REVIEW: Live By Masta Killa

(Gold Dust/Border Music)

2 out of 5

Before listening to this, all I could think was, ‘Thank God it’s not U-God.’ Masta Killa is one of those artists you either instantly love, or instantly hate, and he - along with Deck and Raekwon - was always one of my favourite members of the Wu Tang Clan. Unfortunately though, this feeling doesn’t translate well to a live album. Although it starts off with Killa’s uncontestable verse from ‘Mystery Of Chess Boxin’ as an acapella, which is a treat in itself, it seeps into more boring tracks like ‘Duel Of The Iron Mic’ with GZA, a track that doesn’t need to be done live. GZA is the most featured member of the Clan on the project, also appearing on ‘Silver Backs’ and ‘Triumph’ with Deck, which are clear standouts - as is ‘Whatever’ with Street Life and Prodigal Sun and the solo outings ‘No Said Date’ and ‘D.T.D’. Basically, it’s one of those eclectic projects that you’re either in love with the minute you read the title, or you’re not. Some groups/artists really don’t need live CDs.

Review by Mark Thomson.