Afro Samurai

About

Something of a companion piece to 2007’s <i>Afro Samurai: The Soundtrack</i>, <i>Afro Samurai: Resurrection</i> provides listeners with yet another batch of RZA-helmed material originally slated for use on the animated Spike TV broadcast series of the same name. While <i>Resurrection</i>’s predecessor saw RZA indulging in some uncharacteristic but largely successful experiments with atmospheric instrumentals and menacing R&B, this latest entry in the <i>Afro Samurai</i> series seems a bit more conventional. It finds him fashioning a series of rugged beats that hearken back to his early ‘90s heyday for a series of Wu veterans and distinguished guests to flow over. On the highlight “Whar” RZA even goes so far as to resurrect the stuttering rhythm and discomfiting buzzing of <i>Enter the Wu-Tang</i>’s “Clan In da Front” to generally satisfying effect. Though these nods to the Wu-Tang legacy may please nostalgic fans, interestingly some of the most inspiring performances on <i>Resurrection</i> are turned in by MC’s with no affiliation with the Wu-Tang Clan, most notably the legendary Kool G. Rap and Rah Digga, formerly of Masta Ace’s INC crew.

via Apple Music