“Life Changes” - Review Of Wu-Tang Clan’s 8 Diagrams
ALBUM REVIEWS By TC on November 30, 2007 at 1:51 pm
The year was 1993. America’s first “Black” president was preparing for a term filled with success and scandals, Michael Jordan was in the midst of leading his team to their first era of three-peat championships, and up from the 36 Chambers, nine hungry MC’s made their mark on the Hip-Hop culture that would forever be cemented in history. The Wu-Tang Clan. Unveiling a style that would influence an entire generation of aspiring rappers, they mesmerized audiences with shrewd ideology, street inspired chronicles, unforgettable beats, and that was just Cuban Linx. But that was then and this is now.
It’s 2007 and in-house fighting, solo careers, and the death of Ol’ Dirty Bastard have all tainted the legacy of the once mighty collective. 8 Diagrams, which was supposed to be their triumphant return to the past glory days, only delivers on half its promises as the album’s potential is hindered by tepid production and incongruous songs unbecoming of the Clan given their talented nature.
Still it’s been six long years since their last outing and it’s always interesting to hear the Wu to spit in numbers, and spit they do. The Spanish horns underneath the ghoulish bassline of “Wolves” gets ripped to shreds by U-God, Method Man, and Masta Killa and serves as one of the more ambitious cuts. Likewise the hypnotizing melody on “Stick Me For My Riches” proves to be a suitable platform for Inspectah Deck and Gza to engage in a lyrical joust for the hottest verse. On the moving “Life Changes”, the Clan forms like Voltron to pay their respects to O.D.B. as Meth tries to make light of the situation with lines like “In your honor/I’ve grown a fetish for loose ladies and baby mommas…” and the album’s most cohesive track “The Heart Gently Weeps” contains the highly publicized Beatles’ interpolation and showcases the vivid imagination of the Clan’s top members.
Sadly, The Abbott is to blame for the majority of 8 Diagram’s miscues. As of late, Rza’s been using the Wu-Tang projects as his own personal experiment and the album’s range suffers because of this. Whether hogging all the “Sunlight” for himself, tossing dull darts on “Weak Spot”, or recruiting George Clinton and Dexter Wiggles to add more gibberish where he left off, all indicate that his best days may be behind him. Throw the poorly executed “Starter” in the fray and you’re left with the most unfocused Wu album to date.
With razor sharp lyrics still intact (see “Campfire”,) the lack of potent production ultimately leaves the bulk of the content to fall on deaf ears. A mixed bag of sorts, 8 Diagrams can be categorized as a plus for the decreasing amount of traditional Hip-Hop, a disappointment for the Clan. Behold the results of underestimating the proper planning needed to create a superior album. But if the days of old are ever to be revisited, talks of creative control and making sure everyone is actively involved are crucial. And with Rza’s latest approval rating parallel to George Bush’s, one can only guess when that’s going to happen.
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL — Tags: 8 Diagrams, Wu-Tang Clan
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55 Comments
1st
ive been looking forward to this for a couple of months now, and im incredibly dissapointed . rza needs to save his mad scientist jones for his own personal lab. still love the wu though
too short get off the stage
http://www.mediafire.com/?5inelt1sam7
enzo, whats good w that cuban linx password?
http://rapidshare.com/files/73288652/8_Diagrams.rar.html
http://blogs.villagevoice.com/statusainthood/archives/2007/11/8_diagrams_rzas.php
‘50Cent’ in Paris this weekend !
(not in ‘Paris’ Hilton !, ho
maybe too !)
Peace.
like most reviews of this album i’m going to have to disagree.i thought the album was creative and not as bad as rae and gfk says it is. the production on it is an insight on how bobby has grown…without the tutelage of the abbot most producers out now wouldnt even have a sound (just blaze,kanye,9th wonder)
though his experimentation with music can lead most astray or disinterested this album is only for the hardcore wu-addicts who understand the natural growth of the rza and the clan itself. i thought the sound was new crisp and refreshing at times. also at times it sounds like the rza may be off his rocker.
but sorry to dissapoint ladies and gents rap isnt about conforming to the norm and recycling its standards, in 92 when the wu came out they did exactly what no one expected them to do and that was shock the world with dope music while bringing nyc out of the dark ages while the west coast was living it up
i do believe however that this album wont be listened too because of its beats but more for its lyrical nature as all the clansmen sound as sharp as the 36th chamber
glad to hear you guys back in action regardless of the inhouse beefing..but the wu has been a staple of hip hop for a long time and they seemed poised to continue that in the future
post script
how can it be a wu album without ol dirty anyway?!?!?
