In the wake of jock-anthems and unoriginal styling flooding the radio, one truly colossal rap assembly has remained true. The group is the Wu-Tang Clan.

After over 15 years in the business, the remaining eight members of the Clan still have what it takes to make a grimy, in-your-face testament to music. The newest reflection of the rap heroes is “Return of the Wu & Friends.”

The Staten Island-based group is known for its uncooked sound and rugged repetition layered with street-life rhymes. Since their debut album in 1993, “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers),” the group refuses to set aside what they stand for.

The newest installment of the Wu-Tang legacy, released Feb. 16, gives all hip-hop fans hope for the future. Producer Mathematics helped assemble the new tracks, along with exclusive mixes of some old favorites. The legendary rap faction brings forward its raw sound, and exquisite sampling choices, to remind us of true hip-hop style.

Like most Wu-Tang works, the new album thrives on repetition of sounds. The samples have been chosen to fit with the lyrical styling of each member, making for an accurate flow. The theme seems to have leaned towards soul/funk music, rather than Asian influence, as most of the Clan’s work tends to be.

The new Wu-Tang edge is shown on Mathematics’ led productions such as, “Respect 2010” and “Clap 2010.” These tracks are bundled as the new-age Wu, streaked with reminders of yesterday. To accompany the ever repetitive and simple styled sampling, Mathematics adds quality scratch rhythms and ambient pitches to remain versatile.

With the singles of the album being the most catering to those seeking a mainstream sound, the dig is worth the find. “Rush” is a classic Method Man testament, with a background armed with a harpsichord. The haunting melody only encourages Method Man to pour quick masterful flow.

Another stellar addition to the Wu-Tang resume is “Early Grave.” Appropriately titled for a posthumous visit from ODB himself, the track lights up and reveals a mini funk orchestra that is riddled with horn-section stabs. Ol’ Dirty Bastard reminds us of his reckless ways, “Ride with Dirty, I pull up in a stolen J30.”

Not only is this album worth the listen, it’s worth the purchase. Group members have been focused on solo commitments (Method Man’s samurai comic book, Ghostface Killah’s spiritual guide, etc.), so it’s fortunate to have them all together long enough to record the cut. Let alone a fantastic cut, full of funky sounds, and soulful lyrical samplings (probably thanks to Masta Killa’s alleged funk fascination).

If true hip-hop is what you need, this is the album you’ve been waiting for. Don’t take it from me, take it from Mathematics, RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard.

Wu-Tang!

By Paul Young