Wu-Tang Clan

Not really a collection of rarities and not really a best-of either, the Wu-Chronicles series is actually more of a grab bag featuring some well-known songs and also some that even the most ardent Wu fanatic probably has never heard. This is what makes this second installment both stunning and frustrating at the same time. The stunning moments come on songs like "Left & Right" and "Rumble" -- the former a D'Angelo song featuring Method Man, the latter from U-God's Golden Arms Redemption -- excellent songs that may have been overlooked by fans given the Wu's prolific output. Other available, yet possibly overlooked, gems included on Wu-Chronicles: Chapter 2 include Gang Starr's "Above the Clouds," which features Inspectah Deck over one of DJ Premier's finest beats; "N.Y.C. Everything," a simple yet standout moment from RZA's hit-and-miss Bobby Digital album; "Dangerous Mindz," a Gravediggaz classic; "Hard to Kill," a Spice 1 song featuring Method Man; and a few others, like DJ Spooky's "Catechism," that are great Wu-featuring songs that were probably missed by fans. So, sure, these songs all merit attention from Wu fanatics since they are undoubtedly great songs. The problem, though, is that most fans have at least a few of these songs in their collection -- at least songs like "Hip Hop Fury" and "N.Y.C. Everything" that appear on the Wu solo albums. Fortunately, there are enough seldom-heard songs here, like Shyheim's "In Trouble," to offer surprises for everyone -- even the most fanatic Wu fans. This is what makes Wu-Chronicles: Chapter 2 worth checking out -- nearly everything here is high quality, and those who haven't heard it will probably want to. Of course, given the myriad Wu albums out there, this is far from essential, but something fanatic fans will surely want in their collection. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide