I kinda like 8D for the most part, but I've never really had it in regular rotation. All of the Clan came correct lyrically, especially Meth and U-God. My main problem has always been the "feel" of the album, the production and RZA's whole vision for this album. There are some dope tracks that I love... Wolves, Weak Spot and Windmill are probably the 3 best tracks on there imo. Most of the other tracks feel out of place on a Wu-Tang group album. The Heart Gently Weeps, although the MC's come through lyrically, should not be on a Clan album. Same for joints like Starter, Stick Me For My Riches, Get Them Out Ya Way Pa, and the version of Unpredictable that ended up on the album.
But, my main issue is that 8D came out at the end of 2007. RZA then followed it up with his Digi Snacks album a few months after, which pretty much followed the same vision as 8D production-wise. But, earlier in 2007 RZA released the Afro Samurai soundtrack. And towards the end of 2008 or early 2009 he released the Afro Samurai Resurrection soundtrack. Both of these soundtracks completely shit all over 8D and Digi Snacks production-wise.
A lot of people said that RZA had fell off around the time 8D dropped, because the beats were different, mellow, not really Wu-like, grown man type shit. But the Afro Samurai soundtracks are proof that RZA could easily still make absolute bangers!! And this is my issue... we get two bangin' soundtracks in 2007 and 2009 but right inbetween we have an official Wu-Tang Clan album and we get 8D??!!!
There are more than enough beats on the two Afro Samurai soundtracks to compile an absolutely amazing Wu-Tang Clan album, but he uses them on soundtracks and then makes 8D!!!!
Anyone else feel like RZA has done this on a few different occasions? Used bangin' beats on soundtracks and other projects, but then put sub-par/different shit on actual Clan albums?
I've got an Afro Samurai playlist that I've been bangin' over the last few days which got me thinking about this 8D thing... Imagine the Clan on these beats!!
01. Afro Theme / Afro Intro (Instrumental)
02. Certified Samurai feat. Talib Kweli, Free Murder & Suga Bang
03. Just A Lil Dude feat. Q-Tip & Free Murder
04. Who Is Tha Man feat. Rev William Burke
05. Cameo Afro feat. GZA, Big Daddy Kane & Suga Bang
06. Take Sword Pt. I feat. RZA & Beretta 9
07. Killer Bee Till Ya Die feat. RZA, Black Knights & Thea
08. Combat (Afro Season 2 Intro) feat. RZA & P. Dot
09. You Already Know feat. Inspectah Deck Kool G Rap & Suga Bang
10. Whar feat. RZA, Ghostface Killah & Kool G Rap
11. Bitch Gonna Get Ya feat. Rah Digga
12. Bloody Samurai feat. Black Nights, Dexter Wiggles & Thea
13. Arch Nemesis feat. Ace & Moe Roc
14. Brothers Keeper feat. RZA, Rev William Burke & Infinite
15. Take The Sword Pt. III feat. RZA, 60 Second Assassin, Leggezin, Crisis, Christ Bearer, Rugged Monk, Tre Irie, Kinetic & Rev. William Burke
16. Number One Samurai feat. RZA & 9th Prince
How fuckin' crazy is that tracklist?!!! All of these beats are fire and more in the original Wu-Tang sound... especially tracks like Take Sword Pt. I, Combat, Whar, Bloody Samurai and Number One Samurai. The Clan wold have completely MURKED these beats, and they would have probably been happier with the final product rather than Rae, Ghost, etc shitting on the album.
Just my thoughts. Feel free to add on!
Peace!
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