Wu-Tang Clan, Brixton Academy, review: Sound problems let hip hop legends down

For a group that prides themselves on their lyrical prowess, it's a shame that their lyrics can barely be heard

Wu-Tang perform at Coachella 2013 (Getty Images)

It's rare to feel you'd get more from an artist listening to their albums in the comfort of your home rather than seeing them live at a gig. But due to the terrible sound problems at Wu-Tang Clan's Brixton show, this is the disappointing feeling that pervades.

For a hip hop group that prides themselves on their lyrical prowess, often arguing that modern hip hop has lost its edge, the fact the audience can barely hear a line of their songs for the first 50 minutes comes as a huge blow.

The chorus of “C.R.E.A.M” can just be caught above the mess of noise resulting from the microphones and backing music being turned up too loudly.

The group still bursts with energy, even without Method Man, RZA and Raekwon on stage - if only we could hear them better. One hour in and it’s a relief to be able to make out the words to “Triumph”, but the song lacks its effortless flow performed live.

What should have been a rare opportunity to catch some old school hip hop beats at their best sees a number of fans leaving the show early. Wu-Tang’s sound system needs to be looked at before they can prove to the audience they really are nothing to f*ck with.