Wu‐Tang Clan | ||
| Allmusic Biography : Emerging in 1993, when Dr. Dres G-funk had overtaken the hip-hop world, the Staten Island, New York-based Wu-Tang Clan proved to be the most revolutionary rap group of the mid-90s -- and only partially because of their music. Turning the standard concept of a hip-hop crew inside out, the Wu-Tang Clan were assembled as a loose congregation of nine MCs, almost as a support group. Instead of releasing one album after another, the Clan were designed to overtake the record industry in as profitable a fashion as possible -- the idea was to establish the Wu-Tang as a force with their debut album and then spin off into as many side projects as possible. In the process, the members would all become individual stars as well as receive individual royalty checks. Surprisingly, the plan worked. All of the various Wu-Tang solo projects elaborated on the theme the group laid out on its 1993 debut, the spare, menacing Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). The collectives name was taken from a powerful, mythical kung fu sword wielded by an invincible congregation of warriors, and all nine members have worked under a number of pseudonyms, but they are best known as RZA (formerly Prince Rakeem; aka RZArecta, Chief Abbot, and Bobby Steels; born Robert Diggs), GZA (aka the Genius, Justice, and Maxi Million; born Gary Grice), Ol Dirty Bastard (aka Unique Ason, Joe Bannanas, Dirt McGirt, Dirt Dog, and Osirus; born Russell Jones), Method Man (aka Johnny Blaze, Ticallion Stallion, Shakwon, Methical, and MZA; born Clifford Smith), Raekwon the Chef (aka Shallah Raekwon and Lou Diamonds; born Corey Woods), Ghostface Killah (aka Tony Starks and Sun God; born Dennis Coles), U-God (aka Golden Arms, Lucky Hands, Baby U, and 4-Bar Killer; born Lamont Hawkins), Inspectah Deck (aka Rebel INS and Rollie Fingers; born Jason Hunter), and Masta Killa (aka Noodles; born Elgin Turner). Although RZA wasnt one of the two founding members -- GZA and Ol Dirty Bastard were the first -- the vision of the Wu-Tang Clan undoubtedly arises from his musical skills. Under his direction, the group -- through its own efforts and the solo projects, all of which he produced or co-produced -- created a hazy, surreal, and menacing soundscape out of hardcore beats, eerie piano riffs, and minimal samples. Over these surrealistic backing tracks, the MCs rapped hard, updating the old-school attack with vicious violence, martial arts imagery, and a welcome warped humor. By 1995, the sound was one of the most instantly recognizable in hip-hop. It wasnt always that way. Like most rappers, they began their careers trying to get ahead whatever way they could. For RZA, that meant releasing a silly single, "Ooh, I Love You Rakeem," on Tommy Boy Records in 1991. On the advice of his label and producers, he cut the humorous lover-man single, which went absolutely nowhere. Neither did the follow-up single, "My Deadly Venom." The experience strengthened his resolve to subvert and attack record industry conventions. He found partners in GZA and Ol Dirty Bastard. GZA had also released a record in 1991, the full-length Words from the Genius on Cold Chillin, which was preceded by the single "Come Do Me." Both records were unsuccessful. After the failure of his album, GZA teamed with an old friend, Ol Dirty Bastard, to form the crew that would evolve into the Wu-Tang Clan within a year. RZA quickly became part of the crew, as did several other local MCs, including Method Man, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, U-God, Inspectah Deck, and Masta Killa. The nine rappers made a pact to a form an artistic and financial community -- the Wu-Tang Clan wouldnt merely be a group, it would be its own industry. In order to do this, they decided to establish themselves through a group effort and then begin to spread the word through solo projects, picking up additional collaborators along the way and, in the process, becoming stronger and more influential. The first Wu-Tang Clan single, the hard-hitting "Protect Ya Neck," appeared on their own independent label and became an underground hit. Soon, record labels were offering them lucrative contracts. The group held out until it landed a deal that would allow each member to record solo albums for whatever label he chose -- in essence, each rapper was a free agent. Loud/RCA agreed to the deal, and the bands debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), appeared in November 1993. Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful; although its financial success wasnt immediate, it was the result of a slow build. "C.R.E.A.M.," released in early 1994, was the single that put them over the top and won them a devoted following. The group wasted no time in pursuing other projects, as a total of five of the members -- GZA, RZA, Raekwon, Method Man, and Ol Dirty Bastard -- landed solo contracts as a result of the success of "C.R.E.A.M." RZA was the first to reenter the studio, this time as a member of the Gravediggaz, a group he founded; in addition to RZA, who was rechristened RZArecta, the group included De La Soul producer Prince Paul, Stetsasonics Frukwan, and Brothers Grimms Poetic. The Gravediggazs album 6 Feet Deep appeared in August 1994; it eventually would go gold. Labeled "horrorcore" by the group, it was an ultra-violent but comical tour de force that demonstrated RZAs production prowess. Shortly after its release, Raekwon released his first single, "Heaven and Hell," on the Fresh soundtrack; the song was produced by RZA and featured Ghostface Killah. The first Wu-Tang member to become a major solo star was Method Man. In November 1994, he released Tical, the first official Wu-Tang solo album. Again, RZA produced the album, creating a dense, dirty sonic collage. Tical became a big hit in early 1995, as did Meths duet with Mary J. Blige, "Ill Be There for You/Youre All I Need to Get By." Ol Dirty Bastard followed Method Mans breakthrough success with Return to the 36 