GZA, AKA Genius, January 8 chases his 2005 semi solo set, ‘Grandmasters,' featuring exclusive production by west coast native DJ Muggs, with ‘Protools.'.

The new album, officially GZA's sophomore solo opus (‘Liquid Swords' 1995), reportedly touts guest work by GZA's Wu-Tang brethren RZA, Killah Priest and Raekwon, in addition to efforts by Mos Def and Sean Price. ‘Grandmasters' maestro Muggs and Nottz are featured on production as of press time. GZA also appears on ‘8 Diagrams' (December 11) ,Wu Tang Clans' fifth collective compact disc. "I think the time is perfect right now," says GZA of the Clan's reunion on wax. "Hip hop is missing something important - it's missing a main element. And Wu-Tang is the one to bring that element."

‘8 Diagrams' is distributed by Loud/SRC/Universal. Loud Records founder Steve Rifkind revealed the groundbreaking posse to mainstream fifteen years ago. The well traveled executive is credited by many with having initiated corporate branding and sponsorship in hip hop. The official ‘8 Diagrams Mixtape' is available for free download at www.loud.com.Here's the official Wu-Tang Clan ‘8 Diagrams Mixtape' track listing, via www.wutang-corp.com:

1) Intro feat. Method Man
2) Watch Ur Mouf (Wu-Tang Exclusive)
3) State Of Grace (Raekwon Exclusive)
4) Break That Break (Unreleased)
5) Wu Banga 101 Remix (Unreleased)
6) My Corner (Raekwon Exclusive)
7) Stick Me 4 My Riches (Wu-Tang Exclusive)
8) Thug World (Wu-Tang Exclusive)
9) Maxine Remix (Unreleased)
10) King Toast Queen (Unreleased)
11) Strawberries & Cream Remix
12) Weak Spot (Wu-Tang Exclusive)
13) Intoxicated feat Macy Gray (ODB Exclusive)
14) Crooklyn Dodgers (Ghostface Exclusive)
15) The "W" Remix (Unreleased)
16) Real Nillaz
17) Ghost Is Back
18) Don't Go Breaking My Heart ODB feat Macy Gray
19) Violent Skit
20) Life Changes (Wu-Tang Exclusive)
21) Treez (Unreleased)
22) The Abduction
23) John 3:16
24) Good
25) Da Destroyer (Raekwon Freestyle)
26) Iron God Chamber
27) 4:20
28) Wise (Unreleased)
29) Presidential M.C. (Bonus Track - The Heart Gently Weeps)