Rewind: Wu-tang Clan 'Enter the Wu-Tang' (Part 1)

Following a couple early singles by GZA (The Genius) and RZA (aka Prince Rakeem) and a self-released single, the Wu-Tang Clan signed to a major label deal and released one of hip-hop's classics in 1993: 'Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'. This two part post will cover the sample sources of the Wu's debut album.

The opening track 'Bring Da Ruckus' uses one of RZA's go to drum samples throughout the album: Melvin Bliss' break-fueled freak out 'Synthetic Substitution'. ODB's first appearance comes in full style on the track 'Shame on a N----' which samples both Thelonius Monk's cover of Duke Ellington's 'Black and Tan Fantasy' and the break from Syl Johnson's 'Different Strokes'. 'Clan in Da Front' uses the 'Synthetic Substitution' break with a sample of New Birth's 'Honey Bee'.



The Wu's posse cut 'Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber' samples Lonnie Smith's 'Spinning Wheel' from his 1970 album 'Drives'. RZA gets a hand in production from 4th Disciple for the single 'Can it Be All So Simple'. 'Simple' samples Gladys Knight and the Pips' 1974 cut 'The Way We Were / Try to Remember' and the beat from Labi Siffre's 'I Got The (Blues)' from his 1975 album 'Remember My Song'.

Check back for the second part to our look at 'Enter the Wu-Tang'.

The Lowdown:
Wu-Tang Clan 'Bring Da Ruckus', 'Shame on a N----', 'Clan in Da Front', 'Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber', and 'Can It Be All So Simple'
from 'Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)' (1993) (MP3/CD)
Melvin Bliss 'Synthetic Substitution'
from 'Reward' 7" (1973) (MP3 not available/CD not available)
Thelonius Monk 'Black and Tan Fantasy'
from 'Plays Duke Ellington' (1955) (MP3/CD)
Syl Johnson 'Different Strokes'
from 'Is It Because I'm Black?' (1970) (MP3 not available/CD not available)
New Birth 'Honey Bee'
from 'It Ain't No Big Thing But It's Growing' (1971) (MP3 not available/CD not available)
Lonnie Smith 'Spinning Wheel'
from 'Drives' (1970) (MP3 not available/CD not available)
Gladys Knight and the Pips 'The Way We Were / Try to Remember'
from 'I Feel a Song' (1974) (MP3 not available/CD not available)
Labi Siffre 'I Got the (Blues)'
from 'Remember My Song' (1975) (MP3/Import CD)

Related Posts:
Rewind: GZA/Genius 'Liquid Swords' (Part 1)
Rewind: GZA/Genius 'Liquid Swords' (Part 2)

Rewind: UGK 'Underground Kingz' (Part 2)

Welcome to our second look at UGK's 2007 album 'Underground Kingz'.

'Real Women' with Talib Kweli and Raheem DeVaughn find UGK rapping over Earth, Wind and Fire's 'Can't Hide Love' courtesy of a mellow beat programmed by N.O. Joe and Pimp C. One of Texas' finest, Scarface is credited for production for 'Candy' which nicks Lonnie Liston Smith's 'Bridge Thru Time' from his 1980 album 'Love is the Answer'. The Pimp C produced track 'Shattered Dreams' looks back to Raydio's 1979 album 'Rock On' for the track 'Goin' Thru School and Love'. Finally, N.O. Joe and Joe Scorsese produced the beat for UGK's 'Living this Life' which takes a sample from Al Green's 'Livin' for You' album track 'Free at Last'.

Although Pimp C, one half of UGK, died only six months after the release of 'Underground Kingz', Bun B has said that there was enough material recorded for an eighth and final UGK album, tentatively titled 'UGK 4 Life' and slated for a 2009 release date.

The Lowdown:
UGK 'Real Women', 'Candy', 'Shattered Dreams', and 'Living this Life'
from 'Underground Kingz' (2007) (MP3/CD)
Clean Edits: 'Real Women', 'Candy', 'Shattered Dreams', and 'Living this Life'
Earth, Wind and Fire 'Can't Hide Love'
from 'Gratitude' (1975) (MP3/CD)
Lonnie Liston Smith 'Bridge Thru Time'
from 'Love is the Answer' (1980) (MP3 not available/CD not available)
Raydio 'Goin' Thru School and Love'
from 'Rock On' (1979) (MP3 not available/CD not available)
Al Green 'Free at Last'
from 'Livin' for You' (1973) (MP3/CD)