On this day in 1993, the legendary Wu-Tang Clan began their reign as one of the most powerful and influential rap groups in history by releasing their debut single, “Protect Ya Neck.” With this track, Wu-Tang took the rap game by storm with a style unheard and an attitude unseen. “Protect Ya Neck” set a tone in Hip Hop that shifted the genre toward a more hardcore, rugged sound.
Originally recorded in a different order with a completely different beat, group member RZA took the liberty to reconstruct the song in post-production to the goliath that we all know and love. According to him, all he needed was the vocals of the group. The original beat used was just a placeholder used to get the verses. RZA’s unique style also incorporated the kung-fu film dialogue and fought scenes throughout the track. This unique style of production became a trend for Wu-Tang Clan.
To clarify any confusion about who is who on the song, the order of verses is as follows: Inspectah Deck, Raekwon, Method Man, U-God, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Ghostface Killah, RZA, & GZA. The single was first released independently through Wu-Tang Records and had “After the Laughter Comes Tears” as the B-side. Loud Records later re-released it with “Method Man” as the B-side. It sold 10,000 copies.
On this day in 1993, the legendary Wu-Tang Clan began their reign as one of the most powerful and influential rap groups in history by releasing their debut single “Protect Ya Neck.” With this track, Wu-Tang took the rap game by storm with a style unheard and an attitude unseen. “Protect Ya Neck” set a tone in Hip Hop that shifted the genre toward a more hardcore, rugged sound.
Originally recorded in a different order with a completely different beat, group member RZA took the liberty to reconstructed the song in post-production to the goliath that we all know and love. According to him, all he needed was the vocals of the group. The original beat used was just a place holder used to get the verses. This unique style of production became a trend for Wu-Tang Clan. RZA’s unique style also incorporated the kung-fu film dialogue as well as fight scenes throughout the track.
In an effort to clear up any confusion of who is who on the song, the order of verses is as followed: Inspectah Deck, Raekwon, Method Man, U-God, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Ghostface Killah, RZA, & GZA. The single was first released independently through Wu-Tang Records and had “After the Laughter Comes Tears” as the B-side. It was later re-released by Loud Records with “Method Man” as the B-side. It sold 10,000 copies.
Downtown Music Publishing today announced the signing of a global publishing administration agreement with Wu-Tang Productions, and owners Robert “RZA” Diggs and Mitchell “Divine” Diggs, to represent the iconic hip-hop group’s interest in songs from its back catalog of classic albums — as well as select works co-written or produced by individual Wu-Tang Clan members for solo releases, affiliates and other artists. The writers represented under the deal include co-founders Ghostface Killah, GZA, Inspectah Deck, Method Man, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Raekwon, RZA and U-God.
“We are excited to be partnering with Downtown and entrusting them to handle our historic back catalog,” said RZA of the deal. “Downtown’s system is ideal for us — they have the global reach and capacity of a ‘major’ while maintaining strong, highly personal relationships with their clients. Their customized approach to clientele accompanied with their focus in areas like rights management and distribution make Downtown an ideal partner for Wu-Tang Productions.”
On June 3, 1997, the Witty Unpredictable Talent And Natural Game gave the world a double dose of their killer bee stings when they dropped the Wu-Tang Forever double CD LP.
The album was executively produced by the Abbott himself, RZA, along with assistance from 4th Disciple, Inspectah Deck, and True Master. Released to the public under the Loud/RCA imprint with direction from the illustrious Steve Rifkind, this album was certified gold in its first week and was certified 4X platinum by the RIAA within four months of its release.
Some of the hits include the album’s lead, “Triumph,” “Older Gods,” “Duck Season” and the prophetic title of their current album, A Better Tomorrow. The Clan just celebrated 20 years together in 2013 looking back on two decades of music. The Clan is also currently working on an album with Ghostface Killah running the show.
Peace to the entire Clan for giving us such a monumental project without the assistance of radio/video play, which is the mark of true artistry. Salute to RZA, Divine, Power, Steve Rifkind, and everyone who helped make this album a timeless classic!
