Album Review: GZA - Pro Tools
In the days leading up to the release of Pro Tools, GZA’s sixth solo album, the Wu-Tang rapper revealed in an interview with Vibe the thought process behind the album’s title: “Well, it’s the production software program, basically. The people at Babygrande were asking for a name. I was looking around the house, or the studio, and trying to come up with something, and I may even have been reading the actual Pro Tools manual and just went with that, and it works great with the album.”
So there you have it. The deep, metaphorical truth behind the seemingly simple album title. GZA was sitting around reading a Pro Tools manual when his phone rang. How trill is that? It’s just a good thing he was doing something related to the art of making music at the time. Had he been out mowing the lawn when the phone rang, the album would have been titled Toro and overzealous Wu-Tang fans with “W” tattoos would be blowing up Internet message boards in attempts to decipher the drug metaphor.
As it stands, Pro Tools is actually a pretty good name for the album. The statement, “This album was made on Pro Tools”, would probably be enough to sum up the production. It’s not that the production is poor, but when it comes down to it, GZA’s work has always been about lyricism, and on Pro Tools that is pretty much the sole focus.
Perhaps the most telling fact surrounding Pro Tools is that GZA is celebrating its release by touring around the country and performing the entirety of Liquid Swords. You have to respect a guy for knowing what his best album is, but the timing seems a little funny and it gives off the impression that, even to the artist, Pro Tools is something of an afterthought. Liquid Swords is the best solo Wu-Tang effort (sorry Rae) because everything came together so splendidly as a cohesive unit. GZA came with his usual biting lyrics. RZA’s production was just murky enough to match the dark subject matter of the songs. And practically every guest (including every single Wu-Tang member) dropped strong lines that complemented (but did not outshine) GZA’s mastery. It is a solo album in name alone. Genius/GZA may be the credited artist, but the MC is really just leading Wu-Tang Clan in one of the collective’s brightest moments.
Pro Tools is a different story. Here it is all about the lyrics. This is not necessarily a bad thing. GZA is unquestionably the finest lyricist in the Clan, which puts him pretty high in the running for finest lyricist worldwide. And on his new album he proves that he has not missed a beat. In fact, the case could even be made that he is a better lyricist now than he has ever been.
GZA continues to be a master of concept tracks. On “0% Finance”, he takes the tired woman-as-car analogy to new heights by executing it so completely and flawlessly. On “Alphabets”, he rattles off the entire Supreme Alphabet each time the chorus hits. It’s how naturally GZA pulls off these concepts that allows them to work. In and of itself there is nothing terribly interesting in songs like these, but GZA delivers them in such a subtle manner that they are fascinating and repeat listens reveal deeper and deeper layers to each track.
Unfortunately, very few of these songs are musically engaging enough to keep the average consumer interested enough for repeat listens. Tracks by RZA, Black Milk, and Mathematics play like old beats they had sitting around, and the rest of the production is done by minor Wu-Tang affiliates and relative no-names. And nobody delivers anything closely resembling a banger. And it almost seems that this is what GZA wanted: low-key production that shows off his lyrics. If you don’t dig lyrical hip hop, go home.
The same could be said about the relative lack of guest stars. RZA and Masta Killa are the only Wu-Tang members to appear on the album, a somewhat strange phenomenon that hints that the rift in the Clan may be a little deeper than we thought. The rest of the guests spots are filled with up-and-comers who will probably never up-and-come, including some guy named Ka who, given the fact that he has a full track to himself, may actually be GZA with laryngitis.
Pro Tools’ most talked about moment (and by far most interesting one) is “Paper Plate”, GZA’s attack on 50 Cent and G-Unit. It isn’t the best song on the album, but it’s the one moment that could even vaguely be described as “personal”. GZA takes 50 to task for his sub-par lyrical skills. Why one of the greatest lyrical rappers of all time found it necessary to take shots at a candy shop rapper like 50 is beyond me, but as GZA uses solo Wu-Tang album titles to describe all the ways his clique would verbally annihilate 50’s, I can’t help but enjoy the brief spark of that old Wu-Tang venom.