Ill take mathematics over rza production anyday….I dont know what the fuck dudes on lately but IMO he fell the fuck off and in the process he tarnished a legendary groups dynasty…I bet wu breaks up completely after this.
either that or I hope the re conviene without rza and his ego…
also Im a long time member and moderator at wcrydaz and it was a beautiful thing to see yall shout us out over there…thank you.
I wish the site werent out of order so we could reap the benifits….thanks again
STILL ALKN.
“This is a greums’ greums’ world ! ”
TSSISINTERNATIONAL
greumsy is internationaly known on the microphone !
peace.
MAJORrrr
I really want to hear a “Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang” project. RZA singlehandedly sabatoged this project. I wonder why more members of the Wu haven’t spoken out. I know a couple of them need the check (U-God, Deck, Master Killah, etc.), but I can’t see how they’d let RZA just run with those tracks. Straight lullabye music.
P.S.- http://www.2girls1cup.com
Be afraid, be very afraid!
Ol’ Dirty hasn’t been actively involved in a “Wu” album since the first one…
“8 Diagreums”…LMAO. That word has been flipped countless times and it never ceases to amaze me hahaha
Why wasn’t Ghostface on “Life Changes”?
RZA is outta his mind. Gives great interviews, but His beats have become so experimental only a diehard Wu fan could love ‘em. “Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tng” anyone?
New Too Short- Get Off The Stage
1. Get Off The Stage 4:16
2. Broke Bitch 2:46
3. This My One Feat. E-40 3:15
4. Shittin’ On ‘Em 4:03
5. F.U.C.K.Y.O.U Feat. Mistah F.A.B, MS. Hollywood & Ginger 3:18
6. Gangstas & Strippers 3:36
7. Dum Ditty Dum Feat. The Pack 2:40
8. Pull Them Panties Down Feat. Kool Ace 3:32
9. I Like It Feat. Dolla Will 4:00
10. It Ain’t Over Feat. Tanu 3:41
http://rapidshare.com/files/73270517/TSGETS.rar
P.S.-Visit http://www.2girls1cup.com
But be warned, not for the faint of heart!
1. Get Off The Stage 4:16
2. Broke Bitch 2:46
3. This My One Feat. E-40 3:15
4. Shittin’ On ‘Em 4:03
5. F.U.C.K.Y.O.U Feat. Mistah F.A.B, MS. Hollywood & Ginger 3:18
6. Gangstas & Strippers 3:36
7. Dum Ditty Dum Feat. The Pack 2:40
8. Pull Them Panties Down Feat. Kool Ace 3:32
9. I Like It Feat. Dolla Will 4:00
10. It Ain’t Over Feat. Tanu 3:41
http://rapidshare.com/files/73270517/TSGETS.rar
^New Too Short-Get Off The Stage
You guys gotta see this…
http://www.2girl1cup.com
This is NOT how you should come out after 6 long years. That Raekwon interview was 100% legit. Rza is going to ruin the group with that melodic madness…
http://realtalkny.rawkus.com/2007/11/topic/artists/nas/more-details-on-the-new-nas-album/
I can’t be the only one more impressed with the production than the lyrics on this album? Rza crafted something great. For me what was missing was the artists. It’s like none of em was feelin anything so they went in and spit mediocore. There are some standout tracks that don’t seem like this but the album as a whole isn’t cohesive, and I’m not talkin about the production. It seems like mixtape rap over great beats. Rza went to work on this, I think it’s a shame no one will see this.
Get Rza outta here. Production on this cd was awful.
ayo greums here’s that b2m
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=IKVOEDKF
I think I could of just said there is no structure and it would suffice. Rza got my head spinnin still.
That village Voice review is pretty good too.
I can’t believe people are still checking for WU
@SKEETBOOGIE THX !
