Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan | |
---|---|
![]() Members of the Wu-Tang Clan and their affiliates performing at theVirgin FestivalinBaltimore(2007) | |
Background information | |
Origin | Staten Island,New York City,U.S. |
Genres | |
Discography | Wu-Tang Clan discography |
Years active | 1992–present[4] |
Labels | |
Members | |
Past members | Ol' Dirty Bastard |
Website | wutangclan |
Wu-Tang Clanis an American hip hopmusical collectiveformed inStaten Island,New York City,in 1992.[4]Its members includeRZA,GZA,Method Man,Raekwon,Ghostface Killah,Inspectah Deck,U-God,Masta Killa,and, until his death in 2004,Ol' Dirty Bastard.Close affiliateCappadonnalater became an official member. They are credited for revitalizingEast Coast hip hop[5][6]and are considered one of the greatest hip hop groups of all time.[7][8]
After signing toSteve Rifkind's labelLoud Recordsin 1992, Wu-Tang Clan released their debut albumEnter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)in 1993; initially receiving positive reviews, it has since garnered widespread critical acclaim and is widely considered to be one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time.[9][10][11]Members of the group released solo albums between 1994 and 1996. In 1997, the group released their second album,Wu-Tang Forever.It debuted atop theBillboard200and was nominated forBest Rap Albumat the1998 Grammy Awards.The group later released the albumsThe W(2000),Iron Flag(2001),8 Diagrams(2007), andA Better Tomorrow(2014), to less popularity. The only copy of their seventh album,Once Upon a Time in Shaolin(2015), was purchased for $2 million by formerhedge fundmanagerMartin Shkreli.[12]
Wu-Tang Clan has introduced and launched the careers of a number ofaffiliated artists and groups,collectively known as the Wu-Tang Killa Bees.[13]
History
Founding
In the late 1980s, cousins Robert Diggs, Gary Grice, and Russell Jones formed a group named Force of the Imperial Master, also known as the All in Together Now Crew.[14]Each member recorded under an alias: Diggs as Prince Rakeem or The Scientist, Grice as The Genius, and Jones as The Specialist.[citation needed]The group never signed to a major label, but caught the attention of the New York City rap scene and was recognized by rapperBiz Markie.[15]By 1991, The Genius and Prince Rakeem were signed to separate record labels.[16]The Genius releasedWords from the Genius(1991) onCold Chillin' Recordsand Prince Rakeem releasedOoh I Love You Rakeem(1991) onTommy Boy Records.[16]Both were soon dropped by their labels. They then adopted new monikers; The Genius became GZA (pronounced "jizza" ), and Prince Rakeem became RZA (pronounced "rizza" ).[17]The Specialist also took on a new name and became known as Ol' Dirty Bastard.
RZA began collaborating with Dennis Coles, later known as Ghostface Killah, another rapper from theStapleton HousesinStaten Island.The duo decided to create a hip hop group whose ethos would be a blend of "Eastern philosophypicked up fromkung fu movies,Five-Percent Nationteachings picked up on the New York streets, and comic books ".[17]Wu-Tang Clan assembled in late 1992, with RZA as thede factoleader and the group's producer.[13]RZA and Ol' Dirty Bastard adopted the name for the group after the filmShaolin and Wu Tang.[18]The group developedbackronymsfor the name (as hip hop pioneers such asKRS-OneandBig Daddy Kanedid with their names), including "We Usually Take All Niggas' Garments", "Witty Unpredictable Talent And Natural Game", and "Wisdom of the Universe, and the Truth of Allah for theNation of the Gods".[18]
1992–96:Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)and solo albums
Wu-Tang Clan became known in 1993 following the release of the independent single "Protect Ya Neck",which helped gain the group a sizable underground following. Though there was some difficulty in finding a record label that would sign the Wu-Tang Clan while still allowing each member to record solo albums with other labels,Loud/RCAfinally agreed, releasing their debut album,Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers),in November 1993. The album loosely adopted aShaolinvs.Wu-Tangtheme, dividing the album into Shaolin and Wu-Tang sections.[19]The album received critical acclaim, and to date is regarded as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time.[20][21][22]The success of their debut album established the group as a creative and influential force in the 1990s, allowing individual members to negotiate solo contracts.[16]RZA spoke on the Wu-Tang Clan's unorthodox business model:
We reinvented the way hip hop was structured, and what I mean is, you have a group signed to a label, yet the infrastructure of our deal was like anyone else's [...] We still could negotiate with any label we wanted, likeMethwent withDef Jam,Raestayed withLoud,Ghostwent withSony,GZAwent withGeffen Records,feel me? [...] And all these labels still put "Razor Sharp Records"on the credits [...] Wu Tang was a financial movement. So what do you wanna diversify...? [...] Your assets?[23]
— RZA
In 1994, RZA founded the groupGravediggazwithPrince Paul,Frukwan (both ofStetsasonic) andPoetic.[16]In August of the same year, the group released6 Feet Deep,which became one of the best known works to emerge from thehorrorcoresubgenre.[13]
RZA held the role of primary producer for the first wave of the group members' solo albums, producing out of his basement studio in Staten Island.[citation needed]In November 1994, Method Man's debut album,Tical,was released. RZA's hands-on approach toTicalextended beyond his merely creating the beats to devising song concepts and structures.[13]The track "All I Need"fromTicalwas the winner of the "Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group" at the1995 Grammy Awards.[24]Ol' Dirty Bastard's debut album,Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version,was released in March 1995, and is considered a hip hop classic.[22]Raekwon's debut studio album,Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...,was released in August 1995. It featured all but one member of the Wu-Tang Clan, and featured the debut ofCappadonna,who later joined the group.[25]The album is also credited with reviving themafioso rapsubgenre.[26]GZA's debut album,Liquid Swords,was released in November 1995.Liquid Swordsfeatures guest appearances from every Wu-Tang Clan member, and is linked together by excerpts from the 1980 movieShogun Assassin.[citation needed]Ghostface Killah released his first solo album,Ironman,in October 1996.[27]Ironmanwas critically acclaimed and is widely considered to be one of the best of Wu-Tang solo albums.[28]
1997–2000:Wu-Tang Forever,diversification and second string of solo albums
This sectionneeds additional citations forverification.(July 2021) |
Wu-Tang Clan re-assembled and released their second studio album,Wu-Tang Forever,in June 1997; it debuted at number one on theBillboard200.The album's lead single, "Triumph",is over five minutes long, features nine verses (one from each member plus Cappadonna and excluding Ol' Dirty Bastard who appeared on the intro and bridge), and no hook or a repeated phrase. The album was produced by RZA and his protégésTrue Masterand4th Disciple.The group's lyrics differed significantly from those of36 Chambers,with many verses written in a densestream of consciousnessform heavily influenced by the teachings of theFive-Percent Nation.Wu-Tang Foreverwas nominated forBest Rap Albumat the1998 Grammy Awards,losing toPuff Daddy;Ol' Dirty Bastard infamously protested the loss by interruptingShawn Colvin's acceptance speech forSong of the Year.[29]
Killah Priest,a close associate of the group, releasedHeavy Mentalin March 1998.[30]That same month, Cappadonna released his debut albumThe Pillage.Affiliated groupsSunz of ManandKillarmyalso released well-received albums, followed byWu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm—a compilation album released in 1998, showcasing these and more Wu-affiliated artists, and including new solo tracks from the group members themselves.The Swarmsold well and was certifiedgold.[31]There was also a long line of releases from secondary affiliates such asPopa Wu,Shyheim,GP Wu,andWu-Syndicate.Second albums from Gravediggaz and Killarmy, as well as a greatest hits album and a b-sides compilation, were also released.
