Despite their inconsistency over the years, the Wu-Tang Clan’s effect and influence on hip-hop has been virtually immeasurable. A unique phenomenon has occurred in the music industry, the Clan has abandoned their individual projects again to reunite for their fourth and most eagerly awaited album yet, “The Iron Flag”. The Wu-Tang Clan comes from Staten Island, New York, and comprises nine members, the high profile among them being Method Man and RZA. The Clan have multiple platinum records, their own clothing line and were the main characters in a successful Playstation video game.
“The Iron Flag” is a return to form but the current turbulent times seem to be an indication. On the album sleeve the group are dressed as GIs, recreating the Iwo Jima picture and hoisting their own pennant. During the superbly fierce “Rules”, a member of the Clan threatens to shoot down planes that fly over Staten Island before declaring, “Mr. Bush sit down, we’re in charge of the war.”
If only. The album starts off with the token old-school Kung-fu sample (which we have grown to love), and then “The Hood” starts the festivities on a promising note. “Soul Power” is a great track. Musically, RZA ventures into unexplored areas here, blending some bongos and other “Organic” percussion interments with a jazzy flute loop. This is a little similar to rap music before the “Gangsta” rap era, but a little more modern. The track also features the brilliant Flavor Flav from Public Enemy, doing what he does best, hyping up the track with random rhymes.
“Uzi (Pinky Ring)” was the first single off “Iron Flag” and for obvious reasons. It has the Clan’s signature sound, from the changeable percussion loops, to the subdued bass elements and well-defined accompaniment, this time provided by trumpets.
On “Babies,” the Clan delve into a little social commentary. On this piece the group illustrate separate stories of police corruption in New York. The track comprises an old somber soul-string arrangements, looped with a minimal drumbeat.
Two great Wu-Tang tracks are “Y’all Been Warned,” and the album’s title track. “Y’all” features Method Man freestyling over a simple but focused beat. “Iron Flag” is another very brief freestyle session. The track is short but is quickly followed by an untitled number, which features all the Clan’s members rapping with a simple drumbeat and guitar bassline.
This album showcases why hip-hop has always been about more then simply a good rhyme, and the Wu-Tang Clan have the collective skills to make an album that is both true to the fundamentals of rap music, but also catchy and harmonious.
For fans of the clan, Iron Flag is long overdue. An album this complete should have been the sophomore release in a perfect world. Regardless, the group has done an excellent job of putting together an album that their loyal fans can be proud of, and new listeners can enjoy.
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