———————————–
homies, check dis :
http://rapidshare.com/files/32376364/Monseigneur_Mike-_-Monseigneur_Mike_City.rar
Tracklist ; 1- Intro
2- Welcome to Msgr Mike city
3- I wouldn’t fall this night,
4- Whutt featuring. Xavier Aeon,
5- Gangsta Rap with champagne,
6- I am to 1 glass,
7- Rookie of the year,
8- Why,
9- Head to tail,
10- Gangsta Party,
11- Postcard from paradise,
12- Cocktail,
13- Flygirl,
14- Interlude,
15- Leave too early.
————————————–
Like dead, Skeetboog ! but it’s not important
no probl’m
peace !
Good Night.
link dead, sorry !
and real good night ! bye
Can someone please re-up that new Too Short?
J. Armz-How To Be An MC Vol.48
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=6ZDX22GY
I’m not a Wutang fan anymore, but this album was trash yall. I’d just say it was misguided. Truely, the words didn’t mix well with the production, IMO. But Rza is far from terrible with his. His focus is just different from the Wu. Dude is doing movie scores and whatnot. Maybe he just treating 8 D’s as practice… Just thoughts, people.
i’m just now getting around to d/l the wu. i was trying to wait for the purchase, but fuck it.
i have heard sooooooooo many different viewpoints of how good/bad the album is. can anyone remember the last high profile album that had such a range of “i liked it” vs. “it sucked hard” sentiments? maybe kingdom come?
anyone who is hating on this album….
your entitled to your opinion but you are certainly way off the fucking mark. this album was a wu album through and through and the most grimey we have heard since forever. a wu album is not ment to be all polished and filled with t pain inspired bull shit. wu tang is rough rugged and raw, and this album was just that.
people say the new GFK album is a testiment to how the wu fell off (meaning ghosts album is fire and wu is average), but i think it just shows how ghost has grown in his career to become more of a mainstream artist. correct me if im wrong but pretty toney album had more radio play then any to date. tone is out there to sell records now wu tang is out to make a record for the fans. yall haters are just 85er’s anyway… mostly intrigued by the drums
“yall haters are just 85er’s anyway… mostly intrigued by the drums”
And you’re intrigued by weak rhymes and even weaker flows I suppose??!! I’ve never heard The Wu come so weak lyrically, and have a complete lack of passion in their delivery. Some people stay watching channel zero and are blind to the facts…
More Links to The albums.
Inner-Dimensional Quantum lunar Module Act 1
http://www.zshare.net/download/50993250937f0a/
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8V7CDUDR
The Love Series Volume 1 Double Package - Download Below
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=656UPO2W
Still sticking to the Claim of Best New producer in a few years.
The Proper Tracklist should be included.
Inner-Dimensional Quantum lunar Module Act 1
http://www.zshare.net/download/50993250937f0a/
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8V7CDUDR
The Love Series Volume 1 Double Package - Download Below
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=656UPO2W
My bad if I post this more than once, This posting is fucking up. best New producer in 3 years
^^^^ Actually, I liked Kingdom Come.
Hi-Tek-Hi-Teknology_3-2007-
Title Hi-Teknology 3
Artist Hi-Tek
Label Babygrande
Genre Hip-Hop
Quality/Size 44.1 @VBR 69,2 MB
Ripped 11-29-2007
Grabbed from CDDA
Enc Lame 3.97
Website n/a
01 01:12 Tek Intro
02 04:37 Life To Me Ft. Estelle
03 00:43 Interlude Ft. Lil Tone
04 04:07 My Piano Ft. Ghostface, Raekwon And Dion
05 02:34 God’s Plan Ft. Young Buck And Outlaws
06 04:33 Ohio All Stars Ft Cross, Showtime, Mann And Chip The Rippa
07 04:28 Back On The Grind Ft Riz, Sean Kingston And Dion
08 03:54 I’m Back Ft. Rem Dog
09 03:22 Kill You Ft. Push Montana
10 03:57 Handling My Bizness Ft. Lep, Count, Big D And M-1 Of Dead Prez
