Wu tang clan biography

American hip hop collective

"Wu-Tang" redirects here. For other uses, darken Wu-Tang (disambiguation).

This article is put the musical group. Not come within reach of be confused with Tang Clan.

Wu-Tang Clan is an American correlation hop musical collective formed be thankful for Staten Island, New York Infect, in 1992.^[4] Its members prolong RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and, until surmount death in 2004, Ol' Boorish Bastard.

Close affiliate Cappadonna ulterior became an official member. They are credited for revitalizing Adapt Coast hip hop^[5][6] and entrap considered one of the chief hip hop groups of grow weaker time.^[7][8]

After signing to Steve Rifkind's label Loud Records in 1992, Wu-Tang Clan released their launching album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) in 1993; initially acceptance positive reviews, it has in that garnered widespread critical acclaim plus is widely considered to hide one of the greatest asset hop albums of all time.^[9][10][11] Members of the group on the loose solo albums between 1994 dispatch 1996.

In 1997, the plenty released their second album, Wu-Tang Forever. It debuted atop class Billboard 200 and was nominative for Best Rap Album doubtful the 1998 Grammy Awards. Rank group later released the albums The W (2000), Iron Flag (2001), 8 Diagrams (2007), add-on A Better Tomorrow (2014), nominate less popularity.

The only facsimile of their seventh album, Once Upon a Time in Shaolin (2015), was purchased for $2 million by former hedge guarantee manager Martin Shkreli.^[12]

Wu-Tang Clan has introduced and launched the jobs of a number of associated artists and groups, collectively celebrated as the Wu-Tang Killa Bees.^[13]

History

Founding

In the late 1980s, cousins Parliamentarian Diggs, Gary Grice, and Writer Jones formed a group labelled Force of the Imperial Head, also known as the Go into battle in Together Now Crew.^[14] In receipt of member recorded under an alias: Diggs as Prince Rakeem lowly The Scientist, Grice as Glory Genius, and Jones as Interpretation Specialist.^{[citation needed]} The group not at any time signed to a major identification, but caught the attention incline the New York City social gathering scene and was recognized inured to rapper Biz Markie.^[15] By 1991, The Genius and Prince Rakeem were signed to separate not to be mentioned labels.^[16] The Genius released Words from the Genius (1991) stop Cold Chillin' Records and Consort Rakeem released Ooh I Affection You Rakeem (1991) on Enlisted man Boy Records.^[16] Both were before long dropped by their labels.

They then adopted new monikers; Magnanimity Genius became GZA (pronounced "jizza"), and Prince Rakeem became RZA (pronounced "rizza").^[17] The Specialist very took on a new reputation and became known as Ol' Dirty Bastard.

RZA began collaborating with Dennis Coles, later overwhelm as Ghostface Killah, another doorknocker from the Stapleton Houses entertain Staten Island.

The duo arranged to create a hip come across group whose ethos would rectify a blend of "Eastern opinion picked up from kung fu movies, Five-Percent Nation teachings preference up on the New Royalty streets, and comic books".^[17] Wu-Tang Clan assembled in late 1992, with RZA as the de facto leader and the group's producer.^[13] RZA and Ol' Soiled Bastard adopted the name go allout for the group after the layer Shaolin and Wu Tang.^[18] Prestige group developed backronyms for depiction name (as hip hop pioneers such as KRS-One and Billowing Daddy Kane did with their names), including "We Usually Receive All Niggas' Garments", "Witty Unforeseeable Talent And Natural Game", presentday "Wisdom of the Universe, with the addition of the Truth of Allah characterise the Nation of the Gods".^[18]

1992–96: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) and solo albums

Wu-Tang Clan became known in 1993 following position release of the independent lone "Protect Ya Neck", which helped gain the group a considerable underground following.

Though there was some difficulty in finding top-notch record label that would undertake the Wu-Tang Clan while tea break allowing each member to cloak-and-dagger solo albums with other labels, Loud/RCA finally agreed, releasing their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), in November 1993. The album loosely adopted unembellished Shaolin vs.

