album off. It’s lacking a little bit in musical variety, though there are little bits of sample usage scattered around to maintain interest.

2/5, ain't nothin to f*** with

really good. forgot to take notes but i did like it. good grooves. 4/5.

Fun album, enjoyed the he’ll out of it. Has great rhymes and great beats. Favorites: Da Mystery of Chessboxin: Method Man 5

history was made

Amazing hip-hop album. I can't claim to understand everything's meaning or significance, but I can still recognize quality.

Great

sin las letras es un disco pesado.

it had some good beats/music, but its not my cup of tea at all

Wu-tang er ikke noget som jeg skal fucke med igen. Men det er tydeligt at de har haft det sjovt med at lave musik. Måske er grupper af rappere bedre for at sikre sig imod at det ikke lyder for momotomt?

Jeg forstår ikke hypen af det album. Det er ikke dårligt, men jeg kan heller ikke se at det skulle være et af verdens bedste hip-hop albums

Raw, I'm a give it to ya, no trivia, I'm like cocaine straight from Bolivia, my hip hop will rock and shock the nation like the emancipation proclamation. Absolute 💯

нахер

I hate that my 150,000th song scrobbled on Last.fm was from this album. There’s not much greater garbage than this to ruin a milestone. Pure shite.

probablemente el peor album que he oído en mi vida. o top 5 peores. q mierdoón era tot rap pero rap malo negre enfi ja saps.

Although I'm not a huge hip-hop fan, there's no denying that this group and this album features a powerhouse of talent. There are fun, recognizable, and infectious hooks, and intelligent word play in the lyrics.

Easily one of the best hip hop albums of all time!

not sure what i was expecting considering it's one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time but i was slightly disappointed with it - i thought it was missing something. there were some good beats but also some of them were kind of repetitive

Not my genre, just C.R.E.A.M was listenable (

Day 4 First listen- I enjoyed it the first few songs more than I thought I would, although I started to get a bit bored halfway through. I need to listen again for fair judgement. (2.5/5)

Boring, with super simple bases and with not fun at all "humorous" interludes (skits, they say). Why can you be gangsta and at the same time keep doing stuff for fun? This is something I cannot understand at all. Shouldn't you be all danger and seriousness? Whatever. I know this album *is* a classic, but to be honest, I don't get it.

Everyone likes different types of music, but only their lovers or mothers could possibly pretend to like this!

This type of music is not normally my thing, but really enjoyed this one.

Obvious classic, have it on vinyl and rated 4,5/5 on rym.

I liked the album and it gave me a better background on why this is regarded as one of the landmark albums of it's time.

Ich ghöre d Qualität, Ich gsehne d Pionierarbeit im Hiphop vom Clan und Ich schmöcke das fein süüberlich abgschmöckte und ahgrichtete Album. Und trotzdem bliibts am Endi vom Tag 90er Jahr Hiphop woni nöd viel demit ahfange chan. Zudem wird mer zviel gredet. Losi da es Musig Album oder es Hörbuech? Obwohli keis Lied gspeicheret han und au ned wükli spass gha han zums lose gsehni d qualität für es 2.5. Abgrundet hald wider zwei pünktlis direkt is rechte Naseloch ineballeret

sicherlich wegwiesend für die ganz hip-hop kultur. aber finde 90er Rap scho sehr nervig und nöd würki losbar. aber wu-tang hed mi überrascht, isch chli weniger nervig als antizipiert. Uhhh, C.R.E.A.M ishc au uf dem album druffe, würki na e schöne hörbare track. aber. aber. jetzt isch d frag öb ihne 3 sternli gebe wege fettem ihfluss uf e kultur und musikszene woni geil finde oder eifach pure zuelosfreude wie eich bi fast allne album bewerte und es 2äre nur 2 sternlis. alos glaub mir muss fair bliebe und dem ganze 2 neighborhood's nach LA geh.

chan ziitlich grad nöd allzuvill säge – aber woni euchi bewertige gseh han isch mer klar worde, dass das genre definitiv die grösti diskrepanz bi eusne musiggschmäcker isch hahaha klars 5i für mich <3

What a terrible, terrible album.

Significant? Maybe. Possible to listen to with any ounce of enjoyment? No.

Beats to get you moving. FS: Bring Da Ruckus

At first my delicate little heart was offended but I pushed through and appreciated the complexity, artistry and to be honest, vibe. Good for a run.

Фоном особо не напрягало. Больше запомнилось инструментальное оформление (оно, по-моему - основа этого альбома). Низкую оценку ставлю потому, что специально слушать вряд ли когда буду. 4 из 10.

Ok so my hot take is that this is not my favorite rap album. That’s really the only criticism I have is that it wasn’t really for me. Like I feel out of the members the only two that really stand out are ODB and MM. There’s nothing wrong with the other members, I just think they get completely overshadowed to me. But there’s some classics on this album, and it’s regularly brought up when talking about greatest rap albums of all time. Just for me, it’s a solid rap album, but it’s not an “all-timer”.

can’t believe i didn’t listen it before. breathtaking

As engagingly chaotic as the first time I heard it. A seminal album whose influence continues to be felt today. Excellent, but not perfect.

