Gravediggaz - 6 Feet Deep CD

6 Feet Deep songs The Wu-Tang Clan seemed to come out of nowhere when they released their first independent single, "Protect Ya Neck." To the industry's surprise, it sold over 10,000 copies and enabled this conceptually innovative crew to land a deal with RCA. ENTER THE WU-TANG (36 CHAMBERS) is the first effort to "take you on" the full "lyrical high" of the Wu-Tang--eight "killer bees" who stem from that forgotten borough of New York City, Staten Island. Prince Rakeem "The RZA" may dominate the loosely-based group's production chamber, but the success of the Wu-Tang should be credited to all. "Clan In Da Front" gives The Genius (aka "The GZA") the opportunity to prove to critics of his former solo career that he's far from played out. To the liking of many hardcore ruffnecks, "Shame On A Nigga" unites the Clan's most distinctive vocalists, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Method Man and Raekwon The Chef; and fellow members Inspector Deck, Ghost Face Killer and U-God join forces on the album's highlight, "Da Mystery Of Chessboxin'." Both cuts prove the Wu-Tang to be the most lyrically diverse rap group on the streets today. The Clan's alliances in the hip-hop community have already brought about crazy recognition to their brother-artists (The Gravediggaz, Shyheim aka The Rugged Child, Method Man's solo work), showing that the Wu-Tang's influence can be found in both the studio and the market-place. So, while they may have been dissed in previous incarnations, the Wu-Tang Clan understand that power comes from unity and that their's is far-reaching; or as they put it, "we form like Voltron." Recorded at Firehouse Studio, New York. Personnel: Method Man, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Raekwon, U-God (vocals); Prince Rakeem (programming); Fourth Disciple (scratches). Audio Mixer: Prince Rakeem. Recording information: Firehouse Studio, New York, NY; Firehouse Studios, Brooklyn, NY. Photographer: Daniel Hastings. Unknown Contributor Roles: Prince Rakeem; Shallah Raekwon; GZA; Ghostface Killah. Arranger: Prince Rakeem. Wu-Tang Clan: Prince Rakeem "The RZA" (rap vocals, programming); The Method Man, U-God, Rebel Ins, Shallah Raekwon, Ghost Face Killer, Ol' Dirty Bastard, The Genius "The GZA," Masta Killa (rap vocals). Additional personnel: The 4th Disciple (scratches).

6 Feet Deep buy CD music The acknowledged head of the Wu-Tang Clan, Genius (a.k.a. GZA) delivers the fifth Wu-banger with his sophomore solo album. Musically, LIQUID SWORDS is the Clan's strongest solo release to date, and lyrically, Genius comes correct with a style he describes as "too swift to bite." LIQUID SWORDS contains two types of songs, all backed by the RZA's skillful production. On the one hand, Genius schools the Clan's followers through songs that address serious problems experienced in every day inner-city life. "Cold World," which is backed by whirling wind sound, contains mini-stories that illustrate the misfortunes of gun-slinging in the hip-hop community. "Investigative Reports" goes even deeper in administering the blame, suggesting that drug-related crimes stem from a higher authority. On the other hand, there are the Clan's kung-fu metaphors, which show up on Genius' more Wu-styled songs. On "Duel Of The Iron Mic," he's joined by a number of fellow Clansmen to reinstate the idea that no one can match them, despite numerous attempts to copy their image and concepts. Similarly, the production on songs like "4th Chamber" and "Shadowboxin'" closely relates them to ENTER THE 36 CHAMBERS, and helps make LIQUID SWORDS a complete Wu release. The song titles of LIQUID SWORDS do not appear in order on the CD package. Photographer: Mark A. Humphrey. Personnel includes: Genius/GZA a.k.a. Maximillion, Lou Diamonds a.k.a. Raekwon The Chef, Tony Starks a.k.a. Ghost Face Killer, Lucky Hands a.k.a. U-God, Ol' Dirty Bastard a.k.a. Dirt Megirt, Rolly Fingers a.k.a. Inspectah Deck, Johnny Blaze a.k.a. Method Man, Master Killer a.k.a. Noodles, Killah Priest, Dreddy Kruger, Life (vocals).

