I believe history will be kind to this album. Once again internal grievances amongst several members of the Clan, lukewarm reviews and a progressive non-traditional sound on some tracks, influenced peoples initial response to it. Look at every Wu album since 36...ALL of them have been sh!tted on, at varying levels, when they first dropped. I know dudes that absolutely hated Wu-Tang Forever when it first dropped but now, rightfully, call it classic. Same with The W, Iron Flag, 8 Diagrams and now this album. Except those aren't deemed classic, like Forever. I've noticed that people have warmed up to 8 Diagrams ALOT. I never understood the hate for it because it's a very dope album. I prefer the production on 8 Diagrams much more than on A Better Tomorrow, but the cohesion and the MC performances make this album better, imo. I'd say this is their 4th best album. Right after 36, Forever and The W. If these hooks were left out I would've placed it above The W.
hard ass beat