The second round of solo albums from Wu-Tang Clan members included second albums from the five members who had already released albums, as well as debuts from all the remaining members, with the exception of Masta Killa. In the space of two years, RZA'sBobby Digital In Stereo,Method Man'sTical 2000: Judgement DayandBlackout!(withRedman), GZA'sBeneath the Surface,Ol' Dirty Bastard'sNigga Please,U-God'sGolden Arms Redemption,Raekwon'sImmobilarity,Ghostface Killah'sSupreme Clienteleand Inspectah Deck'sUncontrolled Substancewere all released (seven of them being released in the space of seven months between June 1999 and January 2000). RZA also composed thescorefor the filmGhost Dog: The Way of the Samurai,directed byJim Jarmusch,while he and other Wu-Tang members contributed music to a companion "music inspired by the film" album.
The frequent release of Wu-Tang Clan content between 1997 and 2000 was considered by some critics[who?]to have resulted in an oversaturation that was responsible for the group's decline in popularity.[32]
2000–01:The WandIron Flag
The group reconvened again for their third album,The W.Despite his incarceration in California for violating the terms of hisprobation,[33]Ol' Dirty Bastard was on the song "Conditioner", featuringSnoop Dogg.Ol' Dirty Bastard's vocals were recorded via prison telephones.[34]The Wwas released in November 2000, and was mostly well received by critics,[35]and included the single "Gravel Pit".[36]The album reachedplatinumstatus.[37]
In 2001, Wu-Tang Clan released their fourth album,Iron Flag.While originally featured on the cover ofIron Flag,Cappadonna was airbrushed out of the artwork and absent from the album entirely.[citation needed]This may be related to tension that arose within the group when it was revealed that Cappadonna's manager was, or had been, a police informant, a revelation that also brought on the manager's subsequent firing.[38]Cappadonna continued collaborating and touring with the group in the following years.
2004: Issues and resurgence
In early 2004, U-God allegedly[by whom?]left the group.[citation needed]A DVD titledRise of a Fallen Soldierwas released detailing his problems, which were mostly with his treatment by RZA, who he claimed had hindered his success as a solo artist.[citation needed]U-God formed a group of young protegés called the Hillside Scramblers with whom he released the albumU-Godzilla Presents the Hillside Scramblersin March 2004.[citation needed]The dispute culminated in a heated phone conversation between RZA and U-God on live radio, which ultimately saw the two reconcile.[citation needed]He has since returned to the group.[citation needed]
In 2004, the group embarked on a short European tour before coming together as a complete group for the first time in several years to headline theRock the Bellsfestival in California.[39]The concert was released on CD under the nameDisciples of the 36 Chambers: Chapter 1,and they also released a music-video greatest hits album,Legend of the Wu-Tang Clan.[citation needed]
Death of Ol' Dirty Bastard
Ol' Dirty Bastard's career was tumultuous. His run-ins with the law were well publicized—he was arrested several times for offenses including assault,shoplifting,wearingbody armorafter being convicted of afelony,and possession ofcocaine,[40]and he missed multiple court dates. In April 2001, he was sentenced to two to four years in prison.[41]Once released from prison, he signed a million-dollar contract withRoc-A-Fella Records.[citation needed]
On November 13, 2004, Ol' Dirty Bastard collapsed at Wu-Tang's recording studio in New York City, and was pronounced dead later that night.[42]Wu-Tang Clan paid him homage a number of times: in August 2006, one of his sons came out at a Wu-Tang concert at Webster Hall and rapped "Brooklyn Zoo",along with his mother, and during a concert at the Hammerstein Ballroom the Clan brought his mother out on stage for a sing-along to" Shimmy Shimmy Ya ".[citation needed]
2005–10: Solo albums and8 Diagrams
This sectionneeds additional citations forverification.(September 2020) |
In 2005, RZA released a book titledThe Wu-Tang Manual.In the same year, U-God's second album,Mr. Xcitementand a collaboration between GZA and producerDJ Muggs,entitledGrandmasterswere also released.
On March 28, 2006, Ghostface Killah releasedFishscale,to much critical acclaim and some commercial success.[43]The entire group, including Cappadonna and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard, appeared on the track "9 Milli Bros". The same year, Ghostface Killah releasedMore Fish.[44]
On June 25, 2006, Inspectah Deck released a street album[clarification needed]entitledThe Resident Patient,a prelude to his upcoming album, titledThe Rebellion,which is said to be his final solo album.[45]Also released in 2006 wereMasta Killa's second studio album,Made in Brooklyn,to lukewarm reviews, andMethod Man's4:21... the Day After.[citation needed]Ghostface Killah released his seventh full-length album,The Big Doe Rehab,in December 2007.
In 2007, Wu-Tang Clan released their fifth album,8 Diagrams,[46]on Steve Rifkind's new labelSRC Records.[47]This album marked the inclusion of Cappadonna as an official member of the group.[48]In an interview withMTV,Ghostface Killah stated that he was upset with RZA for starting the8 Diagramsproject while he was in the middle of writing and recordingThe Big Doe Rehab,[49]as well as giving8 Diagramsthe same release date asThe Big Doe Rehab,for which RZA rescheduled a release date one week later.[50]The outcome of8 Diagramsreceived mixed views from both fans and critics, and is regarded as being RZA's most experimental work to date.[51]Raekwon and Ghostface Killah were unhappy with the album, and proposed recording a group album titledShaolin Vs. Wu-Tanwithout RZA production.[52]That album would eventually become Raekwon's fifth solo albumShaolin vs. Wu-Tang.
