First Look: GZA Liquid Swords "Chess Box" Reissue

In 1995, GZA dropped his classic Liquid Swords. With RZA behind the boards, the record is wildly considered the finest Wu-Tang solo album. Of course, that claim is subjective. What is indisputable is the impact of the release and its position in hip-hop history.

With all this in mind, Get On Down is preparing to release the GZA Liquid Swords "Chess Box" reissue. Complete with working chess set and 20-page liner notes, the box set includes both a remastered version of the original album and a never-before-released instrumental disk. GZA himself was interviewed by Chris Faraone for the notes, explaining the recording process and his relationship with RZA. In short, this is a true collectors item designed to satisfy all levels of rap nerdery.

Look for the box set on June 25, 2012. The release is part of Get On Down's deluxe "Master Series" collection, which kicked-off with a brilliant wallet/id card package for ODB's Return to the 36 Chambers in 2011.

Grab Your Chessboards if you love Hip-hop!!

Hip Hop Meets Chess to Combat Violence

Grab your chessboards if you love hip-hop...

Once again, the Bay Area-based Hip-Hop Chess Federation is back with another one of its terrific events, blending cool music, scholarship, and the game of kings. Started by HHCF founder Adisa Banjoko, with help from rappers like RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, Raaka of Dilated Peoples, Casual from Hieroglyphics, and others, the event aims to bring kids together with their heroes to play chess.

It's that simple, but the results can be amazing. By playing chess, kids learn about alternatives to violence, and like the game itself, they learn the importance of patience, and thinking about the consequences of a move.

As Banjoko says, "The Bay has had a lot of violence and tension and we put this event together in hope of balancing the nagativity, with a wave of positivity."

If you're interested in playing or helping, the event is saturday the 10th at John O'Connell High School in San Francisco. It runs from 10am to 2pm.

Come for the DJ .. stay for the chess.