TOP 100 ALBUMS EVAR: #100
GZA/Genius: Liquid Swords (1995) <Geffen/MCA>
Genre: Hip Hop
Nationality: USA (Brooklyn, NY)
When it comes to the Wu Tang Clan, three figures appear in my mind as some of the greatest talents in hip hop. There’s Raekwon, with both the Cuban Linx records under his belt. Then there’s Ghostface Killah, probably one of the most consistent members of the group. And finally, we have GZA. The Genius. Along with RZA, the main mastermind behind one of the greatest hip hop collectives ever. And here is his masterpiece, and one of the only solo Wu Tang records to match and arguably outshine that of their legendary 36 Chambers. Everything on Liquid Swords flows magnificently, laid-back and in your face at the same time. Whether it’s the samurai samples, the raw underground production, or the lyrical wit of the Genius, there’s virtually nothing wrong with Liquid Swords. Compared to other hardcore hip hop records, it’s infinitely more badass, more sophisticated, scarier, funnier, and better in every way.
Key Tracks: “Shadowboxin’,” “Liquid Swords,” “Investigative Reports”
For Fans Of: The Wu-Tang Clan, N.W.A., Nas