In 2008, RZA releasedDigi Snacks,under the name Bobby Digital. The album included lesser-knownWu-Tang Clan affiliatessuch as Freemurder, Killa Sin, Black Knights, and others. In the same year, GZA released the albumPro Tools.In September 2008, RZA announced that he had signed a deal with digital music companyThe Orchardto release the Wu-Tang Clan's back catalogue worldwide digitally, for the first time. In addition to forthcoming material, the Wu-Tang Clan's catalogue includes 13 previous releases that have been previously unavailable digitally, including recordings by the group as a whole, U-God, Wu-Syndicate, Killarmy, Shyheim,West Coast Killa Beez,Black Knights and others, and would be available online beginning September 23.[clarification needed]RZA said: "The time is right to bring some older Wu material to the masses digitally. Our fans have been dedicated and patient and they're hungry to hear the music that has set us apart from so many others. Hip-hop is alive in Wu Music, and with The Orchard, we've got a solid partner that understands our audience and is committed to doing all they can to help us reach the fans. I'm definitely looking forward to working with them to see what else we all come up with. There's much more to come".[53]
In 2009, U-God released his third solo album,Dopium,which features guest appearances from several Wu-Tang Clan members, and affiliates, among others, and was met with mostly lukewarm reviews.Wu-Tang Chamber Musicwas released in the same year, a side project executively produced by RZA, featuring live instrumentation from a Brooklyn soul band The Revelations. The album features appearances from five Wu-Tang Clan members, along withAZ,Kool G Rap,Cormega,Havoc,Sean Price,andM.O.P.Its first single, "Harbor Masters" featured Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, and AZ.[54]RZA spoke about the album to Billboard: "I think theChamber Musictitle is very fitting. This music is totally in the chamber, or in the mind-frame of Wu-Tang like in the [Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)] days. But it's not a Wu-Tang album. The whole Clan's not on this album. But it couldn't be in any other category but Wu-Tang ".[55]
Raekwon'sOnly Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. IIwas released in September 2009, which features guest appearances from several big-name artists, and Clan members, with Ghostface being the most prominent, and also production from RZA,Dr. Dre,Pete Rock,andJ Dilla,among others. The album was initially intended to be released on Dr. Dre'sAftermath Records.[56]The album debuted at number 4 on theBillboard200and at number 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and has been praised by most music critics. Several weeks later, Ghostface Killah releasedGhostdini: Wizard of Poetry in Emerald City.
Talk of the albumShaolin vs. Wu-Tangre-surfaced in July 2009;[57]originally planned as a Wu-Tang album without RZA's input. The project evolved to include RZA only vocally, with no contribution to production.[citation needed]Raekwon stated "[It'll] be alter egos challenging each other, really allowing RZA to fall back on the production and allowing us to give him a flashback memory to the things we know we need from the abbot [RZA]. We want him to be involved [with the album as an MC], but the concept was for him not to be involved production-wise".[57]Speaking to MTV, Method Man revealed his, Ghostface Killah's and Raekwon's plans to record a separate album as a trio: "I don't want to say it's written in stone, but it's in discussion. I want some feedback from the fans to see how they would take that. RZA produced tracks, some other outside producers, of course, and we gonna have Wu-Tang members on the album, but it'll be a Rae, Ghost and Meth album".[58]Soon after, Ghostface Killah cemented the details: the record, featuring other Wu-Tang Clan members, was to consist primarily of him, Method Man, and Raekwon. The title, as announced in three separate trailers (directed byRik Cordero) promoting the upcoming release, isWu-Massacre.[citation needed]Speaking on their willingness to complete the album, Ghostface Killah estimated the release date of the album to be the end of 2009 or January 2010.[59]It was then announced[when?]that the album would be pushed back from December to March 30, 2010;[60]the single, "Meth vs. Chef Part II", was released after the announcement. Produced byMathematics,it is an update of the song "Meth vs. Chef" from Method Man's first solo album,Tical,featuring verses by only Method Man and Raekwon. It had been confirmed by Raekwon thatShaolin vs. Wu-Tangwould in fact be his next solo album[61]and thatWu-Massacreis a separate album, while the rapper[who?]stated that he himself had petitioned to haveWu-Massacre's release date postponed in order to yield more studio time.[62]
On February 25, 2011,Wu Tang Live At The Palladium NYCwas released through the group's official Facebook page as a collectors digital download. This included exclusive, unreleased freestyles. It was limited to 100 downloads before the page was disabled after this figure was reached.
2011–present:A Better Tomorrow,andOnce Upon a Time in Shaolin
A Better Tomorrow
On June 29, 2011, Raekwon announced that the group were working on a new studio album, still in early stages.[63]Ghostface Killah later said that the album would be released in May 2012.[64]
Members went back and forth on the issue. While GZA hinted that a new album was unlikely,[65]the RZA said a new Wu-Tang Clan album might happen after all, on the occasion of the group's 20th anniversary,[66]though Raekwon doubted it.[67]
On January 9, 2013, work on the sixth Wu-Tang Clan album was announced via the group's official Facebook page.[68]In early March 2013 Method Man announced that the Clan was working on a sixth studio album and it would be released during 2013 in celebration of their 20-year anniversary since36 Chambers.[69]Cappadonna has said the album is in recording process taking place in New York, Los Angeles and the Wu mansion in New Jersey.[70]RZA has also said he had talked toAdrian Youngeabout working on a song for the album.[71]On April 11, 2013, it was announced via a press release that their upcoming sixth studio album would be titled,A Better Tomorrowand was set to be released in July 2013.[72]During late April 2013, the Clan performed at the 2013Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.[73]On May 17, an unreleased Wu-Tang song titled "Execution in Autumn" was released for purchase through RZA's record labelSoul Temple Records.[74]They performed at the 2013HOT 97 Summer JamatMetLife Stadiumin New Jersey, twenty years after they performed at the first annual Summer Jam concert.[75]On June 5, 2013, the first promotional single "Family Reunion" featuring Masta Killah, Method Man, Ghostface Killah and RZA was released via the Soul Temple Records website.[76]
In June 2013 RZA said so far every member of the Clan except Raekwon and GZA had put in work on theA Better Tomorrowalbum and that recording was being done at the Wu-Mansion, and the Wu-Mansion West. Unreleased verses from Ol' Dirty Bastard will also be featured on the album.[77]He also stated he was hoping to release the album in November 2013.[78]In July 2013 Cappadonna indicated the album was half way finished.[79]Once November 2013 arrived, RZA gave an update on the album, saying that not every member had been significantly working on the album. He gave credit to Method Man, Cappadonna, U-God and Masta Killa for working hard on the album, while saying he needed more effort from Ghostface, Raekwon and GZA.[80]Shortly after Method Man stated that Raekwon had not worked on the album at all, and Ghostface had only recorded two songs for the album so far.[81]In late November, RZA suggested that the album was approximately six weeks from completion.[82]In January 2014, the group posted a message on their Facebook page, saying: "The new Wu album 'A Better Tomorrow' coming soon."[83]After several disputes between Raekwon and RZA about the direction of the group and album, they reconciled, with the latter agreeing to record verses forA Better Tomorrow.[84]On October 3, 2014, it was announced that the album will arrive December 2, 2014, courtesy of a new deal withWarner Bros. Records.[85]The album was released late 2014.