Memorial Day Weekend isn’t putting a stop to the non-stop craziness going down in hip-hop. Today, Internet personality Jonny Fastlane talks about NBA YoungBoy offering to cover funeral costs, DaBaby getting caught up in a physical altercation, U-God going at RZA‘s production and much more!
Since 2017, the Wu-Tang Clan group has been eligible to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. However, the nine-man New York Rap collective has yet to appear on the ballot. As 2019’s induction ceremony takes place Friday night (March 29) in Brooklyn, RZA says that he believes the voting committee should properly consider Wu-Tang’s merits.
“I think we should [get inducted], and I do care,” RZA tells Rolling Stone‘s Jason Newman. The Brooklyn, New Yorker also feels that his group’s catalog fits the curation of the Cleveland, Ohio museum. “Listening to a song like ‘Bring da Ruckus,’ I thought I was making Hip-Hop, but sh*t, it has a motherf*ckin’ Rock & Roll groove like a motherf*cker. I don’t know how the f*ck I did that. I go back and listen to some of The Beatles progressions and some of [Led] Zeppelin’s progressions and movements, like, okay, I was on some sh*t, though.” Besides RZA, the collective includes GZA, Raekwon, Method Man, Ghostface Killah, U-God, Masta Killa, Inspectah Deck, and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard.
The MC/producer/DJ adds that he feels that the energy of the Rock & Roll youth movement of the ’60s and ’70s evolved into Hip-Hop for the ’80s and ’90s. Hip-Hop acts in the Hall include Run-D.M.C., Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, Tupac, and N.W.A. The Abbott says that he understands if it “takes time,” but feels that such a move is beneficial for Rock and Hip-Hop.
As a solo artist, RZA has worked with Rock artists including the Hall Of Fame-inducted Sly Stone as well as The Black Keys, Dog Eat Dog, The Mars Volta, and Travis Barker. In 2016, he partnered with Interpol’s Paul Banks to form Banks & Steelz. The duo released an album, Anything But Words. Meth’, Ghost’, and Masta Kill all appeared.
Tomorrow’s Hall Of Fame induction class includes Janet Jackson, Def Leppard, Radiohead, and The Cure, among others.
Since 2017, the Wu-Tang Clan group has been eligible to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. However, the nine-man New York Rap collective has yet to appear on the ballot. As 2019’s induction ceremony takes place Friday night (March 29) in Brooklyn, RZA says that he believes the voting committee should properly consider Wu-Tang’s merits.
“I think we should [get inducted], and I do care,” RZA tells Rolling Stone‘s Jason Newman. The Brooklyn, New Yorker also feels that his group’s catalog fits the curation of the Cleveland, Ohio museum. “Listening to a song like ‘Bring da Ruckus,’ I thought I was making Hip-Hop, but sh*t, it has a motherf*ckin’ Rock & Roll groove like a motherf*cker. I don’t know how the f*ck I did that. I go back and listen to some of The Beatles progressions and some of [Led] Zeppelin’s progressions and movements, like, okay, I was on some sh*t, though.” Besides RZA, the collective includes GZA, Raekwon, Method Man, Ghostface Killah, U-God, Masta Killa, Inspectah Deck, and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard.
The MC/producer/DJ adds that he feels that the energy of the Rock & Roll youth movement of the ’60s and ’70s evolved into Hip-Hop for the ’80s and ’90s. Hip-Hop acts in the Hall include Run-D.M.C., Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, Tupac, and N.W.A. The Abbott says that he understands if it “takes time,” but feels that such a move is beneficial for Rock and Hip-Hop.
As a solo artist, RZA has worked with Rock artists including the Hall Of Fame-inducted Sly Stone as well as The Black Keys, Dog Eat Dog, The Mars Volta, and Travis Barker. In 2016, he partnered with Interpol’s Paul Banks to form Banks & Steelz. The duo released an album, Anything But Words. Meth’, Ghost’, and Masta Kill all appeared.