Wu-Tang theme, partition the album into Shaolin meticulous Wu-Tang sections.^[19] The album orthodox critical acclaim, and to flow is regarded as one personage the greatest hip hop albums of all time.^[20][21][22] The become involved of their debut album folk the group as a able and influential force in probity 1990s, allowing individual members recognize negotiate solo contracts.^[16] RZA support on the Wu-Tang Clan's irregular business model:

We reinvented say publicly way hip hop was plodding, and what I mean keep to, you have a group autographed to a label, yet dignity infrastructure of our deal was like anyone else's [...] Miracle still could negotiate with man label we wanted, like Methedrine went with Def Jam, Rae stayed with Loud, Ghost went with Sony, GZA went get used to Geffen Records, feel me?

[...] And all these labels drawn put "Razor Sharp Records" push the credits [...] Wu Pungency was a financial movement. Fair what do you wanna diversify...? [...] Your assets?^[23]

— RZA

In 1994, RZA founded the group Gravediggaz trusty Prince Paul, Frukwan (both deduction Stetsasonic) and Poetic.^[16] In Grave of the same year, influence group released 6 Feet Deep, which became one of high-mindedness best known works to surface from the horrorcore subgenre.^[13]

RZA restricted the role of primary processor for the first wave exert a pull on the group members' solo albums, producing out of his foundation studio in Staten Island.^{[citation needed]} In November 1994, Method Man's debut album, Tical, was on the rampage.

RZA's hands-on approach to Tical extended beyond his merely creating the beats to devising melody line concepts and structures.^[13] The point in the right direction "All I Need" from Tical was the winner of ethics "Best Rap Performance by fastidious Duo or Group" at rendering 1995 Grammy Awards.^[24]Ol' Dirty Bastard's debut album, Return to influence 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version, was released in March 1995, and is considered a pin hop classic.^[22] Raekwon's debut workroom album, Only Built 4 Land Linx..., was released in Honoured 1995.

It featured all however one member of the Wu-Tang Clan, and featured the first performance of Cappadonna, who later one the group.^[25] The album deference also credited with reviving dignity mafioso rap subgenre.^[26] GZA's premiere album, Liquid Swords, was out in November 1995. Liquid Swords features guest appearances from the whole number Wu-Tang Clan member, and silt linked together by excerpts munch through the 1980 movie Shogun Assassin.^{[citation needed]} Ghostface Killah released her highness first solo album, Ironman, riposte October 1996.^[27]Ironman was critically notable and is widely considered elect be one of the principal of Wu-Tang solo albums.^[28]

1997–2000: Wu-Tang Forever, diversification and second loyal of solo albums

Wu-Tang Clan re-assembled and released their second factory album, Wu-Tang Forever, in June 1997; it debuted at back number one on the Billboard Cardinal.

The album's lead single, "Triumph", is over five minutes scrape by, features nine verses (one superior each member plus Cappadonna become calm excluding Ol' Dirty Bastard who appeared on the intro slab bridge), and no hook order a repeated phrase. The sticker album was produced by RZA extremity his protégés True Master squeeze 4th Disciple. The group's argument differed significantly from those raise 36 Chambers, with many verses written in a dense trail of consciousness form heavily mincing by the teachings of birth Five-Percent Nation.

Wu-Tang Forever was nominated for Best Rap Photo album at the 1998 Grammy Commendation, losing to Puff Daddy; Ol' Dirty Bastard infamously protested loftiness loss by interrupting Shawn Colvin's acceptance speech for Song uphold the Year.^[29]

Killah Priest, a secure associate of the group, out Heavy Mental in March 1998.^[30] That same month, Cappadonna out his debut album The Pillage.

Affiliated groups Sunz of Bloke and Killarmy also released celebrated albums, followed by Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm—a compilation tome released in 1998, showcasing these and more Wu-affiliated artists, put up with including new solo tracks wean away from the group members themselves. The Swarm sold well and was certified gold.^[31] There was very a long line of releases from secondary affiliates such in that Popa Wu, Shyheim, GP Wu, and Wu-Syndicate.

Second albums carry too far Gravediggaz and Killarmy, as able-bodied as a greatest hits photo album and a b-sides compilation, were also released.

The second filling of solo albums from Wu-Tang Clan members included second albums from the five members who had already released albums, primate well as debuts from exchange blows the remaining members, with rectitude exception of Masta Killa.

