New York City based hip-hop group Wu-Tang is back with a vengeance. Made up of nine emcees: RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard, the group have still got that star quality that has made them so big over the years.

Since 1992, this group have come a long way, their 1993 debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang, set the tone for what the future would hold. Gritty lyrics, soul drawn beats, horn blasted funk, cinematic curios and dirty guitar licks have given the Wu-Tang their own stance. With each successive album the group has solidified their hold on hip-hop while others, over the years, have come and gone with passing trends and ephemeral styles.

Return of the Wu & Friends is the brand new album produced and compiled by DJ Mathematics. It's a piece of real gold which includes some exclusive tracks, lost gems and some old time favourites.

Opening this album is 'Clap 2010', an upbeat track with a gritty edgy sound that the Clan are best known for.

Reaching out to fans this album has some classic Wu-Tang funk in 'Stepping To Me', 'All Flowers', 'John 3:16' and 'Real 'Nillaz'. Each of these have an upbeat sound and great melodic rhythms and rhymes to sink your teeth into.

The slow soulful tunes are a refreshing sound and I really like this mixing in to the album. 'Respect 2010' has a cool sophisticated beat while 'Strawberries and Cream' has a slow reggae style jam. 'Da Way We Were' is reminiscent of a hip-hop ballad.

'Rush' has a playful feel about it, it's a cool funky beat and the lyrical rhyme is spot on. Method Man and GZA really do this justice, it has that dark edgy feel as well as staying quite light.

What I really like about this album is that DJ Mathematics has the ability to perfectly match each member of the group's cadence and tone to the respective beat. Pure genius!

9

Helena Rea