Chambers, which appeared in March 1995 on Elektra Records. Thanks to the hits "Brooklyn Zoo" and "Shimmy Shimmy Ya," the record became a gold success. Out of all the solo albums, it was the one that sounded the most like Enter the Wu-Tang, although it did have a more pronounced comic bent, due to Ol Dirtys maniacal vocals. Tales from the Hood, a movie soundtrack featuring Inspectah Decks first solo track, appeared in May. Later in 1995, the two most critically acclaimed Wu-Tang records appeared: Raekwons Only Built 4 Cuban Linx and GZAs Liquid Swords. Raekwon released his album on Loud/RCA in August 1995; the record featured extensive contributions -- a total of 12 songs -- from Ghostface Killah, his greatest exposure yet. GZAs solo album was released by Geffen Records in November 1995. In February 1996, Ghostface Killahs first solo track, "Winter Warz," appeared on the Dont Be a Menace to South Central While Youre Drinking Your Juice in the Hood soundtrack. Later that October, he released his own solo debut, the critically acclaimed, 70s soul-flavored Ironman; the record was the first released on RZAs new Epic subsidiary, Razor Sharp Records. The Wu-Tang Clan finally reconvened and returned with their second album, the double CD Wu-Tang Forever, in June of 1997. Hugely anticipated, the album entered the charts at number one -- selling over 600,000 copies in its first week alone -- and quickly spawned the hit single "Triumph." There were several contributions from guest associate Cappadonna (born Darryl Hill), whod appeared on Only Built 4 Cuban Linx and Ironman, and would later become the tenth member of the Wu-Tang Clan. The group toured extensively in support of the album, getting into a few minor scuffles with the law along the way. In the meantime, the next phase of the Wu-Tang plan started to take shape: unearthing new associates and spinning the resulting stable of talent into a brand-name franchise. A group of Wu protégés dubbed Killarmy released their debut album, Silent Weapons for Quiet Wars, on Priority Records in August 1997, drawing heavily upon the Clans martial imagery. However, the real year for Wu-related side projects proved to be 1998. In March, Cappadonna released his solo debut, The Pillage, on Columbia. The same month, Killah Priest -- not an official part of the Clan, but a frequent guest and a member of another protégé group, the Sunz of Man -- made his solo debut on Geffen Records with Heavy Mental, an acclaimed album filled with spiritual imagery that established him as one of the more distinctive solo artists in the Wu-Tang orbit. In July the Sunz of Man released their own debut album, The Last Shall Be First, on Red Ant, and yet another group of up-and-comers dubbed the Wu-Tang Killa Bees released their first album, The Swarm, Vol. 1, on Priority, featuring a number of guest appearances by Wu members and associates. In August, Killarmy issued their second album, Dirty Weaponry. Also in 1998, Ol Dirty Bastard began a long and bizarre saga of erratic behavior and run-ins with police that found him making headlines with alarming (and ridiculous) regularity. In February he interrupted Shawn Colvins acceptance speech at the Grammy Awards to protest the Clans loss in the Best Rap Album category; shortly thereafter, he announced he was changing his name to Big Baby Jesus, an idea that never picked up steam. This was only the beginning -- over the next year and a half, ODB would be arrested for a litany of offenses that included assault, shoplifting, making terrorist threats, wearing body armor after being convicted of a felony, possessing cocaine, and missing countless court dates. Plus, in early 1999, the whole Clan fell under suspicion of masterminding a gun-running operation between Staten Island and Steubenville, Ohio -- charges that were never proven to have any validity. In the midst of this legal sideshow, the Clan kicked off a second round of solo projects in late 1998. This time around, RZA curtailed his activities somewhat, making appearances but often leaving the majority of the production duties to his protégés. Still, he released his own solo debut, the soundtrack-styled RZA as Bobby Digital in Stereo, in November 1998 on V2; the same month, Method Mans second album, Tical 2000: Judgement Day, debuted at number two on the charts. June 1999 saw the release of an excellent singles compilation, RZA Hits, which covered the first Wu-Tang album and the first round of solo albums (1994-1995); the very next week, GZAs second album, Beneath the Surface, was released. September brought plenty of new Wu product: Ol Dirty Bastards Nigga Please, released while the rapper was in rehab; Method Mans acclaimed duo album with Redman, Blackout!; and the first-ever solo album by Inspectah Deck, Uncontrolled Substance, which appeared on Relativity. Another Wu member made his solo debut in October, when U-God issued Golden Arms Redemption on Priority; Raekwon returned the following month with Immobilarity. Finally, Ghostface Killah issued his well-received sophomore set, Supreme Clientele, in January 2000. However, this second round of Wu-Tang solo albums didnt attract as much attention, either critically or commercially. True, Method Man remained a popular solo star (and, to a lesser degree, so did ODB), and reviews were highly positive for Ghostface Killah (and, to a lesser degree, GZA). But the Wu franchise was suffering from inconsistency, overexposure (theyd spawned a clothing line, a video game, a comic book, and more), and a flood of musical product that even diehards found difficult to keep up with. Their once-distinctive sound was becoming commonplace and diluted, not just through the collectives own releases but also RZAs many imitators; plus, by this time, Timbaland had taken over the mantle of hip-hops most cutting-edge producer. Indie filmmaker Jim Jarmusch commissioned RZA to compose a soundtrack for his acclaimed Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, the results of which were