VIDEO: GZA “Liquid Swords” x Wavves x Fuel TV

Vodpod videos no longer available.

This seems totally random, but is nevertheless dope. GZA/Genius performs “Liquid Swords” with musical accompaniment from the Wavves on Fuel TV’s ‘The Daily Habit.’ OG video below. [Spotted at Pitchfork]

VIDEO: GZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, RZA on Rhythm & Soul (1991)

“Been doing it for a long time, tearing up parties, waxing MCs, just anything you can name as far as emceeing.”—The Genius (in 1991)

The Genius promotes his debut Words From the Genius on a public access show called “Rhythm & Soul” with ODB, RZA (aka All In Together) and some cat who probably had warrants and didn’t want to show his face—in tow. What, you didn’t know that Liquid Swords was GZA’s sophomore album? Then you should read my book—The Wu-Tang Clan and RZA: A Trip Through Hip Hop’s 36 Chambers. I know, I know, I didn’t set that price, I swear. GZA/Genius’ “Come Do Me” video below (Red Alert is the bartender), directed by Ralph McDaniels and Lionel “THe Vid Kid” Hampton. [Propers to Nah Right via J-Zone/Ego Trip]

VIDEO: RZA, GZA & Bill Murray x Coffee and Cigarettes

“And you’re Bill Murray…Bill Groundhog Day, Ghostbusting ass Murray!”—GZA/Genius

“Are you a bug Bill Murray?”—RZA

Was reading a feature story on Bill Murray in GQ and his OG film Stripes happens on television at the moment—all which reminds me of the greatness of the above scene from Jim Jarmusch’s Coffee and Cigarettes.

The conversation revolves around the RZA’s prowess with herbal medicine, Bill Murray experiencing delirium and the GZA decrying the effects of too much caffeine. It all makes perfect sense, really. Chill on the citric acid, ya know?

VIDEO: GZA’s Wu-Tang Clan Documentary Trailer

There are a number of Wu-Tang Clan documentaries both unofficial and official out there and in the works. It’s a safe bet that GZA’s Wu-Tang Revealed will probably be the best. Ten years in the making means the Genius has no doubt been stacking and sitting on some revealing footage. Ghostface and Raekwon are particularly animated while keeping it 100 in the trailer above while U-God is angry. As usual.

The GZA/Genius is no slouch behind the camera. He directed a number of early Wu-Tang videos including Ghostface’s “Motherless Child” and his own “Shadowboxin’/4th Chamber.” Which gives me good enough reason to post them below. [Checked at Hypebeast]

RELATED:
Method Man To Sue Insane Clown Posse [AllHipHop]

Raekwon “Never Used to Matter? f/ Bun B [2DopeBoyz]

RZA Confirms Liquid Swords 2 [HipHopDX]

GZA/Genius “Shadowboxin’/4th Chamber”

Ghostface Killah “Motherless Child”

VIDEO: The Wu-Tang Saga Trailer

That’s the most I’ve seen Cappadonna talk on any Wu-Tang Clan related trailer. Ahh, now it makes sense; it’s starring Cappadonna. See the cover below.

Certainly not the first Wu-Tang documentary. But the Clan is so deep—not to mention the recent success of Raekwon—that there are always going to be more stories to tell. The Wu-Tang Saga is due out February 25. [Peeped at Eskay’s Spot]

Who?: Sir Ibu (of Divine Force)

"Holy War (Live)"/"Somethin Different" Yamak-ka Record (1987)

So one of my peeps hits me up like, and I quote, “Alvin, if you can find “Holy Wars” (1988?) by Sir Ibu, Supreme and Nefertiti in downloadable form, I’ll name my first born after you.” No need for all that since aiding others in the name of fresh Hip-Hop is part of my Personal Legend a la The Alchemist (not the rapper/producer).

Well, after some savvy Internet searching I have found the track (above) in question; it is truly a rare Golden Age of Rap gem. The name Sir Ibu will befuddle neophyte rap fans. Q-Tip gives him a name drop in his “Renaissance Rap” video (why it didn’t get its own track on his great The Renaissance album is still perplexing), but here is a little background… [continued after video]

Sir Ibu is one of the MCs in Divine Force, a rap outfit so obscure that the only substantial info I could find on them was usually around and about Ego Trip’s The Big Playback album [ahem, which I have on vinyl, sealed]. The aforementioned album is essentially the companion audio to the through Ego Trip’s Book of Rap Lists.

According to my findings—it was just a Google search…I’m saying, Lexis-Nexis is expensive—Divine Force originally consisted of Master Shykwan, Supreme M.C. and Ice Tee. Eventually Sir Ibu would replace Shykwan, who dipped to join the military, and Jizer got down as the group’s DJ. With the team now set, the group would release “Holy War” on Yamak-Ka Records in 1987. Interestingly, Yamak-Ka’s president was Melquan, who would shortly thereafter manage the Wu-Tang Clan’s GZA. Melquan subsequently secured record deals for the GZA and the RZA at Cold Chillin’ and Tommy Boy Records, respectively.

Sir Ibu would drop a joint called “I’m the Peacemaker” in ’89 via 4th & Broadway Records (the same label that released Eric B & Rakim’s Paid In Full). I can’t find much on Ibu after that. Another example of this almost forgotten MCs influence is on Ghostface’s “Mighty Healthy.” Mr. Starks interpolated some of Ibu’s bars on this early Supreme Clientele heater. Seems like Ibu did get a check for that tribute, though. (below)