Wu-Tang Mees the Indie Culture (2005)

Only three original Clan-ers contribute to Wu-Tang Meets the Indie Culture — but the accompanying swarm of underground darlings makes it a surprisingly successful stunt. Criminally underrated ex-con Ras Kass slashes through a tirade against the Iraq war on the dulcet ''Verses,'' while Harlem's Vast Aire scorches the rugged ''Slow Blues.'' Even with most Wu members MIA, Culture embodies the group's unmistakable half-crazy, half-brilliant aesthetic.