Something of a companion piece to 2007’s Afro Samurai: The Soundtrack, Afro Samurai: Resurrection provides listeners with yet another batch of RZA-helmed material originally slated for use on the animated Spike TV broadcast series of the same name. While Resurrection’s predecessor saw RZA indulging in some uncharacteristic but largely successful experiments with atmospheric instrumentals and menacing R&B, this latest entry in the Afro Samurai series seems a bit more conventional. It finds him fashioning a series of rugged beats that hearken back to his early ‘90s heyday for a series of Wu veterans and distinguished guests to flow over. On the highlight “Whar” RZA even goes so far as to resurrect the stuttering rhythm and discomfiting buzzing of Enter the Wu-Tang’s “Clan In da Front” to generally satisfying effect. Though these nods to the Wu-Tang legacy may please nostalgic fans, interestingly some of the most inspiring performances on Resurrection are turned in by MC’s with no affiliation with the Wu-Tang Clan, most notably the legendary Kool G. Rap and Rah Digga, formerly of Masta Ace’s INC crew.