One mildly surprising aspect of Pro Tools is the lack of cursing. While it is not unheard of for a hip hop to be so squeaky clean, it is not expected from a Wu-Tang release. I don’t see this as good or bad… just notable. Though I must say, it’s nice to be able to play a rap album loudly in my car without having to roll the windows up when the Little League team rolls by in a mini-van next to me. Let’s just hope that next time out, GZA gives me an album I want to blare from my car stereo.
Rating: 
Check Out:
“Alphabets”
Something better than Depeche Mode, I’m sure.
Ahh…but who will that band be?
Yeah, I get that a lot. If you’re lucky I might let you buy me a beer while we check out the band that is not Depeche Mode.
I think I love you.
Point was, hip hop and punk both seem to have a misguided base of young fans who are so enthralled with the movement their respective genres represented that they fail to see that the movement came, it passed, and now hip hop and punk are just types of music that are allowed to progress and be made into any form that an artist sees fit. There’s no need to stay true to some lost messages or ideals. That shit is done. Its just music now. Sorry.
Its especially annoying with young hip hop fans since they seem to be convinced that Nas and Common invented rapping and argue incessantly against exactly the types of things that hip hop started as in the first place.
Umm…not exactly sure of your point but…I think I agree?
Dear Hip Hop and Punk fans:
A movement can only happen once and then its over. Sorry you weren’t born yet when it happened. Oh well. Shut up now, kthx.
Love,
me
I’m sure this whole argument over hip-hop now or hip-hop then happens everyday, online and elsewhere. There’s a reason there’s a universally accepted, “Golden Age of Hip-hop”. And it comes down to this, I think: from the mid-80’s to the mid-90’s, hip-hop had a large enough following to bring out real talent, but it didn’t have the mainstream appeal to be considered commercially bankable to a particularly broad audience. So, great rappers were appreciated by the people who were following hip-hop. Toward the end of the 90’s, and we could argue all day over whether it was Diddy, Dame, Russell, et al that played the biggest part, white dollars saw the influence and marketability in rap. Now, we have Souljaboy who came up as an internet sensation to doing his minstrel show thing, along with D4L, Dem Franchize Boyz, Mike Jones, and the like raking in money. Jay-Z ADMITS it, saying, “I dumb down for my audience and double my dollars”. This is why his only album that’s considered a classic is “Reasonable Doubt”. In fact, if you name a consensus classic hip-hop album, I’ll show you ten from the same year that sold more. Sales do not equal greatness. 808’s, vocoders, hot beats do not make a great emcee. At some point, hip-hop will probably splinter to accommodate the real hip-hop fans, and the suburban white kids can listen to the young cats that wanna smile and dance for their money.
If someone has incredible beats but is complete garbage on the mic I would probably only kind of like the album. Just like if someone is incredible on the mic and has boring beats and an album without a cohesive flow I probably won’t give it higher than 3 stars…which is what I gave Pro Tools.
And RZA is behind the boards on three tracks…but like I said…they are throwaways. I honestly don’t think anyone involved in this album took it very seriously. Maybe because they knew that overzealous Wu-Tang fans would think it was the best thing ever no matter what they did.