Есть классные песни, и в целом альбом неплох по звучанию

I wavered between 3 or 4, will put 3 for now and if I have a change of heart and need to edit later, I will. Clearly this album paved a path. There are so many classic songs on this album that have been in rotation for decades. Even ones that I didn’t immediately recognize, I had to give them their flowers. Personally, I could not get past the talking and the interludes. I know the interludes were popular on rap albums but these exhausted me. They were so long.

I’m not a big rap fan but, this wasn’t bad. I liked how they used old kung fu movie clips as samples. Also, the lyrics were easy to understand. “Method Man” and “CREAM” are both classics. I would not mind listening to this again sometime in the future.

3.5 stars. I do not generally listen to rap albums but I might start after this album. Great rhymes but the lack of a good hook drops the score from 4 to 3.5 stars.

Not a bad effort. I have listened to more hip hop in the last few months than I normally would but this album is one of the better ones.

O que não suporto na Rap é sua repetitiva e nada criativa fórmula: vocal declamado sobre uma base percussiva. Algumas insinuações melódicas em faixas como em "Can It Be All Simple" (baixo, sintetizador e uma harmonia vocal feminina), em "C.R.E.A.M (piano e sintetizador) e em "Tearz". Aliás, toda melodia ouvida parece que vem de fontes externas/ copiadas (como em Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber - Part II - Conclusion). De resto, dispensável!

I don't really care for hip hop but this is fine. I expected it going into this list, and I can't quite say it lived up to my expectations, but I can see the influence it had on the genre. I like the martial arts references, it adds a bit of humor/theming that really helps the album to stand out.

It was ok. Music was good.

Absolute classic

ODB For President

Nice classic RAP, love it. I like the sounds battle sounds from old kung fu movies, it adds a nice touch and a nice throwback (listening to it in 2025). Absolutely LOVED the sound of "Can It Be All So Simple/Intermission", especially in the beginning. Wouldn't listen to it everyday tho. Favs: 1. Can It Be All So Simple / Intermission 2. Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber 3. Protect Ya Neck

Not my jam.

Encore une belle surprise ! Je découvre l’histoire du hip hop, c’est l’fun !

it is a vibe, just not mine entirely

a classic, not much to say, great stuff!

Rap, a bit like beastie-boys

Top 5 All Time Album

Hoo boy. Another hip-hop album. Been rolling a lotta these lately. There’s like ~30 of these on the list, right? I’ll be through these soon enough, right? I’m not crazy, right, right? Just joshing. I’m benevolent and think all forms of musical expression are worthwhile. There have been some winners in the hip-hop scene lately. I’ve added four hip-hop songs to my 1001 Albums playlist. A respectable achievement given that I, rather fittingly, only have 101 songs on that playlist. It’s just that these albums are always so long. I was absolutely left for dead with the hour ten runtime of Stankonia and now I have to wade through another hour-longer. The movie samples are fun along with the pop culture references. There’s a nice underground atmosphere to some of the songs and I enjoy the mild Chinese theming, but this ain’t for me. I’ve bitched and moaned about hip-hop at great length, so I’ll just move on to the highlights. Shame on a Nigga is the best song on the album – very catchy with the best instrumental and vocal performances on the album. C.R.E.A.M. is pretty alright, too. I like the instrumental and the songwriting is very competent. Let’s check the book. I know Wu-Tang Clan are popular (if only due to my familiarity with the infamous Once Upon a Time in Shaolin), so as far as music history goes this is a solid pick. Unconventional subject matter. Eight-man band. Still timeless years later. Taking a peruse through the Wikipedia page reveals that this album is more influential than the book lets on. Can’t fault this one. Solid pick.

It’s so good

legal

Sweary and hard to understand what they are saying when they are not swearing, but I liked it. Highly rated amongst the rap/hip hop community but not one I would want to listen to regularly. Maybe I'm a muthafuckka.

I like the term "sparse and threatening" from the Spotify bio. Seems fitting. Made me think aboug how deep the hip-hop and martial art dovetailing goes. Easy to think that Boondocks (show) did it first.

Not a fan

a classic!

I first heard this in probably ‘94 when a mate lent me his tape and I was just blown away. Hugely influential album and it’s easy to hear why. The only thing that marks this down are the skits which I could do without but the rest is pure fire!

Meh. It is alright. I don't see the appeal.

i am not a fan of rap, but ill give it two stars for impact

3/5 enjoyable beats but has a lot of spoken word. Also not really my preferred style.

Metro gehaald door dit album

Game changers!

Iconinc

4.5

Stone cold classic

not my cup of tea or preferred rap genre, it was a tough listen especially through method man which i think has scarred me slightly. more misses that hits although the hits would have me shaking ass at a club. my favourite song was Wu-Tang clan aint nuthing ta F' wit which i would listen to again.

no escucho hip hop

Ну такое, слишком агрессивный хип хоп, слушать не слишком приятно

On a regular rotation, probably listen to this album a few times a year. Right up on the pinnacle of rap for me

This is so cool!! Would listen again, not every day but so fun

Not my style but good tunes for others :).