unveiled in early 2000. Other than that, the Clan reconvened for a new album and were mostly quiet during much of 2000 -- aside from Ol Dirty Bastard, who unfortunately continued to spiral out of control. He spent some time in a California jail for violating the terms of his probation, but appeared to be on the right track when suddenly, in October -- with just two months of rehab to go -- he escaped the California facility and spent a month on the run from the law. Fans were shocked when ODB turned up on-stage at the New York record-release party for the Clans new album, The W, which was released with considerably less fanfare in November 2000. A leaner, more focused collection, The W featured only one track from ODB and pictured Cappadonna as a full-fledged member of the group (though he remained unnamed on their official contract with Loud). ODB managed to exit the club after his surprise performance but was soon captured by police in Philadelphia and extradited to New York to face charges of cocaine possession. In April 2001, he cut a deal with prosecutors that resulted in a sentence of two to four years in state prison, bringing his outlaw saga to a sad end. In August 2001, RZA issued his second Bobby Digital album, Digital Bullet; November brought solo albums from Ghostface Killah (Bulletproof Wallets) and Cappadonna (The Yin and the Yang). This time, though, there was no full round of solo projects in between Wu albums; the full group (minus ODB) assembled for its fourth album, Iron Flag, which was released in December 2001, just one year after its predecessor. Despite a lot of activity for the various solo projects, Wu-Tang released only a live album, 2004s Disciples of the 36 Chambers, during the subsequent five years. That document was one of the last places to hear Ol Dirty Bastard, who died of a heart attack in November 2004. In early 2007, in anticipation for the Clans upcoming album, 8 Diagrams, Nature Sounds issued the Mathematics-compiled Unreleased, a collection of new remixes and hard-to-find, previously unreleased songs from the group and some of its friends. It wasnt until the end of the year, however -- after a couple of delays and some criticism from Raekwon and Ghostface directed at RZA regarding the overall sound of the record -- that 8 Diagrams came out. Solo albums from most members would follow, but the Clan itself would remain dormant until 2011, when the Wu-related compilation Legendary Weapons landed with some new tracks from the full group. That year, it was also announced that the Clan were working on a new studio album that would be released in 2013 to celebrate their 20th anniversary. However, the album failed to materialize as 2013 came and went, with production stymied by a further public beef between Raekwon and RZA over the new albums stylistic direction. Eventually they reconciled, and in 2014 the album was finally finished. Entitled A Better Tomorrow, it was released in December through Warner Bros. That year the Clan also made history with the announcement that they had recorded a secret album called Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, of which only one copy would be pressed and sold as a unique artwork, in a custom-made hand-carved nickel and silver box, to the highest bidder. In December 2015, controversial pharmaceuticals CEO Martin Shkreli purchased the album for two million dollars. In 2017, in addition to contributing "Dont Stop" to the Silicon Valley soundtrack, the Clan issued "People Say" with Redman. The DJ Mathematics-produced single was the first offering from their album The Saga Continues. | ||
 | Album: 1 of 24 Title: Enter the Wu‐Tang (36 Chambers) Instrumentals Released: 1993-11-09 Tracks: 12 Duration: 58:24 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Bring da Ruckus (04:10) 2 Shame on a Nigga (02:57) 3 Clan in da Front (04:33) 4 Wu‐Tang: 7th Chamber (06:06) 5 Can It Be All So Simple / Intermission (06:53) 6 Da Mystery of Chessboxin’ (04:47) 7 Wu‐Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F’ Wit (03:36) 8 C.R.E.A.M. (04:12) 9 Method Man (05:50) 10 Protect Ya Neck (04:51) 11 Tearz (04:17) 12 Wu‐Tang: 7th Chamber, Part II / Conclusion (06:08) |
 | Album: 2 of 24 Title: Wu‐Tang Forever Released: 1997-05-26 Tracks: 18 Duration: 1:17:27 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Intro (02:02) 2 Triumph (05:38) 3 Impossible (04:28) 4 Little Ghetto Boys (04:49) 5 Deadly Melody (04:20) 6 The City (04:05) 7 The Projects (03:18) 8 Bells of War (05:12) 9 The M.G.M. (02:38) 10 Dog Shit (03:34) 11 Duck Seazon (05:42) 12 Hellz Wind Staff (04:52) 13 Heaterz (05:26) 14 Black Shampoo (03:50) 15 Second Coming (04:38) 16 The Closing (02:38) 17 Sunshower (06:10) 18 Projects International Remix (03:59) |
| Wu‐Tang Forever : Allmusic album Review : By the time the Wu-Tang Clan finished their first round of solo projects and reconvened for their second album as a group, the double-disc album had become the hip-hop fad of the moment. So why not give it a shot? With a main crew of nine MCs (plus new protégé Cappadonna), the Wu wouldnt have to depend heavily on guest appearances to flesh out two whole discs of material, as Biggie and 2Pac had. While the result, Wu-Tang Forever, is frequently brilliant, its also sprawling and unfocused, losing its handle on the carefully controlled chaos of Enter the Wu-Tang. On the one hand, theres more social consciousness on Wu-Tang Forever, taking hard looks at ghetto life while finding pathos and offering encouragement and uplift ("A Better Tomorrow," "Impossible"). On the other hand, you also get some of the groups most explicit sex raps yet ("Maria," "The Projects," the utterly bizarre ODB solo track "Dog Shit"). In other words, the group is starting to go off in more individual directions here, making it harder to maintain an overall focus. Once you get past the rambling Five Percenter introduction, the first disc is pretty tight, partly because it was kept short to leave room for enhanced CD content. The second disc is far too long, diluting the impact of its better songs (the terrific single "Triumph") with an excess of lackluster material. Wu-Tang Forever easily would have made a brilliant single CD; RZAs production is more polished than the debut, thanks to a bigger budget and better equipment, and leans heavily on soundtrack-style strings to underscore the albums cinematic scope. Some hailed Wu-Tang Forever as the best double-disc hip-hop album yet released, but others regarded it as a disappointment; despite its many high points, its the first time the Wu didnt quite fulfill their ambitions. | ||
