Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) Review: Staten Island's Kung-Fu Hip-Hop Collective
9.5/10 — Wu-Tang Clan - Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993)
Pros
- RZA's gritty production
- Distinct MCs
- 'C.R.E.A.M.'
Cons
- Rough production
- Crowded cast of voices
Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) introduced nine MCs from Staten Island, with production from RZA built from dusty soul samples and kung-fu movie dialogue. It reshaped East Coast hip-hop.
What works
‘C.R.E.A.M.’, ‘Protect Ya Neck’ and ‘Bring da Ruckus’ are gritty and thrilling, and the MCs, including Method Man, Ghostface Killah and Raekwon, each have a distinct style. The lo-fi production is eerie and compelling.
Where it falters
The production is lo-fi and rough, and the sheer number of voices can be confusing.
Verdict
A rugged, brilliant and enormously influential debut.
