The RZA Presents – Afro Samurai Resurrection: OST (1-27-2009)

Posted on Feb 20 in Reviewsby adminPrint

Almost exactly two years to the day since RZA dropped the original Afro Samurai soundtrack I’m pleased to say that the east coast legend is still acclaimed and underappreciated. Of course most of the efforts that have transpired from the Wu during that time frame have been sorry to average at best; most notably that last group effort. With the second installment of The Afro Samurai RZA has another chance to redeem himself along with the legacy of his entire crew.

Reverend William Burk lends his hood gospel on the Sly Stone and Stone Mecca placed “Blood thicker Than Mud (Family Affair).” Koll G. Rap, Ghostface Killah, and the RZA all combine on the early standout effort “Whar,” where vocalist Tash Mahogany laces a mood enticing hook effort. On the 90s boom-bap influenced “Girl Samurai Lullaby” RZA laces ex-Flipmode first lady Rah Digga with a laid back rendition of flavor from south of the equator. RZA spreads his versatile wings with the Thea Van Seijen delivered “Fight For You,” an obvious thematically influenced effort from the actual film.

The beginning of the albums second half unfortunately tapers off with lazy efforts from Monk, “Kill Kill Kill” and the even worse “Nappy Afro” courtesy of Boy Jones. Fortunately things pick up a little bit with the respectable “Bloody Samurai” by the Black Knights, Dexter Wiggles, and Thea Van Seijen. Unfortunately again shit starts to have a roller coaster effect as the rock influenced Sunz Of Man & Shavo Odadjian effort “Dead Birds” sounds severely forced and out of place.

Fortunately for the sanity of the soundtrack Ace and Moe Rock deliver a solid effort with the simple yet effective “Yellow Jackets.” RZA enlists the help of 9th Prince to close out the soundtrack on a pretty damn good note with “Number One Samurai (Afro Season II Outro).”  The track features a little Dr. Dre flare with an obvious east coast under working.

Unfortunately this installment of Afro Samurai won’t quite cut it in the efforts to breath life back into the Wu Tang legacy. Sure RZA’s done some pretty solid work back in the day but the fact of the matter is this joint is way too streaky. Things start off pretty smooth but it quickly turns into a damn near all out ear infection. I must say that I’m sorry to say it, but this album really only had about two maybe three standout joints to me!

VERDICT – 10 / 20
LYRICS: 3
PRODUCTION: 3
DELIVERY: 2
CONSISTENCY: 2