So raw. Like cocaine straight from Bolivia. Maybe the best hip-hop album ever, although Illmatic and Aquemini would like a word. A true classic.

Dug it but not my favorite

literally just absolute fire. firing on every possible cylinder. their flows are insane. one of the guys is named rizz or something. favorite song: "wu-tang: 7th chamber: overall: 10/10

Pretty great.

Top tier hip-hop. Only just shy of being a five-star album for me.

One of the greatest ever debut albums in hip hop. Wu-Tang Clan has incredibly impressive talent and technical expertise that they showcase excellently in this album.

I think I would have liked this a lot more if I had heard it when it first came out. Still would have been annoyed by the skits.

I really didn't like it.

A produção aqui é incrível. Gosto do som rudimentar, com seus samples reverberosos e batidas minimalistas. Os versos são bem feitos e com temáticas variadas, e por ser um grupo, não é tão fácil você cair na fadiga. Entendo a importância desse álbum para seu gênero, e algumas faixas daqui são realmente fantásticas como C.R.E.A.M. ou Tearz, mas em todo, não consigo me imaginar ouvindo esse álbum inteiro novamente, só as faixas seletas que se destacam. O motivo é claro. A duração. Álbum longo, com incessantes intermissões completamente desnecessárias que apenas rompem o fluxo da música. Esse é, verdadeiramente, o grande mal que assolou os dias prematuros do Rap como um gênero. Novamente sinto contentamento em saber que o gênero evoluiu e não utiliza mais dessa técnica datada nos dias atuais. Aqui, o caso dos interludes é ainda mais graves, pois eles estão colados nas verdadeiras faixas, impossibilitando a facilidade de apenas pula-los. Quem teve essa idéia??? Mas, apesar disso, os picos do disco são realmente muito altos. Difícil não mexer a cabeça com algumas dessas batidas e desses versos. Corte as intermissões e você teria facilmente o melhor álbum de Rap já gravado. Mas como está, temos um disco simplesmente mediano, com algumas faixas estelares em seu meio. 3.5/5

Репчик со вставками фильмов про ушу

Has classics like C.R.E.A.M., Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing ta F' Wit, etc. Lyrics still relevant to today's politics and still banging tunes.

I don’t know any other way to say it but this album is simply a masterpiece. WU TANG CLAN AINT NOTHIN TO F WITH

Charged by the system for murdering the rhythm WTC4E

Rap

4/10

I know of Wu-Tang more than I listen to them. Maybe this was groundbreaking at the time, but it seems basic and a bit silly now. Shlock Horror Hip Hop, I guess. Probably more a fan of the solo projects, such as Method Man, tbh.

I came close to skipping this album. I'm pleased that I persisted. There's a real pace and bounce throughout. Questionable lyrics, mind.

All these MCs creating a vision, a mythology, and an incredible album.

From it's opening track this album set the tone for the immense success and influence this group would have in the world of hip hop. I recently went to a Wu-Tang concert and perhaps I may be biased writing this but seeing almost the entire lineup of this collective live on stage performing tracks from this very album gave me goosebumps. Something about these tracks resonate with hip hop fans. Perhaps it's the gritty delivery, catchy lines, or timeless production. There is something about this album that stays with you, a "je ne sais quoi". If I were to listen to one of these tracks in my late 80s I will still be throwing up the W. Bring da Rukus, Shame on a N***, Can It All Be So Simple, Da Mystery of Chessboxin', Wu-tang aint nothing to F* Wit, C.R.E.A.M., Method Man, Protect Ya Neck, and Tearz. What else do you want in a hip hop album? This one set the bar.

Capaz es porque el album no terminó de encajar para mí, pero a veces tuneo out con este album. Definitivamente hay temazos como Shame On A ..., CREAM y Tearz, pero no se, capaz no es lo mío. Para revisitar definitivamente.

My favorite rap album, and that says alot because I usually don't even like rap.

Couldnt reach the end. He's singing about gonnereah and it's a Saturday morning all beautiful sunny. From the Beatles sublime to fucking STDs. Couldn't get through it.

This genre is not for me.

Didn't feel like relistening because it's good (obviously) but ehhhh

Not my cup of tea.

It’s OK

Just not my sound 2/5 #musicsky #albumsky #musicchallenge

One of the greatest ever. Enter the 36 chambers was life changing when I first heard it and it continues to be incredible today. Every song on this album has iconic verses and incredible production

Hólímólí hvað þetta er leiðinlegt dæmi. Þetta er rapp sem ég fíla ekki. Reyndar voru þarna nokkur lög sem ég fílaði en það var ekki vegna Wu-Tang Clan heldur vegna Girl Talk sem hefur endurnýtt lögin þeirra í sín frábæru endurblöndunarlög. Gef þessu 2 stjörnur fyrir að vera gott hráefni í betri tónlist.

wu-tang ain’t nothing to fuck with.

Ittttttt’s rap.

I wanted to like this more than I did. There are better east coast rap albums from this time period

I knew of the Wu-Tang Clan because of member ODB and Method Man’s solo stuff but never listened to them as a group. I do prefer west coast to east coast rap but this was good. I will keep this on my phone and listen again, maybe when working alone in the office.

