Note: This is the Wu-Tang Clan mastermind’s third solo album as the character Bobby Digital. It’s been seven years since his alter ego’s last full length release, 2001’s Digital Bullet.
Sound: Most of RZA’s beats have a hypnotic quality – whether they’re mystical and psychedelic, sexy and soulful or spacey and swirling. He also throws in one track with ominous piano and another with spooky synthesizer.
Vocals: There’s a hefty roster of guest MCs – most of them are pretty under-the-radar and none of them outshine RZA with his nasal, deliberate, left-field pearls of wisdom. The guest singers, however, have a more commanding presence with their soul/r&b hooks. Recurring collaborator Thea van Seijen makes the biggest impact with a captivating and seductive croon reminiscent of Erykah Badu.
Heavy Rotation track: “Try Ya Ya Ya” featuring Monk
Medium Rotation tracks: “Straight Up the Block”; “Booby Trap” featuring Dexter Wiggles; “You Can’t Stop Me Now” featuring Inspectah Deck; “Drama” featuring Thea van Seijen and Monk; “O’Day”
Recommended: RZA’s beats and rhymes and Thea van Seijen’s frequent vocal contributions are definitely worth your time – along with a couple of other guest hooks and verses. But there are a lot of lackluster appearances from the featured MCs that dilute the quality of the songs. At a lengthy 16 tracks, the album on the whole is underwhelming.
Grade: B-

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