Don’t get too excited—although the cover features guys in kung-fu robes kicking each other and a steely W logo, DJ Mathematics’s Return of the Wu and Friends isn’t a new Wu-Tang album. Rather, it’s an hour-long mix of unreleased material and new remixes put together by Clan-affiliated producer/DJ Mathematics. Some of this material appeared on Mathematics’s solo albums, but since just about no one bought those, everything should sound fresh.
There’s nothing earth-shattering here, but for an album that’s essentially a collection of B-sides, it’s surprisingly consistent throughout, with every original member (including the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard) making an appearance. Mathematics chose a relatively upbeat collection of songs, but the overall mood falls closer to the rock-hard, minimalist aesthetic that originally defined the group (perhaps because some of the material dates as far back as the sessions for 2000’s The W, arguably the last truly great Wu-Tang album). While Mathematics can’t match the cold, brutal grit of the RZA’s production on the group’s early albums, the disc gives him a chance to display his versatility. He laces “Respect 2010” with an eerie keyboard loop, understated drums, and an AZ vocal sample, then gives the very next track a blaring horn line and pounding snare.
It may be surprising that the Clan is still able to produce such quality music almost two decades after its inception in 1992, but the MCs seem to be aware of their status as rap’s elder statesmen. “I was here before the dinosaur, shining, defying law/ measuring every inch of the earth, and combining chemicals” spits the RZA on “Iron God Chamber.” On “John 3:16,” Method Man, who for years has rapped like an angry old guy, reminds listeners “by now, if you don’t know me, you better know my flow.”
Return of the Wu and Friends isn’t much more than a collection of B-sides curated by a longtime affiliate of the clan. But coming off the strength of Raekwon, Ghostface, and U-God’s strong 2009 albums, the release fits nicely into the recent Wu-renaissance. If nothing else, it’ll tide you over until Method Man, Ghostface, and Raekwon’s Wu-Massacre in March.
Voice’s Choices: “Respect 2010,” “Iron God Chamber,” “John 3:16”
