Clever lyrics and Wu-Tang spirit from GZA

In the ‘90s, few hip-hop legacies loomed larger than that of New York’s Wu-Tang Clan. Composed of hip-hop heroes such as Method Man and the notorious Ol’ Dirty Bastard, the act brought an even grittier realism to the hard-core rap scene with its 1993 debut “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers),” juxtaposing distinctly original rapping styles with the stark, orchestral production of studio wizard and leader RZA.

Their uncompromising approach and larger-than-life personas have earned them a rabid fan base, and it was out in force Wednesday when Wu-Tang’s GZA (a.k.a. Genius) headlined at Hollywood’s Knitting Factory.

While GZA may not have the highest profile of the outfit, his consistently impressive lyricism has earned him much respect from fans and peers alike. Supporting his recently released fourth solo album, “Legend of the Liquid Sword,” GZA delivered a raucous hourlong set peppered with Wu-Tang classics.

Flanked by fellow Wu-Tang member Masta Killa and DJ Mathematics, GZA kept the energy high throughout the show with his raw, metaphor-rich rhymes and direct delivery. The sold-out crowd returned the favor, lustily rapping along to such new songs as “Animal Planet” and the single “Knock Knock” as if they were old favorites.

Nostalgia ran high as GZA gave a tribute to the embattled (and currently incarcerated) Ol’ Dirty Bastard with a rendition of “Shimmy Shimmy Ya Ya,” while Masta Killa took the opportunity to introduce a new song of his own, “No Set Date,” as mosh pits erupted in front of the stage.

The audience had been ably warmed up with a fiery and fun set from independent rap hero J-Live, whose album “All of the Above” is among the year’s shining debuts.