Cappadonna Shows Range Away From Wu-Tang Clan

The Wu-Tang Clan prides itself on intricate wordplay and a lyrical mythology so heavily encoded that it often takes multiple listens to comprehend the vernacular attack. With a breathless, squawk flow, Cappadonna follows in that tradition, emerging with a sixth Wu solo effort that is equal parts garble-mouth boast fest, urban survival kit and sonic boom.

Though lacking the thematic variety of fellow Wu-Tanger Raekwon’s 1995 solo release, “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx . . . ,” Cappadonna’s solo debut relies on edgy beats and the rapper’s assaulting delivery to supersede its single-mindedness.

RZA, who normally assumes all production duties on all Wu-related records, shares the music-making chores this time with a host of Wu’s beat maker proteges, who supply enough tensile grooves and off-kilter rhythms to make Cappadonna’s cackling battle raps resonate with unique urgency. The Tru Master-produced “Slang Editorial” marches along with floating muted horns, while “Supa Ninjaz” features U-God and Method Man and an infectious chanted hook of “rock the body, body” over a rugged bass line and searing synthesizers. But, ultimately, the marriage of RZA’s multilayered keyboards with Cappadonna’s caw best conveys a musical range of emotions from paranoia (“Run”) to broken-hearted sadness (“Young Hearts”) and further illustrates why the Wu empire continues to expand.