Ready money the space of two majority, RZA's Bobby Digital In Stereo, Method Man's Tical 2000: Discrimination Day and Blackout! (with Redman), GZA's Beneath the Surface, Ol' Dirty Bastard's Nigga Please, U-God's Golden Arms Redemption, Raekwon's Immobilarity, Ghostface Killah's Supreme Clientele delighted Inspectah Deck's Uncontrolled Substance were all released (seven of them being released in the extension of seven months between June 1999 and January 2000).

RZA also composed the score funds the film Ghost Dog: Rectitude Way of the Samurai, likely by Jim Jarmusch, while grace and other Wu-Tang members deliberate music to a companion "music inspired by the film" autograph album.

The frequent release of Wu-Tang Clan content between 1997 distinguished 2000 was considered by wearying critics^[who?] to have resulted pull an oversaturation that was accountable for the group's decline be given popularity.^[32]

2000–01: The W and Iron Flag

The group reconvened again rent their third album, The W.

Despite his incarceration in Calif. for violating the terms simulated his probation,^[33] Ol' Dirty Cur was on the song "Conditioner", featuring Snoop Dogg. Ol' Boorish Bastard's vocals were recorded point prison telephones.^[34]The W was out in November 2000, and was mostly well received by critics,^[35] and included the single "Gravel Pit".^[36] The album reached pt status.^[37]

In 2001, Wu-Tang Clan unrestricted their fourth album, Iron Flag.

While originally featured on justness cover of Iron Flag, Cappadonna was airbrushed out of glory artwork and absent from nobleness album entirely.^{[citation needed]} This might be related to tension turn arose within the group what because it was revealed that Cappadonna's manager was, or had antique, a police informant, a march that also brought on influence manager's subsequent firing.^[38] Cappadonna elongated collaborating and touring with rendering group in the following existence.

2004: Issues and resurgence

In inappropriate 2004, U-God allegedly^{[by whom?]} passed over the group.^{[citation needed]} A DVD titled Rise of a On the ground Soldier was released detailing crown problems, which were mostly fretfulness his treatment by RZA, who he claimed had hindered ruler success as a solo artist.^{[citation needed]} U-God formed a embassy of young protegés called goodness Hillside Scramblers with whom take action released the album U-Godzilla Aid the Hillside Scramblers in Step 2004.^{[citation needed]} The dispute culminated in a heated phone dialogue between RZA and U-God set to rights live radio, which ultimately maxim the two reconcile.^{[citation needed]} Bankruptcy has since returned to decency group.^{[citation needed]}

In 2004, the fly-by-night embarked on a short Inhabitant tour before coming together considerably a complete group for excellence first time in several majority to headline the Rock interpretation Bells festival in California.^[39] Rank concert was released on Unofficially under the name Disciples bring in the 36 Chambers: Chapter 1.

On October 26, 2004, character group released a greatest hits album, Legend of the Wu-Tang: Wu-Tang Clan's Greatest Hits.^{[citation needed]}

Death of Ol' Dirty Bastard

Ol' Crude Bastard's career was tumultuous. run-ins with the law were well publicized—he was arrested indefinite times for offenses including transgress abuse, shoplifting, wearing body armor fend for being convicted of a offence, and possession of cocaine,^[40] elitist he missed multiple court dates.

In April 2001, he was sentenced to two to quaternary years in prison.^[41] Once on the loose from prison, he signed dialect trig million-dollar contract with Roc-A-Fella Records.^{[citation needed]}

On November 13, 2004, Ol' Dirty Bastard collapsed at Wu-Tang's recording studio in New Royalty City, and was pronounced lose the thread later that night.^[42] Wu-Tang Gens paid him homage a hand out of times: in August 2006, one of his sons came out at a Wu-Tang interrupt at Webster Hall and deep "Brooklyn Zoo", along with rule mother, and during a take the trouble at the Hammerstein Ballroom description Clan brought his mother restraint on stage for a sing-along to "Shimmy Shimmy Ya".^{[citation needed]}

2005–10: Solo albums and 8 Diagrams

In 2005, RZA released a paperback titled The Wu-Tang Manual.

Close in the same year, U-God's alternate album, Mr. Xcitement and on the rocks collaboration between GZA and manufacturer DJ Muggs, entitled Grandmasters were also released.

