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How the hell do you cover the Wu-Tang Clan? They form like Voltron, and I'm supposed to piece out this puzzle. Each MC has like three alternate personalities, multiplying the angles of attack. But Iron Flag gives me an approach: it's the most solid Wu album in years. I guess the Clan wanted to slice through rumors that they were falling off, because they holed up at the Wu mansion and punched out twelve solid cuts. First they feint with "In the Hood," for once an intro that's listenable. It's RZA's panoramic sweep from freestyle diss to jump-up anthem, with brass blasting and glocks clicking in the background. Then the segue to "Rules," which opens with Ghostface Killah just like on 36 Chambers.
With all the catchy choruses, each song on Iron Flag hits like another single to be released. The kung-fu samples are back, Masta Killa's still trying to carve out a name for himself, and the Wu prove they never need guests to throw down a strong joint. As Method Man deadpans on "Uzi," "Give you the same advice that I gave my wife: don't fuck with mine." Damn. |
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