Wu-Tang Clan

While The W elicited little more than a shrug from many fans, the almighty Wu come back hard with their fourth LP. RZA takes it back to the basics with seriously raw beakbeats, fierce scratching, and kung-fu samples galore. Hands down their best work since 36 Chambers, the whole team goes off. Peep "Uzi," "Rules," and "Soul Power" with Flavor Flav.

Great-not-grand beats, worried raps about the ultimate value of the Wu and all its holdings ("Iron Flag," "Dashing [Reasons]") (Grade - ***)