Once Upon a Time in Shaolin
In March 2014 it was reported that in addition to work onA Better Tomorrow,a Wu-Tang Clan compilation album entitledThe Wu – Once Upon A Time In Shaolinhad been recorded, with Wu-Tang-affiliated producerCilvaringzas the primary producer instead of RZA.[86]The album, a double album consisting of 31 tracks, was not given a conventional commercial release and only one copy has been produced; the copy toured in museums, art galleries and music festivals before being sold at a high price to a single individual. In August 2014, a reporter fromForbestraveled toMarrakechto meet Cilvaringz and hear a 51-second snippet of a song from the album, which featuredCher.[87]The snippet was subsequently put on their website. The album is encased in a handcrafted silver-and-nickel box made by British-Moroccan artist Yahya and features never-before-heard music recorded over years.[88]RZA stated he has been receiving multiple million dollar offers for the album.[89]Despite the album's exclusivity it made an appearance in electronic dance music producerSkrillex's music video for his song "Fuck That" even though he did not purchase the project.[90]The album was sold through Paddle8, an online auction house, for $2 million toMartin Shkreli.When theFBIarrested Martin Shkreli on December 17, 2015, they did not seize the Wu-Tang Clan album.[12]Following the victory ofRepublicancandidateDonald Trumpin the2016 U.S. presidential election,Shkreli broadcast excerpts from the album on streaming platformsPeriscopeandHitbox.tv.[91]
In July 2021, it was announced that the album had been again sold by the US government for an undisclosed amount (later revealed as $4 million USD), following Shkreli handing it over to the FBI in 2018 after being convicted of defrauding investors.[92]The new owner of the album is the PleasrDAO group.
The Saga Continues
On August 25, 2017, Wu-Tang Clan released the song, "People Say", which featured Redman.[93]RZA announced that the song would be part of an upcoming album, titledThe Saga Continues.[94]The album was released on October 13 under the name "Wu-Tang", as U-God was absent from it.[95]The Saga Continues was primarily produced byMathematics,[96]and debuted at number 15 on the Billboard 200.[97]
Las Vegas residency
The Wu-Tang Clan collective became the first HipHop act to receive a Las Vegasartist residency[98]with "Wu-Tang Clan: The Saga Continues… The Las Vegas Residency" atThe Theater at Virgin Hotels,launched February 2024.[99]
Members
- RZA(Robert Fitzgerald Diggs) – vocals, production (1992–present)
- GZA(Gary Grice) – vocals (1992–present)
- Ol' Dirty Bastard(Russell Tyrone Jones) – vocals (1992–2004, his death)
- Method Man(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
According to RZA, he tries to have no more than 20–25% sampling on any given record, something starkly different from many other major hip hop groups. He uses "the sampler more like a painter's palette than aXerox.Then again, I might use it as a Xerox if I find rare beats that nobody had in their crates yet ". He played much of the piano himself, withBill EvansandThelonious Monkas major influences; for instance, he created the piano part to "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'" after watching the Thelonious Monk documentary,Straight, No Chaser.[100]
RZA's production technique, specifically the manner of chopping up and/or speeding or slowing soul samples, has been picked up by producers includingKanye WestandJust Blaze.West's own take on RZA's style[101]briefly flooded the rap market with what was dubbed "chipmunk soul", the pitch bending of a vocal sample to where it sounded as though the singer had inhaled helium. Several producers at the time copied the style, creating other offshoots. West has admitted that his style was distinctly influenced by RZA's production,[102]and RZA has acknowledged his influence in an issue ofScratchmagazine,saying he wished he had produced "Jesus Walks" and "Breathe", two 2004 hits produced by Kanye West and Just Blaze, respectively. Kanye West commented:
Wu-Tang? Me and my friends talk about this all the time... We think Wu-Tang had one of the biggest impacts as far as a movement. From slang to style of dress, skits, the samples. Similar to the [production] style I use, RZA has been doing that.[103]
Lyrics
Raekwon'sOnly Built 4 Cuban Linx...helped (with the likes ofKool G Rap) popularizemafioso rap,which remained widespread for more than half a decade. The landmark album touted a lifestyle patterned on drug dealing, regrets of living in harsh conditions, and partying (including popularizing theCristalbrand of champagne) whichNas,Mobb Deep,Notorious B.I.G.,Jay-Z,and other popular artists all borrowed and/or expanded upon these themes at points in their respective careers.
The Wu-Tang Clan's slang has long been a staple of their music, wherein members would blendFive Percenterterms,Kung Fu/oriental words, and comic book and street terms to create their own nicknames for actions, people, places and things (such as the christening ofStaten Islandas "Shaolin Land" and money as "C.R.E.A.M." ). RZA noted inThe Wu-Tang Manual,that Raekwon was the resident "slang-master" of a great deal of the slang used by the group.
Syndication
Video games
All nine original members of the group were featured in the gameWu-Tang: Shaolin Style,released for thePlayStationon October 31, 1999, as well as a special collector's edition controller. Ghostface Killah and Yung Dirty Doucette, as well as collaborators, Redman andKeith Murray,also play themselves in all three games in the Def Jam seriesDef Jam Vendetta,Def Jam Fight For NY,andDef Jam: Icon.