Appreciate the ensemble style, sampling, and creativity.

1 ⭐️ DNF. Too much swearing and not enough interesting music/lyrics.

If I liked hip hop I would have liked this album

Gotta love some Wu-Tang!

Super Fun! Really great stuff and a nice listen.

I totally get why this is revered as an album and it held my interest as a listening experience. I certainly didn't dislike it. Sparse musically. The spoken word dialogue I found interesting, along with the interspersed sound clips from Martial Arts movies. The last four tracks I found the best, but ultimately this just isn't to my musical taste. 3 stars. Would I buy the album? - No. Would I listen again? - As a whole album, no! The odd track? Possibly! 1. "Bring da Ruckus" 4:10 - 3* 2. "Shame on a Nigga" 2:57 - 3* 3. "Clan in da Front" 4:33 - The intro did nothing for me. A noise. But then morphs into a groove. 3* 4. "Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber" 6:05 - Love the spoken word intro. Love the mournful, spooky piano sample. 3* 5. "Can It Be All So Simple" 6:53 - Change of pace. The music evokes summer. It's a little dull though and too long unless it changes up. It doesn't until it gets to the spoken word narrative. 2* 6. "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'" 4:48 - This kicks in hard. 3* 7. "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing ta F' Wit" 3:36 - They've found the bass! Good chorus. 3* 8. "C.R.E.A.M." 4:12 - Nice piano loop. 3* 9. "Method Man" 5:50 - The best track so far. More depth and fuller sound. Bass. There's even a hint of melody. 3* 10. "Protect Ya Neck" 4:52 - 3*. Following in a similar vein to track 9. 11. "Tearz" 4:17 - Nice vocal sample. 3* 12. "Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber - Part II" 6:10 - I found this to be the best track. 4* 36/60

Another good hip hop album from the 90s.

shi alr french rap from ts period is better tho. :(

Its a good album

big fan of 90s hip hop and ts is one of my favs, very good hood music which speaks to black boys like me

ya

Haven't really listened to too much hip-hop, so I don't know what makes a good album in this genre. I thought some of the beats were a bit odd, but in a good way, especially on Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber. There were a few really good bars and equally from all members, plus the sword fighting sfx motif tied the album together well. Sometimes their talking sections went on for too long, but didn't detract from the music that much. Notable Tracks: Shame On A Nigga, Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber, Can It All Be So Simple, C.R.E.A.M. (cash rules everything around me), Method Man, Protect Ya Neck

Wasnt amazing, wasnt awful. Rap had to move on bro I couldnt listen to this all the time. Thank god for the brilliant minds of Kanye and Carti 💕

Ça ne m'a pas vraiment parlé, peut-être parce que ce n'est pas ma culture, et peut-être aussi parce que je n'aime pas le rap.

🥲

Un album d'influence. Pas absolument dans mon top du East Coast mais j'apprécie quand même (et je ne suis pas un connaisseur ultime...). J'ai écouté durant la dernière année le film The 36th Chamber of Shaolin et ça se fait aller les mains et les pieds en mautadit.

Les loops (dolla dolla bill y'all) et les samples (After Laughter)sont bons, mais ça m'émeut pas tant. Je connaissais, mais après The Score ça souffre de la comparaison, moins mélodique.

Un autre classique de 90s rap, dans un registre différent cette fois. Que dire de plus que wow! Des classiques indémodables tel que CREAM, protect ya neck, Shame on a N****, Wu-Tang Clan ain’t nothin to fuck wit, et j’en passe. Les samples de vieux films de kung fu ajoutent une saveur unique. La production de maître de RZA est encore à ce jour un masterclass. Malheureusement les skits, eux, semblent avoir fait leur temps. Le début de l’ère de domination du Wu-Tang avec tous les albums solos qui ont suivi. J’en veux plus!

Favorite Track: Protect Ya Neck

This deserves its reputation. Hard to come up with anything that hasn't been said a million times before. I love this album - to me it's pure rap at its best. RZA's production is godlike (especially love the sample loop on Can It All Be So Simple and the way the Kung Fu theme is worked in throughout) and, it's intricate and layered yet still sounds raw and stripped back, providing the perfect platform for the group to come in with some of my favorite delivery and flow ever. It might also be the only hip hop album with these skits that I don't find totally grating after a few listens. They slot right into the raw atmosphere of the album and don't feel as obligatory as they would on many hip hop albums in the next 10 years. 5*

I never thought I’d see the day that I’d be able to heap praise on an album of this genre, but here we are. The beats here are killer: Lo-fi, crunchy, and impactful sounds kept my foot tapping and head bopping through so many of these tracks, even as I lost my way through a lot of the lyrical content. The MCs are relentless in their delivery, and it’s often overwhelming for a non hip-hop and rap listener like me. But man, is this record stylish. I loved getting to know each of the personas on this album. I held reservations about being able to distinguish who of the legion of contributors were fronting at any given time, but the production does a marvellous job of giving everyone their own unique voice on which to cook. I could totally listen to more of this. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I don't know what it is, but I really like this crew style rap with a ton of absolute talent. It's silly, lyrically clever, and a flat out blast. Stuff like this, De La Soul, and Pharcyde are so much fun with absolute banger samples backing samples. It's so much better than gangsta rap that is just flat offensive, like the Ice Cube, Snoop, or Eminem albums. Defintely my golden era of hip hop.