that’s pathetic that you would consider lil wayne a talented MC… and the truth is fairly correct jay-z ‘dumbed down for [his] audience and doubled [his] dollars’ and basically only proves why people respect him every 3 or 4 albums (reasonable doubt, blueprint, black album and american gangster)… 50 cent was all right until the massacre came out and he turned into total trash and needs to get someone to slay him because he doesn’t deserve any credit he gets. Nas is one of the last ‘mainstream’ MC’s that truly still represents that term and that I can respect, people bump lupe but people have already done shit like he has i dont know why people dont see it… people say nobody raps about his subject matter ever listen to murs? just saying… but in accordance to this pro tools is one of the best hip hop albums this year i’d say… lyrically it hits every punch and most of the beats are farily legit… i mean we dont have RZA behind the boards so we can’t expect flawless production but to me that is secondary to actual talent… if someone has an incredible beat but is complete garbage i’m not going to like the song… i’ll just wait till someone with talent shines on the beat ie: royce da 59 on the ‘this is why im hot’ beat… pro tools - 4/5 at the least
Very nice. You are right. I am brainwashed by MTV. I just can’t believe it took this long for someone to figure it out.
Yeah Mike,Maybe my comments will increase the truth even more also,thank you,lol.Its funny that Jay-Z,even admit that he’s a sell out on Kingdom Come,ohh that album is complete garbage too!Other garbage albums by Jay-Z:Vol.1,Vol.2.VOL.3(Complete garbage-use it for a freesbe for better use),Blueprint 2.0,and the BLACK album.Jay-Z always raps about himself of how great he is,boring.His only good album worth listening to Reasonable Doubt.Blueprint,only 4 good tracks.There you have it.Jay-Z sucks.That proves my theory,Jay-Z is the most overrated rapper in history,but Wayne just has no skill so Jay might be second now but I’m still in question about that one.I still blame Jay-Z the most for wateringdown mainstream hip hop more than anyone else.
Your funny mike,the beats are so creative on Pro Tools,HE DIDN’T EVEN SAMPLE THEM FROM SOMEONE ELSE.Thats originality for you.Gza just tries to be himself and not follow what everyone else does following the Kanye thing or the T-Pain thing.You are so brainwashed by what the mtv says,I’m just shaking my head and laughing at you.THERE ARE SO MANY EMCEE’S OUT THERE BETTER THAN WAYNE,JAY-Z,and EMINEM.Since Wayne or Jay-Z claimed they are the best,am I going to believe them,uhhhh HELLLLL NO!
If everyone thinks jumping off the bridge is cool,am I going to follow the crowd and do it too,ahhh NO.
Since the rest of the world is ignorant in hearing knowledge,they rather hear about these fake hustlers,gangstas,pimps,players,etc. no wonder why hip hop is a joke now.Nas was right mainstream hip hop is dead.
I believe Mike that you are judging these cds by record sells or how they sound to u.Thats why you call it “Consequence of Sound”.Your full of shit.Like I said,thanks for letting me spread the TRUTH.Something that you can’t handle.LOL
Also…thanks to The Truth for keeping my review at the top of the comments list. It gives me more of a chance to advertise my site:
http://www.beatspermil.com
The beats are throw aways. Plain and simple.
“Liquid Swords” is a GZA album and it was a five star album…probably in the top ten hip hop albums of all time. “Pro Tools” can hang with it lyrically, but it does not have the beats to match. And it is not the cohesive unit that that album is. It is a collection of mediocre songs that showcase one of the greatest lyricists around…that’s it.
And like I said…GZA apparently feels the same way since he is currently touring the country and playing “Liquid Swords” in its entirety as opposed to supporting his new album.
Mr. Mike I just wanted to know if you are rating the cd based on todays standards or just the same standards you always have. I ask because if you are rating this based on todays hip hop, this album is a 4.5. The only 5 I have heard lately is probably Lupe fiasco’s The cool. Nas’ album would also get a 4.5. You are right none of these “banged,” however, that’s not what any of gzas songs do. He isnt that type of rapper, and like the truth said, if you want bangers then go buy the Game and Lil Wayne shit. GZA made 50 look like a clown and ripped the whole cd. I enjoy playing all of them and I know if most people actualy gave this a chance they would agree that its a great album. The problem is, 90 percent of the hip hop world didn’teven know this came out so none of them will hear it. Lil Wayne is maybe top 30 today, maybe. The Truth is dead on, none of his lyrics make sense. He says a lot that really sounds stupid and none of his songs have a purpose with the exception of 2 or 3 on that album. Nas, Lupe, Talib Kweli, Gza, Eminem, and obie trice are the top 6 alive. This cd deserves much more than what you gave it.