Method Man is an avid fan of video games himself and has publicly stated that he loves playingSOCOMonline with otherPlayStation 2users, and is part of an online clan ( "KMA/Kiss My Ass" ). HisSOCOM IIname is "ICU". He has a fellowSOCOMplayer featured on a skit on his album4:21... The Day After.
InArmy of Two,main character Salem talks about Wu-Tang asking his teammate Rios who the best member is. Salem says it's RZA but he says Ghostface Killah is pretty good himself. In the ending cut scene, a reference is made when Salem says "Survey says?" and Rios replies "You're dead". The exchange referenced the lyric, "And the survey says? / You're dead!" from "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthin' Ta F' Wit", from the albumEnter the Wu-Tang Clan (36 Chambers).
Several tracks by Clan members and affiliates such as Method Man, Ghostface, Cappadonna, Trife, DJ Mathematics and others were featured in the 2006 gameSaints Row.
Afro Samurai,based on the TV series, was released in January 2009 for thePlayStation 3andXbox 360.Its soundtrack, like the show, was produced by RZA.
Clothing line
Oliver "Power" Grantwas one of the first to move from music to clothes. The Clan's executive producer, Grant began making clothes in the early 1990s, with little success. But in 1995, after the platinum success ofEnter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers),manufacturers who earlier wouldn't extend Power credit saw the potential. He opened four Wu Wear stores, in New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Norfolk, Virginia. The line was carried in Macy's, Rich's, and d.e.m.o, among others. Power says he earned $10 million in 1998.[104]
Method Man was unhappy with the decision to bring Wu-Tang into the fashion world with Wu Wear, despite the brand being a major money-maker for the group. "When Wu-Wear started making shoes and sneakers and pants, it was shoddy material. I never rocked that shit."[105]
"I'm going to bring out Dirty Wear," declared ODB. "A set of ready-worn clothes: 'Dirty Wear, for the girl who likes to wear her panties three days in a row.'"[106]
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.[107]
A partnership between Wu-Tang and the Alife NYC clothing group took place in 2007 through 2008 for an exclusive series of custom sneakers, T-shirts, hoodies and other accessories for men and women. The collection was named "A Wu-Tang Life".
Television
Documentaries
Wu-Tang Revealed,a GZA-directed documentary, promised to show behind the scenes of the Clan, has yet to be released.
U-God: Rise of a Fallen Soldierdetails U-God's side of the struggle between him and RZA circa 2004–2005.
Gerald K. Barclay directed the Wu-Tang documentary, entitledWu: The Story of the Wu-Tang Clan,which premiered on BET on November 13, 2008. The documentary was released on DVD on November 18, 2008.[108]
On November 10, 2009, a documentary on Ol' Dirty Bastard was released, entitledDirty: The Official ODB Biography.The documentary features interviews and stories from his family members, Wu-Tang members, and affiliates, as well as old interviews with Ol' Dirty, and live performances.
Wu Tang Saga,starring Cappadonna and featuring footage of the Clan dating back to the early nineties through their most recent tours was released on February 25, 2010.[109]
In May 2019,Showtimepremiered the four-episode documentary seriesWu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men.[110]The documentary was created bySacha Jenkinsand tells a story of the New York-based hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan from their earliest times to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the group. The series features interviews from all living members of the Wu-Tang Clan. A 7-track EP was released on May 17, 2019, one week after the documentary premiered.[111]
Wu-Tang: An American Saga
On September 4, 2019,HulureleasedWu-Tang: An American Saga,a fictionalized account of the formation of the Wu-Tang Clan. The drama web series was created byRZAandAlex Tse.[112][113]In January 2020, Hulu renewed the series for a second season.[114][115]In November 2021, the series was renewed for a third and final season which premiered on February 15, 2023 and concluded on April 5, 2023.[116]
Collaborators
The Wu-Tang Clan has a wide range of collaborators and associates. Close collaborators to individual members or the group as a whole include or have included mainlyEast Coast–based artists, includingRedman,Mobb Deep,Busta Rhymes,Erick Sermon,Nas,Pete Rock,and others.
Discography
Studio albums
- Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)(1993)
- Wu-Tang Forever(1997)
- The W(2000)
- Iron Flag(2001)
- 8 Diagrams(2007)
- A Better Tomorrow(2014)
- Once Upon a Time in Shaolin(2015)
See also
References
- ^Miszczynski, Milosz; Helbig, Adriana (2017).Hip Hop at Europe's Edge: Music, Agency, and Social Change.Indiana University Press. p. 105.ISBN978-0-253-02321-6.
- ^Morris, Chris (September 20, 1997). "Hot Rap Act Wu-Tang Clan Runs Into Troubled Waters".Billboard.Nielsen Business Media, Inc.p. 1.ISSN0006-2510.
- ^"Drum: A Magazine of Africa for Africa". African Drum Publications. 1998. p. 59.
Rap gems for hip hop brigade Hip hop fans should enjoy the soundtrack of the movie Soul In The Hole featuring hardcore rap artists the Wu-Tang Clan, Organized Kon- fusion, Mobb Deep and Xzibit.
{{cite magazine}}
:Cite magazine requires|magazine=
(help) - ^abMatt Diehl (December 8, 1996)."Brash Hip-Hop Entrepreneurs".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedJune 8,2019.
- ^Huey, Steve."Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) – Wu-Tang Clan".AllMusic.Archivedfrom the original on June 2, 2012.RetrievedSeptember 18,2009.
- ^Green, Dylan."Wu-Tang Clan: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)".Pitchfork.RetrievedDecember 31,2023.
- ^Unterberger, Nefertiti Austin,Kyle Denis,Raquelle Harris,Carl Lamarre,Jason Lipshutz,Joe Lynch,Heran Mamo,Gail Mitchell,Neena Rouhani,Dan Rys,Andrew; Austin, Nefertiti; Denis, Kyle; Harris, Raquelle; Lamarre, Carl; Lipshutz, Jason; Lynch, Joe; Mamo, Heran; Mitchell, Gail (June 28, 2023)."50 Greatest Rap Groups of All Time".Billboard.RetrievedDecember 31,2023.
{{cite magazine}}
:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^Adaso, Henry.25 Best Rap Groups of All-TimeArchivedApril 5, 2015, at theWayback Machine.About.Retrieved June 19, 2010.
