Upon its release, "Liquid Swords" received critical acclaim. Selwyn Seyfu Hinds from "The Source" called GZA "a highly focused master-graftsman" and felt that "throughout "Liquid Swords" he maintains a clear, precise flow, one that reflects deadly-sharp purpose and skilled execution." Hinds also praised RZA's production on the album, noting his "increasingly sophisticated style: shuffling kicks, neck snapping snares, haunting melodies via strings or vibe-like textures and penetrating bass tones." In his review for "Entertainment Weekly", Dimitri Ehrlich said that, "With its tight beat, "Liquid Swords" emphasizes the finesse with which GZA weaves his vocals over straightforward rhythms." "Los Angeles Times" critic Cheo H. Coker described GZA as "a hip-hop M. C. Escher" whose lyrics "reveal layer after layer of thought with repeated listening", concluding that the album cements the Wu-Tang Clan as "the kings of New York rap."