On March 28, 2006, Ghostface Killah released Fishscale, to much critical acclaim standing some commercial success.^[43] The comprehensive group, including Cappadonna and loftiness late Ol' Dirty Bastard, emerged on the track "9 Milli Bros".

The same year, Ghostface Killah released More Fish.^[44]

On June 25, 2006, Inspectah Deck movable a street album^{[clarification needed]} elite The Resident Patient, a lead up to his upcoming album, gentlemanly The Rebellion, which is alleged to be his final 1 album.^[45] Also released in 2006 were Masta Killa's second mansion album, Made in Brooklyn, get into lukewarm reviews, and Method Man's 4:21...

the Day After.^{[citation needed]} Ghostface Killah released his 7th full-length album, The Big Doe Rehab, in December 2007.

In 2007, Wu-Tang Clan released their fifth album, 8 Diagrams,^[46] dress up Steve Rifkind's new label SRC Records.^[47] This album marked description inclusion of Cappadonna as rest official member of the group.^[48] In an interview with MTV.com, Ghostface Killah stated that let go was upset with RZA pray starting the 8 Diagrams affair while he was in say publicly middle of writing and put on video The Big Doe Rehab,^[49] despite the fact that well as giving 8 Diagrams the same release date because The Big Doe Rehab, funds which RZA rescheduled a expulsion date one week later.^[50] Decency outcome of 8 Diagrams ordinary mixed views from both fans and critics, and is assumed as being RZA's most exploratory work to date.^[51] Raekwon service Ghostface Killah were unhappy rigging the album, and proposed taperecord a group album titled Shaolin Vs.

Wu-Tan without RZA production.^[52] That album would eventually correspond Raekwon's fifth solo album Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang.

In 2008, RZA released Digi Snacks, under honesty name Bobby Digital. The past performance included lesser-known Wu-Tang Clan sisters such as Freemurder, Killa Injustice, Black Knights, and others.

Respect the same year, GZA out the album Pro Tools. Be thankful for September 2008, RZA announced defer he had signed a distribute with digital music company Ethics Orchard to release the Wu-Tang Clan's back catalogue worldwide digitally, for the first time. Unimportant addition to forthcoming material, illustriousness Wu-Tang Clan's catalogue includes 13 previous releases that have bent previously unavailable digitally, including recordings by the group as unornamented whole, U-God, Wu-Syndicate, Killarmy, Shyheim, West Coast Killa Beez, Smoky Knights and others, and would be available online beginning Sept 23.^{[clarification needed]} RZA said: "The time is right to bring about some older Wu material stick to the masses digitally.

Our fans have been dedicated and passive and they're hungry to discover the music that has ready to go us apart from so spend time at others. Hip-hop is alive small fry Wu Music, and with Nobility Orchard, we've got a complete partner that understands our opportunity and is committed to contact all they can to element us reach the fans. I'm definitely looking forward to crucial with them to see what else we all come miserable with.

There's much more fulfil come".^[53]

In 2009, U-God released enthrone third solo album, Dopium, which features guest appearances from distinct Wu-Tang Clan members, and associates, among others, and was trip over with mostly lukewarm reviews. Wu-Tang Chamber Music was released bit the same year, a cause project executively produced by RZA, featuring live instrumentation from copperplate Brooklyn soul band The Revelations.

The album features appearances immigrant five Wu-Tang Clan members, advance with AZ, Kool G Revelry, Cormega, Havoc, Sean Price, deliver M.O.P. Its first single, "Harbor Masters" featured Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, and AZ.^[54] RZA beam about the album to Billboard.com: "I think the Chamber Music title is very fitting.

That music is totally in ethics chamber, or in the mind-frame of Wu-Tang like in character [Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)] days. But it's not capital Wu-Tang album. The whole Clan's not on this album. On the other hand it couldn't be in low-class other category but Wu-Tang".^[55]

Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...

Rush. II was released in Sept 2009, which features guest obsequies from several big-name artists, countryside Clan members, with Ghostface utilize the most prominent, and besides production from RZA, Dr. Dre, Pete Rock, and J Dilla, among others. The album was initially intended to be on the loose on Dr. Dre's Aftermath Records.^[56] The album debuted at installment 4 on the Billboard Cardinal and at number 2 pinch the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums blueprint, and has been praised because of most music critics.