Awesome.

I don't often enjoy rap, and here, the voices didn't draw me in. The backing was pretty stripped back but I enjoyed some of the groovier bits. 5 out of 10 for enjoyment, I'll round up because my colleague reckons it's quality.

Obviously going to occasionally just saying "C.R.E.A.M get the money" for the next 3 days now. "Can It Be All So Simple" and "Da Mystery of Chessboxin' " stuck out on this listen

Once again, you should be able to give half ratings on here. This album is easily a 3.5/5. They were so young, so hungry, so ready to take over the world, but with that comes a certain level of inexperience. They definitely became more refined even on the next solo albums that RZA would produce. Ghost and Rae have been, and probably always will be, my favorites out of the Clan. Rae truly shines on "Can It Be All So Simple" and "C.R.E.A.M." of course. Ghost shines on "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'" making sure you didn't forget them when their solo joints dropped in 1995 and 1996, respectively. RZA's beats punch holes in the sides of your head, the bass being mixed so low that it vibrates your brain. It's awesome.

The mother lode. You had to be there to really get it. And even so, I didn’t. Not then. (It does occur to me that this might be reconstructive nostalgia. Sort of like I now think I always liked ‘Pump Up The Jam’ by Technotronic. But I don’t think so.)

The samples are masterful, so many amazing, classic songs. It has been a long time since I listened to the whole album all the way through and I somehow forgot how many slots there were. I didn't love them, I think because I just wanted to get to the songs. When ODB shows up, every song is better.

Great record. Wu-Tang comes out strong on their first album. 90s hip hop just hits the spot in a way that newer entries in the genre just can’t reach.

Disclaimer: not a rap fan. Lyrics were fine, music was fine. Definitely not on my future playlist

Au panthéon du hip-hop, peu d'albums peuvent se targuer d'avoir eu un impact aussi important que "Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" du collectif new-yorkais Wu-Tang Clan. Dès les premières notes, de ce premier opus sorti en 1993, l'auditeur est happé dans un univers sombre, celui des bas-fonds de Staten Island, surnommée "Shaolin" par les membres du groupe. La production, assurée en grande partie par RZA, est à l'image de cet environnement : minimaliste, poussiéreuse, presque austère, mais d'une efficacité redoutable. Les samples, puisés avec une érudition impressionnante dans les films de kung-fu des années 70, les classiques de la soul et du funk, créent une atmosphère unique, à la fois cinématographique et menaçante. Loin des productions léchées et commerciales qui commençaient à dominer le rap de l'époque, RZA opte pour un son brut, presque lo-fi, qui confère à l'album une authenticité et une urgence palpables. Les basses sont lourdes, les caisses claires claquent comme des coups de fouet, et les mélodies, souvent hypnotiques, s'insinuent durablement dans l'esprit. Mais la véritable force de "Enter The Wu-Tang" réside dans la diversité et la complémentarité des neuf MCs qui composent le Clan. Chacun possède un flow, une personnalité et un univers lyrique qui lui sont propres, créant ainsi une vraie dynamique de groupe. Il y a la folie imprévisible d'Ol' Dirty Bastard, dont les couplets déstructurés et les interjections surréalistes apportent une touche de chaos contrôlé. Il y a la technicité et la précision chirurgicale de GZA et Inspectah Deck, maîtres conteurs capables de dépeindre avec une acuité saisissante la dure réalité des rues. Il y a la puissance brute et le charisme de Method Man, dont le flow nonchalant et la voix rauque en ont fait l'une des premières superstars du groupe. Raekwon et Ghostface Killah, quant à eux, excellent dans le "crime rap", tissant des récits mafieux complexes et imagés, préfigurant leur futur chef-d'œuvre commun, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.... U-God, Masta Killa et Cappadonna (bien que moins présent sur ce premier effort) complètent ce tableau avec leurs styles distincts, apportant chacun leur pierre à l'édifice. Les thèmes abordés sont variés, mais toujours ancrés dans une réalité crue : la vie dans le ghetto, la violence, le trafic de drogue, la spiritualité, et bien sûr, l'univers des arts martiaux, qui sert de métaphore filée tout au long de l'album. Des morceaux comme "C.R.E.A.M. (Cash Rules Everything Around Me)" sont devenus des hymnes intemporels, avec son sample mélancolique de The Charmels et ses couplets poignants sur la pauvreté et l'appât du gain. "Protect Ya Neck", le premier single auto-produit qui a mis le feu aux poudres, est une démonstration de force collective, où chaque MC vient prouver sa valeur. "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing ta F' Wit" est une déclaration d'intention féroce, tandis que "Method Man" met en lumière le talent unique de son interprète sur une production hypnotique. D'autres titres comme "Shame on a Nigga", "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'" ou "Tearz" explorent différentes facettes du talent du groupe, allant de l'egotrip pur et dur à des réflexions plus introspectives et émouvantes. L'impact de "Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" sur le hip-hop est incommensurable. Il a ouvert la voie à un son plus sombre et plus hardcore, influençant des générations d'artistes. Il a également prouvé qu'un collectif pouvait réussir tout en permettant à ses membres de briller individuellement, un modèle économique et artistique novateur pour l'époque. RZA a non seulement créé un son, mais aussi une mythologie, un univers cohérent et fascinant qui a captivé l'imagination du public. Un 4 sur 5 pour un album essentiel, une porte d'entrée vers un univers unique, une leçon de style, de flow et d'indépendance artistique.