- ^"Wu-Tang Clan – Enter the Wu-Tang (Vinyl LP) at Music Direct".Musicdirect.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedDecember 25,2015.
- ^"Wu-Tang Clan:: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers):: Loud/RCA".Rapreviews.Archivedfrom the original on September 28, 2015.RetrievedDecember 25,2015.
- ^"Wu-Tang Clan's Anniversary LP Gets A Symbolic Title".MTV News.Archived fromthe originalon November 15, 2020.RetrievedDecember 25,2015.
- ^abPlante, Chris (December 17, 2015)."FBI: We don't have the Wu-Tang album, leave us alone".The Verge.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedDecember 18,2015.
- ^abcdErlewine, Stephen Thomas;Prato, Greg (2007)."Wu-Tang Clan – Biography".AllMusic.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedDecember 15,2010.
- ^Cowie, Del F."Days of the Wu at Exclaim.ca".Archived fromthe originalon April 28, 2005.RetrievedNovember 6,2006.
- ^"RZA Interview at HipHopCore.net".Archived fromthe originalon May 15, 2006.RetrievedDecember 26,2006.
- ^abcdColin Larkin,ed. (1998).The Virgin Encyclopedia of Dance Music(First ed.).Virgin Books.p. 369.ISBN0-7535-0252-6.
- ^abPfeifle, Sam."Days of the Wu — The RZA looks inside the Clan".The Boston Phoenix.Stephen M. Mindich. Archived fromthe originalon October 17, 2015.RetrievedNovember 12,2015.
- ^ab"The Wu-Tang Clan".Hip Hop Galaxy.July 26, 2004. Archived fromthe originalon November 28, 2006.RetrievedMarch 14,2008.
- ^Leckart, Steven (October 23, 2007)."Wu-Tang Clan's RZA Breaks Down His Kung Fu Samples by Film and Song".Wired.Archivedfrom the original on July 18, 2008.RetrievedOctober 25,2007.
- ^"The Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of all Time – Top 100 Rap/Hip-Hop Albums".Rap.about. April 7, 2010.Archivedfrom the original on April 5, 2015.RetrievedApril 27,2010.
- ^"Rolling Stone's Music News, Reviews, Photos, Videos, Interviews and More".Rolling Stone.Archived fromthe originalon February 2, 2007.RetrievedApril 27,2010.
- ^ab"Rocklist.net... The Source 100 Best Rap Albums & Singles".Rocklistmusic.co.uk.Archivedfrom the original on August 7, 2017.RetrievedApril 27,2010.
- ^"2005/05 RZA – interview (WuTang Clan on the Rise):: wuforever:: Daily dose of Wu-Tang News, OBCLII, MP3, Videos, Interviews for Wu Fanatics".Wuforever.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 6,2009.
- ^Steve Huey."Method Man – Awards – AllMusic".AllMusic.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 9,2015.
- ^Thomas, Fred."Cappadonna".AllMusic.
- ^Ma, David.Cuban LinxRevisited (page 1)ArchivedDecember 6, 2010, at theWayback Machine.Wax Poetics.Retrieved 3 September 2023
- ^"Ironman – Ghostface Killah | Songs, Reviews, Credits".AllMusic.Archivedfrom the original on February 1, 2021.RetrievedJune 30,2021.
- ^Thompson, Stephen."Ghostface Killah: Ironman | Music | Review".The A.V. Club.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedApril 27,2010.
- ^"40th Annual Grammy Awards".Archivedfrom the original on March 20, 2015.RetrievedMarch 27,2015.
- ^Killah Priest – Heavy Mental (1998, CD),archivedfrom the original on February 19, 2021,retrievedMarch 16,2021
- ^"RIAA".Riaa. Archived fromthe originalon February 25, 2013.RetrievedJanuary 6,2009.
- ^Thomas, Stephen."Wu-Tang Clan Biography".Allmusic.RetrievedJanuary 6,2009.
- ^"Ol' Dirty Bastard Sentenced To Drug Treatment".MTV.Archived fromthe originalon April 22, 2024.RetrievedApril 22,2024.
- ^"The 50 Worst Songs By Otherwise Great Artists".Spin.July 20, 2022.RetrievedApril 22,2024.
- ^"Wu-Tang Clan: The" W "(2000): Reviews".Metacritic. November 21, 2000.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 6,2009.
- ^The W by Wu-Tang Clan on Apple Music,November 21, 2000,retrievedApril 22,2024
- ^"Throwback: Wu-Tang's" The W "Gets Certified Platinum".Rapstation.December 14, 2016.RetrievedApril 22,2024.
- ^Jennifer Vineyard (May 26, 2000)."Wu-Tang Clan Fires Manager After Village Voice Expose".Rolling Stone.Archived fromthe originalon November 15, 2020.RetrievedFebruary 23,2007.
- ^Music, I. G. N. (June 11, 2004)."Wu-Tang Rock The Bells".IGN.RetrievedMay 10,2024.
- ^"Ol Dirty Bastard Russell Jones Mugshot and Criminal History (Part 2)".Crime.about. November 13, 2004. Archived fromthe originalon September 7, 2015.RetrievedJanuary 6,2009.
- ^Strong, Nolan (November 14, 2004)."Ol' Dirty Bastard Dead".AllHipHop.Archived fromthe originalon February 19, 2007.
- ^Moss, Corey (November 13, 2004)."Rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard Dies".MTV. Archived fromthe originalon November 15, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 6,2009.
- ^"Ghostface Killah: Fishscale (2006): Reviews".Metacritic. March 28, 2006.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 6,2009.
- ^"Ghostface Killah Warms Up Leftover 'Fish' For Second 2006 Album".MTV.Archived fromthe originalon December 15, 2023.RetrievedDecember 15,2023.
- ^"Exclusive Hip Hop News, Audio, Lyrics, Videos, Honeys, Wear, Sneakers, Download Mixtapes".Hiphopgame. December 14, 2007. Archived fromthe originalon March 10, 2009.RetrievedApril 27,2010.
- ^Kaufman, Gil.50 Cent, Kanye Lead Fall Album Rush — Mariah, Chris Brown, Lupe Fiasco, Alicia Keys FollowArchivedSeptember 16, 2010, at theWayback MachineMTV: August 13, 2007.
- ^[1]ArchivedJune 16, 2008, at theWayback Machine
- ^"RZA Reveals Cappadonna's Status In Wu-Tang Clan".Hiphopdx. October 7, 2014.Archivedfrom the original on May 1, 2015.RetrievedJanuary 9,2015.
