Geffen Records sent out a press release 20 years ago (January 25, 1996) to announce that: "Liquid Swords, the solo album from Genius of the Wu-Tang Clan has been certified Gold only two months after its release. The album, featuring GZA's masterful flow, coupled with intricate rhymes and tight production from RZA, is also a benchmark for Geffen Records. It is the label's first gold certified hip-hop album. Wu-Tang took the scene by storm in 1994 with their underground smash hit "Protect Ya Neck." The group's debut album Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) achieved platinum success and is credited with bringing hip-hop back to the raw esssence many fans felt had been missing in the scene. Method Man's solo venture went onto sell more than a million albums (certified platinum), while Ol' Dirty Bastard and Raekwon's LP's were certified gold." In November 1995, Rolling Stone said "Liquid (Swords) is an intriguing paradox of wordplay...and wisdom." I agree with that, 100%. The press release goes on to say, "The fast success of Liquid Swords has proven without a doubt that 1995 was the year of the Wu-Tang Clan. Genius' album is chock full of clever metaphors and dope rhymes. Look for "Shadowboxin" and "4th Chamber," the next singles from the GZA in early March." To me, "Liquid Swords" is one of the greatest winter albums of ALL-TIME. It was the fourth solo effort from the Wu-Tang - not including The Genius' debut years prior - and with its dirty sound and familiar ingredients, it's top two in all of the Wu-Tang solo efforts. Listen to the "Expanded Edition (instrumentals included)" of GZA's CLASSIC '96 album, Liquid Swords, now updated below...