Some great songs but if they say “Gat” one more time im gonna have to end it all

Very very strong 4 Stars

Dope!

I struggle a lot with giving albums "3's", mainly because I can understand the appeal to the album, but it's not my particular cup of tea or because I'm not familiar with the context of the album. This is not one of those albums. 36 Chambers not only checks the nostalgia box for me, but I recognize how important it truly was in shaping the sound and culture hip-hop of the 90s and even early 00s. It launched the solo careers of some of my favorite rappers who ended up dropping some of the greatest rap albums of all time. For me, these reasons are more than enough to give it 5 stars.

This is an undisputed classic of hip-hop. I'm amazed when I read about how this album was recorded that it even came together the way that it did. Usually too many cooks spoil the meal but with this it just worked and MAN did it work. I would say that this is one of the most influential albums of the 90s and I still think C.R.E.A.M. might be one of the top ten hip hop tracks of all time. 5⭐️

I am sure that this is important and belongs on this list, it just isn't my type of music.

Title: #0039: The Masters of Chessboxin’ This album makes me feel like I’m transported into an old Kung-Fu style movie. It makes me want to go back and watch all the films that inspired it, just to understand what they saw. That influence is everywhere, and it’s incredible. It even explains the name “Wu-Tang Clan,” which comes from their love of these classic martial arts films. The album feels like it exists inside its own universe; one that they’ve carefully built and curated. The more you learn about it, the more everything starts to click. From the very first track, that identity is clear. As it progresses, you get this heavy, groovy bass paired with that classic ’90s hip hop feel, and it starts to feel like this group might actually be the source of that sound; the kind of funk that makes you want to nod your head in that effortless, old-school way. The use of samples from martial arts films helps introduce each member of the Clan while grounding the album in that Kung-Fu aesthetic right from the start. Da Mystery of Chessboxin’ is a perfect example of that influence. It was inspired by a Taiwanese martial arts film, and the song itself later inspired the modern sport of chessboxing in 2003. It’s really cool seeing how far that influence reaches; not just in the music, but in the members’ identities and even into the culture around them. I especially loved the Shaolin-inspired atmosphere of the track, along with what sounds like a sampled Chinese string instrument. Even outside of already knowing C.R.E.A.M., this was probably my favourite track because it feels the most rooted in that Kung-Fu hip-hop universe they created. I also really liked Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s vocals. He feels less like a traditional rapper and more like a character, constantly shifting his voice in ways that add texture and unpredictability. It gives his verses a personality that really stands out and makes them some of the most memorable moments on the album. “Shame on a ******” highlights what feels like one of the album’s central ideas: Wu-Tang introducing themselves while asserting their dominance. There’s a sense of confidence—almost defiance—in how they present themselves. Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthin’ ta F’ Wit carries that same energy with another groovy beat and tight looping. It’s just a fun track that reinforces that identity. Although I’d never listened to the album in full before this challenge, C.R.E.A.M. immediately brought me back to high school. It feels like one of those essential songs—almost a gateway into hip hop. It’s iconic, nostalgic, and clearly influential. For me, it stands out as the defining track of the album. More than most albums I’ve listened to so far, this one feels focused on lyrical technique, flow, and personality, rather than storytelling I can personally relate to. There’s evident themes of gang violence, territory, and the harsh realities faced by Black Americans. I could still appreciate and reflect on the craftsmanship, even if the message didn’t always resonate with me on a personal level. Overall, I think this album works really well as an introduction to Wu-Tang Clan. Even if I didn’t connect with every skit or every lyrical style, I can understand why it’s considered essential listening. It helped shape so much of hip hop and represents an important piece of Black American culture. While I didn’t form the emotional connection I was hoping for, I still came away with a much clearer understanding of why this album is a classic. Rating: 3.3/5 – Good. Would probably listen again. Standout Tracks: * Shame on a N*** * Clan in da Front * Da Mystery of Chessboxin’ * Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthin’ ta F’ Wit * C.R.E.A.M.

Not for me

I'm not much of a hip hop guy, but I'm always jealous of crews. Must be so much fun and meaningful to have such a tight group of friends and collaborators. I also appreciate just how all in they are. Creating their own reality.

The original rap collective - the careers they respectively went on to have is testament to the skill of the collaborators. If I could pick just one thing that I love about this album - it’s the production skills of RZA. One of the few albums of this era that also excels as a pure instrumental. Every element is great though. C.R.E.A.M might be my favourite hip hop track of all time

Joins the list of unreal debut albums. Hearing more Wu-Tang, the thing that grabs me more than anything is how much it feels like they just know what they're doing. It can be unique and interesting but it seems like it's all old hand to them and they deliver it so comfortably and casually. It gives a lot of the strength of what makes it stick. The Voltron analogy; how do they pull that off and make you nod your head without it just sounding like lame trash. Reading into it, this was hugely influential and I can see why. Da Mystery of Chessboxin' feels like it could keep going seamlessly for all of time, maybe in an evil ghost sorcerer's lair.