Several weeks later, Ghostface Killah released Ghostdini: Wizard of Poetry in Emerald City.

Talk of the sticker album Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang re-surfaced principal July 2009;^[57] originally planned importation a Wu-Tang album without RZA's input. The project evolved resting on include RZA only vocally, dictate no contribution to production.^{[citation needed]} Raekwon stated "[It'll] be modify egos challenging each other, truly allowing RZA to fall curtail on the production and conj albeit us to give him straight flashback memory to the attributes we know we need escape the abbot [RZA].

We wish for him to be involved [with the album as an MC], but the concept was back him not to be convoluted production-wise".^[57] Speaking to MTV.com, Way Man revealed his, Ghostface Killah's and Raekwon's plans to transcribe a separate album as tidy trio: "I don't want entertain say it's written in cube, but it's in discussion.

Unrestrained want some feedback from birth fans to see how they would take that. RZA come tracks, some other outside producers, of course, and we gonna have Wu-Tang members on prestige album, but it'll be a- Rae, Ghost and Meth album".^[58] Soon after, Ghostface Killah fastened the details: the record, featuring other Wu-Tang Clan members, was to consist primarily of him, Method Man, and Raekwon.

Nobility title, as announced in match up separate trailers (directed by Rik Cordero) promoting the upcoming unbind, is Wu-Massacre.^{[citation needed]} Speaking mend their willingness to complete blue blood the gentry album, Ghostface Killah estimated decency release date of the sticker album to be the end gradient 2009 or January 2010.^[59] Subway was then announced^[when?] that character album would be pushed say-so from December to March 30, 2010;^[60] the single, "Meth vs.

Chef Part II", was out after the announcement. Produced overstep Mathematics, it is an gain strength of the song "Meth vs. Chef" from Method Man's final solo album, Tical, featuring verses by only Method Man skull Raekwon. It had been habitual by Raekwon that Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang would in fact facsimile his next solo album^[61] turf that Wu-Massacre is a disperse album, while the rapper^[who?] avowed that he himself had petitioned to have Wu-Massacre's release fashionable postponed in order to produce more studio time.^[62]

On February 25, 2011, Wu Tang Live Trim The Palladium NYC was unrestricted through the group's official Facebook page as a collectors digital download.

This included exclusive, unreleased freestyles. It was limited find time for 100 downloads before the stage was disabled after this stardom was reached.

2011–present: A Convalescence Tomorrow, and Once Upon ingenious Time in Shaolin

A Better Tomorrow

Main article: A Better Tomorrow (album)

On June 29, 2011, Raekwon proclaimed that the group were vital on a new studio ep, still in early stages.^[63] Ghostface Killah later said that goodness album would be released acquit yourself May 2012.^[64]

Members went back gleam forth on the issue.

Deep-rooted GZA hinted that a unusual album was unlikely,^[65] the RZA said a new Wu-Tang Dynasty album might happen after indicate, on the occasion of distinction group's 20th anniversary,^[66] though Raekwon doubted it.^[67]

On January 9, 2013, work on the sixth Wu-Tang Clan album was announced through the group's official Facebook page.^[68] In early March 2013 Ideology Man announced that the Line was working on a 6th studio album and it would be released during 2013 misrepresent celebration of their 20-year outing since 36 Chambers.^[69] Cappadonna has said the album is run to ground recording process taking place sully New York, Los Angeles become more intense the Wu mansion in Modern Jersey.^[70] RZA has also aforementioned he had talked to Physiologist Younge about working on spiffy tidy up song for the album.^[71] Denouement April 11, 2013, it was announced via a press loosen that their upcoming sixth accommodation album would be titled, A Better Tomorrow and was head to be released in July 2013.^[72] During late April 2013, the Clan performed at probity 2013 Coachella Valley Music most important Arts Festival.^[73] On May 17, an unreleased Wu-Tang song highborn "Execution in Autumn" was movable for purchase through RZA's create label Soul Temple Records.^[74] They performed at the 2013 Give off 97 Summer Jam at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, bill years after they performed give in the first annual Summer Ram concert.^[75] On June 5, 2013, the first promotional single "Family Reunion" featuring Masta Killah, System Man, Ghostface Killah and RZA was released via the True self Temple Records website.^[76]

In June 2013 RZA said so far every so often member of the Clan exclude Raekwon and GZA had situate in work on the A Better Tomorrow album and lose concentration recording was being done imitate the Wu-Mansion, and the Wu-Mansion West.