Have you listened to “American Gangster”? How can you say he just talks about jewels? Listen to “Ignorant Shit” or “Say Hello.” Maybe you will understand it a little better than.
And did you really just call him “Gay-Z”? After going on about how morally bankrupt you consider today’s rappers you go and drop a blatantly homophobic comment like that? Very classy…
Luke MacLeod,3 of the most overrated rappers in history right there (Wayne,Jay-Z,Eminem).Wayne has no talent once so ever,all he is a freestyle he either hits or misses,I don’t even understand half the shit that falls out of his mouth.Jay-Z the biggest bitter that I have ever seen,how many rhymes,songs,flow,etc. is he gonna steal from others?All Mr.Jigga talks about is his fake image that he hasn’t lived through.He talks about hustling,pimping,diamonds,girls,how rich he is,and other bullshit that I don’t give a fuck about.White America loves JayZ act because all these wannabes think he’s cool.What a joke.Jay-Z was NEVER THE BEST at anytime,he’s the most overrated rapper easily but Wayne might take that away from him.Nas is a million times better than Jay-Z.Hell Lupe Fiasco is better than Wayne or Jay.Sorry,I’m not brainwashed by Mtv/bet.Eminem is SO FUCKIN OVERRATED,its not even funny.Don’t get me wrong,I used to be an Em stan,but I woke up and realize what a fuckin sell out he is.I liked his first 2 albums and then he turned pop and sold out.All Em talks about is stupid shit also.All the people on my list drops more knowledge and understanding about life than the those 3 clowns that u listed.I listen to grown man music not teenie boppers.lol
P.S Just because Jay-Z sells alot records don’t necessary means he has talent,here are words from Immortal Technique-it just means a million of stupid motherfucers are out there.Wayne,Gay-Z,Feminem are sell outs.Ras Kass is lyrically better than those 3 alone.LOL
lol anon. But Mike’s right truth, all the guys you listed would say the exact same thing. (well except for rza, gza or anybody else in wu-tang for that matter). Jay-Z is by far and away the best of today. You can make all the arguments you want about how only the people you like are good, but no one cares. I fuckin love Blu from Blu and exile ,who released probably the best Hip-hop cd last year, does that mean i think he’s better than jay-z, fuck no. Wayne, Jay-Z and fuck even Eminem got where they are today by being better than half the people you listed.
i love internet arguments that end with one person telling the other to get a life or get off the computer. such an entertaining waste of time
Ohhhh,Sorry Mike,I just don’t fall for the bullshit that the radio puts out these days(for the last 8-10 years).I guess I’m not as stupid as you.Is that your comeback to me “read a book”,why don’t you read a book,it sounds like you have no life but just listening to music.Anyways.sure hip hop didn’t die with Big and Pac.I don’t even think they are the best.Pac just ends up being my favorite emcee but I’m not one of his dickriders that say he’s the best because he died.Well I stick to old school emcees that never soldout.Lil Wayne can never hold the jock straps for Pac and Biggie.He will never be up there with the greats.
P.S.There are too many mc hammers out today.But I’m not paying them,lol.Get a life and a reality check.
Do you listen to lyrics or do you just skim through them?
Or do you just listen to whoever OkayPlayer tells you to?
From my experience, people who think they are all about “true” hip hop need to spend less time whining about the current state of the genre and more time finding the good in it. Music evolves…evolve with it. Hip hop didn’t die with Big and Pac…only your illusions of it did.
You need to turn down the stereo and read a book.
