photo by steed media service

After much publicity and in-fighting, the Clan finally released their long-awaited fifth album, 8 Diagrams. The lead-off, Beatles-inspired single, “The Heart Gently Weeps,” features winning (and violence-laden) verses from Raekwon, Ghostface, and a superb Meth; but flags slightly when it shifts to the Erykah Badu-sung bridge. “Unpredictable” recaptures some of the Clan’s early ‘90s grit, while the bizarre “Sunlight” and lazy “Weak Spot” bog the record down. 8 Diagrams is a strong return, which features producer RZA bringing fresh sounds to his old bag o’ tricks. - dusty culpepper

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