Liquid Swords [The Chess Box]
by Genius / GZA
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 47 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 47
  3. Negative: 3 out of 47
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  1. wobbooze
    Sep 19, 2012
    10
    One of the best solo hip hop albums of all time. Accompanied with untouchable production, this album makes as much sense now as it did when it was made. If you missed it, get it.
  2. bears
    Aug 2, 2013
    10
    Not only is Liquid Swords the best solo Wu album thus far, it is also quite possibly the best hip hop album in the last two decades. With an unparalleled balance of lyricism and production, The Gza remains as one of the best storytellers since Slick Rick. It reignites what 36 Chambers did back in 93 and reminds us that hip hop isn't a genre, it's a lifestyle. For The Gza, a lifestyle fullNot only is Liquid Swords the best solo Wu album thus far, it is also quite possibly the best hip hop album in the last two decades. With an unparalleled balance of lyricism and production, The Gza remains as one of the best storytellers since Slick Rick. It reignites what 36 Chambers did back in 93 and reminds us that hip hop isn't a genre, it's a lifestyle. For The Gza, a lifestyle full of chess boxing in the rough, dark boroughs of NYC. If you're a fan of Hip Hop, this album should be at the front of your record crate. 'Unbalanced like elephants and ants on see saws.'… Expand
  3. ShaanP
    Nov 27, 2014
    10
    The best Wu album. One of the best Hip Hop albums. One of the many great testaments to RZAs production as the Shaolin theme reigns supreme with perfectly blended old school kung fu style film samples....and thats just the sonics. Then GZA provides every reason for his given alias, Genius, as he combines gritty mafioso raps with universal principles. Front to Back Classic,
  4. keve16
    Mar 22, 2015
    9
    9.2/10....................................................................................................................the best solo wu-tang album.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Okayplayer
    Sep 28, 2012
    95
    GZA for his part conveys overarching ideas of war with self, the world at large, and pushing oneself artistically to the limit as a coping mechanism--expressing a coherent worldview through top flight craftsmanship.
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  2. BBC Music
    Sep 7, 2012
    90
    In terms of conceptual realisation, Liquid Swords is a blueprint for the perfect Wu record.
    Read full review
  3. Q Magazine
    Sep 7, 2012
    80
    17 years on, Liquid Swords represents hard-nosed hip-hop at its peak. [Oct 2012, p.117
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