Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang
Raekwon · 2011
48 min · 17 tracks · gangsta rap
A gritty blend of sharp lyricism and cinematic beats that evoke the essence of street life and martial arts imagery.
Top tracks — play these first
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Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang Start here — The title track introduces the album's central theme, merging martial arts references with Raekwon's signature storytelling style, setting the stage for the rest of the project.
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Rock n Roll — This track features a captivating blend of smooth melodies and hard-hitting verses, showcasing Raekwon's versatility and ability to intertwine different musical elements seamlessly.
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Ferry Boat Killaz — With its vivid storytelling and cinematic production, this track encapsulates Raekwon's knack for creating immersive narratives that draw listeners into a world of crime and survival.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends sharp lyricism with cinematic production, creating a distinctive narrative experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a cinematic intro that sets a thematic tone, followed by tracks that feature layered storytelling and vivid imagery.
- Several tracks incorporate samples from classic martial arts films, enhancing the album's thematic cohesion around street life and combat.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic emotional journeys
- short, immersive listening sessions
- contemplative narrative exploration
- wave-like pacing structure
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — This album is well-regarded by fans for its lyrical depth and production quality.
- Moods
- Dark· Introspective
- Career context
- By 2011, Raekwon was establishing his legacy as a respected figure in East Coast hip-hop, following the critical acclaim of his seminal debut, 'Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...' in 1995. 'Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang' came a decade after his previous release, showcasing his continued relevance in a rapidly evolving hip-hop landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ghostface Killah· Inspectah Deck· Nas
Tracklist
- 1 Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang Start here 2:30
- 2 Every Soldier in the Hood 2:54
- 3 Silver Rings 1:48
- 4 Chop Chop Ninja 4:24
- 5 Butter Knives 2:47
- 6 Snake Pond 2:29
- 7 Crane Style 1:55
- 8 Rock n Roll 5:40
- 9 Rich and Black 3:35
- 10 From the Hills 2:55
- 11 Last Trip to Scotland 2:42
- 12 Ferry Boat Killaz 2:00
- 13 Dart School 2:28
- 14 Molasses 4:13
- 15 The Scroll 2:34
- 16 Masters of Our Fate 3:22
- 17 Wu Chant (outro) 0:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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