Don't need to say much about this album since it's already been said countless times. Listen to this album instead of all the mainstream manufactured garbage that's out today also get the new Pro Tools CD- Another GZA CLASSIC!!

Liquid Swords is a true work of art and stands to this day as the finest work that Wu-Tang ever put on wax.

Unlike alot of albums which come off as a bunch of singles put together, Liquid Swords works as a single unified, thematic piece with all of the songs blending together to form a dark, nightmarish vision of the streets which has more in common with a Stephen King horror movie that with most of the other hip hop that was coming out at the time.

This album, for me, proved once and for all that the RZA stood alone as the the most exciting and creative producer in Hip Hop. Pete Rock, Premier, Dre were all outstanding but they tended to stick to their signature sound. RZA's tracks were different from album to album and on this album everything comes together. The kung fu samples fit perfectly with the beats. He uses crazy sound effects like electric guitars, feedback, explosions etc not usually associated with hip hop to create something new, exciting and frightening.

What can I say about the GZA. Outside of Illmatic era Nas, there was no other MC who was as descriptive and literate in describing the street life. GZA could talk about the most brutual and violent topics and still make it sound like fine art.

This album was a true team effort..every member of the Clan at the time appeared on the album in some capacity which is another reason that it is my favorite.

A couple of highlights from this classic album...

Dual of the Iron Mic- Ominous Kung Fu movie sample in the beginning along with sound effects of a rain storm go into what may be RZA's best beat ever. An absolute, trunk rattling monster with a sick bassline and piano loop accented with explosion and feedback sound effects. GZA sets it off nice (Picture blood baths and elevator shafts....)

Cold War- Very memorable hook and Ins. Deck absolutely kills it with the second verse on the song.

4th Chamber- Crazy, tripped out electric guitar intro before it goes into a more conventional beat. The best verse of "Pre-Cuban Linx" Ghostface's career (The only kid I'll hold weight for) and quite possibly RZA's greatest verse ever.

Killa Hills 10304- Great synthesizer sample and one of GZA's trademark crime narratives.

This album is a home run. While everyone else was copying Pete Rock and Premier doing the horn and piano thing death. RZA was in the lab creating new sounds. Along with his best MC, GZA, they created this masterpiece which will go down in history as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time.

Till this day, Shadowboxin' is one of my all time favorite songs! This whole CD is slick and it's classic Wu Tang. This and Wu-Tang Forever will always go down as those classic hip hop must haves!

If I had to pick a favorite Hip Hop album this would most likely be it. I can't explain how much I love this album, and what it means to me, but I'll be damned if I'm not gonna try.

The first time I heard this I was struck on how good it was. I seriously never heard lyrics like these (probably never will again.) The second time I heard it, I was digging it even more, and finally the third time I heard it, I knew I had to go out and get it. When I first got this, I carried it around everywhere like a pocket Bible. I had to spread the word, and to this day I still do. Years later, this is still just as fresh to me. I haven't gotten the least bit tired of it. Some of my buddies went out and got it, and came back to me saying that it was really good, but not as good as I made it out to be. My respones is, listen to it non stop, over and over, pay very close attention to the lyrics, and you'll get it. Listen to EVERY single track. A few have rather long intro's, but don't be fooled and skip the track. Let it play all the way through. I'm a Hip Hop junkie all because of this album. It got me way deep into Wu tang and over the years, way deep into the Golden Age of Hip Hop. Thank you Liquid Swords!

Lyrical highlights: The entire album. Seriously.

Production: RZA's production is top notch in this. It boggles my mind that he can make an album like 36 Chambers, then two years later make an album like this. The albums he produced between the Clan's debut, and this are remarkable as well.

Guest spots: are more than pleasing, being that the entire Wu Tang makes atleast one appearance.

I suppose I should mention The Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. GZA, nor RZA is on this. Killah Priest gets the mic, and 4th disciple gets the beat. An excellent way to end this album.

If you're a GZA, Wu Tang, or Hip Hop fan, and don't own this, you should seriously check yourself. Though this may not grab you the same way it did me, I can gaurantee you'll like it. Hell, even if you don't like Hip hop get this album.

If i had to pick the best Wu Tang solo album this would be it without any question. Gza may be one of the finest lyricist to come out. The production is top notch. The lyrics are dope, what more can you ask for its wutang. Duel Of The Iron Mic would be one of my favorite joints. Swordsmen, Cold World, 4th Chamber and B.i.b.l.e are all dope tracks. And who could forget Shadowboxin, i dont know anyone that doesnt know that song, wu fan or not.

Lyrics - A+
Beats - A +
Features - A