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Words From The Genius

by Gza

• Buy it at Amazon.com

When the Wu-Tang Clan came out of the gate in late 1993, they brought with them a new style, a style that literally changed the rap game just as Dr. Dre had done a year earlier. But even though it seemed like the Wu came from nowhere, they actually had a rather modest beginning. “Words From the Genius” is that beginning. Originally released in 1991 on the mighty Cold Chillin’ label, the album features the Genius, and to a lesser degree RZA (here known as Prince Rakeem). When you consider Cold Chillin's roster in 1991, most notably Big Daddy Kane and Kool G Rap, “Words From the Genius” seems to be a perfect fit. Like those two rappers, the Genius merged bravado with the darkside of street life and delivered his street-smart rhymes with muscle. The album, produced by Easy Mo Bee, was heavily influenced by the wishes of its label Cold Chillin‘, who were eager to make it a commercial success. The album, however, was a commercial disappointment; GZA's experience with Cold Chillin’, combined with a similar ordeal for RZA at Tommy Boy, generated a bitterness towards the music industry that would be expressed lyrically throughout his career, and would ultimately provide the impetus for the Wu-Tang Clan's revolutionary ruthless business strategy. This official Cold Chillin / Traffic Ent. reissue includes two rare bonus cuts: the very dope “Pass the Bone” and the “Words from A Genius (Prince Rakeem Remix)”, both produced by the RZA. Get a hold of this album and see where it all began...