Live

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. ~ Matt Rinaldi