Wu-Tang Takes the Stage With a Philip Rivers Rave

Going into a mainstream rap show, not to mention one featuring a longtime crew on a reunion tour, you shouldn't be all too surprised when they hit the stage over four hours late. Palpable anger swirled through the air as "Wu-Tang" chants ringing off the walls of 4th&B drown out the futile efforts of the dreadful openers. Just when the mood seemed to border on riot mode, Method Man's simple announcement of "Philip Rivers is my favorite fucking player!" lifted any residual restlessness and apathy from the floorboards. And with that proclamation the groundbreaking NYC rap troupe took the stage to thunderous, drunken applause.

While Method Man and Ghostface certainly brought their A-game to town, the rest of the group was a bit lethargic. And the absence of RZA, who is currently filming a martial arts flick in China alongside Russell Crowe, was hard to ignore. Fortunately the tension that was apparent earlier in the evening gave way to joint-passing camaraderie as "Bring Da Ruckus" blared over the speakers. Wu's set also featured mid-’90s classics such as "Liquid Swords" and "Ice Cream," which more than appeased the capacity crowd.

Concert: Wu-Tang Clan
Date: December 4
Venue: 4th&B
Seats: General admission