- ^[2]ArchivedMay 11, 2008, at theWayback Machine
- ^"Mixtape Monday: Nas Talks About 'Crazy Joint' With Jay-Z; Wu-Tang Delay LP For Ghostface's Sake".MTV. March 9, 2006. Archived fromthe originalon November 15, 2014.RetrievedJanuary 13,2012.
- ^"( 8 Diagrams [16 Tracks] > Review )".allmusic.December 11, 2007.RetrievedApril 27,2010.
- ^Alvin "Aqua" Blanco."Features: Ghostface Killah: Iron Manual".Allhiphop.Archivedfrom the original on November 20, 2008.RetrievedJanuary 6,2009.
- ^[3]ArchivedSeptember 18, 2008, at theWayback Machine
- ^"New Wu Tang Clan" Harbor Masters "taken from new album" Chamber Music "| Fat Lace Magazine".Fatlacemagazine.uproxx. Archived fromthe originalon June 12, 2009.RetrievedApril 27,2010.
- ^"DX News Bits: Wu-Tang Clan, Eve, Travis McCoy".HipHopDX.June 25, 2009.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedApril 27,2010.
- ^"Cuban Linx II coming Summer 2007:: news articles at Wu-Tang Corp. – The Official Site of the Wu-Tang Clan".Wutang-corp. Archived fromthe originalon March 14, 2009.RetrievedJanuary 6,2009.
- ^abReid, Shaheem (July 22, 2009)."50 Cent Would 'Love' To Make A Joint Album With Eminem".MTV. Archived fromthe originalon November 15, 2020.RetrievedApril 27,2010.
- ^Rodriguez, Jayson (July 23, 2009)."Method Man Wants To Hook Up With Ghostface, Raekwon For Joint LP".MTV. Archived fromthe originalon November 15, 2020.RetrievedApril 27,2010.
- ^Reid, Shaheem (August 12, 2009)."Ghostface Expects Group Album With Raekwon And Method Man This Year".MTV. Archived fromthe originalon November 15, 2020.RetrievedApril 27,2010.
- ^"illrideamotorbike".Illrideamotorbike. Archived fromthe originalon July 13, 2011.RetrievedJanuary 9,2015.
- ^Vozick, Simon."Raekwon on 'Wu-Massacre,' the future of the Wu-Tang Clan, his label dreams, and more: The Music Mix Q&A | EW".Entertainment Weekly.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedApril 27,2010.
- ^"Raekwon Speaks on Dr. Dre, New Wu Album".Youtube.Archivedfrom the original on July 26, 2013.RetrievedApril 17,2013.
- ^Horowitz, Steven J. (June 29, 2011)."Raekwon Reveals Wu-Tang Clan Is Working On A New Album".Hiphopdx.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 13,2012.
- ^Vasquez, Andres (July 15, 2011)."Ghostface Killah Promises Wu-Block LP, New Wu-Tang LP & More".Hiphopdx.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 13,2012.
- ^"Wanna Rap on a GZA Album? | News".Pitchfork.April 4, 2012.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedApril 30,2012.
- ^"RZA Hints At Wu-Tang Clan Dropping A Final Album On The 20th Anniversary Of" Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) "".Hiphopdx. October 10, 2012.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedOctober 10,2012.
- ^"Raekwon Says Wu-Tang Clan Reunion May Not Happen".November 15, 2012.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedNovember 16,2012.
- ^"Wu Tang Album is in the works. Hold on tight".Facebook. January 9, 2013.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 9,2013.
- ^"Video: Method Man Says New Wu-Tang Clan Album Will Drop in 2013".Complex.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedApril 17,2013.
- ^Boardman, Madeline (March 10, 2013)."New Wu-Tang Clan: Cappadonna Says The Group Will Celebrate Its Anniversary With New Music".Huffingtonpost.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedApril 17,2013.
- ^"The Making of Ghostface Killah and Adrian Younge's" Twelve Reasons to Die "– Page 8 of 8 – XXL".Xxlmag. April 16, 2013.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedApril 17,2013.
- ^Rose Lilah (April 11, 2013)."Wu-Tang Clan Announce Reunion Album Title".HotNewHipHop.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 9,2015.
- ^Harling, Danielle (April 15, 2013)."Wu-Tang Clan Reunite At Coachella, R. Kelly Performs With Phoenix".HipHop DX.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedApril 17,2013.
- ^"Listen To Wu-Tang Clan's" Execution in Autumn "(Produced By Frank Dukes) – XXL".Xxlmag. May 17, 2013.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedNovember 9,2013.
- ^"Announcing The Summer Jam XX Artist Line-Up".HOT 97. April 2, 2013. Archived fromthe originalon May 7, 2013.RetrievedApril 2,2013.
- ^"Family Reunion | Soul Temple Music".Soultemplemusic.bandcamp. June 5, 2013.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedNovember 9,2013.
- ^"Previously Unreleased Ol' Dirty Bastard Verses To Be Unearthed For New Wu-Tang Clan Album – XXL".Xxlmag. July 25, 2013.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedNovember 9,2013.
- ^Paine, Jake (June 27, 2013)."RZA Explains" The Cure "Delay, Wu-Tang Clan's" A Better Tomorrow "Progress".HipHop DX.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedNovember 9,2013.
- ^Baker, Soren (July 7, 2013)."Cappadonna Clamoring For Swizz Beatz, Diddy Production On New Wu-Tang Clan LP".HipHop DX.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedNovember 9,2013.
- ^"Wu&A: The RZA on Enter the Wu-Tang 20 Years Later and Who's Holding Up the Wu's Reunion Album – Hollywood Prospectus Blog".Grantland. October 17, 2012.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedNovember 9,2013.
- ^Rys, Dan (November 12, 2013)."Method Man On Wu-Tang's New Album, Chris Brown And Why He's Not A Rapper – Page 3 of 3 – XXL".Xxlmag.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedApril 24,2014.
- ^Talbott, Chris (November 21, 2013)."RZA: Wu-Tang's 'A Better Tomorrow' Album Still 'Six Weeks Out'".The Huffington Post.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 11,2014.
- ^Martins, Chris (January 6, 2014)."Wu-Tang Clan's 'A Better Tomorrow' Is Coming Soon (Again)".Spin.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 11,2014.
- ^"Wu-Tang Clan Announces RZA & Raekwon Truce".Hiphopdx. May 12, 2014.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 9,2015.