11 03:40 Come Get It (Tekstrumentals)
12 03:49 Step Ya Game Up (Remix) Ft. Dion And Little Brother
13 05:19 Know Me Ft. Jonell
14 04:39 Time Ft. Talib Kweli And Dion
15 01:09 Outtro
52:03 min
http://link-protector.com/351443/
OR
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4KKI0VI3
OR
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8D66A334
Eazy-E-Featuring_Eazy-E-(Advance)-2007-
Artist : Eazy E
Album : Featuring Eazy E-(Advance)
Bitrate : VBR kbps
Label : Priority Records
Year : 2007
Genre : Rap
Rip date : Nov-28-2007
Store date : Dec-04-2007
Size : 97,7 MB
TrackList
01 - Luv 4 Dem Gangsta’z 04:35
02 - 2 Hard Muthas feat. MC Ren 04:25
03 - Trust No Bitch feat. Clipse, DJ Quick and AMG 05:03
04 - L.A. Is The Place feat. Ron De Vu 04:34
05 - Findum, Fuckem And Flee feat. N.W.A. 03:56
06 - Get Yo Ride On feat. Mack 10 and MC Eiht 03:31
07 - Black Nigga Killa 04:48
08 - We Want Eazy (12″ Remix) 06:39
09 - Foe The Love Of Money feat. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony 04:11
10 - I’d Rather Fuck You feat. N.W.A 03:58
11 - 24 Hrs To Live 04:44
12 - Boyz In The Hood feat. Dr. Dre (G Mix) 05:40
13 - Fat Girl feat. Ron De Vu 02:50
14 - Automobile feat. N.W.A. 03:17
15 - P.S. Phuk U 2 feat. Clipse and DJ Quick 03:25
16 - Ruthless Villian feat. MC Ren 02:58
68:34 min
http://sharebee.com/9804ecc9
OR
http://link-protector.com/351447/
OR
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5SQQGK9O
http://link-protector.com/351443/
OR
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4KKI0VI3
OR
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8D66A334
Hi-Tek-Hi-Teknology_3-2007-
Title Hi-Teknology 3
Artist Hi-Tek
Label Babygrande
Genre Hip-Hop
Quality/Size 44.1 @VBR 69,2 MB
Ripped 11-29-2007
Grabbed from CDDA
Enc Lame 3.97
Website n/a
01 01:12 Tek Intro
02 04:37 Life To Me Ft. Estelle
03 00:43 Interlude Ft. Lil Tone
04 04:07 My Piano Ft. Ghostface, Raekwon And Dion
05 02:34 God’s Plan Ft. Young Buck And Outlaws
06 04:33 Ohio All Stars Ft Cross, Showtime, Mann And Chip The Rippa
07 04:28 Back On The Grind Ft Riz, Sean Kingston And Dion
08 03:54 I’m Back Ft. Rem Dog
09 03:22 Kill You Ft. Push Montana
10 03:57 Handling My Bizness Ft. Lep, Count, Big D And M-1 Of Dead Prez
11 03:40 Come Get It (Tekstrumentals)
12 03:49 Step Ya Game Up (Remix) Ft. Dion And Little Brother
13 05:19 Know Me Ft. Jonell
14 04:39 Time Ft. Talib Kweli And Dion
15 01:09 Outtro
52:03 min
VA-Old_School_Hip_Hop_Accapellas_Vol._I-Vinyl-Bootleg-2005-
Title Old School Hip Hop Accapellas Vol. I
Artist VA
Label n/a
Genre Hip-Hop
Quality/Size 44.1 @VBR 38,1 MB
Ripped 11-25-2007
Grabbed from Vinyl
Enc Lame 3.97
Website n/a
01 03:30 Mantronix - Buffalo Gals (Accapella)
02 01:29 Public Enemy - Bring The Noise (Accapella)
03 01:37 Public Enemy - The Public (Accapella)
04 04:08 Epmd - You Got To Chill (Accapella)
05 01:44 Stetsasonic - Sally (Accapella)
06 02:51 Whodini - Big Mouth (Accapella)
07 02:25 Stereo Funk - Discription (Accapella)
08 03:01 Audio Two - Top Billin’ (Accapella)
09 03:42 Super Lover Cee and Casanova Rud - I Got A Good Thing (Accapella)
10 03:49 De La Soul - Jenifa Taught Me (Accapella)
11 00:23 Salt & Pepa - Twist & Shout (Accapella)
12 00:28 Salt & Pepa - Shake Your Thing (Accapella)
29:07 min
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=OS5BKQXC
OR
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XG3X76T2
OR
http://link-protector.com/349487/
OR
http://link-protector.com/349488/
i dont know if this is a repost by LL COOL J
http://www.zshare.net/audio/5280478afa05ba/
ll cool j-new york gangstas
rae came correct on the cd, as did ghostdeni.
the wu.. will always be number one for me but its getting hard to defend them.
i can only hope and wait for that big doe rehab and cuban linx 2… if that ever happens
by the way all of yall who said everyone came razor sharp? are you fucking crazy. ghost rae n meth came tight
rza and gza.. what the fuck happened man.
