Wu-Block, the debut hybrid project of Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah and D-Block’s Sheek Louch, stays true to the roots of Wu-Tang and delivers a retro, ‘90s hip-hop experience. As with most of its work, the duo tackles the struggles of living on dangerous streets and the problems that come with it — guns, drugs and violence. Clever wordplay is sprinkled throughout the album, along with well-produced beats and guest vocals from hip-hop’s finest such as Method Man, Jadakiss, Raekwon and Styles P. This isn’t radio hip-hop. The songs aren’t catchy, per se. The beats are more soulful than poppy and certain songs’ subject matter are far more serious than mainstream fodder. Top tracks to check out that exemplify the old school vibe are “Stick Up Kids” and “Pour Tha Martini.”

Grade: B+