Album Review: Made In Brooklyn

Masta Killa's debut, No Said Date, marked the rare instance of a Wu Tang-affiliated album actually exceeding the hype and delivering on its own terms. Add to an impressive first album a list of producers, including MF Doom and Pete Rock, and it comes as no surprise that Killa's second outing has been eagerly awaited by hip hop fans.

Opening track, Then And Now, is a strange way for Killa to try and further his burgeoning legacy, as he plays no part - instead leaving it to relative unknowns Young Prince, Shamel Irief and Karim Justice to introduce his sophomore album. It's a bizarre move and one that doesn't wholly pay off. It does, however, make Killa's opening gambit on the MF Doom produced E.N.Y House all the more impressive. Doom employs his oft-used Battle Of The Planets break to good effect as Killa's husky drawl negotiates the uneven beat with some ease.

It'll come as no surprise that Masta Killa is flanked by his fellow Clansmen on several of the tracks and Method Man, Rza and U-God all guest on Iron God Chamber, which also features some lively production from Whyz Ruger. Despite Ruger's lean portfolio, the track is one of the album's most impressive; Rza delivers one of his best verses to date and Method Man is more animated than he has been at any point since 1999's Redman collaboration, Black Out!

It's What It Is also features Wu Tang heavyweights Ghostface and Raekwon, with some outstanding production from P.F. Cuttin of mid-90s group Blahzay Blahzay. With Raekwon's reputation tarnished after a few shoddy solo albums, he is still able to drop in for a ferocious guest spot. Ghostface, as is his wont, delivers a stunning verse.

Rza apprentice, Bronze Nazareth, who supplies the lion share of the production, ensures Street Corner's All That I Got Is You-style tale of adolescent hardship is backed by a suitably maudlin beat. The track also benefits from a slick Inspectah Deck guest spot. Ringing Bells, however, is Nazareth's stand-out moment and probably features Killa's best lyrics on the entire album.

At a relatively lean 13 tracks, with no unfunny skits, Made In Brooklyn is a superior and taut addition to the Wu canon, which not even the risible cod reggae of Lovely Lady can detract from too much. Masta Killa, along with Ghostface, continues to be the Wu Tang Clan's leading light.