Silent Weapons For Quiet Wars
Encyclopedia
Silent Weapons for Quiet Wars is the debut from Wu-Tang affiliate
Killarmy
. The group consists of six MCs: Killa Sin, Beretta 9, Islord, 9th Prince, P.R. Terrorist (now Dom Pachino), and ShoGun Assasson; and one producer, 4th Disciple, who produced the majority of the album. Like Black Lung
's album of the same name, the title was taken from a document that came to light in the mid-1980s detailing a New-World Order
plan for world domination; a topic that was explored in Milton William Cooper
's infamous book Behold a Pale Horse
.
Silent Weapons initially received mixed reviews from critics, who saw the group as a low-rent version of the Wu-Tang Clan
[] because of similarities in the group's street-oriented Five-Percenter
rhymes and dark production. The album was well-received by Wu-Tang and underground hip hop fans—acclaimed for its unique combat themes and stellar production work.
The album features production from 4th Disciple
, Wu-Tang Clan
leader RZA
, and guest appearances from Clan member Masta Killa
, Clan affiliates Streetlife
, and Hell Razah
and Prodigal Sunn
of Sunz of Man
. The album features the singles "Swinging Swords," "Camouflage Ninjas" b/w "Wake Up," and "Wu-Renegades" b/w "Clash of the Titans."
The album uses a wide variety of samples, including "Suicide is Painless" from the show M.A.S.H. ("Five Stars"), the theme of the television version of The Incredible Hulk ("Wake Up"), a recording of “Frühlingsrauschen” ("Rustles of Spring") by Western classical
composer Christian Sinding
("Wu-Renegades"), and "The Wind that Shakes the Barley" by Dead Can Dance
("Blood for Blood"). Many vocal samples from Stanley Kubrick
's Full Metal Jacket
are used throughout the album as well.
Wu-Tang Clan affiliates
The hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan has various "affiliates" which receive support, financial and otherwise, from the Wu-Tang Clan. This is a list of musical groups and producers that are officially affiliated with the group, mostly through the RZA. The association of these affiliates with Wu-Tang...
Killarmy
Killarmy
Killarmy is a hip hop group, also known through its affiliation with the Wu-Tang Clan It is one of the earliest and most successful of the many Wu-Tang affiliates along with Sunz of Man....
. The group consists of six MCs: Killa Sin, Beretta 9, Islord, 9th Prince, P.R. Terrorist (now Dom Pachino), and ShoGun Assasson; and one producer, 4th Disciple, who produced the majority of the album. Like Black Lung
Black Lung
Black Lung is an electronic and industrial music project by Australian musician David Thrussell, also known for his industrial bands Snog and the more ambient Soma....
's album of the same name, the title was taken from a document that came to light in the mid-1980s detailing a New-World Order
New World Order (conspiracy)
In conspiracy theory, the term New World Order or NWO refers to the emergence of a totalitarian one-world government.The common theme in conspiracy theories about a New World Order is that a secretive power elite with a globalist agenda is conspiring to eventually rule the world through an...
plan for world domination; a topic that was explored in Milton William Cooper
Milton William Cooper
Milton William Cooper was an American writer, shortwave broadcaster, conspiracy theorist, and political activist.-Biography:...
's infamous book Behold a Pale Horse
Behold a Pale Horse
Behold a Pale Horse is a phrase taken from the biblical Book of Revelation, : "And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him...."It may also refer to:*Behold a Pale Horse , a 1964 film...
.
Silent Weapons initially received mixed reviews from critics, who saw the group as a low-rent version of the Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
The Wu-Tang Clan is a hip-hop group from Staten Island that consists of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. They are frequently joined by fellow childhood friend Cappadonna, a quasi member of the group...
[] because of similarities in the group's street-oriented Five-Percenter
The Nation of Gods and Earths
The Nation of Gods and Earths, sometimes referred to as NGE or NOGE, the Five-Percent Nation, or the Five Percenters is an American organization founded in 1964 in the Harlem section of the borough of Manhattan, New York City, by Clarence 13X, a former student of Malcolm X, who left his mosque...
rhymes and dark production. The album was well-received by Wu-Tang and underground hip hop fans—acclaimed for its unique combat themes and stellar production work.
