#@therealgza

[yasbxxgie]

Rehearsal with The Funky Nomads

[yasbxxgie]

GZA The Jam FRAMES (Pitchfork, 4/16/12)

[g-lugo-rocks]

A Genius in Chicago

Last night in Chicago there was a small wave of people who were sharing a singular stream. They're stuffed into a dark venue on the citys north-side. Jumping in unison, waving their W's in the air to The GZA who is burning through "Liquid Swords". Not missing a beat, he flows over the lyrics like a master. The crowd is right there with him, singing and jumping in tune. The GZA has touched down on Chicago to remind us that he is the best thing to come out of the Wu-Tang Clan .

In August, The GZA, founding member of The Wu-Tang Clan announced The 64 Squares Tour and that it would hit Chicago September 19th. I bought my ticket as soon as I heard about it. I drove up the the Metro after work and totally forgot the stupid cubs were playing so I had to park way down Clark St. near Montrose. No biggie. I skipped the opening acts except for Killer Mike who I liked. 

The thing that's been trending or a while now is artists who are performing albums. I don't have a problem with this. I think it could work if done right. I had only one worry when I bought my ticket for the show. How are you going to perform an album without some of the talent who were on the record? Well let me tell you. GZA burned through "Liquid Swords" which has at least four guest M.C.'s on about a third of the record. NO PROBLEM!

I don't know who the DJ was but you and the GZA constructed a brilliant work around! Two options, have GZA do all the parts or have him only do his own. DO BOTH? YES! The GZA alternated doing all and his only his own. It was awesome! I don't know how he didn't run out of breath or fall over and die at the end of the show. Really! He went nuts!

Also, major props to Wavves' Nathan Williams who joined the legendary M.C. on stage on guitar. It worked out really well. It felt a little more sinister. I had a fucking blast.