36 Chambers… every single song a classic but “Can It Be All Simple” has to rank high for people. The soulful, grimey RZA production (s/o Gladys Knight) and Raekwon leading the pack w/ the finest mafioso rap… “Blaow!” The intermission is hip-hop history, and let’s not forget the video: one of Hype Williams’ first major works, and the chef is sporting the iconic Snow Beach with a gritty NYC backdrop that perfectly captures the mood of the song. On the flip is another essential Wu: “Raw I’ma give it to ya, w/ no trivia”— has anyone ever written a harder opening line? The answer is obviously “no.” You need both of these songs on a 45.
- music label: Get On Down 2019