The album features production from 4th Disciple
4th Disciple
Selwin Bougard, now known as El-Divine Amir Bey, better known by his stage name 4th Disciple, is a hip hop producer and engineer who was one of the founding members of Killarmy and one of the best-known Wu-Tang-affiliated producers.- Biography :...
, Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
The Wu-Tang Clan is a hip-hop group from Staten Island that consists of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. They are frequently joined by fellow childhood friend Cappadonna, a quasi member of the group...
leader RZA
RZA
Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, better known by his stage name RZA , is an American Grammy-winning music producer, multi-instrumentalist, author, emcee, and occasional actor, director, and screenwriter. A prominent figure in Hip Hop, RZA is the de facto leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. He has produced almost...
, and guest appearances from Clan member Masta Killa
Masta Killa
Jamel Arief , better known as Masta Killa, is an American rapper and member of the Wu-Tang Clan...
, Clan affiliates Streetlife
Streetlife (rapper)
Patrick Charles, better known by the stage name Streetlife, is a hip hop artist who is a close associate of the Wu-Tang Clan, particularly of Method Man. He was born in the Bronx, moved to Houston, Texas, and later moved to Staten Island where he grew up....
, and Hell Razah
Hell Razah
Hell Razah is an American rapper, best known as a member of Sunz of Man, an early affiliate of the Wu-Tang Clan...
and Prodigal Sunn
Prodigal Sunn
Prodigal Sunn is an American rapper, actor and entrepreneur.- Biography :Prodigal Sunn was the only child of indigenous parents and grew up in Brooklyn. During his youth, Prodigal was known as the ‘Sun of Man’ and was later re-christened "Prodigal Sunn" by childhood friend Killah Priest in...
of Sunz of Man
Sunz of Man
Sunz of Man is a Wu-Tang Clan affiliated group that currently consists of Prodigal Sunn, Hell Razah, 60 Second Assassin, Shabazz the Disciple and Killah Priest. The group's first incarnation also included 7th Ambassador and Supreme...
. The album features the singles "Swinging Swords," "Camouflage Ninjas" b/w "Wake Up," and "Wu-Renegades" b/w "Clash of the Titans."
Track listing
| # | Title | Producer(s) | Performer (s) | Sample (s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Dress to Kill" | 4th Disciple |
|
*"Get Out of My Life, Woman" by Iron Butterfly Iron Butterfly Iron Butterfly is a US psychedelic rock band best known for the 1968 hit "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida".Their heyday was the late 1960s, but the band has been reincarnated with various members. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is the 31st best-selling album in the world, selling more than 25 million copies.-History:The... |
| 2 | "Clash of the Titans" | 4th Disciple |
|
*"Celeste Aida" by 101 Strings 101 Strings 101 Strings Orchestra was a brand for a highly successful easy listening symphonic music organization, with a discography exceeding a hundred albums and a creative lifetime of roughly thirty years. Their LPs were individualized by the slogan "The Sound of Magnificence", a puffy cloud logo and... |
| 3 | "Burning Season" | 4th Disciple |
|
*"Light My Fire" by Al Green Al Green Albert Greene , better known as Al Green, is an American gospel and soul music singer. He reached the peak of his popularity in the 1970s, with hit singles such as "You Oughta Be With Me", "I'm Still In Love With You", "Love and Happiness", and "Let's Stay Together"... |
| 4 | "Blood for Blood" | 4th Disciple |
|
*"The Wind That Shakes the Barley" by Dead Can Dance Dead Can Dance Dead Can Dance are an ethereal neoclassical duo formed in Melbourne, Australia, in August 1981, by Lisa Gerrard and Brendan Perry. The band relocated to London in May 1982 and disbanded in 1998. Their 1996 album Spiritchaser reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top World Music Albums Chart... |
| 5 | "Seems it Never Fails" | 4th Disciple |
|
|
| 6 | "Universal Soldiers" | 4th Disciple |
|
|
| 7 | "Love, Hell, or Right" | |||
| 8 | "Wake Up" | The RZA |
|
*"The Lonely Man Theme" by Joe Harnell Joe Harnell Joe Harnell was an American easy listening composer and arranger.... |
| 9 | "Fair, Love, and War" | 4th Disciple |
|
|
| 10 | "Wu-Renegades" | 4th Disciple |
|
