* Genius/GZA

BENEATH THE SURFACE

(MCA)

In 1995, no rapper could match the Wu-Tang Clan's Genius/GZA: Liquid Swords, his second album, featured some of the heaviest, most mysterious hip-hop ever recorded. Four years later, after an unimpressive showing on 1997's Wu-Tang Forever, the Genius is ready for his comeback. Only, times have changed. In an era of upbeat, playfully innovative hip-hop, his return has been about as eagerly awaited as a dark cloud on a sunny day. There are a few rays of light on Beneath the Surface: "Breaker, Breaker" sets the Genius's stern delivery against synthesized strings and a bizarre CB-radio chorus by the RZA; the title track features a hypnotic rhyme from GZA protégé Killah Priest. But too many of the Genius's rhymes are clunky, too many of the beats are boring, and no one seems to be having any fun. The most depressing track might be the magazine-industry shout-out "Publicity," a new version of his overrated 1995 music-biz shout-out "Labels," which was itself a new version of his excellent verse from the Wu-Tang Clan's 1993 debut single, "Protect Ya Neck." The Genius's fall from grace is as methodical as his rhyme style.

-- Kelefa Sanneh