This is where the randomness is interesting. From Beach Boys to Wu-Tang so opposite, yet oddly similar. I was into older boom bap and party hip hop, but gave this a chance on a recommendation a long time ago. The detail and care given to the production is so far beyond the average rap album being pumped out. This was influential. This is a debut album. RZA, layering and peppering in texture on every track. Brining that cinematic vibe. The fact that this came together the way it did, then launched so many careers is also impressive. The Voltron analogy. Each member just needs to bring their best, smack you with it then step back before you know what hit you. Da Mystery of Chessboxin', The way the flow goes as they tag each member in. Come on, C.R.E.A.M. I personally like Liquid Swords a little more, but it's so, so close. Method Man really shines on this album. Not just a great hip hop album, but one of the great albums.

Classic rap album. A few all-time songs/beats.

360/1001

Shame on a Nigga Can It Be All So Simple Da Mystery of Chessboxin' C.R.E.A.M. (Cash Rules Everything Around Me) Method Man Protect Ya Neck

Banger

5/10 Highlight: C.R.E.A.M.

I'm obviously not the biggest fan of rap music here (don't hate it, it just doesn't resonate with me like other music does). But the beats on this album do it form me and so do the no-nonsense raps. I'd go five stars if it wasn't for all the wasted time on skits and music-free yapping.

Dolla dolla bill, y'all

i can see how this would be a very influential album (jay z basically carbon copied the rapper on 7th chamber), but it's not my style of music. really not a fan of the chatting at the start of almost every song (edit: OMG STOP TALKING ITS NOT A PODCAST). i get that it has its time or plan (love it on Kneecap's Fine Art) but its used to death here and really takes you out of the flow. enjoyed: - shame on a n***a - cool minor sequence on the piano! - da mystery of chessboxin - CREAM not a fan of: - clan in da front - method man (had to skip it 30 seconds in) - tearz (shame, cause I like it without the 30 seconds of terror at the start) count of songs saved: 0/15 would I listen again: no

not really my style but sounds nice, I definitely need to read the lyrics

My first exposure to Boom Bap was Illmatic (Nas, 1994), as my housemate implored me to listen to it, citing that it was the greatest album of all time, with N.Y. State of Mind being the best rap song ever made. If I am nothing else I am curious, and inclined to greet music with an open mind. Am I a rap enthusiast that could possibly challenge the validity of either claim? No, admittedly I am the furthest thing from it, but with how good both the album was, and N.Y. State of Mind, I had unfortunately started my listening journey within the sub-genre at the pinnacle of what it could be, rather than working my way to the summit through other artists and their works. Enter the Wu-Tang Clan, who’s 1993 debut album Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), whilst not as good as the impossibly high watermark set by Nas just one year later, but is still a fantastic piece of work within its own right. Tearz a standout. Four stars.

Yuck.

Oh, another hip-hop album. I listened to it. I won't again.

I like the first song A LOT and the sound is great. Usually not a huge rap fan so this was interesting. I like the rhythms and it was overall enjoyable to listen to.

All time classic

Sounds way more modern than 1993 to me. There were so many rappers even in 1998 still doing that annoying “hippidy hip-to-the-hop” thing. Instead Wu-Tang defined a bold, brutal and determined style which just cuts straight through. Clearly very influential on the best of hip hop today. Once this style penetrated I don’t think the genre could ever shift back. There is something crisper more substantial about the production, a finely balanced record.

Next album already please

has the problem of a lot of 90s rap albums where I think there are too many skits. Love the vision of the group though, a financial collective

This is absolutely the kind of truly unique record that deserves to be on the 1001. I'll even overlook the "Saw"-esque lyrical content on one of the tracks. Such a cool mashup, old kung-fu movies, rapping about all sorts of things including children's programming and nursery rhymes, and hip-hop. Great beats too!

This album is a wild ride. Am I in a New York housing project? Or am I in a crowded room with a bunch of friends trying to outdo each other with lyrical wizardry? I’m a big big fan of the minimal beats. I don’t know shit about production but whatever is going on here is awesome. I wish I could recognize who is on the mic each time “I’m making devils cower to the caucus mountains” is cool and I didn’t know what it means. Jacques Cousteau could never get this low The whole 36 chambers thing is like catnip for me. I don’t get it but I like it. CREAM obviously a great song. Better than the whole band Cream. What is Sess? Tearz is a real sad song. 4 stars. That’s less a reflection of the album than it is of me. The truth is I have tried to get into this album for years and each time I get a little closer. Where it doesn’t connect it’s the same reason that I could never get into the wire. It requires the kind of attention that I am never able to give. I found that listening to this and looking at the lyrics gave me a much better appreciation for the song. The reality, though of listening while I drive or do the dishes or work means that I’m not getting the full deal. This is a grower though for sure. Will keep coming back for more and then dive into the solo stuff of the whole collective.

fun, crass, clever, funky, raw, funny, weird, culturally rich, dynamic. sew ya asshole closed and keep feedin you and feedin you and feedin you and feedin you. give me more. i can take it.