6 Feet Deep album for sale All songs written or co-written by R. Jones. Samples include "Hip Hug Her" (as performed by Booker T. & The MGs). "I'll grab the mic and I'll damage ya," boasts Ol' Dirty Bastard on his debut. Along with his producer, The RZA, the man with no father to his style has crafted a fine record, both solid and experimental--a Wu-Tang Clan solo project that can stand alongside the group's groundbreaking album. Whether crooning "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" mid-song or speaking in tongues, ODB constantly stretches the limits of what an MC sounds like. He'll damage your sensibilities, perhaps even your speakers--but remember, no pain no gain. The success of hip-hop albums often rests on the character of a rapper; and though Ol' Dirty Bastard may not have the pure skills of Method Man, his persona is as complex as it gets. "The reason why I curse is cause my momma and daddy, they grew up cursing, so please respect my style," he states, demonstrating awareness of his image. The image is important: a staggering, foul-mouthed street urchin, ODB balances his braggadacio with humility (at least twice, he thanks us for listening). He explodes mid-sentence with exclamations, repeatedly punctuating his "Brooklyn Zoo" with a menacing "What?!" He may be unpredictable, but for the most part he's good-natured. For fans of the Wu, this is a must have, truly a RETURN TO THE 36 CHAMBERS. But ODB is not just filling the void until the next Wu-Tang album; he is making the case that if The Genius is the Clan's head and Method Man its heart, Ol' Dirty Bastard is its sex drive and funny bone. Recorded at Chung King Studios, Fire House Studio, Battery Studio and 36 Chambers Studio, New York, New York. Engineers: Ethan Ryman (tracks 2, 4, 11); The RZA (tracks 3, 6, 9-10, 15); Ethan Ryman, The RZA (track 5); The RZA, Tim Latham (track 7); Jack Hersca (tracks 12-13, 17); Jack Hersca, The RZA (track 14); John Wydrycs (track 16). RETURN TO THE 36 CHAMBERS: THE DIRTY VERSION was nominated for a 1996 Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. Personnel: Ol' Dirty Bastard (vocals). Audio Mixers: John Wydrycs; Buddah Monk; Deden Sumandani; Martin Czembor; Ol' Dirty Bastard; RZA; Tim Latham. Photographer: Danny Clinch. Personnel includes: Ol' Dirty Bastard; Method Man, The RZA, Raekwon The Cheff, The Genius, Ghost Face Killer, Lord Buddah Monk, Master Killer, Prodigal Sun, Zoo Keeper, Murdoc, Killer Priest, 12 O'Clock, Shorty Shit Stain, 60 Second Assassin (vocals). Producers: The RZA (tracks 2-3, 5-8, 10, 12-16); Ol' Dirty Bastard, True Master (track 4); Ol' Dirty Bastard (track 9); Ethan Ryman, Ol' Dirty Bastard (track 11); Big Dore (track 17).

6 Feet Deep CD music The fact that Killarmy's debut Silent Weapons for Quiet Wars was co-released on Wu-Tang Records suggests that the hardcore crew is part of the Wu-Tang Clan. In reality, the group has more in common with Master P's legion of ripoff artists on No Limit, the label that co-released Silent Weapons. Killarmy is a low-rent Wu-Tang, approximating some of the spare, haunting menace of RZA's productions, but without the tough, clever raps that make Wu-Tang so distinctive. Unlike many imitations, Killarmy is actually enjoyable -- several of the tracks have catchy, noisy hooks and beats, and the group's rhymes have potential. Silent Weapons for Quiet Wars is too long to make a large impact -- especially since they repeat many of their best ideas over the course of the record -- but when its consumed in small doses, it's quite enjoyable. ~ Leo Stanley Recording information: 4th Chamber Studio, Stuebenville, OH. Photographer: David Corio. Arranger: Fourth Disciple. Killarmy: 9th prince, Killa Sin, P.R. Terrorist, Beretta 9, Shogun Assason, Islord. Audio Mixer: Fourth Disciple.

6 Feet Deep buy CD music When the Gravediggaz first stepped onto the scene, they shocked listeners with their horror-core hip-hop. The group comprises four MCs, The RZA, Frukwan, Poetic and Prince Paul, each already known for their thoughtful lyrical content. On their sophomore album, THE PICK, THE SICKLE, & THE SHOVEL, the Gravediggaz are out to resurrect the minds of the mentally deceased, as they did with their debut, SIX FEET DEEP. The RZA's haunting production is the perfect complement for the topics tackled by the group. The Gravediggaz don't just rap, they preach. Their topics range from the "Unexplained" to their own brand of "Fairytalez." With their distinctive, left-field style, the foursome are the only MCs in hip-hop who forgo "keeping it real" in favor of "keeping it surreal." Producers include: RZA, Fourth Disciple, Truemaster, Poetic, Goldfinghaz. Gravediggaz: RZA, Prince Paul "Dr. Strange", Frukwan "Da Gatekeeper", Poetic "Grym Reaper" (vocals). Additional personnel: Shabazz The Disciple, Omen, The Aleem Brothers, Killah Priest, 9th Prince, Sunz Of Man (vocals); Ian Berkeley (keyboards); Helis Rogers, Blue Rasberry (background vocals).

6 Feet Deep songs Principally recorded at Power Play Studios and Rude Time Studios, New York, New York; Skip Saylor Recording, Los Angeles, California. With the re-emergence of party-oriented hip-hop tracks in the late '90s, lyrically talented rappers began to get phased out and could sometimes be considered obsolete if not promoted properly. Despite this, one thing is always certain: skills are skills, and MCs whose skills overpower their production rarely go unnoticed. Killah Priest comes from a camp (Wu-Tang Clan) whose lyrics will always be respected for feeding your head, regardless of production. Formally introduced to the hip-hop world on GZA's "Liquid Swords," Killah Priest debuts with his own solo album ahead of his highly-anticipated Sunz Of Man project. On HEAVY MENTAL, Priest shocks listeners with his complex lyrical style and is assisted by members of the Wu, who add additional musical flavor to the proceedings. Parental Advisory Engineers: The Arabian Knight, Tolio Torrinello, 4th Disciple. Audio Mixers: Collin Stanback; Dino Zrvos; Arabian Knight; Fourth Disciple; Y Kim; Killah Priest; Anton Pukshansky; Troy Hightower; Bob Power. Recording information: Power Play Studios, New York, NY; Rude Time Studios, New York, NY; Skip Saylor Recording, LA, CA; Skip Saylor Recording, Los Angeles, CA. Photographer: Mark Humphries. Unknown Contributor Role: Tom Coyne. Personnel includes: Killah Priest, Genius, 60 Second Assassin, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Tekitha, Inspectah Deck, Hell Razah, GZA (rap). Producers include: 4th Disciple, Killah Priest, Y-Kim, True Master, The Arabian Knight.