The Wu-Tang Clan has always used its
martial arts motif as a metaphor for survival, whether it be in the rap game,
the drug game, or life in general. Their
approach will likely never change, even when their music is being used in
service of an actual martial arts film. Though
the milieu of The Man with the Iron Fists
is ancient China instead of crack era Staten Island, the modus operandi remains
the same. The clan will never deviate
from course. Neither will Pusha T, who
happens to be the main feature of the latest offering from the Iron Fists soundtrack “Tick, Tock.”
As with “Built for This,” “Tick
Tock” maintains sonic fidelity with the films setting. Throughout the song, producers Frank Dukes
and S-1 make heavy use of a Chinese guqin.
During the hook, they use the instrument to strum the chords from the intro
to Southside Movement’s “I’ve Been Watching You.” Triangle strikes are added to offset the
stark tone. In accordance with the song’s
title, everything plays out over the incessant ticking of a clock, giving the
impression that time is running out. The
drums are suited to the sensibilities of southern Hip-Hop, particularly of the trap
music variety. Understated 808’s are
accompanied by stuttering snares and hand claps. Altogether, it’s hauntingly effective.
Push-T’s opening verse is awash in
religious imagery. It also covers the
usual drug related themes of betrayal and revenge. Clichés aside, it’s pretty solid, mostly due
to its cautionary tone. Raekwon’s verse
revels in the metaphorical rebirth of the clan that will possibly result from the
release of RZA’s film:
The chambers is 36
New and improved
Make a move
These guns whistle
Sizzle up dudes
Those bars are a reminder of the
state of things as Raekwon sees them, as well as a warning to all
challengers. At the end, he
characterizes the iconic Wu-Tang symbol as having redemptive powers.
Joell Ortiz continues the cautionary
tone set by Pusha T. He addresses how the drug game operates with regularity,
and in the most ideal cases, precision. Hence
the old saying “like clockwork,” which also relates to the song’s title. To close things out, Pusha-T provides an
opposite bookend to his opening verse. He
boldly accepts his fate. Everyone must
ultimately pay for their sins. However,
the most skillful and ruthless hustlers will make sure that sinning pays
handsomely.
The presence of Satan hangs over “Tick, Tock.” Though I would have preferred a song that directly relates to the film’s story, I cannot deny the inherent dopeness of this offering. Both songs that have been released from the Iron Fists soundtrack have renewed my faith in the Clan. Let’s hope they can keep that streak going. Let’s also hope that the movie is worthy of the music that will accompany it.
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