Rating:
Genre:
Rap
Release Date: 06/22/1999
Run Time: 61:22
Perhaps the best overall introduction to the dauntingly large
Wu-Tang universe,
RZA Hits is an excellent singles compilation covering the first round of
Wu projects -- their debut
Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) and the five solo albums recorded in its wake. The material here traces
the Wu's rise from underground heroes to full-fledged stardom in
hip-hop's mainstream, and arguably no other album captures their offbeat menace and outsized personalities with such stunning consistency. All 13 singles collected here were produced by
the RZA, giving a primer on his eerie, cinematic style; moreover, these songs were all highlights of their respective albums, from the era when
the Wu's quality control was at its highest. Every album represented here is at least an entertaining listen, and three -- the group debut,
the Genius'
Liquid Swords, and
Raekwon's
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx -- are undisputed classics. Which means that this is only a starting point, but the material is so consistently terrific that it makes
RZA Hits one of the richest listens in '90s
hip-hop. Sure, you can do without
the RZA's between-track narrations, or the "bonus track"
"Wu Wear, the Garment Renaissance," a lengthy plug for the group's clothing line. But this is the absolute cream of the crop, gathering tremendous singles by
Method Man,
Ol' Dirty Bastard,
the Genius,
Raekwon, and
Ghostface Killah. Anyone wondering why
the Wu-Tang Clan is acknowledged as one of the greatest
rap groups of all time need look no further than this collection.
~Steve Huey, All Music Guide
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