Inspire me, mothafucka

Raekown said last year that 36 Chambers "inspired" a lot of people, and it didn't sound like he meant creatively. Sounded like he meant, "this shit makes a lot of everyday people wanna go out and take on the day." To a degree, maybe. But if that was really what he meant, I think he could be reachin' a little. I mean, top 5 rap album, no doubt. Maybe even top 3 (Forever's the undisputed champ, so don't even start with that shit). But a Rocky theme that kept the motor runnin' for John Q. Public? I dunno. Maybe shouting bring the mothafuckin' ruckus on a continuous loop helped bus drivers, school teachers, and i-bankers stay sane and true to the people they love. Or maybe it just made you feel like a fuckin' bad ass. Like Rae or some shit.

Moving parts

Early Wu engineer Carlos Bess, in a revelatory moment on some online forum, listed about 50 different pieces of recording equipment they used to make 36 Chambers. How'd they keep track of all that shit? And how come they all record audio files on their laptops now and send them back to base command (I.e. Bobby)? They should hang out more. Bring booze.

Free to mail it in

Wu members often recite written verses when asked to freestyle during radio station interviews. They'll dust off material from 36 Chambers or Forever, stuff we all grew up on, so I have a hard time believing they think no notices.

Maybe they figure freestyling is beneath them, which I'll go along with. Up-and-comers have to perform well in that setting to get noticed. But royalty? They don't need our attention.

They've had it for 17 years.