Cappadonna converts non-believers

There isn't any other group of musicians that can put out seven critically acclaimed, gold and platinum albums within five years (not to mention the countless albums that claimed to be Wu-affiliated), as well as starting record labels and their own line of clothing. You know this. I know this. The millions of junkies who will buy anything with a "W" on it know this.

The latest addition to the Wu-dynasty is Cappadonna. The brash rapper isn't part of the core group, but his numerous guest appearances on Wu projects legitimates him as official Wu property. He exploits that to the fullest on his debut album "The Pillage," starting with a logo featuring the killer bee mascot on top of the Wu's trademark W.

REVIEW
	Cappadonna The Pillage Razor Sharp 4 stars Reviewed by Daily Arts Writer JuQuan Williams

There is no mistaking that this is a Wu-Tang album. The music is handled mostly by Wu-Tang producers Tru Master, Goldfingaz and the RZA himself, laced with simple bass lines, hard snares, and mutilated movie and Motown samples. Fast-paced, aggressive songs like "Check for a Nigga" will fit right in with your collection of favorite Wu songs. As evidenced by the ambitious "Milk This Cow" and the heartbroken "Young Hearts," Cappa's lyrics and messages are surprisingly clear, although from time to time he still falls into the typical Wu-Tang jargon that makes sense to nobody but core members (and sometimes you wonder if even they know what they're talking about).

As on all Wu-Tang projects, Cappa shines best when paired up with his Wu-Tang comrades. Raekwon and Method Man represent well on the brooding "Dart Throwing," Ghostface drops a few gems on the demented "Oh-Donna," and the sparse "Supa Ninjaz" features Meth and Wu-Tang's best kept secret, U-God.

But Cappa introduces two new Wu-affiliates who more than hold their own with their elders. Rhyme Recca makes a solid presence on the nod-inducing "Everything is Everything," and Wu-singer Tekitha gives the Wu a much-needed female rap presence on "Pump Ya Fist."

Every song on "The Pillage" has the cutting-edge quality people have come to expect from the Wu-Tang clan and Cappa proves himself a capable lyricist aside from the group as well as with it. Cappadonna's debut is a great jumping-on point for those uninitiated into Wu-Tang fandom. If you aren't a Wu-fan yet, stop fighting the wave, and join the rest of us on the bandwagon.

03-24-98