 | Album: 3 of 24 Title: Wu‐Chronicles Released: 1999-02-01 Tracks: 16 Duration: 1:11:37 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 4th Chamber (04:40) 2 Wu Gambinos (05:44) 3 The What (04:01) 4 Cold World (RZA mix) (04:32) 5 Tragedy (03:51) 6 Black Trump (04:24) 7 Hip Hop Drunkies (04:58) 8 Gunz N Onez (Iz U Wit Me) (04:23) 9 Latunza (04:09) 10 Wake Up (05:06) 11 Young Godz (05:15) 12 Right Back at You (04:52) 13 Whatever Happened (The Birth) (03:42) 14 Semi-Automatic: Full Rap Metal Jacket (04:05) 15 The End (04:23) 16 96 Recreation (demo) (03:25) |
| Wu‐Chronicles : Allmusic album Review : The continuing marketing of Wu-Tang Clan product hit a new low with the release of Wu-Chronicles. Though the concept of a Wu-Tang compilation -- in effect, spanning the dozen or so albums released by members and cutting away the dross -- is perfect for the legion of fans who havent been able to keep up with the collectives hectic release schedule, this disc stretches everything a bit thin, including tracks by fringe-of-the-fringe groups like Heltah Skeltah, Ras Kass, Killarmy, and some artist known as Wu-Syndicate. Yes, its hard to argue with any album that features some great productions by RZA, and Wu-Chronicles does include some good collaborations -- notably Ol Dirty Bastard with tha Alkaholiks on "Hip Hop Drunkies" and Cocoa Brovaz (formerly Smif-N-Wessun) with Raekwon on "Black Trump" -- but for the most part its a wasted attempt at releasing an excellent collection. | ||
 | Album: 4 of 24 Title: The W Released: 2000-11-20 Tracks: 13 Duration: 59:11 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Intro (Shaolin Finger Jab) / Chamber Music (04:26) 2 Careful (Click, Click) (04:56) 3 Hollow Bones (03:37) 4 Redbull (03:53) 5 One Blood Under W (04:11) 6 Conditioner (05:32) 7 Protect Ya Neck (The Jump Off) (03:58) 8 Let My Niggas Live (04:29) 9 I Can’t Go to Sleep (03:35) 10 Do You Really (Thang, Thang) (05:22) 11 The Monument (02:38) 12 Gravel Pit (04:51) 13 Jah World / Clap (07:36) |
| The W : Allmusic album Review : After a host of disappointing solo albums and quickly diminishing celebrity (most of the latter devoted to the continuing extra-legal saga of Ol Dirty Bastard), Wu-Tang Clan returned, very quietly, with 2000s The W. The lack of hype was fitting, for this is a very spartan work, especially compared to its predecessor, the sprawling and overblown Wu-Tang Forever. While the trademark sound is still much in force, group mastermind RZA jettisoned the elaborate beat symphonies and carefully placed strings of Forever in favor of tight productions with little more than scarred soul samples and tight, tough beats. The back-to-basics approach works well, not only because it rightly puts the focus back on the best cadre of rappers in the world of hip-hop, but also because RZAs immense trackmaster talents cant help but shine through anyway. Paranoid kung fu samples and bizarre found sounds drive the fantastic streets-is-watching nightmare "Careful (Click, Click)." Unfortunately, though, The W isnt quite the masterpiece it sounds like after the first few tracks. It falls prey to the same inconsistency as Forever, resulting in half-formed tracks like "Conditioner," with Snoop Dogg barely saving Ol Dirty Bastards lone appearance on the LP, a phoned-in vocal (in terms of sound and quality). When theyre hitting on all cylinders though, Wu-Tang Clan are nearly invincible; "Let My Niggas Live," a feature with Nas, isnt just claustrophobic and dense but positively strangling, and singles material like "Protect Ya Neck (The Jump Off)" and "Do You Really (Thang, Thang)" are punishing tracks. Paring down Wu-Tang Forever -- nearly a two-hour set -- to the 60-minute work found here was a good start, but the Wu could probably create another masterpiece worthy of their debut if they spent even more time in the editing room. | ||
 | Album: 5 of 24 Title: Wu‐Chronicles, Chapter II Released: 2001-07-03 Tracks: 17 Duration: 1:08:03 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Above the Clouds (03:44) 2 Re‐Up (03:29) 3 Hip Hop Fury (03:44) 4 Got’s Like Come on Thru (04:36) 5 In Trouble (04:23) 6 Three Amigos (If It’s On) (03:37) 7 N.Y.C. Everything (04:16) 8 Rumble (04:30) 9 Dangerous Mindz (04:54) 10 To the Rescue (04:00) 11 Greyhound, Part 2 (GZA remix) (03:22) 12 Catechism (01:55) 13 Left & Right (05:38) 14 Eyes a Bleed (RZA remix) (04:44) 15 Hard to Kill (04:01) 16 Wu-Tang Clan Live Freestyle (03:45) 17 Only 4 My Niggas (03:16) |
 | Album: 6 of 24 Title: Iron Flag Released: 2001-12-17 Tracks: 12 Duration: 55:25 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 In the Hood (04:11) 2 Rules (03:53) 3 Chrome Wheels (04:14) 4 Soul Power (Black Jungle) (04:52) 5 Uzi (Pinky Ring) (05:20) 6 One of These Days (04:13) 7 Ya’ll Been Warned (04:15) 8 Babies (05:08) 9 Radioactive (Four Assassins) (03:30) 10 Back in the Game (04:34) 11 Iron Flag (06:26) 12 Dashing (Reasons) (04:45) |
