This past two weeks have been pretty crazy in the world of Wu. There have been alot of interviews & speculation on the internal affairs regarding the new album 8 Diagrams (In Stores December 11th). illRoots is here once again to give you a brief recap on whats in store for Hip-Hop the next couple of weeks & beyond...Most of the controversy started when Ghostface Killah voiced his displeasure with 8 Diagrams being set to release the same day as his own album The Big Doe Rehab (In Stores December 4th). Even before all this he was already bickering about money & referring to 8 Diagrams as "their album".
"The Big Dough Rehab is my album, 8 Diagrams is their album. But it ain't got nothing to do with the regular members. 'Cause I love Raekwon, Masta Killa, U-God, Genius, all them. But it's on right now… N—as better pay my f—ing money. Matter of fact, they can keep the money — just get me out of their life right now."Not far after RZA played the part of the "bigger man", Raekwon voiced his opinion on 8 Diagrams.
"Rza's trying to create too much of an orchestra, piano, you know… he's trying to do too much of this guitar sh— and we don't want that and the fans don't want that," "I'm not having that."
"He's like a Hip Hop hippie."Not surprisingly, Ghostface Killah sided with Raekwon, even though admitting he had yet to hear the actual album... interesting. And finally just earlier today Fatlace Magazine posted the latest RZA interview in which he discusses 8 Diagrams & Raekwon's anger with the new style of production.
FL: So do you think someone like Raekwon needs to remember that he’s only 1/8th of the group?With all this going on, there is rumors bubbling over at Wu-Tang Corp, the official Wu-Tang Clan forum (shouts!). Apparently according to there sources Ghostface is setting up a RZA-less Wu album, which will be entitled "Wu-Tang Vs. Shaolin". RZA okayed the album in another recent interview with Westwood BBC Radio.
RZA: I just read a little book of interviews that the GZA did in Germany, and when I read it, he just says so many things that make sense. He says that when he does his own projects, he gets to go into his own world, but when he’s with the Wu, he’s 1 piece, and that’s better because no 1 member is stronger than the whole group. I was happy to hear that not just come from me.
During all that mess the album is already starting to receive some what positive reviews (iR review is coming soon!). GZA is pleased with the album too.
Whether you like 8 Diagrams or not, its definitely turning out to be one of the most controversial releases in recent years. Left an right I see love & devoted hate on every message board across the net. Personally I love the album, but I also wouldn't mind a good friendly competition between RZA, Ghost, & The Chef.
