Rapper GZA gives electrifying live performances of some of the Wu Tang Clan's most popular songs like “C.R.E.A.M.” and “Shimmy Shimmy ya”

In 1993, the rise of the Wu-Tang behemoth changed the landscape of hip-hop music forever. Their first single introduced all eight amazing lyricists but was anchored by the last in the line-up, the experienced elder statesman of the group, the GZA. He had released a solo album just two years earlier that had suffered from poor promotion, with no stand-out singles released. Even on the Wu-Tang release, he was often overlooked among the flashier personalities of the group. But, part of the refreshing inventiveness of the group was also in how they had structured their record deal: each member was able to seek solo ventures outside of the parent company, Loud Records. The GZA signed with Geffen and released “Liquid Swords" two years after Wu-Tang’s debut. Still working in the RZA’s fabled Staten Island basement studio, GZA further refined his gritty-but-righteous, head-crack lyricism and his cool, Rakimesque flow. Able to focus on the second coming of the Genius, fans ate up EVERY line of EVERY track of the now-classic album.

Thirty years later, despite group politics, label issues, and a changing industry and cultural landscape, the GZA is touring, recreating that album with the support of a live band. Not just any band, the Phunky Nomads are led by GZA’s cousin, accomplished drummer Ramsey Jones, older brother of the missed Wu-Tang wildling, Old Dirty Bastard.

Opening local act Nature Boi was a welcome surprise. While not quite a throwback to the boom-bap era of the ‘90s, Nature fit in well with the feel of the night and brought his own brand of thoughtful lyricism and soulful arrangement. It’s not surprising that he was chosen to open after performing recently in NYC. His deep cuts made me think of some classic RZA soul music samples at times. I wish he had some harder beats with his tracks, although “Budos Bands” got me and my homie a little rowdy out in the crowd (which is a good thing). Loudly supported by followers and members of his Open Gem organization in attendance, Nature Boi laid down introspective lyrics with catchy crowd hooks. I think he connected extremely well with the many in the crowd who had been more bent on seeing the headliner. I definitely followed him on Instagram the next morning, as I wanna see where this young brother goes next.

After musical intros by the band, the GZA stepped out from backstage to some classic hip-hop breakbeats and the child’s voiceover introduction to “Liquid Swords” (paraphrased from the classic samurai flick “Shogun Assassin”). The Phunky Nomads feature an electric violinist by the name of PhearNone. This may seem strange at first, but it all makes sense when you remember the swooping, stabbing strings inherent in the RZA’s 70s classic kung fu sampling production style. With all the swagger and stage presence of a stage veteran, GZA launched song-by-song into his second album. Slowly, he directed the crowd's energy, just like he controlled the stage, giving small signals to his cousin behind the drum kit, either to drop the beats or cut the accompaniment completely, allowing GZA to emphasize a particular line. About 2/3 of the way through the set, GZA segued into several Wu-Tang classics, including “C.R.E.A.M.” and, in tribute to ODB, “Shimmy Shimmy Ya," driving the crowd into a state of shouting every word of the lyrics back at the stage. The Phunky Nomads showed off spectacularly, with the violinist pulling out some rockstar-type crescendos. While every song on the album didn’t get touched (notably, one of my favorites, B.I.B.L.E., was completely skipped over), GZA and the audience brought the set to a 90s-style peak with the title track, “Liquid Swords." As we filed out of the beautiful Howard Theater, I realized between family tragedy, work, and that little thing called the pandemic, I hadn’t been to a hip-hop show in over 5 years and that I had just gotten something I didn’t realize I’d been missing.

I awoke the next morning to the announcement of the Wu-Tang Clan and Nas teaming up for the return of the “NY State Of Mind” tour from Australia and New Zealand to Europe, to North America, and coming to CapitalOne Arena in Washington, DC, on September 26, 2023, and it all just seemed right and exact. Word.