Not many Hip-Hop acts stop in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK. But I just caught GZA at a live show.

I’m half mortal right now (Mortal is slang for very very drunk) so it’ll be a brief ans lopsided ‘review’. As the best lyricist the Wu have to offer (possibly excusing Masta Killah) his live show lacked the punch and energy that you could imagine Red/Meth or GFK giving out, but more than made up for it in wordage. The highlight were the 3 (so far unreleased) accapellas that he did when the beats and the lights stopped and we got to hear what makes him what he is; lyrics. Although me and some pisshead I was talking to outside agreed that it was really annoying when he dropped his Wu verses alongside the beats and then the song would instantly stop seeing as no other Clan members were there to fill in. My ticket said that Masta Killah would be there!!!!!!!!! He wasn’t…

I have to take time out to diss the warm ups acts though, they deserve special mentions for utter wiggerly crapness. The DJ (Maroon?) continuously spoiled his retro set with really bassy one note scratches, and then had the gall to bring up his energy-less mate on stage to shout along with selected lyrics. This guy was so static that he actually put his hat back on, such was the lack of heat and general interest generated by his presence.

I’ve waited a long time to see GZA, and I came away respecting his words even more.