| Iron Flag : Allmusic album Review : Even when it seemed they were tearing apart from in-group miscommunication and a welter of baffling solo albums, the Wu-Tang Clan came together again like Voltron for another excellent full-length. Expanding on the strengths of their third album, The W, Iron Flag focuses squarely on the Wus immense twin strengths: bringing together some of the best rappers in the business, and relying on the best production confederacy in hip-hop (led by RZA) to build raw, hard-hitting productions. Nothing brings a group together better than invasion from outside, and even though the flag theyre raising on the cover is their own, Wu-Tang respond to the terrorist attacks of 9/11 with guns blazing -- Ghostface Killah puts it simply, "Together we stand, divided we fall/Mr. Bush sit down, Im in charge of the war!" The production is rough and ruddy, much more East Coast than their last two full-lengths (both of which were recorded in Los Angeles). Original East Coast head Flavor Flav even makes an appearance on "Soul Power (Black Jungle)," though he doesnt even attempt to trade rhymes with the heaviest crew in hip-hop. (Instead, RZA indulges him by running the tape on an extended reminiscence with Flav and Method Man talking about growing up on Long Island.) The single "Uzi (Pinky Ring)," "In the Hood," and "Yall Been Warned" are all excellent tracks with excellent raps and, though the vaguely familiar horn samples driving most of them sure werent tough to record, RZA deserves a lot of credit for keeping the production simple. Even while most rappers have turned R&B overnight, Wu-Tang are really the only ones left in the hardcore game who sound like theyre in it for more than money or prestige. | ||
 | Album: 7 of 24 Title: Tha Wu Family Stories Released: 2002 Tracks: 33 Duration: 2:00:27 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Shaolin Kung Fu (intro) (00:28) 2 Amplified Sample (03:31) 3 Education (04:38) 4 Killa Beez (03:59) 5 Visionz (03:09) 6 Interlude (00:15) 7 South of the Border (02:51) 8 Holocaust (05:14) 9 Wu Banga 101 (04:23) 10 Dangerous Language (03:36) 11 2000 Cuts (03:21) 12 Assassination Day (04:18) 13 Guillotine (Swordz) (04:22) 14 Whats Goin On (04:30) 15 Gots Like Come on Thru (04:36) 16 Break Bread (03:11) 17 Bust a Slug (04:40) 18 [untitled] (04:06) 19 Flowers (03:26) 20 Irons Theme (Conclusion) (01:29) 1 Intro (skit) (02:19) 2 Third World (03:06) 3 Lintballz (04:33) 4 Element of Surprise (03:07) 5 Cross My Heart (03:45) 6 Young Godz (05:11) 7 The Abduction (03:28) 8 Mortal Kombat (03:15) 9 Execute Them (03:41) 10 Yall Been Warned (04:15) 11 Lady Sings the Blues (04:53) 12 Windpipe (04:47) 13 Redbull (03:54) |
 | Album: 8 of 24 Title: Disciples of the 36 Chambers, Chapter 1 Released: 2004-09-28 Tracks: 27 Duration: 1:05:51 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Bring da Ruckus (01:31) 2 Da Mystery of Chessboxin’ (02:44) 3 Clan in da Front (01:09) 4 C.R.E.A.M. (01:40) 5 Wu‐Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthin’ ta F’ Wit (02:08) 6 Shame on a Nigga (02:03) 7 Ghost Deini (01:50) 8 Re‐United (03:06) 9 For Heaven’s Sake (03:00) 10 Criminology (01:18) 11 Incarcerated Scarfaces (01:12) 12 Brooklyn Zoo (02:51) 13 Bring the Pain (01:36) 14 It’s Yourz (02:41) 15 Liquid Swords (01:59) 16 One Blood Under W (01:39) 17 Ice Cream (02:48) 18 Triumph (05:01) 19 Hood (03:39) 20 Run (01:39) 21 Run (01:37) 22 Tearz (01:33) 23 Method Man (02:41) 24 Dog Shit (00:59) 25 Shimmy Shimmy Ya (05:12) 26 Y’all Been Warned (03:12) 27 Gravel Pit (04:52) |
| Disciples of the 36 Chambers, Chapter 1 : Allmusic album Review : "They all showed up." That one line alone in the notes of the Wu-Tang Clan live album Disciples of the 36 Chambers might convince a legion of hip-hop fans to buy the record, if only to (for once) get what they paid for with a Wu-Tang live show. (Truth to tell, so so many unfulfilled promises have been made to fans that theyd be forgiven for suspecting that ODBs photo would slip off the cover on the way out of the store.) Never mind how they were all rounded up, all nine members of the mighty Wu -- yes, the RZA, Genius aka the GZA, Method Man, Ghostface Killah, ODB aka Dirt McGirt, Raekwon, U-God, Masta Killa, and Inspectah Deck, plus a few family members like Cappadonna -- were assembled in one place (San Bernardino) at one time (the evening of July 17, 2004) for a show. Commemorated with a combination CD/DVD release in September 2004, the show will survive as a potent but nearly overwhelming display of East Coast firepower, 27 tracks (34 on the DVD) of Wu-Tang Clan group and solo hits packed into an hour with little time to come up for air. The sound quality is very punchy but very muddy, while the tracks feature an occasional lack of transition that would make any DJ blush. And several rounds of crowd singalongs organized around rallying calls like "Wu-Tang Clan aint nuthin ta f wit" or "Cash rules everything around me, dolla dolla bill yall" arent nearly as exciting on record. But no collective of rappers could fill a show with so many hip-hop perennials, whether group hits ("C.R.E.A.M.," "Shame on a Nigga," "Bring da Ruckus," "Method Man," "Gravel Pit") or solo shots ("Incarcerated Scarfaces," "Liquid Swords," "Shimmy Shimmy Ya"). [Although the DVD contains many exclusives, this CD edition has two bonus tracks: videos for RZAs "Chi Kung" and Cappadonnas "The Grits."] | ||
 | Album: 9 of 24 Title: Legend of the Wu‐Tang Clan: Wu-Tang Clan’s Greatest Hits Released: 2004-10-26 Tracks: 16 Duration: 1:09:53 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 C.R.E.A.M. (04:12) 2 Method Man (Skunk mix) (03:09) 3 Protect Ya Neck (Bloody version) (05:03) 4 Wu‐Tang Clan Aint Nuthing Ta F’ Wit (03:32) 5 Can It Be All So Simple (04:11) 6 Shame on a Nigga (02:54) 7 Da Mystery of Chessboxin’ (04:47) 8 Reunited (05:21) 9 It’s Yourz (04:13) 10 Triumph (05:38) 11 Gravel Pit (04:13) 12 Protect Ya Neck (The Jump Off) (03:58) 13 Sucker M.C.’s (03:44) 14 Uzi (Pinky Ring) (05:20) 15 Shaolin Worldwide (04:04) 16 Diesel (05:29) |