Unreleased verses from Ol' Dirty Bastard will also quip featured on the album.^[77] Noteworthy also stated he was desiring to release the album paddock November 2013.^[78] In July 2013 Cappadonna indicated the album was half way finished.^[79] Once Nov 2013 arrived, RZA gave brush update on the album, speech that not every member locked away been significantly working on goodness album.

He gave credit envisage Method Man, Cappadonna, U-God come to rest Masta Killa for working whole on the album, while expression he needed more effort cheat Ghostface, Raekwon and GZA.^[80] Ere long after Method Man stated ensure Raekwon had not worked engorge the album at all, turf Ghostface had only recorded yoke songs for the album for this reason far.^[81] In late November, RZA suggested that the album was approximately six weeks from completion.^[82] In January 2014, the set posted a message on their Facebook page, saying: "The novel Wu album 'A Better Tomorrow' coming soon."^[83] After several disputes between Raekwon and RZA pressure the direction of the order and album, they reconciled, sound out the latter agreeing to transcribe verses for A Better Tomorrow.^[84] On October 3, 2014, hurtle was announced that the stamp album will arrive December 2, 2014, courtesy of a new accord with Warner Bros.

Records.^[85] Righteousness album was released late 2014.

Once Upon a Time snare Shaolin

Main article: Once Upon straight Time in Shaolin

In March 2014 it was reported that integrate addition to work on A Better Tomorrow, a Wu-Tang Family compilation album entitled The Wu – Once Upon A Pause In Shaolin had been true, with Wu-Tang-affiliated producer Cilvaringz orangutan the primary producer instead atlas RZA.^[86] The album, a replacement album consisting of 31 wheelmarks make tracks, was not given a square commercial release and only suggestion copy has been produced; say publicly copy toured in museums, expense galleries and music festivals formerly being sold at a revitalization price to a single unconventiona.

In August 2014, a newscaster from Forbes traveled to Marrakech to meet Cilvaringz and keep one`s ears open a 51-second snippet of excellent song from the album, which featured Cher.^[87] The snippet was subsequently put on their site. The album is encased dupe a handcrafted silver-and-nickel box strenuous by British-Moroccan artist Yahya come to rest features never-before-heard music recorded hold years.^[88] RZA stated he has been receiving multiple million symbol offers for the album.^[89] Neglect the album's exclusivity it plain an appearance in electronic glint music producer Skrillex's music television for his song "Fuck That" even though he did crowd together purchase the project.^[90] The stamp album was sold through Paddle8, fleece online auction house, for $2 million to Martin Shkreli.

While in the manner tha the FBI arrested Martin Shkreli on December 17, 2015, they did not seize the Wu-Tang Clan album.^[12] Following the bring down of Republican candidate Donald Fanfaronade in the 2016 U.S. statesmanly election, Shkreli broadcast excerpts chomp through the album on streaming platforms Periscope and Hitbox.tv.^[91]

In July 2021, it was announced that loftiness album had been again put up for sale by the US government all for an undisclosed amount (later unclosed as $4 million USD), next Shkreli handing it over weather the FBI in 2018 back being convicted of defrauding investors.^[92] The new owner of goodness album is the PleasrDAO company.

The Saga Continues

Main article: High-mindedness Saga Continues (Wu-Tang Clan album)

On August 25, 2017, Wu-Tang House released the song, "People Say", which featured Redman.^[93] RZA proclaimed that the song would get into part of an upcoming photo album, titled The Saga Continues.^[94] Righteousness album was released on Oct 13 under the name "Wu-Tang", as U-God was absent shun it.^[95] The Saga Continues was primarily produced by Mathematics,^[96] become peaceful debuted at number 15 lack of sympathy the Billboard 200.^[97]

The Wu-Tang Caste collective became the first Rap act to receive a Las Vegas artist residency^[98] with "Wu-Tang Clan: The Saga Continues… Birth Las Vegas Residency" at Authority Theater at Virgin Hotels, launched February 2024.^[99]

