As a founding member of Staten Island s Wu-Tang Clan, it s — not an overstatement to say this is a man who changed the — game. Now straight from the slums of Shaolin Inspectah Deck — is back with Manifesto, his best solo effo... more »rt to date. Long
regarded as one of Hip Hop s most gifted MC s, Deck is joined
on Manifesto by Raekwon, Billy Danze of M.O.P, Termanology,
Cormega, Kurupt, Planet Asia, Cappadonna and many more. Deck takes a hands on
approach to the beats, personally producing several cuts and
overseeing all production. Many of the beats are based on live
tracks laid down by the same line up of musicians (The Revelations)
behind 2009 s Wu-Tang Chamber Music. In addition to
stellar appearance throughout the Wu catalog and solo efforts,
Deck is also known for his appearances on all time classic
albums such as Big Pun s Capital Punishment, Gangstarr s
Moment of Truth and Pete Rock s Soul Survivor. Further,
his own solo efforts are some of the best to ever arise from the
Wu-Tang camp. Now is the time for Inspectah Deck to deliver
truth to the world of Hip Hop. This is his Manifesto.« less
As a founding member of Staten Island s Wu-Tang Clan, it s
not an overstatement to say this is a man who changed the
game. Now straight from the slums of Shaolin Inspectah Deck
is back with Manifesto, his best solo effort to date. Long
regarded as one of Hip Hop s most gifted MC s, Deck is joined
on Manifesto by Raekwon, Billy Danze of M.O.P, Termanology,
Cormega, Kurupt, Planet Asia, Cappadonna and many more. Deck takes a hands on
approach to the beats, personally producing several cuts and
overseeing all production. Many of the beats are based on live
tracks laid down by the same line up of musicians (The Revelations)
behind 2009 s Wu-Tang Chamber Music. In addition to
stellar appearance throughout the Wu catalog and solo efforts,
Deck is also known for his appearances on all time classic
albums such as Big Pun s Capital Punishment, Gangstarr s
Moment of Truth and Pete Rock s Soul Survivor. Further,
his own solo efforts are some of the best to ever arise from the
Wu-Tang camp. Now is the time for Inspectah Deck to deliver
truth to the world of Hip Hop. This is his Manifesto.
CD Reviews
The Rebel INS is Back. Wu-Heads: Unite!
Jeffrey A. Lunt | 03/23/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Trust me: this is Deck's best album. The lyrics are sharp and the production is slammin'.
Admittedly, I didn't really fall in love with Deck's first three albums, Uncontrolled Substance, The Movement, or Resident Patient. (Don't get me wrong though; I own these albums, but I don't spin them as often as other Wu releases.)
This album however, is on another level. The "Tombstone Into" is dark and cool. (It really sets the mood for the rest of the album.)
The opening track, "The Champion" is nothing short of amazing. (What a blessing for the ears!) It's a timeless track (like "New Wu" on Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, Pt. 2). You'll have this banger in your head for days. Deck is THE CHAMPION!
"Born Survivor" and "This is It" are tight tracks. (These tracks seem autobiographical to me. What do you think?)
"Luv Letter" was...just okay...but "P.S.A" and "T.R.U.E." are great tracks. (And they're nice an' short too).
I really enjoyed "We Get Down" and "The Big Game" (with Raekwon). (There's a lot of flavor on this album...and we need that.)
"Tombstone Interlude" is also cool.
"9th Chamber" kicks serious a--! I loved it. This is perhaps my favorite track on the whole joint (with the exception of "The Champion").
"Really Real" is tight. I'm happy that Planet Asia graced us with his presence on "Serious Rappin'." Thanks, P.A.! You tha man! (And listen to that guitar!)
"Do What You Gotta" is smooth (and catchy). I really liked the production on "Crazy." (I love it when producers speed up samples.)
"Gotta Bang" sounded more like a West Coast banger (but hey, Kurupt was on the track, so I can dig it).
I didn't care for "The Bad Apple." (Then again, it might grow on me.) "Brothaz' Respect" was another highlight. Cappadonna is one of my favorite Clansmen. (My only complaint? Where's RZA, GZA, Method Man, Ghostface, Masta Killa, and/or U-God?!)
"5 Star G" is smooth and "The Never Ending Story" is an adequate album closer (but not really ground-breaking).
All in all, this joint is worth your time and money. I enjoyed about 90% of the album. Deck is sorely underrated...but now, hopefully, "Manifesto" will reunite the Wu-heads.
This is serious rap music with plenty of variety.
Wu-Tang forever.
Peace."
Does everything they make gotta sound like.....
Darth Maul | Chicago | 03/23/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"it was produced by Rza, 4th, or Math for heads to like it? Remember, RZA LOST DECKS TRACKS FOR THE FIRST ALBUM IN A FLOOD (granted none of their fault) But let us get over it and PRAY that both of them realize that Deck, yes Deck is the only Clansman of the nine not to give us a true WU album yet...yes we are waiting....in the meantime...this bangs. Loving Champion of course, Alchemist has that WU sound down to a science. My sister said 'This is it' is certainly right for Decks flow. Born Survivor is on that sinister serial killer type of anthem flow. But everyone is sleeping on 'Do what cha gotta do' I am loving the verses.'Gotta Bang' is moving, Kurupt and Billy Danze always rep as honory WU Disciples! This is a GOOD release...not a classic that we are waiting for from DECK yet ( even though you cats still sleeping on Resident patient)but it is dope. Nuff said....."
INS
Kyle C. Pollard | Temple, Georgia | 05/04/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Another good album by INS. Respect his talent and style in hip hop music. Always keeping it real with the world state of play. Love the album. Keep doing great work. All pay respects to Wu Tang."
Classic
danksta36 | TeXaS | 05/01/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Any true Wu-head should have this. A true classic . Exactly what was expected from a true lyrical swordsman from the clan"
Straight Awesome!!!!!
Raul Ugalde | Springdale, AR USA | 03/25/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm going to be honest, when I purchased this CD I was a little skeptical at first. But when I heard him on Cubic Linx Pt. 2 I was very impressed so thats why I decided to get this album. When listening to the whole album first I thought it was trash and a waste of money. But after listening to it a couple of times, I can really appreciate all the hard work INS put in this. Most of the songs on the album are classics in my opinion with the exception of 'Crazy' which I really hoped INS would of left out and put more songs like the '9th Chamber' on here. In which INS really show his rap skills. So for everyone who loves real rap music and not this "pop rap" that's going around, buy this album and give it a try and I promise you won't be disappointed."
Track Listings (20) - Disc #1