- ^Kennedy, Gerrick D. (October 4, 2014)."Wu-Tang Clan ink deal with Warner Bros., will release album Dec. 2".Los Angeles Times.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedJuly 6,2019.
- ^Michaels, Sean (March 27, 2014)."Wu-Tang Clan producing one copy of new album Once Upon A Time In Shaolin".The Guardian.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedDecember 18,2016– via theguardian.
- ^Greenburg, Zack O'Malley."Unlocking The Wu-Tang Clan's Secret Album In Morocco".Forbes.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedAugust 22,2017.
- ^Zack O'Malley Greenburg (March 26, 2014)."Why Wu-Tang Will Release Just One Copy Of Its Secret Album".Forbes.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 9,2015.
- ^"RZA Says He Has $5 Million Offer For One Copy Of Wu-Tang Clan's" The Wu – Once Upon A Time In Shaolin "Album".Hiphopdx. April 2, 2014.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 9,2015.
- ^Soren Baker (2014)."Skrillex Did Not Buy Wu Tang Clan's $5 Million Album".Hiphopdx. Archived fromthe originalon December 2, 2014.RetrievedJanuary 9,2015.
- ^"Martin Shkreli leaks Wu-Tang Clan album in celebration of Trump victory".The Guardian.November 9, 2016.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedNovember 30,2016.
- ^"Wu-Tang Clan album bought by Martin Shkreli sold by US government".bbc.co.uk/news.BBC News. July 27, 2021.Archivedfrom the original on July 28, 2021.RetrievedJuly 28,2021.
- ^Yoo, Noah (August 25, 2017)."Wu-Tang Clan Share New Song" People Say ": Listen".Pitchfork.RetrievedMarch 19,2024.
- ^Penrose, Nerisha (August 25, 2017)."Wu-Tang Clan Returns With New Song 'People Say,' Announces 'The Saga Continues' Album".Billboard.RetrievedMarch 19,2024.
- ^Khanna, Vish (October 17, 2017)."Mathematics Explains Why Wu-Tang Dropped the" Clan "for 'The Saga Continues' and How He Appreciates Martin Shkreli | Exclaim!".Mathematics Explains Why Wu-Tang Dropped the "Clan" for 'The Saga Continues' and How He Appreciates Martin Shkreli | Exclaim!.RetrievedMarch 19,2024.
- ^Saponara, Michael (October 31, 2017)."RZA & DJ Mathematics Talk 'The Saga Continues', Politics, & Wu-Tang's Evolution".Billboard.RetrievedMarch 19,2024.
- ^"Billboard 200™".Billboard.November 4, 2017. Archived fromthe originalon November 1, 2017.RetrievedMarch 19,2024.
- ^"Wu-Tang Clan becomes first hip-hop act to land Las Vegas residency".Los Angeles Times.RetrievedJune 5,2024.
- ^"Wu-Tang Clan hopes to leave legacy as they embrace Las Vegas residency".ABC7Chicago.ABC.RetrievedJune 5,2024.
- ^The RZA; Chris Norris (January 2005). The Wu-Tang Manual. New York: Riverhead Freestyle, 243 pages.ISBN1-59448-018-4
- ^Tyrangiel, Josh (August 21, 2005)."Why You Can't Ignore Kanye – TIME".Time.Archived fromthe originalon March 20, 2007.RetrievedJanuary 6,2009.
- ^"Gale – Free Resources – Black History – Biographies – Kanye West".Gale. June 8, 1977. Archived fromthe originalon June 15, 2006.RetrievedJanuary 6,2009.
- ^Reid, Shaheem (March 6, 2007)."Outkast, Justin On Our Top 10 Hip-Hop Groups".MTV. Archived fromthe originalon November 15, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 6,2009.
- ^Vibe Magazine. Vbeat: Clan in da Front by Linda Hobbs. November 2007. Page 52.
- ^"Dear Superstar: Method Man Article on Blender:: The Ultimate Guide to Music and More".Blender. Archived fromthe originalon February 24, 2009.RetrievedJanuary 6,2009.
- ^Wilkinson, Roy(July 1997). "One of these men is God".Select:60.
- ^"nike dunk hi ·" wu-tang "· 630335 073".Flightclubny. Archived fromthe originalon March 5, 2010.RetrievedApril 27,2010.
- ^Jonathan, Cohen. "Wu-Tang Documentary Heads To BET, DVD." billboard. Billboard. October 3, 2008Wu-Tang Documentary Heads To BET, DVDArchivedNovember 15, 2020, at theWayback Machine
- ^"wuforever".Wuforever. Archived fromthe originalon January 9, 2015.RetrievedJanuary 9,2015.
- ^"SHOWTIME® x The FADER presents Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men".The FADER.RetrievedMay 11,2019.
- ^"Wu-Tang Clan Returns With" Of Mics & Men "EP".HipHopDX.May 16, 2019.RetrievedMay 17,2019.
- ^Holmes, Charles (September 6, 2019)."RZA Spent 10 Years Making This TV Show".Rolling Stone.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedMay 13,2020.
- ^"Stream TV and Movies Live and Online".Hulu.Archivedfrom the original on August 2, 2018.RetrievedMay 13,2020.
- ^"'Wu Tang: An American Saga' Returns to Hulu For a Second Season and It's Badass ".Grit Daily News.January 27, 2020.Archivedfrom the original on November 15, 2020.RetrievedMay 13,2020.
- ^"Good for Hip Hop: Raekwon says" We're going to keep it moving...that's it, I got love for Joe Budden "".MissInfo.tv. August 16, 2009. Archived fromthe originalon September 19, 2009.RetrievedApril 27,2010.
- ^Tinoco, Armando (December 14, 2022)."'Wu-Tang: An American Saga': Hulu Announces Premiere Date For Third & Final Season ".Deadline Hollywood.
External links
- Wu-Tang Clan
- 1992 establishments in New York City
- African-American musical groups
- Asylum Records artists
- Columbia Records artists
- Culture of Staten Island
- Five percenters
- Hip hop collectives
- Hip hop supergroups
- Hip hop groups from New York City
- Loud Records artists
- Musical groups established in 1992
- SRC Records artists
- Hardcore hip hop groups
- American hip hop groups
- East Coast hip hop groups
- Universal Motown Records artists
- Musical groups from Staten Island
- Musical nonets
- RCA Records artists
- Warner Records artists