Put Your W's Up!

One of my favorite debates when it comes to hip-hop music is who is the best hip-hop group of all time. Despite the huge numbers of talented ensembles to choose from my conversation generally boils down to just two: Outkast or the Wu Tang Clan. Of course, I always say, choosing between these two is like choosing between apples and oranges. You got the southern duo with the eccentric Andre and smooth Big Boi on the one hand and on the other you have the almighty conglomerate known as the Wu-Tang Clan with their no holds barred lyricism that is often introduced with some snippet from a kung fu movie. But for the debates sake, I never let reasoning get in the way of making a decision, and I always declare that the Wu has the number one spot. 

It is important to note that this doesn't take anything away from Outkast. Bombs Over Baghdad is still ahead of its time. But a collection of talent that is compiled within the group of the Wu-Tang Clan is so astounding that they have not only produced great albums as a group, but the solo projects that have spun off have been equally as rewarding with Raekwon's Only Built for Cuban Linx II being the latest example. 

But perhaps the greatest example of Wu-Tang's greatness is their latest album titled Chamber Music which isn't even technically a Wu-Tang album considering that three members are missing. Despite this, it was one of the best hip-hop albums of 2009 and since it was not an official Wu-Tang album it has not received the attention it deserves. 

What one finds in Chamber Music is RZA at his best with production that puts Wu-Tang's already dramatic lyrical story-telling against a live band sound. The album is an unofficial tribute to their legacy and shows that a combination of RZA production with even a less than full Wu Tang roster makes for a better product than most conglomerates could ever dream to put out. 

Harbor Master- Wu Tang Clan

Wu Tang Clan Chamber Music