Yep. RZA wanted that feel to the album. That Marley Marl basement studio sound but with more instrumentation and the kung-fu infusion.
36 Chambers came out in 93, but the album is really about 85-89. You got 9 dudes that had entire life stories to tell. The sound reflects that.
You're one of the flabby older cats on here? If so,

Do you have any receipts on the part I bolded? or just reasons why you think the album is really about 85 - 89?