GZA says this is his best album, though many would say that this is one of the best rap albums ever released.. I for one, agree completely with both statements.

Produced by fellow Wu-Tang member RZA and featuring many collaborations with other members, this has a real rich Wu-Tang feel. Grimey beats and menacing, cut-up piano loops do much to create that Wu sound that has become so iconic in the industry.

Introducing the album and featuring throughout are samples from the movie “Shogun Assassin”, references to the marshal arts has featured strongly in Wu-Tang Clan releases over the years and here it is no different. It helps to add a real narrative to the album, drawing you in and giving the impression that you are listening to a musical of sorts.

Individual tracks like “Cold World”, “Dual of the Iron Mic” and “Shadowboxin” cement this album as a true Rap classic… now 15 years old and sounding as fresh as ever.

I will be featuring this album on a Wu-Tang-ful Black Box podcast through www.dirtyradio.org this Sunday, June 20th at 7pm GMT and podcasted here and there on the 21st.

So make sure you tune in!!!