New Wu-Tang Clan - Execution In Autumn

With A Better Tomorrow set for release in July, the Wu-Tang Clan dug deep into the RZA vaults to unveil the previously unreleased "Execution In Autumn." It's classic Wu, featuring the aforementioned RZA, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, and U-God, with production from Frank Dukes.

Whether or not "Execution In Autumn" makes the release of A Better Tomorrow isn't certain, however. This could just be a cool prize beforehand. The single will be available as a 7" as well for a surprisingly decent $.50, with an instrumental B-Side. Buy the 7" here from RZA's Soul Temple imprint, or listen to the track below.

New Raekwon - Son Of Sam

There has to be an urban legend floating around somewhere that the members of Wu Tang have immortal styles. Regardless of it coming out in the mid-90s or today, the members of legendary collective never seem to lose even an ounce of a step. If the new Ghostface Killah output 12 Reasons To Die wasn't convincing enough, Raekwon's "Son Of Sam" should.

With the help of producers Frank G and Roads-Art, the jazzy rhythms are paced by the cut-throat verses from The Chef. It's a serious must listen.

Wu Tang Clan on Fallon

It's big. Most (unfortunately) dropped by Late Night With Jimmy Fallon last night to perform another stellar track from RZA's The Man With The Iron Fists soundtrack, "Six Directions Of Boxing." The Roots and Black Thought admirably filled the void of the members who weren't in attendance (Raekwon, Method Man), including in a special rendition of "Protect Ya Neck."

Watch both performances below, and grab the soundtrack to The Man With The Iron Fists today.

Pavement, Modest Mouse Headline Pitchfork Music Festival

Pitchfork Media's 2010 music festival announced a portion of their official line up Friday, with recently reunited indie juggernauts Pavement and Modest Mouse headlining the Chicago, Illinois three-day festival.

LCD Soundsystem, Raekwon, St. Vincent, and many others including a long list of artists yet to be announced are performing July 16-18 at Chicago's Union Park. Good for them. What this means to me and anyone who ever reads Bears and Bullets knows that whatever happens at Pitchfork Music Festival will effect Lollapalooza, also held in Chicago in early August. Because of rules and regulations, any artist performing at one festival cannot perform at the other during the same calendar year. So for any devout Lolla-goers, scratch Modest Mouse, Pavement and LCD Soundsystem off your hopeful lists. Sigh.

Official 2010 Pitchfork Music Festival Lineup (as of Feb. 8):

Monday, July 16;

• Modest Mouse

Saturday, July 17;

• LCD Soundsystem
• Raekwon

Sunday, July 18;

• Pavement
• St. Vincent
• Lightning Bolt
• Cass McCombs
• Sleigh Bells
• Here We Go Magic

Stay tuned for more updates ...

Thursday Bears: Raekwon on Fallon

Ex-Wu Tang member Raekwon followed up his landmark 1995 solo-debut Only Built 4 Cuban Linx with Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II, in one of the best albums of the year.

The NYC native performed "Catalina" from the aforementioned album alongside The Roots (featuring a nice portion from Black Thought) on the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon stage, further proving that all Wu Tang members are probably better at what they do than anyone else in the rap game.

Raekwon - Catalina (Live on Fallon)