GZA, Genius - Beneath the Surface

While the Genius continues to slice through resistant mentals with his liquid sword rhyme schemes, his sophomore album is the first clear sign that Wu-Tang's pre-eminence may be waning. Without Bobby Digital working the track wizardry, Beneath the Surface is an odd amalgamation of RZA-wannabe tracks (courtesy of the Arabian Prince and Mathematics) that are starting to sound more and more like Swizz Beats every day. Gza's rhyme assaults still pack a wallop, but his album shows wear at the seams, bulging with impossibly high ambitions and uneven execution. Songs like "Breaker, Breaker," "Publicity," and "Hip Hop Fury" still burn hotter than Sahara summers, but it's not enough to help the entire LP catch fire. --Oliver Wang Amazon.com

still the WU but ....

as far as lyrics are concerned its straight hip hop. its a nice effort by gza but by all means cannot be compared to liquid swards. i really dont understand rza wasnt fully involved as he was with gza's first master piece. really want to know what would have happened if the album would have sounded like if it was the next chapter of siquid swords rather than a whole new book. August 8, 2007

I like it better than Grandmasters

I'll say that for it, and the one after this but no one likes that one. 3 1/2 stars August 24, 2006

Os(The) Homem(Man)

Peace


Yo the God Gza aka Genuis Zig zag Allah all I can say is superb scientist right here the sounds of his scientific flow can certainly open up the Brain cells of my Black Brothers who don't recgonize ill muzik when they hear it nah sayin

God-One who Posses Knowledge Wisdom understanding and Power which is Man!


Peace May 3, 2006

GZA - Beneath The Surface

After taking a 4 year break, after releasing his by far classic album "Liquid Swords" he comes back in 1999 with this "Beneath The Surface" album. Now a lot of people had negative opinions aimed at this album. I know why. Because of the lack of "RZA" production. I totally agree, only one track "1112" was produced by RZA. He was busy with other sh** at the time and couldnt get in any more beats. But GZA released it and it was good. The production had other producers and they did a great job. Let me break down my opinions on this album.

Lyrics, GZA did definately not lose his touch. 2 years after "Liquid Swords" the album "Wu-Tang Forever" came out in 1997 and he dropped mad knowledge so he still had it cracken. Well this album has great lyrics. GZA still speaks on those real life topics. Every single verse GZA spits is knowledge, lyrically he didnt add up like he did on Liqiud Swords. He was better lyrically on that album, but he sort of matured and kept the lyrics more real. I did think that he could have replaced "TRACKS" instead of those stupid skits that werent needed at all.But GZA definately kept it real lyrically on this album so if you were wondering that, he did.

Production wise, people hate the fact that RZA didnt produce anything except one track on the whole album. Well it sucks, but didnt bother me much because every beat on the album was real. Definately not as grimey like the Liquid Swords album but they were still good. Still had Wu-Affiliated producers knockin off the beats for him. If you like the whole "Wu-Tang" sound of production then this album is for you there. One of the beats I love is "High Price, Small Reward", that beat was f*cken insane! So check it, no RZA production, but still good!

Overall, this album deserves 5/5 stars, just for the fact that GZA didnt weaken lyrically, and the production was still done by "Wu-Tang Affiliated" producers! Every song is good, hands down. Get this.

***SUPPORT GZA AND REAL HIPHOP AND BUY THIS***

My Top 5 Songs
1.High Price, Small Reward
2.Hip Hop Fury
3.Publicity
4.Feel Like An Enemy
5.Victim December 26, 2005

the best of the best...

I am a long time head and this album hits a spot few others can reach. Consistantly dark, atmospheric, and brilliant, Beneath the Surface is strong in the running for my favorite album of all time, all genres. Indispensable. Daily play for months and months has not diminished my respect for this one. Even the admittedly lame skits don't really hurt it. I played this one out like the first Bobby Digital, multiple listens daily for a looong time. Liquid Swords is incredible too, and a must but I like this one a little more. Legend of the Liquid Swords I could not feel at all, even after repeated listenings. It just doesn't have that same darkness... GZA reigns supreme and this is his crowning glory. November 9, 2005

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