Wu-Massacre
by Meth-Ghost-Rae
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Mar 30, 2010
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Method Man's acid sarcasm grounds Ghostface Killah's tightly wound exclamations, which in turn nicely balance Raekwon's flinty realism, and the trio's rhymes are well served throughout by big, soulful beats.
  2. The A.V. Club
    83
    Though the tight, cohesive, filler-free 12-track project sometimes feels more like a super-sized EP than a proper album, it’s worth remembering that Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) changed hip-hop with just 13 tracks.
  3. Urb
    80
    Whereas past Wu albums have been scorned for their filler, Meth, Ghost and Rae leave plenty on the chopping block this time around, only allowing the best of the best to make the cut on Wu-Massacre.
  5. cokemachineglow
    78
    Cuban Linx 2 was a glorious mess, but Wu-Massacre throws so many punches I feel at times like I’m listening to a promotional album sampler for some amazing full-length to be released later in the year.
  6. AllMusic
    70
    This is not an indispensable part of the Wu legacy, but it's a consistent, duly rugged, and satisfying one nonetheless.
  7. Rolling Stone
    70
    Ghostface Killah is weirder, Raekwon is gruffer, Method Man is zanier, and here the three kings of Staten Island hip-hop return to their classic-Wu roots like nothing's changed since 1995 but the sports references.
  8. Slant Magazine
    70
    It goes without saying that Wu-Massacre is reliant on the superb chemistry between Meth, Ghost, and Rae though. The beats are decent, the guest spots are passable, but it's those three names on the cover that steal the show.
  9. Billboard.com
    70
    [The album was] rush-released by Def Jam on a low budget. It's a fact that's somewhat hard to hide behind the set's lean production and uneven narrative. But there's cohesion among most of the 13 tracks.
  10. Tiny Mix Tapes
    70
    The result is an album that feels more like a compilation than a true collaboration.
  11. Pitchfork
    65
    Twenty-five minutes of these three on autopilot still hits more often than not, ultimately making this disc a mixtape-y More Fish-style companion to Cuban Linx II-- hardly necessary, but not inconsequential.
  12. Q Magazine
    60
    Three Wu-Tang MCs join forces; bring the pain. [July 2010, p. 136]
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  13. RapReviews.com
    60
    Unfortunately the haste to produce and release the album shows when listening; the thing is clearly rushed and even feels a tad opportunistic after the surprise critical resurgence of the Wu after the Raekwon-directed "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II."
  14. No Ripcord
    60
    Enter Wu-Massacre a fun, but mostly forgettable affair that comes from three of the clan’s most prominent members; (Ghostface, Raekwon, Method Man) and for the most part ends up being little more than good-natured fan service.
  15. Uncut
    60
    There are flashes of grouchy greatness from all three--but only flashes. [Jul 2010, p.115]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. kpat
    Apr 1, 2010
    4
    Wu tang had always aspired to break new lyrical boundaries coupled with grimy beats, producing generally what no other hip hop group could. Wu tang had always aspired to break new lyrical boundaries coupled with grimy beats, producing generally what no other hip hop group could. This latest "throw back" misses all those aspirations. The opening track "Criminology 2.5" has a very old wu tang appeal, with a reminiscent undertone. It then loses it's consistency when they throw tracks like "smooth sailing" or "miranda" at you. "Meth vs. Chef 2" also provides an old school wu tang feel, but the track's sheer repetitiveness will make you cringe by the end of it. In essence this wu tang was a complete miss in it's attempt to be a memoir to the grimy wu tang style we're all used to. For new listeners, if you don't believe me. Go and check out "36 chambers", "wu tang forever" or even "the W".… Full Review »
  2. NicoDaFlagburna
    Jan 25, 2011
    8
    Ghost, Rae and Meth return with a convincing album that will appeal to die-hard fans but may not stimulate them like previous records. TheGhost, Rae and Meth return with a convincing album that will appeal to die-hard fans but may not stimulate them like previous records. The wordplay never drops below substantial though the style can be criticised as bland and lacking inspiration. This is in no way an insult to the hip-hop producers or MCs who write well but the album feels like it should have been released 8 years ago and has arrived too late for validation. This album was conceptualised as a response to ill-feeling about Rza's musical direction and therefore it lacks any. 'Its that Wu **** is one of the standout tracks that feels like it can hold its own weight in today's hip-hop market. 8/10 83/100… Full Review »
  3. UptonK.
    Apr 12, 2010
    2
    This is old news. Tired. The beats are boring, the rapping is rapidfire and lame at the same time. There is no natural energy to be found. This is old news. Tired. The beats are boring, the rapping is rapidfire and lame at the same time. There is no natural energy to be found. Terribly contrived and just in it for the bucks.… Full Review »
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