On paper,
Masta Killa's
Live album may come off as totally unremarkable. Arguably the least impressive of
the Wu-Tang Clan's founding members performing his tracks in concert might not strike hip-hop listeners as a worthwhile purchase. However, this short but sweet album works like a high-energy mixtape: a barrage of memorable verses from
Masta Killa's (and
the Wu as a whole) discography. Aside from an assortment of quality, though overlooked, bangers from
Masta Killa's solo repertoire ("No Said Date," "Silverback," "D.T.D."),
Live features classic verses from
the GZA's
Liquid Swords,
Raekwon's
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, and
the Clan's first two group albums, highlighting the Brooklyn native's key contributions to these revered LPs. Joined on-stage by Shaolin cohorts
Inspectah Deck,
Streetlife,
Prodigal Sunn, and
the GZA,
Masta Killa shows and proves his abilities as a live performer, and his unlikely concert outing is a surprising treat for hardcore hip-hop fans.