Legendary Weapons
by Wu-Tang Clan
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. RapReviews.com
    Jul 26, 2011
    85
    If this is the Wu-Tang of the 2010's, we need more albums like it.
  2. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jul 26, 2011
    80
    They're still chronicling gangster life, albeit a former one, but the beats are now funkier, offering a surprisingly accessible counterpoint to the cinematic, bloodthirsty narratives of star rapper Ghostface Killah. His caustic delivery propels the best tracks here.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    Aug 1, 2011
    70
    The beats, hooks and overall feel of these tracks is of a welcome high standard, sitting somewhere between the tried and tested aesthetics of yore and slick reinterpretation.
  5. BBC Music
    Jul 26, 2011
    70
    The Clan sounds lean, experienced and relaxed on a recommended new collection.
  6. Uncut
    Sep 14, 2011
    60
    Lyrically, it's business as usual. [Oct 2011, p.105]
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  7. Mojo
    Sep 8, 2011
    60
    While Wu's trademark kung-fu film samples can't help but sound dated some 18 years after their breathtaking debut similar charges crumble to dust against the renewed evangelism of Ghostface Killah. [Oct 2011, p.104]
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  8. Q Magazine
    Aug 16, 2011
    60
    Patchy sixth efforts from hip hop innovators. [Sept. 2011, p. 111]
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  9. AllMusic
    Jul 28, 2011
    60
    Once rumored to be a true Wu-Tang Clan release, Legendary Weapons arrived as another compilation of Wu whatnot, with affiliates and second-string producers running the show as core member GZA sits things out.
  10. The Guardian
    Jul 26, 2011
    60
    It's possible the sound of Ghostface Killah being upstaged by an unknown rapper suggests he isn't really trying. Perhaps that's the problem with Legendary Weapons, which hints at the greatness of the Wu-Tang Clan but never really achieves it: another brand extension that makes you long for the real thing.
  11. XXL
    Jul 26, 2011
    60
    Even without being a completely authentic offering from the Killa Beez, Legendary Weapons is a solid listen that can hold fans over and shows the Wu's weapons remain razor sharp, leaving hope for an official LP.
  12. Prefix Magazine
    Aug 2, 2011
    55
    Legendary Weapons is fine enough for diehards, but doesn't reduce the general desire for an actual Wu-Tang album.
  13. Spin
    Sep 9, 2011
    50
    Legendary Weapons attempts a reinvigoration by employing session band 
the Revelations to muster up grooves that recall the sort of '60s soul songs that RZA once loved to sample. It's a quaint idea, but the execution is too slick to mesh with the raps, and fails to evoke the Wu's murky pall.
  14. Pitchfork
    Aug 1, 2011
    50
    Legendary Weapons' greatest asset is nearly two decades of goodwill, but at what point are you just flat-out going to admit that Ghostface has been badly coasting downhill for at least five years?
  15. Slant Magazine
    Jul 28, 2011
    50
    Legendary Weapons respects the Wu-Tang ethos and legacy without doing anything to enhance it, constantly regurgitating buzz words and vintage Wu signifiers in an attempt to achieve authenticity.
  16. NOW Magazine
    Aug 11, 2011
    40
    The occasional bright spot (Ghostface's blistering verse on Meteor Hammer) is always counterbalanced by a low point (Trife Diesel's middling turn on Laced Cheeba).

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. STRONGBONES
    Aug 8, 2011
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Following 2009â… Full Review »
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