Yesterday (Dec. 5), in commemoration of their conquering 1993 debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), the Wu-Tang Clan got together to perform a native influenced long-winded session of Wu hits on NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series. Together, Raekwon, RZA, GZA, Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa, U-God, Cappadonna, alongside the son of the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Young Dirty Bastard, fed onlookers with a wealth of musical wisdom than obtains 25 years of brilliance.
Starting off with a top-notch classic, “Triumph” which arguably accommodates one of the greatest verses in hip-hop history, Inspectah Deck spewed the famed moment, preceding into their early mantraesque hits from “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta Fuck Wit” to “Method Man.” Touching base on their iconic solo still-Wu gems, the concert flew into tracks in the likes of Raekwon’s “Glaciers of Ice”, Method Man’s “Bring the Pain,” Ghostface Killah’s “Run” and ultimately sealed the show with the affectionately received “C.R.E.A.M.”
While both Method Man and Ghostface Killah were not present, the group successfully managed to set forth a nostalgic performance which was reminiscent to the traditional rap cypher their gritty craft tends to reflect. Young Dirty Bastard appears to be on a role with the undertaking of his late father’s eccentric vigor, as he is seen portraying Ol’ Dirty Bastard segments in modern-day performances.
With the help of strings of The Green Project, RZA dropped a “dart” where he accumulates his Wu experience in live time.
“I used to be a metaphor whore/I would search through the core of my brain to find a metaphor better than yours/But now I’m a spiritual lyricist mystic/And I realize Hip-Hop has a sickness/So I’m going to cure the sickness without a pill/That’s better than me saying dollar dollar bill…”
Last month the super group’s debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) reached a new milestone of 25 years since its iconic release. In extended honor of the 25th anniversary of 36 Chambers, the clan will hold two respective east coast celebrations in Philly and New York. Watch the clan swarm through their “Wu Classics” playlist with Tiny Desk, here.
On this day in Hip Hop history, the prolific Wu-Tang Clan took the first steps of one the most powerful careers to date by releasing their debut Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) LP. With a martial arts title and righteously murderous lyrics, this may be one of the most ferocious and raw debuts Hip Hop has ever seen. RZA, GZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Inspectah Deck, Raekwon, U-God, Ghostface Killah and Method Man were all in rare form, rapping with chips on their shoulders and something to prove.
Recorded, mixed, mastered, and arranged exclusively by RZA at Firehouse Studios in New York, the album totes a very unique and rugged sound. Each track was recorded with all eight active members simultaneously in the studio. To decide which of the eight would appear on a track, RZA would have group members battle rap against each other to ensure that the best man capable would get the job. The result of one of the battles was the track “Meth VS Chef” which was a sparring match between the two for the prize of a RZA beat. The song later surfaced on Method Man’s solo debut Tical. Other premiere tracks from the album include the street anthem “C.R.E.A.M.”, which gave a new euphemism to money, the two solo tracks(“Method Man”, “Clan In Da Front”) and of course, the leading single, the infectious “Protect Ya Neck”.
This album brought cultural reform to Hip Hop. With it’s conception, New York’s hardcore movement was at its apex. Wu-Tang did not focus on the glitz and glamour that came along with Hip Hop status. Much like the kung-fu movies they emulated, the Wu had a preoccupation with being the most righteous and skillful MC’s on the scene. This attitude toward their craft tempered the collective into Killa Bees, lyrical warriors who were constantly sharpening their swords for war. Their 10,000 hours of training opened the door for artists ranging from The Notorious B.I.G. to Jay-Z to Mobb Deep. They were the voice of the slums and popularized retaining one’s rough edges among a more polished musical aristocracy.
Commercially, this album was a surprise hit. Although the group had already become popular in New York through their sheer presence and ability, it was up-in-the-air whether or not the group was going to appeal to the general public. Fortunately, their change to the game was embraced and the album peaked at #41 on the Billboard 200 and #8 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop chart.
