I spent the last month super excited that I was finally getting the opportunity to see GZA, one of the most legendary, founding members of the Wu-Tang, perform. This wasn’t just a GZA concert. He wasn’t promoting a new album. He performed, in it’s entirety, the 13-year-old, hip hop classic, Liquid Swords. Tracks 1 - 13.

GZA kept the show so authentic to the album that he was joined on stage by Killa Priest and Method Man. Having Meth come out for Shadow Boxing was unbelievable. My friends and I wondered all week if he would show. It was truly amazing to be able to witness GZA perform Liquid Swords live.

We new that when the doors open at 8 for a Wu-Tang show, it means they are going on at midnight. We got there at 10:30 and we waited until 11:30ish for GZA to finally take the stage. But as soon as the lights dimmed, and the sounds of Shogun Assassins hit the speakers, the crowd was captivated.

“When I was little my father was famous. He was the greatest Samurai in the Empire…”

After Killa Priest performed a not-so-great version of B.I.B.L.E, GZA, Sunz of Man, Black Knight and some random guys performed a couple of classic Wu tracks. Mef was clearly getting frustrated that he wasn’t able to do the tracks he wanted to do. Just when we thought the show was over, GZA said it was time to freestyle. For any hip hop fan, this can be a once in a lifetime experience.

GZA didn’t flow. Some guy from Black Knights took the mic. It was awful. Looking back on the situation, it was bizarre. I know it is hard to follow what will go down as one of the top 10 hip hop albums of all time.  The entire crowd began to boo. At this time Method Man took over and performed one of the sickest freestyle I have ever heard.  His ability to ride a beat his uncanny. He is the beat. He is the flow. That fool is sick. Unfortunately the guy from Black Knights took the mic again, and again. 

Mef followed him, each time sicker than the next. At certain times you couldn’t make out what he was saying. Normally that would bother me. His voice was the flow. It was surreal. Overall I really enjoyed the show. I am unsure as to why they would have such a weak rapper try to close the show. I bet half of the audience could spit better shit.

My old friend and Power 106 Roll Call champion, Hot Karl (Jensen Karp), was standing next to me the entire night. It was random to run into him but then again, not really. This was GZA, Liquid Swords, at the El Rey. I am surprised more fools from the old school weren’t there.