Legendary Weapons

Chronique

Once rumored to be a true Wu-Tang Clan release, Legendary Weapons arrived as another compilation of Wu whatnot, with affiliates and second-string producers running the show as core member GZA sits things out. In other words, this is the semi-sequel to 2009’s Chamber Music, minus the old-school theme and with more Ghostface Killah, who sounds very Ironman on “Laced Cheeba,” stocked with “rocks clumped up like overcooked rice” while threatening to “come through and season your broth.” Elsewhere, it’s Method Man and Cappadonna doing the zombie walk on “Diesel Fluid” while RZA does the double-time rap on the up and bright battle hymn “Only the Rugged Survive.” Kung fu movie samples tie it all together and outside influences help add a little flavor with AZ, Sean Price, and M.O.P. all stopping by to show their skills. Judge it on the mixtape level and there’s plenty for the Wu faithful to decipher and discuss, but the Wu discography is jammed with this type of material, so choose your ephemera wisely.
© David Jeffries /TiVo