Listening

Alphabets

As one of the founding members of the Wu-Tang Clan, GZA (sometimes Genius) has meaningfully contributed to what many will always consider the biggest and best hip-hop group of all time

As one of the founding members of the Wu-Tang Clan, GZA (sometimes Genius) has meaningfully contributed to what many will always consider the biggest and best hip-hop group of all time. Though he doesn’t get the credit as a producer that RZA does, the movie roles that Method Man does, or the gonzo adulation reserved for Ol’ Dirty Bastard, he consistently delivers higher quality product than most in the rap game can ever achieve. Even more admirable in these dark times, he and his associates aren’t shilling for Big Gum. Pro Tools, scheduled for release on Aug. 19, can be read as something of a paean to the digital age, regardless of what that age may be doing to the industry. As expected, it features former Wu members and affiliates, but also a guest spot from Justice. The first single, “Alphabets,” has an easygoing beat, a simple guitar and piano sample, and Genius lyrics. “Let us gather around and form words whenever we meet.” Agreed.
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TMN Editor Erik Bryan is living the dream. He grew up in Florida, but he’s from all over. He likes playing chess, making cocktails, smarting off, and not freezing to death in Brooklyn, where he currently resides. More by Erik Bryan

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