RZA Album: “Digi Snacks [PA]”

The common denominator-Bobby Digital went to work on this one!

Implementing the West Coast Killer Beez (Black Knights, Christ Bearer etc.) and other contributing artists/bands on this album-Bobby Digital apparently is getting better with age-utilizing his resources. Hip hop fans all around the world can truly appreciate the effort on this solo project. Bobby Digital gives his listeners more raw material to snack on with "Digi Snacks."

The ability to create an entire cohesive album takes superior focus and creativity. The thing once again constant here is change. Every song varies in tempo and tone so that the album doesn't become monotone/stagnant. He also shows his audience once again that words of wisdom are like a magnet to the ear. Bobby Digital displays the art of MCeeeing & DJing on many levels-total self expression-constantly striving towards his perfection-becoming an expert. The kid is like Bruce Lee to martial arts! I knew this was nice when my girl was zoning out to "Drama."

In all reality ,this album is like a solid 4.5 (A true 5 would still have to be on the level of a Cuban Linx/ Liquid Swords/Wu-Tang Forever-which usually require a total Clan effort). -Check it out!

this cd is really good. it takes a few listens at first but is off the hook. the rza is a mastermind and only keeps changing up and getting more musical. dont go buy lil wayne get this!!! real hip hop and wu tang 4 ever

I don't agree with critics of the 8 Diagrams, I think you stick with that album and it is an absolute classic and this album continues in that vein while having it's own identity. I didn't immediately think so while I was on my first listen but then I realized that throughout the day not one but several of the songs were still playing in my head. My only critique is that it'd have been nice to have some more Wu presence on this than just Deck but it's understandable why that wasn't so. At any rate, pick this up and give it a few listens and you won't be disappointed. On a last note though both this and 8 diagrams are really creative and original I think the idea of RZA as "hip hop hippie" that sprung from the critiques of 8 Diagrams and have caught on, unthinkingly, with the press really aren't that accurate. Both albums are pretty straight hip hop, just a cut above, more original, more unique. I'm glad RZA is still keeping it going.

Before Digi Snax, RZA has not released a solo album since 2003, when he dropped "Birth Of A Prince" and "World According To RZA". Its been 7 years since we have heard any Bobby Digital since "Digital Bullet" back in 2001. Here in 2008, RZA comes back to release a dope Bobby Digital album!

The lyrics in Digi Snax are on point basically every track. He has a few real life tracks like "You Cant Stop Me Now", "Drama", "Up Again" and a few others, a few fun tracks, and the others are just Bobby Digital type songs w/ that RZA flavor. But lyrics are definitely on point just about every track. Is it the BEST lyrics from RZA we have heard? Of course not, but he shows no signs of having fallen off! Wu fans will definitely feel this. One track that was sort of shocking from the start, was "Straight Up The Block", that was produced by David Banner. Not the type of track RZA normally does but when he does it this time it came out good.

The production, RZA comes back with a different but hot style!! If you compare the production on this album compared to lets say "Digital Bullet", you notice a difference, but if your a true Wu head, you can notice some small similarities. The thing I love about RZA, is that he IS a master producer. He always sticks w/ one style, but his style has so many different flavors to it so your never getting the same type of music each time, and in Digi Snax it shows! Here are my top 5 beats: "You Cant Stop Me Now", "Good Night", "No Regrets", "Up Again", and "Dont Be Afraid"(which is the bonus track). Production wise, RZA shines once again.

Last thoughts, this album is right up there with previous RZA releases. The one and only downfall in my opinion were the appearances. You have Inspectah Deck(which is the only Wu related appearance), then you got Stone Mecca, Monk, Thea Van Seijen(which appears on multiple tracks), and then you have Beretta 9, and Black Knights+Northstar. I would have liked to have seen some other immediate Wu-Tang members on the album, that would have made the album a lot better.

But overall, if you like RZA or any other Wu-Tang music you'll like this, pick it up!

My Top 5 Songs

1.You Cant Stop Me Now

2.Money Dont Own Me

3.Creep

4.Drama

5.Dont Be Afraid

RZA is as sharp and relaxed as I've ever heard on this album; He is very much in control. Regardless if he is ignored by mainstream radio, this is a "complete album" with very few weak spots. RZA continues further exploration of the successful aspects of the previous Wu Tang album.

The flow is as sly and dark as his super hero character. It shadows Bobby Digital's Ghetto heroics, from back alley & rooftop exploits, through gotham like a soundtrack. Rae and Ghost would be wise to stay in line, following RZA's production. For genre comparison think late 60's blaxploitation movies blended with the dark modern Wu production. Another feather in the Wu-franchise cap.