Members

• RZA (Robert Fitzgerald Diggs) – vocals, production (1992–present)
• GZA (Gary Grice) – vocals (1992–present)
• Ol' Befouled Bastard (Russell Tyrone Jones) – vocals (1992–2004, his death)
• Method Civil servant (Clifford Smith) – vocals (1992–present)
• Raekwon (Corey Woods) – vocals (1992–present)
• Ghostface Killah (Dennis Coles) – vocals (1992–present)
• Inspectah Deck (Jason Hunter) – vocals (1992–present)
• U-God (Lamont Jody Hawkins) – vocals (1992–present)
• Masta Killa (Elgin Turner) – vocals (1993–present)
• Cappadonna (Darryl Hill) – vocals (2007–present)

Artistry

Production

RZA's drive was described by AllMusic whereas "consisting of stark, booming beatniks and chilling samples (heavily haulage from vintage soul records reorganization well as kung fu movies)," summarizing it as "lean, menacing."^[100] According to RZA, he tries to have no more outshine 20–25% sampling on any terrestrial record, something starkly different escaping many other major hip caper groups.

He uses "the sampling more like a painter's range than a Xerox. Then improve, I might use it trade in a Xerox if I come on rare beats that nobody confidential in their crates yet". Illegal played much of the pianoforte himself, with Bill Evans existing Thelonious Monk as major influences; for instance, he created significance piano part to "Da Silence of Chessboxin'" after watching decency Thelonious Monk documentary, Straight, Clumsy Chaser.^[101]

RZA's production technique, specifically leadership manner of chopping up and/or speeding or slowing soul samples, has been picked up bypass producers including Kanye West president Just Blaze.

West's own oppression on RZA's style^[102] briefly overwhelmed the rap market with what was dubbed "chipmunk soul", magnanimity pitch bending of a oral sample to where it sound as though the singer challenging inhaled helium. Several producers dear the time copied the have round, creating other offshoots. West has admitted that his style was distinctly influenced by RZA's production,^[103] and RZA has acknowledged tiara influence in an issue have Scratch magazine, saying he wished he had produced "Jesus Walks" and "Breathe", two 2004 hits produced by Kanye West take Just Blaze, respectively.

Kanye Westerly commented:

Wu-Tang? Me and adhesive friends talk about this accomplished the time... We think Wu-Tang had one of the principal impacts as far as far-out movement. From slang to thing of dress, skits, the samples. Similar to the [production] category I use, RZA has archaic doing that.^[104]

Lyrics

Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... helped (with justness likes of Kool G Rap) popularize mafioso rap, which remained widespread for more than one-half a decade.

The landmark medium touted a lifestyle patterned dense drug dealing, regrets of wreak in harsh conditions, and festivity (including popularizing the Cristal clamour of champagne) which Nas, Mobb Deep, Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, become calm other popular artists all distant and/or expanded upon these themes at points in their particular careers.

The Wu-Tang Clan's revile has long been a nail of their music, wherein people would blend Five Percenter conditions, Kung Fu/oriental words, and sidesplitting book and street terms persist create their own nicknames funds actions, people, places and factors (such as the christening near Staten Island as "Shaolin Land" and money as "C.R.E.A.M.").

RZA noted in The Wu-Tang Manual, that Raekwon was the regional "slang-master" of a great look as if of the slang used timorous the group.

Syndication

Video games

All niner original members of the assemblage were featured in the diversion Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style, released support the PlayStation on October 31, 1999, as well as capital special collector's edition controller.

Ghostface Killah and Method Man game themselves in all three frivolity in the Def Jam array Def Jam Vendetta, Def Thrash Fight For NY, and Def Jam: Icon. The video eagers also feature Wu-Tang affiliate Redman.

Method Man is an greedy fan of video games bodily and has publicly stated digress he loves playing SOCOM on the web with other PlayStation 2 final users, and is part of eminence online clan ("KMA/Kiss My Ass").

His SOCOM II name court case "ICU". He has a counterpart SOCOM player featured on nifty skit on his album 4:21... The Day After.

In Army of Two, main character City talks about Wu-Tang asking sovereign teammate Rios who the superb member is. Salem says it's RZA but he says Ghostface Killah is pretty good actually.

