The RZA Presents – Afro Samurai: The Soundtrack (1-30-2007)

Posted on Jan 30 in Reviewsby adminPrint

Two totally opposite words like acclaimed and underappreciated can both be easily referenced in describing the single most important factor behind the Wu Tang Clan’s sound. That factor is The RZA, otherwise known as Bobby Digital, or otherwise known as one of the greatest beatsmiths in the game that nobody usually takes time to acknowledge… That is until he just happens to make hella noise on a couple of solid projects from Method Man and Ghostface Killah last year which has led to anticipation for ’07 projects like Raekwon’s Cuban Linx 2 and the Wu’s next effort The 8 Diagrams both due out by years end. RZA does a magnificent job highlighting his musical talents with his well interoperated story line on Afro Samurai-The Soundtrack.

RZA opens the soundtrack with his familiar up beat approach to sound on the all too short and teasing “Afro Theme”. On the Talib Kwlei, Lil Free, and Suga Bang assisted “Certified Samurai” RZA makes the beat breath like it just ran 12 laps. Q-Tip and Free Murder compliment RZA’s dragging instrumentation on “Just A Lil Dude (Who Dat Ovah There)”.On a different note Stone Mecca makes a surprising debut on the two Tru James produced R&B efforts “Oh” and “The Walk”. RZA uses deep bass and a crystal clear guitar loop on The Reverend William Burk assisted “Who Is The Man”.

Big Daddy Kane, GZA, and Suga Bang all come together on the soundtrack’s highlight “Cameo Afro”. RZA shows why he is known more appropriately for his production prowess than his lyrical abilities as he holds down the mic on “Take Sword pt. 1”. RZA saves a few cuts previewing his next Bobby Digital project. The set starts out with the delightful “Insomnia” then fades into the obnoxious “So Fly”. The last two offerings bring things back to pleasure as Bobby Digital lays down both “We All We Got” and “Glorious Day” with a veteran’s clouted approach.

With RZA magnificently producing over 80% of this soundtrack he proves that his name should definitely be featured amongst the likes of Dr. Dre, DJ Premier, and even Timblaland. Though the RZA has never really experienced much commercial acclaim through his work with the Clan he proves that he is definitely one of the top musicians in the game. Mixing rumbling bass and brassy instruments throughout the soundtrack RZA is able to complete a well balanced medley of fruitful musical flavors. RZA’s brilliant sound adaptation on the various themes taken from sketches of the actual motion picture gives the listener a great foundation to make there own interpolation of the action taking place. The most and only notable flaw is the lack of Wu Tang members throughout the collection. Actually GZA’s lone performance is the single Wu Tang presence, guess we’ll have to wait for later on in the year for all the nostalgia to swing in full force. 

VERDICT – 15 / 20
LYRICS: 3
PRODUCTION: 4
DELIVERY: 4
CONSISTENCY: 4