It’s been 17 years since GZA’s Liquid Swords was released, solidifying the legendary status of the Wu-Tang Clan as one of the greatest hip-hop collectives of all time. This weekend GZA represented The Clan at the paradise, and showed us that 17 years is not long enough for their glory to fade.
The night started off with an interesting set from Bear Hands, an up and coming indie band from Brooklyn. Given that the audience was predominantly college kids and 20-something nostalgia chasers, the decision to put an indie band in the line-up wasn’t as far-fetched as one would think. They played a solid set, and even got through to some audience members who were bouncing along by the end of the set.
Next up was Killer Mike. WIth the recent release of his album R.A.P music, Killer Mike has been enjoying more acclaim and recognition than ever before – and with good reason. With the classic DJ/MC set up, Killer Mike had the whole Paradise Lounge shaking from the poles. The set mainly consisted of tracks from R.A.P music, with songs like “Southern Fried” and “Go!” as clear standouts. The highlight of the night however, was the performance of the saliently political “Reagan” completely acapella. As the crowd hung on his every word it was clear that in a time of backing tracks and shitty overdubs, rappers of great skill and ability do still exist.
After the smoke cleared from Killer Mike’s set, it was finally time to see GZA. I was excited to see him perform his seminal classic Liquid Swords, but i had no idea what to expect. So when I saw the live band setting up after Killer Mike, my excitement rose to a whole new level. By the time GZA came on, I knew it was going to be a great night.
He immediately began with the opening track from Liquid Swords, the live instruments painting RZA’s intricate sample work with a new brush, and sounding bigger and fuller than any turntable output ever could. While I was hoping to witness a dramatic staging of the excerpts from Shogun Assassin, the set was more satisfying than I would have ever expected it to be.
The GZA also graced us with a preview of some of his new material (an album about science, with help from Neil DeGrasse Tyson) as well as a nod to other classics from The Clan and a tribute to the late ODB. He ended the night by hinting at the possibility of a full and final Wu-Tang tour, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the formation of this legendary group. If this show is any indication of how the tour will turn out, the future looks promising.
By: Sid Vishi