| Legend of the Wu‐Tang Clan: Wu-Tang Clan’s Greatest Hits : Allmusic album Review : A disc containing somebodys idea of the Wu-Tang Clans best tracks is a risky motion, a concept potentially doomed from the outset. Three of the groups four studio albums may be uneven in a number of ways, but is there any manner in which they can be adequately summarized on one disc? Not really. Still, this is a rather practical beginners guide, despite its effort to maximize profit protential by appealing to those who already have the four albums. "Method Man" and "Protect Ya Neck" are present in alternate-mix forms, and the groups contributions to In tha Beginning...There Was Rap (a lackluster acknowledgment of Run-D.M.C.s "Sucker MCs"), Next Friday (the inconsequential "Shaolin Worldwide"), and Soul in the Hole (the inessential but alright "Diesel"), are thrown into the fray. There are no glaring omissions, but if someone were to compile a second volume, that disc alone would be grounds for considering Wu-Tang one of the best groups hip-hop has seen. | ||
 | Album: 10 of 24 Title: Wu XM Radio Released: 2007 Tracks: 17 Duration: 53:26 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Intro (04:13) 2 Protect Ya Neck (02:10) 3 Bring da Ruckus (03:39) 4 Duel of the Iron Mic (02:02) 5 Uzi (Pinky Ring) (02:29) 6 C.R.E.A.M. (04:50) 7 Thats Gangsta (02:35) 8 Glaciers of Ice (02:41) 9 Da Mystery of Chessboxing (04:12) 10 Its Yours (03:49) 11 Criminology (04:07) 12 Triumph (03:49) 13 Interlude (00:45) 14 Ice Cream (03:47) 15 ODB Melody (04:11) 16 El Michaels Affair Band (02:06) 17 Outro (02:01) |
 | Album: 11 of 24 Title: Unreleased Released: 2007-02-06 Tracks: 20 Duration: 1:10:38 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Intro (01:43) 2 Maxine (rmx) (03:43) 3 King Toast Queen (04:08) 4 Where’s Brooklyn @? (07:27) 5 Treez (03:47) 6 Eggs, Hash & Grits (03:01) 7 Pop Shit (skit) (01:26) 8 Queens Day ’88 (rmx) (04:42) 9 U Don’t Care (04:11) 10 Masked Avengers (03:25) 11 Luv (skit) (00:46) 12 Wanna Believe (04:46) 13 Wu Banga (rmx) (05:02) 14 Da “N” (rmx) (03:51) 15 Violent (skit) (00:43) 16 Street Kronicles (05:02) 17 Non‐Equivalent (03:21) 18 Outro (01:17) 19 Wise (rmx) (04:30) 20 Rap Burglars (03:36) |
| Unreleased : Allmusic album Review : As most collections of rare or unreleased tracks are bound to do, Wu-Tang Clans Unreleased reaffirms that there was in fact a reason why these tracks did not make it onto proper full-length albums or onto singles as B-sides in the first place. Compiled and mixed by Mathematics, the songs on the record feature more Wu affiliates than full-fledged members, and while there are some decent cuts (the funky soul remix of "Queens Day 88," the old-school feel of "Wu Banga" -- originally found on Ghostface Killahs 2000 album, Supreme Clientele) -- a lot of the remixes (the lackluster production of "Wise," for example) fall short, and the scarcity of Meth and Raekwon dont help matters. When the Wu do show up, like in "Da N," they sound good, and remind fans why theyre so popular and respected in the first place, but the tired sex rhymes from M Speed, Streetlife, and Drama on "Eggs, Hash & Grits" or the empty braggadocio and threats from Shyheim on "Non-Equivalent" dont live up to the standards that Wu-Tang have already set up. The group promised a new studio album later in 2007 (their first since 2001s Iron Flag), meaning that Unreleased can slide off as just acting as a means of whetting listeners appetites before the real thing appears. | ||
 | Album: 12 of 24 Title: The Return of the Swarm, Volume 5 Released: 2007-10-03 Tracks: 28 Duration: 1:18:05 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Watch Your Mouth (03:56) 2 Amsterdam (03:49) 3 Return of Theodore Unit (04:06) 4 Hidden Darts (02:43) 5 Shakey Dog (rmx) (03:46) 6 Chunky (03:01) 7 Murda Goons (02:54) 8 Fly Poetry (03:50) 9 I’ll Kill You (01:15) 10 Heroin Only (01:18) 11 My Corner (02:09) 12 Blu Eagle (01:19) 13 Legal Coke (00:46) 14 Cuban Chronicles (01:43) 15 All I Want Is Mine (03:23) 16 Make a Move (02:21) 17 Dirty Mef (02:49) 18 New York New York (03:24) 19 Fuck You Man (02:32) 20 It’s Like That (02:56) 21 All in Together Now (03:50) 22 Cameo Afro (02:10) 23 Coochie (03:46) 24 Skrilla (02:20) 25 Pass the Bone (rmx) (02:51) 26 Ringin Bells (02:15) 27 Take Sword, Part 1 (02:46) 28 King Toast Queen (04:07) |
 | Album: 13 of 24 Title: 8 Diagrams Released: 2007-12-10 Tracks: 16 Duration: 1:11:06 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Campfire (03:59) 2 Take It Back (04:12) 3 Get Them Out Ya Way Pa (04:18) 4 Rushing Elephants (03:00) 5 Unpredictable (04:11) 6 The Heart Gently Weeps (05:37) 7 Wolves (04:16) 8 Gun Will Go (04:14) 9 Sunlight (03:22) 10 Stick Me for My Riches (06:08) 11 Starter (04:13) 12 Windmill (04:31) 13 Weak Spot (03:58) 14 Life Changes (07:21) 15 Tar Pit (04:56) 16 16th Chamber (O.D.B. Special) (02:44) |
| 8 Diagrams : Allmusic album Review : With anticipation so high it caused debate not only among fans but among the group itself, Wu-Tang Clans fifth studio record, 8 Diagrams, found itself at the center of attention as 2007 wound down. First there was the announcement of the successful obtainment of the Beatles "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" sample (which was later corrected to "interpolation," as it was actually played by Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante with help from George Harrisons son, a Wu enthusiast himself, Dhani). Then Raekwon did a highly publicized online interview in which he accused the RZA of taking a dictatorial stance regarding the shape of the album, calling him a "hip-hop hippie" who was moving the Clan in the wrong direction. Then Ghostface Killah followed suit, also protesting the timing of the release (it had been set for December 4, the same day The Big Doe Rehab was to come out, but was pushed back a week). Finally, RZA responded, diplomatically, thoughtfully, respecting the opinions of the dissenting MCs but standing by his own work. Theres reason for his confidence. Nothing RZA does is haphazard, and 8 Diagrams is clearly something hes put a lot of thought and energy into. Its beautifully, impeccably produced, from the soundtrack strings and horns of "Rushing Elephants" and "Unpredictable" to the philosophical samples and guitars that are interspersed throughout -- its a mood record more than anything else, with no clear-cut