DVD Review - Wu-Tang Clan: Live At Montreux 2007
By: Ama Scriver
November 14, 2008
Toronto, Canada
I think even those who don't like hip hop can find a place in their heart for New York City's own Wu-Tang Clan. Their innovative delivery, tight rhymes and incredible connection as an eight-person crew can leave anyone in awe. Sadly, it's very rare that the entire crew perform together. Fortunately for us, one memorable night in July 2007, the Wu-Tang Clan took to the stage for the Montreux Jazz Festival and we've been left this DVD to encapsulate the show.
Live at Montreux opens up exactly as it should, with a sold-out crowd throwing the infamous W up in the air. You can feel the excitement as the members of the Wu slowly come to the stage. GZA, RZA, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, Raekwon the Chef, U-God, Ghostface Killah, Masta Killah - Cappadonna and Mathematics ar e there too. It's hard to believe the entire crew is there. But they all appear and hype the crowd into a frenzy. The crowd knows this is a special performance and Wu-Tang, vibing off the mob, launch into one of their most notorious songs - "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing ta F' Wit" - the perfect opening to any Wu-Tang live performance.
Not only does the crew cover their entire fifteen-year career as the Wu, but they also perform and recognize some of the solo work each MC has accomplished in his time off (including that of fallen member Ol' Dirty Bastard). The 94-minute performance perfectly illustrates why this crew should perform together live more often. Since their shows happen rarely, the group blazes through a total of 32 tracks including hits like: "Uzi (Pinky Ring)", GZA's "Liquid Swords", "Protect Ya Neck", "C.R.E.A.M." and "Triumph". They pay tribute to Ol' Dirty Bastard by performing his hit "Got Your Money" and Ghostface kills his track "Cherchez LaGhost."
While someone more familiar with the Wu's back catalogue might enjoy Wu-Tang Clan: Live at Montreux 2007 a bit more than the average music fan, the DVD should still have a broad appeal. Providing a solid live performance from an innovative and intelligent hip hop crew, it captures everything we've been missing from those full-fledged Wu-Tang shows that so rarely happen. It's just too bad Ol' Dirty Bastard couldn't be there to take part. Now that would have been a performance.
Video: Wu-Tang Clan: Live At Montreux 2007
