Legends in Session

DPG Wu-Tang, Wu-Tang DPG is an album I’ve been looking forward to since it was first announced. The project brings together Rakim, Kurupt, and Masta Killa as a three-headed beast, and the pairing immediately reminded me of Ghostface Killah’s collaboration with Sheek Louch on Wu-Block. This record has a few minor issues, but none of them get in the way of the music being largely strong.

“Goin Down” opens the album and gets things moving with all three MCs plus Kokane on the hook. The beat is a bit repetitive for my taste, but it’s still a solid starter. The title track, “DPG Wu-Tang, Wu-Tang DPG,” has some good elements and I don’t skip it, but it never fully clicks. It feels disjointed in places, especially when Kurupt and Masta Killa trade lines around the “paid for her” part. The title itself is also awkward to say and read. Already here, Rakim is missing, which becomes a pattern on a few tracks.

On the other hand, “Rock Ya Body” is one of the stronger cuts. It features Daz Dillinger and Ghostface Killah alongside all three core members and gives the album some extra weight.

These are all great MCs, but there are verses and moments that don’t quite match the peaks of their earlier work. Even so, a weaker day from any of these guys is still better than a lot of other MCs at their best. Each member gets a solo showcase that plays to his strengths: Rakim on “A Different Night,” Kurupt on “Nine & Chrome,” and Masta Killa on “Nights Over Brooklyn.” All three are dope and feel distinctly like the artist in question.

“Thelonious” is worth calling out for its features from Buckshot, Trigga, and Rim. The album has plenty of guests, but this one digs deepest into the underground, which I appreciated. “Still Ill” is a remix of “Be Ill” from Rakim’s REB7RTH. The original already had Masta Killa; this version adds Kurupt, KRS-One, and Kool G Rap and turns it into a strong posse cut.

I really liked this album. At the end of the day, it’s hard to go wrong with three legends like these. I do wish Rakim had appeared on a few more tracks, because he still sounds amazing. That said, it makes sense given how heavily he was involved as a producer. I’m not a fan of the AI cover art, but I won’t hold that against the music. Kurupt shines throughout, as expected, and it’s great to hear him in this setting.

Standout Tracks: Goin Down, Rock Ya Body, Thelonious & Still Ill!

Album Rating: 👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑(8/10)