single or fan favorites, the kind of thing that deepens and grows with every listen. Suffice it to say, its probably not the album anyone would predict from the group after a six-year break, but it is truly RZAs crowning achievement, the result of both his years with the Wu and in Hollywood, intricate, dark, reflective, and gorgeous. These same qualities, however, can be used to support the less-than-enthusiastic response from Raekwon and Ghostface and fans of the early hard-hitting Wu-Tang of 36 Chambers (which, ironically -- or not -- was not the universally revered masterpiece it is now when it came out in 1993). The beats are certainly not something either usually raps over, and their moodiness and heavy attention to melody dont always fit their edgier flows. Still, both manage to contribute some pretty great verses -- Ghost on the Easy Mo Bee co-produced "Take It Back" ("We gonna have a ball/Might as well have a testicle") and "The Heart Gently Weeps," a song which also features the Chef at his finest, strange violent imagery and all -- and do nothing to discredit themselves, a repercussion Raekwon hinted at. In fact, all eight MCs are in fine form here. U-God, Masta Killa, and Inspectah Deck are able balance their old-school deliveries with the 23rd century beats, GZA is suitably genius-like ("Hold you for a ransom note/Goliath cutting Davids throat/Grab your vests, abandon boat/And leave you out at sea to float," he spits on the excellent "Stick Me for My Riches"), RZA esoteric and serious (and the only one with a solo track, "Sunlight"), and Method Man absolutely great, showing up on no less than half the tracks, his raspy voice and tight rhymes reminiscent of his early Tical work. 8 Diagrams is certainly not perfect. There is far too much singing, particularly in the second half of the album, where things slow down considerably, which helps substantiate the criticism thats surrounded it: that its too pretty, too soft. This is indeed a record that will be debated for a while, and one of the few about which pretty much everyone will be right, whether they love it or hate it. It is a departure from previous releases and it does focus on melody and guitars and strings, but it is also lush and well-crafted and smart and addictive. Part of whats made RZA (and the rest of the Clan) thrive is their unpredictability and inventiveness, and so to create something expected would be counterintuitive to the bands ethos, and to whats made them so revered and respected across nations and genres and generations. Hip-hop has indisputably changed since 1993, and for Wu-Tang to not change with it would be not only shortsighted, it would be detrimental to their own immense creative powers as well. Unfortunately, this doesnt mean everyone will appreciate what theyve done, but that wont be because 8 Diagrams isnt good; it just depends if youre willing to (at least try to) understand it. | ||
 | Album: 14 of 24 Title: Wu: The Story of the Wu‐Tang Clan Released: 2008-11-18 Tracks: 16 Duration: 1:08:54 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Wu‐Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F’ Wit (03:36) 2 Method Man (05:01) 3 Protect Ya Neck (04:51) 4 C.R.E.A.M. (04:13) 5 Shame on a Nigga (02:57) 6 Da Mystery of Chessboxin’ (04:47) 7 Incarcerated Scarfaces (04:43) 8 Shimmy Shimmy Ya (02:41) 9 Daytona 500 (04:41) 10 Winter Warz (04:41) 11 Reunited (05:21) 12 Triumph (05:38) 13 It’s Yourz (04:18) 14 Older Gods (03:05) 15 Run (04:00) 16 Gravel Pit (04:16) |
| Wu: The Story of the Wu‐Tang Clan : Allmusic album Review : While the Wu-Tang Clans fans are loyal, they do expect their underground heroes to be virtuous and are the first to point out unnecessary releases. They might want to let this one slip since the Legacys labels 2008 release Wu: The Story of the Wu-Tang Clan is not only a fairly well chosen set but a soundtrack to the documentary of the same name, allowing viewers both a quick souvenir and primer before they explore further. Four mammoth classics kick off the release, sequenced in a brilliant way for maximum fist-pumping. Next, two B-list repeats from the 2004 comp Legend of the Wu-Tang Clan appear before the solo releases are explored, beginning with Raekwons great "Incarcerated Scarfaces." From Ol Dirty Bastards party starter "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" to the closing jump track "Gravel Pit," the flow is rough, but the two excuses to choose from are the soundtrack one and the difficult, sprawling discography compilers have to deal with, especially when solo releases count. The disc barely even touches upon the groups long list of affiliates -- a smart move since this isnt a box set -- so instead of being a selling point, the word "Story" on the cover is only repeating the documentarys title. Even so, this disjointed set of tunes from the core members would sell anyone on the magic of the Wu. Hardcore fans will find it redundant and should go straight to the film. | ||
 | Album: 15 of 24 Title: Chamber Music Released: 2009-06-30 Tracks: 18 Duration: 39:38 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Redemption (01:11) 2 Kill Too Hard (02:49) 3 The Abbot (01:15) 4 Harbor Masters (03:52) 5 Sheep State (00:38) 6 Radiant Jewels (02:36) 7 Supreme Architecture (01:17) 8 Evil Deeds (03:37) 9 Wise Men (00:58) 10 I Wish You Were Here (03:40) 11 Fatal Hesitation (01:29) 12 Ill Figures (02:53) 13 Free Like ODB (01:01) 14 Sound the Horns (03:15) 15 Enlightened Statues (01:37) 16 NYC Crack (03:19) 17 One Last Question (00:10) 18 Harbor Masters (Muro remix) (03:51) |
