GZA’s Liquid Swords is one of the definitive albums of the 90s.

Neither he (nor anybody else, practically) has dropped anything on that level since, but he also never put out a complete embarrassment like Raekwon’s Immobilarity, one of the poorest follow-ups to a classic ever heard.

Apparently the sanest, most collected Wu-Tang Clansman, GZA’s quality control is admirable, as he’s consistently released a solid album every three years or so, leaving no doubt as to his lyrical supremacy along the way.  New release ProTools stacks up with Legend of the Liquid Sword as a post-classic highlight.

He has to hoist up just a few rote tracks with his lyrical heavy lifting, but that’s more than compensated for by a legitimate anthem like “Life is a Movie.” Unsurprisingly, this gem features RZA in peak form both as a vocalist and producer (vamping on some vintage Gary Numan). RZA also contributes fine production to “Paper Plate”, a hilarious mockery of the less substantial hip-hop that has come to define the mainstream since Wu’s peak, particularly one 50 Cent.

The rest of the album is handled by either RZA disciples or younger underground favorites who owe much of their style and careers to the abbott. With a less masterful emcee fronting it, ProTools would risk sounding staid. GZA animates it with a calm monotone and trademark ingenious wordplay, making this album a treat for a diminishing audience that still cares about lyrics.