Mr.Mike,irrelevance?LOL.I’d rather enjoy true hip hop from the late 1980’s-2000(After Big Pun died)that was it for me for any new up coming mainstream rapper,I stick to what’s around the golden age of hip hop and underground emcees that carry a positive message/lyrical talent.I don’t care about these clowns like(Jay-Z,Lil Wayne,50,Eminem,Lil Jon,Soulja Boy,Rocko,Diddy,etc.)that talk about how much money they have,bling bling,hoes,cars,how much better than they are compare to u,etc.I’d rather listen to Rakim,2Pac,Scarface,Gza(Wu tang),Nas,Ras Kass,Immortal technique,Common,Akir,Killah Priest,A tribe called quest,Z-ro,DMX,Kool G Rap,Big L,Gang Starr,Big Pun,Pete Rock,Lupe Fiasco,K-Rino,etc.Thats true hip hop.Hip Hop to me is all about knowledge,lyrical abilities,and great beats.You can enjoy fake hip hop/Hip pop/crunk,or whatever the f**k u call it.LOL
Of course you aren’t into hip pop. You are a true hip hop head. You are better than everyone else because you don’t listen to anyone who is on the radio. Good for you. Enjoy irrelevance.
Luke MacLeod,Tha Carter 3 is just like Encore for Eminem,it sucked.Wayne don’t even make sense everytime:I’m flyer than Beetle Juice Beetle Juice Beetle Juice,what the fuck!Or another line by Wayne:I’m gonna get me 3,4,I’m gonna get me the number after 1,I’m gonna get me 2.Or better yet his original line: I’m rare like Mr.Clean with hair.Sorry,the only track that I liked off the Carter 3 is Mr.Carter because of Jay outclassing him and the beat production.Besides that Tha Carter 3 sucked.I’m not into Hip Pop(Kanye,Jay-Z,50 cent,Eminem,Diddy,Wayne,etc.).Gza is a true emcee,wayne is a joke.
Oh and tha carter 3 is far better album and I didn’t like lil’ wayne.
Truth in no way is this a five star effort. Mike nailed while GZA’s lyrics are better than ever the beats and everything else are lackluster. Mike was remarking on how easy of a target 50 is, and how it’s become pretty commonplace to attack him.
Well thank you for your thoughts but for the most part you seem to be putting ink in my pen.
1) I don’t recall saying anything close to resembling that I have a problem with GZA not cursing. I just pointed out that it was interesting. If anything I spoke positively about that.
2) Yes…GZA does have “actual intelligence”. I thought I was very clear in my agreement with that.
3) You are laughing at me because I agree with you that GZA is a much better rapper than 50? What exactly are you talking about?
Judging by the fact that EVERY SINGLE BEEF that you have with my review is something that I never actually said I am not going to take you all that seriously.
Michael Denslow,I guess your a new school hip hop head.You must have too many rocks in your ears.This album is a CLASSIC and the best one I heard this year!So what if Gza doesn’t curse?It shows that he has actual intelligence unlike all these SO called thug wannabe’s with no lyrical skill once so ever.He’s lyrically on point on all songs without CURSING,that shows his skills even more.So whats wrong without cursing?The funny fact,Gza still hardcore.The production is perhaps some of the best that I have ever heard in long time.I’m glad he dissed 50 cent,its about time someone put 50 in his place.You said its beyond you that Gza is taking shots at 50,I’m a laughing at you.People like 50 is killing mainstream hip hop.I know you remember the beef 50 had with Ja Rule.Look at 50 now.50 says he represents EAST COAST HIP HOP,no wonder why Gza is dissing him,50 is a disgrace.I bet you will give Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter 3″ album a 5 star because you can blare it through your car?Three Stars on Pro Tools,are you kidding me?It should be 5 stars Michael.
We could debate it all day obvs, but Supreme Clientele and Return to the 36 Chambers are the only solo albums I never stopped listening to. Cuban Linx and Liquid Swords are good to come back to now and again, but they have never been on a single MP3 player I have ever owned.