Listen to it high and you’ll like it more…
For me, the guys who stood out (like the write up said on some tracks) were U-God, Inspeckta Deck, Master Killa, and Method Man. I’m guessing it’s cause I never really played out their solo shit. I think we all just might be tired of them. As the Gza said hyping this album, “Wu Tang is Forever”… but to me 36 Chambers, Cuban Linx, Liquid Swords, IronMan, Supreme CLientele, and some of Tical and Return to the 36 Chambers and the double album are Forever… Their time might have passed… but I don’t dismiss this album as a piece a shit like some of you. There’s a lot of good tracks on it. Get fucked up and listen to it again.
yeah the album was a mixed bag for me. i’m a huuuge wu-tang fan, ghost is in my top 5 dead or alive but some of the tracks on this album seem a little unfocused. i sorta agree with aron when he said that b/cos some of the dudes weren’t happy with rza they didnt show enough focus on some tracks. on the other hand, ‘campfire’, ‘the heart gently weeps’, ‘wolves’ and a cpl others showed a lot of promise. i thought the best thing to come out of this release was the form of mef. duke came out hard imo.
rza didn’t do that bad a job, cpl of horrible tracks but ive come to expect that from him. he experiments which isn’t entirely a bad thing and sometimes it comes off badly.
still waiting on ghost, nas, scarface, saigon, rae and jada tho! should be some good albums dropping soon…
Young James speaks the truth!!!! Get lifted and then listen to it. it’s a whole new experience
Raekwon need to release Only Built For Cuban Links 2 & GZA needs to release another solo to get that fire lit under Rza’s ass
HTTP://ICEDOTCOM.BLOGSPOT.COM/
I haven’t even scanned the album yet & it’s still about three away in my rotation. But I’ve already said I wasn’t expecting anything earth-shattering to come from it. I’ll accept a few good tracks & be satisfied.
As a crew, the Wu’s lost their chemistry, which was key in making the listening a full-fledged experience. With them publicly bickering over the past few years, I’ve pretty much learned that Puff was right.
“The sun don’t shine forever…”
small chance
super DOWNLOW DJ Jamad, nobody give him his respect
any chance yall got links for his Afromentals series?
Cover-art is BANANAS ..
Mixing bring me back 30 years, BANANAS.
Gotty , i see you fam.. where can i get vol 1-25
peace
^Sun don’t shine on the wu tang forever
If they release the accapella’s someone can probably grey album it up and make it didope again… or we can wait for shaolin vs wu tang. Yet to hear it for myself and form an opinion.
Ok I finally listened to this album.
I like it. I also totally understand the ruckus caused by Rae and Ghost.
The rapping is good bordering great from Rae, Deck, Ghost, Meth, even U and Masta Killah. Rza is aight, Gza lyrics are good but the monotone is killing me. Still where are you going to find 9 rappers that are this good?
The production is also good…but its so god damn abstract that when it doesnt work, it’s borderline unlistenable. More importantly, from Rae and Ghost’s perspective, which of these records is going to be a playable for the general audience? Answer…none of them. Now maybe Rza’s on some “I dont give a fuck” shit…but its obvious the rest of the group aint with him. And thats a problem if you are trying to make an album under a group umbrella.
I think in 5 years, it will actually be looked on better than it is now by critics…but its not what the average Wu fan is looking for. If you want that, grab Big Doe and rock the tracks with Rae and Meth on em.
Everyone who says the production is wack hasn’t taken the time to listen to this album. If you’re a longtime wu fan then u know that their shit takes at least 7 or 8 listens to really begin to shine. This won’t grab your straight away like 36 chambers did, but let it bump and the beats will grow on you. Add that to the fact that they’re still on top of their game lyrically and you’ve got a bangin’ album. As far as the infighting goes, that’s gonna happen, but Rza stays making ill beats…his style just evolves so fast that the listener’s ears can’t catch up. One.