Birth Of A Prince
by The RZA
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 11
  3. Negative: 2 out of 11
  1. Dot Music
    70
    The latest in a long line of frustratingly hit and miss solo efforts.
  2. Pitchfork
    31
    A career low.
  3. Stylus Magazine
    31
    All in all, Birth of a Prince seems more like a stepping stone to better things than a fully fledged work in its own right.
  5. Playlouder
    100
    For Wu-Headz, this is the piece of the RZA puzzle we've been waiting a decade for. It's that important.
  6. Village Voice
    80
    It's as esoteric as you'd expect RZA to be. But it's also more Wu.
  7. Blender
    70
    More proof of RZA's eccentric genius. [Dec 2003, p.146]
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  8. AllMusic
    60
    While many will no doubt see this as an unfocused record, those who take it on more of a song-by-song basis will value it as a respectable addition to RZA's body of work.
  9. Vibe
    60
    Makes a fair case that few hip hop beat men can match the prolific musical canon of the RZA. [Dec 2003, p.214]
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  10. Austin Chronicle
    67
    Any way you slice it, the Wu is still coming through.
  11. PopMatters
    50
    On most of this album he doesn't sound completely off his game, just uninspired, both as an MC and a producer.
  12. Dusted Magazine
    40
    RZA still sounds determined, but his rhymes are self-obsessed, repetitive, and dulled by constant calls for drugs and women.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. ds
    Jan 5, 2004
    10
    The reviewers who gave Prince a bad rating don't understand - they probably on listened to it once. Yeah, with only one listen it seems The reviewers who gave Prince a bad rating don't understand - they probably on listened to it once. Yeah, with only one listen it seems no up to par w/ RZA's genius cuz there's no club or MTV singles, but, yo, this was the crisp perfection and wisdom i've been waiting for - every track is ill. no joke.… Full Review »
  2. Urbanlistener
    Apr 24, 2015
    9
    A great album for any RZA fan, rugged NY beats, sounding a lot like Wu-Tang's ones and RZA's good presence on the mic. We pop and Grits areA great album for any RZA fan, rugged NY beats, sounding a lot like Wu-Tang's ones and RZA's good presence on the mic. We pop and Grits are definitely highlights one the album. Worth adding to your hip-hop albums collection.… Full Review »
  3. SpikeJ
    Sep 29, 2005
    8
    Ingenius, album. Can't give it a full 10, because he has yet to outdo Enter the 36 Chambers. Rza's flow has matured on this albums Ingenius, album. Can't give it a full 10, because he has yet to outdo Enter the 36 Chambers. Rza's flow has matured on this albums and the contributors were perfect for each track.… Full Review »
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