Wu-Tang Clan 8 Diagrams Early Album Review

After numerous solo albums, fights and break-up rumors, the members of the Wu-Tang Clan have finally once again joined forces. The RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, U-God, Inspectah Deck and Masta Killa are finally back, with unreleased verses from the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. Will the Wu-Tang Clan be able to live up to their legendary legacy as one of the best groups in the history of rap on their new album, 8 Diagrams?

The first single off of 8 Diagrams is The Heart Gently Weeps featuring Erykah Badu. The song is an interpolation of George Harrison's classic song While My Guitar Gently Weeps. There was a great deal of controversy over the track as Wu-Tang Clan members were stated as saying they had been the first artists ever to sample a Beatles song however, the song is a replayed version of the song featuring George Harrison's song Dhani and John Frusciante from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. The song has all the elements of classic Wu. The song features a simplistic beat, ample crooning from Erykah Badu and very strong verses from Method Man, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah.

Take It Back sounds as if it was made in 1993 which is a good thing. The song captures the essence of the Wu-Tang Clan. The song is one of the strongest tracks on the album. The song is so old school it is new again.

Life Changes is an incredibly powerful track featuring a vintage soul sample straight out of the 1970's. The song is incredibly simplistic which allows the Wu members to come from the heart. The song features solid short verses from all of the members of the Wu-Tang Clan. The song talks about their feelings about the loss of the Ol' Dirty Bastard.

Weak Spot is another strong track but not the best song on an extremely strong album which captures the essence of the Wu-Tang Clan.

16^th Chamber features Method Man and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. It's great to hear a verse from the late ODB but the song is average at best.

Throughout 8 Diagrams it is evident that the Wu-Tang Clan have not lost a step. They sound as if it is still 1994 which is incredibly refreshing in today's rap scene. The Wu-Tang Clan have remained true to what made them entertaining and relevant in the first place. Overall 8 Diagrams gets 8 out of 10. If you are a fan of the Wu-Tang Clan make sure you pick up their new album 8 Diagrams when it is available in stores on December 11^th.