Released at the end of a quiet year for the {$Wu-Tang} family, {$GZA}'s {^Legend of the Liquid Sword} proves {$Gary Grice} is easily the most underrated rapper in the fold, and definitely the most consistent as a solo artist. The album gains power as it progresses; after a compelling {&"Auto Bio"} that's chained down by a bland production, and {&"Did Ya Say That,"} wherein the {$Genius} sounds downright confused (or worse, resigned) about the game of label politics, {^Legend of the Liquid Sword} locks into a great groove with the single {&"Knock, Knock"} and rarely misses after that. Unsurprisingly, the {$Wu-Tang} features {&"Fam (Members Only),"} featuring {$RZA} and {$Masta Killa}, and {&"Silent,"} featuring {$Ghostface Killah}, are big highlights, with a sound similar to 2001's {^Iron Flag}. Surprisingly, though, his track with low-profile {$Wu-Tang} member {$Inspectah Deck} bests the other two. {&"Fame"} finds the {$Genius} weaving some clever word games around celebrity names, and guest {$Allen Anthony} makes the title track into a grand {\funk} jam akin to {$OutKast}. The productions on {^Legend of the Liquid Sword} are below average for a talent like his, but chances are good that's by design; since {$GZA} is a rapper's rapper, his smooth flow and excellent imagination are all that's necessary to propel any of these tracks. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide