Who is the Best Wu Tang Clan Member?

A few questions.  (1) Who is your favorite Wu-Tang Clan member?  (2) Who is the best lyricist?  (3) Who is the most influential member?  (4) Who had the best solo career? 

A few answers. (1) Raekwon.  (2) Ghostface. (3) ODB. (4) Ghostface.   

Wu-Tang Clan is one the greatest groups ever assembled.  Nine rappers from the same neighborhood.  Wow.  In most groups, there is usually one or two guys who are really good emcees.  Think about Tribe Called Quest.  Q-Tip and Phife did all the heavy lifting.  What about Naughty by Nature?  Treach was the catalyst.  Even R&B groups are similarly created.  Think about the Jackson 5, and New Edition.  Each of the nine members of the Wu were good emcees.  Rza, Gza, Method Man, ODB (deceased), Raekwon, U-God,Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck and U-God.  Yep. 

My favorite Wu member is  Raekwon "the chef."  His first album, Only Built for Cuban Linx is arguably the best solo release from any Wu member.  He has always combined great lyrical content with an impeccable delivery.  He has so many great songs, so it is impossible for me to pick just one.  However, C.R.E.A.M. is definitely near the top of my list.  Verbal Intercourse and Incarcerated Scarfaces are a few of my other favorite Raekwon songs.  

Ghostface Killah.  Where do I start with this guy?  Ghost absolutely has one of the best flows of any member of the Wu.  Him and Rae rhyme in codes that are not always so easy to decipher.  One of the things I like most about Ghost is his ability to be witty and funny all without compromising his impeccable flow.  He has too many classic songs to choose just one.  All That I Got is You featuring Mary J Blige is one of Ghost's best songs.  Mighty Healthy off his LP, Supreme Clientele, is one of his best songs.  

Although Rae and Ghost are my favorite Wu Members, many other members have contributed to the lore of the Wu by releasing outstanding solo projects.  Liquid Swords (GZA), Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version ODB), and Tical (Method Man) are all excellent albums.  The group collaborations are crazy as well- Enter the 36 Chambers and Wu-Tang Forever.  


Peace