This album is a masterpiece but the thing I really love about it is, raunchy and funny. Something you can’t just pop on around the fam or a work function. This album you put on for yourself. You’re close Buddy’s is an album that you blast in your car and transports you as an album that gets down to your dirty, dirty core yet enlightens you? So much fucking talent. You can spend hours researching the lore that they have built up. They are world makers, and story tellers. More Wu-Tang please. I have such an affinity for old soul and Motown stuff that when I hair samples used so well like the one in cream it gives me the chills. https://open.spotify.com/track/6KZPEGJJ60IPBmIEeWAjPJ?si=tYzb4FnfQ1GuD1iASGtYWA The taste are just so good the movie clips, the motifs, the finger snaps and they’re simple approach to looping these historically underrated riffs. Wu-Tang ain’t nothing to fuck with

how can a band sound so hard, but be so nerdy at the same time? wutang has a sense of humor...a way of not taking themselves too seriously, that I value in all music but especially appreciate in very macho landscape like hip hop. But they aint soft. They are weird, they say whatever they want, they write about what they want, they sampled whatever the hell they wanted....they are unapolagetically themselves. and they sound fucking great while doing it. wutang is undeniable and infectious. what a debut album. hard af 5

Wu-Tang forever!

Wu Tang Clan ain’t nothin' ta fuck with.

This is probably one of the best hip-hop albums around, period.

Truly mendous

It kinda feels like they rap over Lo-Fi and that's it right?

Loved this album and owned it when it came out. Still listen to them often.

Gikk meg hus forbi

Good, but for me, not as amazing as many put it out to be. That's mostly due to how uneven it sounds. The first half is blurry, with only the opener and maaaybe Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber that go hard, and then you have the second half from 6-11 which are a collection of songs that put to shame most rappers careers. Because of that disparity of quality, I find it hard to love the album, but easy to like it. ⭐⭐⭐1/2

I always thought I didn't like Wu-Tang and that's without having ever listened to them. Rap and Hip-Hop has never been my thing so I've avoided it. Where the hell has this album been all my life. Raw and Lo-Fi with nonsense skits and lyrics. Sorry I came to this record so late. It will fuel my workouts for years to come.

Якось так вийшло, що на цьому каналі є дуже багато про рок музику і дуже не часто зʼявляється щось, що присвячено хіп-хопу. Насправді на це є причини, адже гарний хіп-хоп останнім часом виходить не так часто, а найкращі альбоми жанру «прогриміли» під 90-ті. Саме тому реп альбоми і зустрічаються тут найчастіше саме в цій рубриці. Але що ж такого стало з репом, що він не настільки ж цікавий як був колись? Ну принаймні на мою думку, жанр дуже сильно спростився, і за вийнятком деяких крутих виконавців став «беззубим», одноманітним та занадто мінімалістичним. 36 Chambers якраз є яскравим прикладом того наскільки проривною могла бути хіп-хоп музика на початку 90-х. В цей час політичний та «розумний» реп, на кшталт Public Enemy якось притих. На західному узбережжі набирав популярності, породжений Dr.Dre, G-Funk, а на східному панував джаз-реп. Загалом це означало, що у тогочасному репі панував «мʼякий» та чіловий вайб, де майже не залишалося місце справжній похмурості. Натомість ця робота звучить наче «крик андеграунду» - сирий продакшн, складні та закручені рими про комікси, дух вуличного Нью-Йорку тих часів, та звісно ж - бойові мистецтва. Навіть сама назва Wu-Tang Clan відсилає нас до старих фільмів про кунг-фу, які в дитинстві обожнював лідер гурту RZA. Але, на мій погляд, основна магія тут в подачі - вона «складна», та не намагається сподобатись. Натомість, навпаки вимагає зосередженості, адже при «фоновому» слуханні - пройнятися темною атмосферою та красою, часом дивних, але цупких метафор, що посилаються до тогочасної гік-культури, буде майже неможливо. Цей альбом, навіть, чимось схожий на старі комікси. В ньому не така «вилизана» картинка, багато тексту та дивних, іронічних/само-іронічних моментів. Це, між іншим, і є для мене відповіддю, чому сучасний реп, здебільшого, є більш примітивним ніж ця робота - сучасному слухачу просто складно сприймати подібну «технічну»подачу в наші дні, бо «занадто заморочено». Навіть соулові семпли, що на той час вже не були новиною, якимось чином, примудряються тут звучати нетипово та підкреслюють напругу, що «літає» поміж лоу-фай бітів, та не відпускає до останнього треку. Альбом здобув неймовірний успіх, фактично ставши одних з перших «хардкор хіп-хоп» альбомів, та зумовивши перехід Нью-Йорського репу «на темний бік» - альбоми, що невдовзі випустять The Notorious B.I.G. (що має одну з найбільш моторошних обкладинок за всю історію) та Nas є тому підтвердженням.

Favorite: Protect ya Neck Least Favorite: Clan in Da Front

Not going to listen, not my thing.