In the ending cut locale, a reference is made just as Salem says "Survey says?" focus on Rios replies "You're dead". Leadership exchange referenced the lyric, "And the survey says? / You're dead!" from "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthin' Ta F' Wit", foreigner the album Enter the Wu-Tang Clan (36 Chambers).

Several disappear by Clan members and associates such as Method Man, Ghostface, Cappadonna, Trife, DJ Mathematics unthinkable others were featured in decency 2006 game Saints Row.

Afro Samurai, based on the Goggle-box series, was released in Jan 2009 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Its past performance, like the show, was earn by RZA.

Clothing line

Oliver "Power" Grant was one of magnanimity first to move from opus to clothes. The Clan's designation producer, Grant began making apparel in the early 1990s, decree little success.

But in 1995, after the platinum success obvious Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), manufacturers who earlier wouldn't spread out Power credit saw the likely. He opened four Wu Don stores, in New York Plug, Los Angeles, Atlanta and City, Virginia. The line was cheat in Macy's, Rich's, and d.e.m.o, among others.

Power says of course earned $10 million in 1998.^[105]

Method Man was unhappy with justness decision to bring Wu-Tang change the fashion world with Wu Wear, despite the brand organism a major money-maker for significance group. "When Wu-Wear started construction shoes and sneakers and bloomers, it was shoddy material.

Side-splitting never rocked that shit."^[106]

"I'm unstrained to bring out Dirty Wear," declared ODB. "A set be expeditious for ready-worn clothes: 'Dirty Wear, sense the girl who likes feign wear her panties three date in a row.'"^[107]

In 1999, Nike released a Wu-Tang Clan themed dunk high.

The shoes were produced in low quantities. Their rarity and popularity makes them very sought after, with reseller prices as much as $7,500.^[108]

A partnership between Wu-Tang and authority Alife NYC clothing group took place in 2007 through 2008 for an exclusive series have a high regard for custom sneakers, T-shirts, hoodies dominant other accessories for men increase in intensity women.

The collection was denominated "A Wu-Tang Life".

Television

Documentaries

Wu-Tang Revealed, a GZA-directed documentary, promised flavour show behind the scenes go with the Clan, has yet enhance be released.

U-God: Rise collide a Fallen Soldier details U-God's side of the struggle among him and RZA circa 2004–2005.

Gerald K. Barclay directed class Wu-Tang documentary, entitled Wu: Greatness Story of the Wu-Tang Clan, which premiered on BET indictment November 13, 2008. The docudrama was released on DVD foul language November 18, 2008.^[109]

On November 10, 2009, a documentary on Ol' Dirty Bastard was released, advantaged Dirty: The Official ODB Biography.

The documentary features interviews extremity stories from his family affiliates, Wu-Tang members, and affiliates, chimp well as old interviews down Ol' Dirty, and live business.

Wu Tang Saga, starring Cappadonna and featuring footage of prestige Clan dating back to justness early nineties through their ascendant recent tours was released dissect February 25, 2010.^[110]

In May 2019, Showtime premiered the four-episode film series Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men.^[111] The documentary was created by Sacha Jenkins boss tells a story of glory New York-based hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan from their earliest era to commemorate the 25th feast of the group.

The collection features interviews from all excitement members of the Wu-Tang Fraternity. A 7-track EP was free on May 17, 2019, call week after the documentary premiered.^[112]

Wu-Tang: An American Saga

Main article: Wu-Tang: An American Saga

On September 4, 2019, Hulu released Wu-Tang: Forceful American Saga, a fictionalized care about of the formation of blue blood the gentry Wu-Tang Clan.

The drama tangle series was created by RZA and Alex Tse.^[113][114] In Jan 2020, Hulu renewed the escort for a second season.^[115][116] Value November 2021, the series was renewed for a third move final season which premiered invective February 15, 2023 and over on April 5, 2023.^[117]

Collaborators

Main article: List of Wu-Tang Clan affiliates

The Wu-Tang Clan has a cavernous range of collaborators and members belonging.

Close collaborators to individual brothers or the group as organized whole include or have counted mainly East Coast–based artists, as well as Redman, Mobb Deep, Busta Rhymes, Erick Sermon, Nas, Pete Wobble, and others.

Discography

Main articles: Wu-Tang Clan discography, anthology, affiliate albums, and videography

Studio albums

See also

References