Meth Ghost and Rae drop Wu-Massacre

The Wu-Tang Clan recently announced that it will be holding auditions for MCs who think they have what it takes (defined as Witty Unpredictable Talent And Natural Game...and $23.50) to be one of the next nine Wu-Tang generals.  Why the venerable institution of Wu has sunk to this level in opening its doors to the plebeian masses I don't profess to know.  Hopefully it isn't for the money.  Yet in this moment of weakness...greatness!

Wu-bosses Method Man, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah released their collaborative effort Wu-Massacre today, a half-hour romp that sees the three MCs and their guests (including Ghostface's son) trading verses and spinning narratives of gangster life.  The album leads off with "Criminology 2.5," — an update of the original, which appeared 15 years ago on Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..., and an appropriate reminder/declaration that the trio are still three thugs from Staten Island who bang harder than anyone else.*

Other bright spots include Meth's venomous delivery in "Gunshowers,"  Ghostface's artful narration of "Pimpin' Chipp," and longtime Wu-Tang producer Mathematics' contributions to "Dangerous" and "Miranda" (not so much to "Meth vs. Chef, Part II").  I could go on and on.  But you should just get the album.

• Well, maybe they have gone a little soft in their old age.  In "Our Dreams" the three wax poetic over a Michael Jackson sample and a sugary RZA beat, rapping about "sweet life" and "trips to the mall for family pictures."  Just a slight departure from spitting about robberies and flipping crack.