Gig review: GZA, The Arches, Glasgow
WU-TANG Clan founder member GZA, aka The Genius, is invariably credited as the most cerebral MC in the hugely influential rap group.
And certainly, even at 45, the eclecticism of his influences – ranging from his lifelong interest in martial arts to the wonders of modern science and nature – remain striking. A new album is reportedly imminent and there’s keen anticipation for a follow-up to his breakthrough solo record Liquid Swords. That and the Clan’s seminal, gritty debut Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) formed the bedrock of last night’s set, clocking in at a disappointingly perfunctory 40 minutes, though his loyal fanbase didn’t appear to mind. The track Liquid Swords itself neatly showcases his low-key delivery, the atmospheric backing supporting his cool, clinical flow and limber lyrical dexterity, scarcely reined in since his hungrier heyday. Tracks segue fluidly but speedily into each other, the ominous rumble of the sampled bass as he exhorted the crowd to “raise your hand”, they obediently returned his call outs. Wading right into the front section, he embraces the acclaim with a look of studied fury and when it comes to growling out the Clan’s Ain’t Nuthin Ta F*** Wit’, he looks like a man possessed, barking out the rhymes with a controlled passion. This was a bona fide legend, resting on his laurels a little perhaps. But the mere promise of new material should be enough to excite anyone with a passing interest in hardcore rap, as The Genius remains a charismatic, redoubtable presence at the mic.
Rating: ***
Email to a friend
Print this page- Family mourn death of Glasgow ‘fight’ schoolboy
- Rangers takeover: Duff & Phelps threaten legal action against BBC
- Today’s youth not fit to be employed, says car firm Arnold Clark
- Rangers administration: Fans fear Duff & Phelps claims could scare off Green
- Rangers takeover: triple penalty punishment enough, says Johnston
- Alistair Darling leads ‘No to independence’ fight over tea and biscuits
- Scottish independence: SNP flip-flops over Nato
- Scottish Independence: SNP ‘won’t be Yes campaign’s only voice’
- Today’s youth not fit to be employed, says car firm Arnold Clark
- Scottish independence: ‘People here are best qualified to run Scotland’
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Edinburgh
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.