The boards and blogs I have visited since 8 Diagrams has leaked has provided me with mostly sour and disappointing reviews of the Wu-Tang Clan’s Rza’s latest opus. I’m glad to learn that Mr. Breihan has not jumped on the bandwagon. He provides a very thoughtful review of the album, pointing out many things I noticed and greatly appreciated, like Method Man’s rejuvenated performance on the mic and Rza’s musical innovativeness. I feel strongly that this is a solid album with excellent production. And I’m really surprised by the initial reactions from the community. But I guess there’s still time to see what happens, the freakin’ album hasn’t even officially dropped yet.
Recent Reviews:
8 Diagrams: Rza’s Drug-Rap Masterwork by Tom Breihan from Village Voice
Wu Woes by Robbie from Unkut.com
A First Listen: Wu Tang Clan – 8 Diagrams by Travis from WYDU
Putting The Rza Out To Pasture by Bol from XXL
Updated: More Reviews
Leaked: Wu-Tang Clan’s ‘8 Diagrams’ Doesn’t Disappoint by Ben Westhoff for New York Magazine
Wu Tang Clan: 8 Diagrams By Jason Newman for allhiphop
The 8 Diagrams: Wu-Tang Clan by Christian Hoard for Rolliing Stone
Wu-Tang Clan – 8 Diagrams (SRC/Universal Motown Records) by Ivan Rott (from hiphopisread.blogspot.com) for about.com [best review I’ve read yet!]
Anything That RZA Throw by Noz for XXL
Wu-Tang Clan drops hip-hop excellence by Glenn Gamboa for Newsday
Wu-Tang Clan: 8 Diagrams by Dave Heaton for PopMatters
Ten Favorite Moments From the Wu-Tang Clan’s 8 Diagrams by Tom Breihan for Village Voice
Wu-Tang’s new album redefines its sound, image by Kyle Thacker
