Wu-Tang Pulp is a great tribute because it genuinely understands and appreciates its source material. The Wrecking Crew clearly recognize the spirit of the greatest rap group of all time and they put it on display. ”Pulp” is right. This is Wu-Tang reimagined by artists looking to make their own statements, not anthologize. It’s definitely not Wu-Tang for Dummies, that’s for sure — absent are renditions of “C.R.E.A.M.” and “Chessboxin’”.

For an impression of the exact opposite of this approach, check out Rapsody’s “Black Diamonds”, where 9th Wonder’s artist scores an appearance from Raekwon and they use it as a reason to force extremely pedantic Wu-Tang references.

Is it time for a Wu-Tang tribute? I think so.  We’re far enough removed from the glory days that we’re figuring out how to remember the Wu. Hip-hop moves fast, too. I except The Wrecking Crew will have Dipset Pulp for us by March.

Check out choice cuts from Wu-Tang Pulp below and grab the entire thing here. Note to self: Ethel Cee is dope.

Every Rosh Hashanah, Passover, and Thanksgiving, I try to put my family on to some good music and I invariably fail. The conversation always strays to the mediocre rapper du jour from six months ago and/or a roundtable discussion on the latest Kanye endeavor. Tonight, I’m not falling into that trap. But maybe I’ll retreat into my room and put this on and maybe someone will ask me to run back Chuuwee’s verse. Maybe.

Banger. Shana Tova, fam.

Be honest, did you ever expect anything good from Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s son? His music career seems to exist as a crude tribute to his father with RZA at the helm. But this is dope. It sounds less like Hollywood RZA and more like a random dope Killarmy or Cappadonna track that no one remembers. Boy Jones knows better than to mimic his dad and opts for brash shit-talking. Keep this one in your Wu archives.

Bonus: the time Boy Jones (then known as Young DB) met Chris Rock

Ten years ago, when I could barely call myself a teenager, I would have snored at this track. “76″ forgoes the bangs and smoke and thrives on a spacey, supine beat and Roc Marc’s gangster musings. It’s a perfect palate cleanser for the end of a playlist of 2012 rap.

As always, DJ Premier’s inscrutably enthralling beat enables decent MCs to rap their technical best. Michigan’s finest mic skills are on display on “Straight Up”.

Per The New York Times:

WHEN Tim Zagat dines out in New York, many of the restaurants he goes to know that he prefers his soup served in a cup and enjoys iced tea with cranberry juice in a large glass over lots of ice. Jay-Z’s fondness for white Burgundy is also no secret among the city’s headwaiters.

Since I tend to read a lot of random articles rather than listen to random rap music these days, it’s nice when little rap nuggets pop-up in my readings. I really hope Hov get *really* pissed off when someone comps him another bottle of Ace of Spades, when all he wants is a nice bottle of white Burgundy to drink with Bey. #toughraplife