*"Rustle of Spring" by Christian Sinding Christian Sinding Christian August Sinding was a Norwegian composer.-Personal life:He was born in Kongsberg as a son of mine superindendent Matthias Wilhelm Sinding and Cecilie Marie Mejdell . He was a brother of the painter Otto Sinding and the sculptor Stephan Sinding... |
| 11 | "Full Moon" | 4th Disciple |
|
*"Requiem" by Brooklyn Bridge Brooklyn Bridge The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. Completed in 1883, it connects the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn by spanning the East River... *"God Made Me Funky" by the Headhunters The Headhunters The Headhunters are an American jazz-funk fusion band, best known for their albums they recorded as a backing band of jazz keyboard player Herbie Hancock during the 1970s. Hancock's debut album with the group, Head Hunters, is one of the best-selling jazz/fusion records of all time.-History:Herbie... |
| 12 | "Under Siege" | 4th Disciple |
|
|
| 13 | "Shelter" | 4th Disciple |
|
|
| 14 | "Camouflage Ninjas" | 4th Disciple |
|
*"Mom" by Earth, Wind & Fire Earth, Wind & Fire Earth, Wind & Fire is an American soul and R&B band formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1969 by Verdine and Maurice White. Also known as EWF, the band has won six Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards. They have been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of... |
| 15 | "Swinging Swords" | 4th Disciple |
|
*"Swing! Brother, Swing!" by Billie Holiday Billie Holiday Billie Holiday was an American jazz singer and songwriter. Nicknamed "Lady Day" by her friend and musical partner Lester Young, Holiday had a seminal influence on jazz and pop singing... |
| 16 | "War Face" | The RZA |
|
|
| 17 | "5 Stars" | 4th Disciple |
Masta Killa Jamel Arief , better known as Masta Killa, is an American rapper and member of the Wu-Tang Clan... |
*"Suicide Is Painless (Main Title)" by Johnny Mandel Johnny Mandel Johnny Mandel is an American composer and arranger of popular songs, film music and jazz. Among the musicians he has worked with are Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Anita O'Day, Barbra Streisand, and Shirley Horn.-Life:... and Mike Altman |
The album uses a wide variety of samples, including "Suicide is Painless" from the show M.A.S.H. ("Five Stars"), the theme of the television version of The Incredible Hulk ("Wake Up"), a recording of “Frühlingsrauschen” ("Rustles of Spring") by Western classical
Classical music
Classical music is the art music produced in, or rooted in, the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music, encompassing a broad period from roughly the 11th century to present times...
composer Christian Sinding
Christian Sinding
Christian August Sinding was a Norwegian composer.-Personal life:He was born in Kongsberg as a son of mine superindendent Matthias Wilhelm Sinding and Cecilie Marie Mejdell . He was a brother of the painter Otto Sinding and the sculptor Stephan Sinding...
("Wu-Renegades"), and "The Wind that Shakes the Barley" by Dead Can Dance
Dead Can Dance
Dead Can Dance are an ethereal neoclassical duo formed in Melbourne, Australia, in August 1981, by Lisa Gerrard and Brendan Perry. The band relocated to London in May 1982 and disbanded in 1998. Their 1996 album Spiritchaser reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top World Music Albums Chart...
("Blood for Blood"). Many vocal samples from Stanley Kubrick
Stanley Kubrick
Stanley Kubrick was an American film director, writer, producer, and photographer who lived in England during most of the last four decades of his career...
's Full Metal Jacket
Full Metal Jacket
Full Metal Jacket is a 1987 war film produced and directed by Stanley Kubrick. It is an adaptation of the 1979 novel The Short-Timers by Gustav Hasford and stars Matthew Modine, Vincent D'Onofrio, R. Lee Ermey, Arliss Howard and Adam Baldwin. The film follows a platoon of U.S...
are used throughout the album as well.
Album singles
| Single information |
|---|
"Swinging Swords"
|
| "Camouflage Ninjas"
|
| "Wu-Renegades"
|
Album chart positions
| Year | Album | Chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums | ||
| 1997 | Silent Weapons for Quiet Wars | 34 | 10 |
Singles chart positions
| Year | Song | Chart positions | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard Hot 100 Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks | Hot Rap Singles | Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales | ||
| 1996 | "Wake Up" | - | 89 | 20 | 37 |
| 1997 | "Wu-Renegades" | - | 69 | 16 | - |