Kamaal Williams aka Henry Wu and Wu-Tang together is an ideal fit. Given the rhythmic style the jazz pianist brings to his instrument and compositions it’s no surprise really. But we’re still thankful that Snips has brought it together for us in to a classy tape release, Catch The Loop 2: Kamaal vs Wu-Tang.
The digital of this dropped for free last year and I’ve waited for a physical release since then. Shame there’s no record accompaniment, but truth be told this style of tracks can bump harder on cassette anyway.
Somedays you can’t go five clicks on Bandcamp without stumbling in to a Wu-Tang tribute. Not that this is a new concept. Wu-Tang Meets The Indie Culture, Wu-Tang vs The Beatles, etc. are all terrible ideas that have been around for years. No idea who’s buying it.
Thankfully bandcamp has actually raised the bar in this respect. Tribute mixes and mixtape styles on cassette have often turned out a higher quality than the “official” reversionings. Asgard Records crew have been among those turning out quality dedicated mixes from Vingthor The Hurler, DJ MVP and Lord Beatjitzu over the years.
One concept release that comes to mind recently is Exit the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers (AC Version) from AlgernonCornelius. Super limited 25 edition cassette tin of fresh beats made from the original 36 Chambers samples.
Without exception though, Snips has produced my all time favourite non-Wu Wu-Tang project. We all sat up when Kamaal Williams’ dropped The Return on us last year, his stunning full length of slick jazz arrangements begging to be sampled. Snips took it one step further, flipping the entire album and pairing it up with Wu-Tang accapellas.
Cilvaringz got a hold of it and subsequently sent it RZA, so the tape is fully Wu blessed. Released on Black Focus Records and available from either Snips or Kamaal Williams bandcamp, grab it while you can.