| Chamber Music : Allmusic album Review : Continuing to frustrate fans with packaging that must be deciphered, the Wu-Tang 2009 release Chamber Music arrived with only two months notification, that big "W" logo/endorsement on the cover, no GZA on the track list, and no sign of "Clan" on the cover. Crack it open and there are enough short interludes to suggest this is a mixtape -- which it really isnt -- plus there are three themes if you look even closer. First, the backing tracks are all created by a live band, the versatile Revelations, who provide everything from dubby funk for the great "Harbor Masters" to no wave dance beats for the creeping highlight "Ill Figures." Next, the guests are veteran rappers like AZ, Kool G Rap, Masta Ace, and Sean Price, plus production is left to the second- and third-tier of affiliates with RZA only contributing beats to "NYC Crack," a noir cut right in line with his Digi Snacks album. A line about having "more Gs than Sicily" (the superb "Evil Deeds" with Ghostface and Havoc), the kung fu-talk interludes, and his conceptual vision for the set are RZAs main contributions, but on the latter he fails to follow through. Chamber Music, with all its throwback collabos, only faintly reminds the listener of yesteryear, but track by track it satisfies with the core Wu members sounding purposeful and sometimes even united. In the large hall of fringe Wu releases best left to loyal fans, this one at least places in the top third. | ||
 | Album: 16 of 24 Title: Return of the Wu & Friends Released: 2010-03-01 Tracks: 16 Duration: 59:31 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Clap 2010 (02:42) 2 Respect 2010 (03:42) 3 Its What It Is (03:22) 4 Strawberries & Cream (04:06) 5 Steppin 2 Me (02:14) 6 All Flowers (04:00) 7 John 3:16 (03:15) 8 Treez (03:46) 9 What It Is (03:37) 10 Iron God Chamber (03:43) 11 Real Nillaz (04:58) 12 Rush (03:53) 13 Da Way We Were (04:29) 14 Early Grave (02:46) 15 Keep Pace (04:33) 16 Spotlite (04:25) |
 | Album: 17 of 24 Title: Legendary Weapons Released: 2011-07-26 Tracks: 14 Duration: 37:12 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Start the Show (03:45) 2 Laced Cheeba (03:27) 3 Diesel Fluid (04:07) 4 The Black Diamonds (03:18) 5 Played by the Game (interlude) (01:02) 6 Legendary Weapons (03:21) 7 Never Feel This Pain (03:59) 8 Drunk Tongue (02:04) 9 The Business (interlude) (00:51) 10 225 Rounds (04:43) 11 Meteor Hammer (02:36) 12 Live Through Death (interlude) (00:51) 13 Only the Rugged Survive (02:46) 14 Outro (00:15) |
| Legendary Weapons : Allmusic album Review : Once rumored to be a true Wu-Tang Clan release, Legendary Weapons arrived as another compilation of Wu whatnot, with affiliates and second-string producers running the show as core member GZA sits things out. In other words, this is the semi-sequel to 2009’s Chamber Music, minus the old-school theme and with more Ghostface Killah, who sounds very Ironman on “Laced Cheeba,” stocked with “rocks clumped up like overcooked rice” while threatening to “come through and season your broth.” Elsewhere, it’s Method Man and Cappadonna doing the zombie walk on “Diesel Fluid” while RZA does the double-time rap on the up and bright battle hymn “Only the Rugged Survive.” Kung fu movie samples tie it all together and outside influences help add a little flavor with AZ, Sean Price, and M.O.P. all stopping by to show their skills. Judge it on the mixtape level and there’s plenty for the Wu faithful to decipher and discuss, but the Wu discography is jammed with this type of material, so choose your ephemera wisely. | ||
 | Album: 18 of 24 Title: The Essential Wu‐Tang Clan Released: 2013-10-29 Tracks: 29 Duration: 1:59:13 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Da Mystery of Chessboxin’ (04:48) 2 As High as Wu‐Tang Get (02:39) 3 C.R.E.A.M. (04:07) 4 Cash Still Rules/Scary Hours (Still Dont Nothing Move but the Money) (03:02) 5 Rules (03:53) 6 I Can’t Go to Sleep (03:35) 7 Uzi (Pinky Ring) (05:18) 8 America (05:34) 9 Gravel Pit (04:14) 10 The Projects (03:18) 11 Back in the Game (04:29) 12 What You in Fo’ (03:08) 13 The Monument (02:38) 14 Can It Be All So Simple (04:12) 15 The W (03:41) 1 Protect Ya Neck (04:32) 2 Reunited (05:22) 3 Shame on a Nigga (02:54) 4 Hollow Bones (03:54) 5 Triumph (05:38) 6 Redbull (03:55) 7 Method Man (05:00) 8 It’s Yourz (04:14) 9 Put Your Hammer Down (02:04) 10 One Blood Under W (04:12) 11 Diesel (05:30) 12 Careful (Click, Click) (04:25) 13 Protect Ya Neck (The Jump Off) (03:38) 14 Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber, Part II (05:08) |
| The Essential Wu‐Tang Clan : Allmusic album Review : The Wu-Tang Clan were the most influential and groundbreaking hip-hop act to emerge in the 90s. With their debut album, 1993s Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), the group introduced a distinctive sound and style, with dark, atmospheric backing tracks (often punctuated by samples from vintage martial arts movies) and streetwise raps from a nine-man team of gifted MCs whose diverse styles complemented one another while maintaining strongly individual personalities (most of the Wu-Tang crew would pursue successful solo careers while still working with the group, including Method Man, Ghostface Killer, GZA, RZA, and Ol Dirty Bastard). The Essential Wu-Tang Clan is a collection that includes 29 standout tracks from the albums Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), Wu-Tang Forever, The W, and Iron Flag, as well as rare soundtrack selections and compilation cuts. | ||
 | Album: 19 of 24 Title: Original Album Classics Released: 2014 Tracks: 37 Duration: 2:53:01 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Bring da Ruckus (04:10) 2 Shame on a Nigga (02:57) 3 Clan in da Front (04:33) 4 Wu‐Tang: 7th Chamber (06:06) 5 Can It Be All So Simple / Intermission (06:53) 6 Da Mystery of Chessboxin’ (04:47) 7 Wu‐Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F’ Wit (03:36) 8 C.R.E.A.M. (04:12) 9 Method Man (05:50) 10 Protect Ya Neck (04:51) 11 Tearz (04:17) 12 Wu‐Tang: 7th Chamber, Part II / Conclusion (06:08) 1 Intro (Shaolin Finger Jab) / Chamber Music (04:26) 2 Careful (Click, Click) (04:56) 3 Hollow Bones (03:37) 4 Redbull (03:53) 5 One Blood Under W (04:11) 6 Conditioner (05:32) 7 Protect Ya Neck (The Jump Off) (03:58) 8 Let My Niggas Live (04:29) 9 I Can’t Go to Sleep (03:35) 10 Do You Really (Thang, Thang) (05:22) 11 The Monument (02:38) 12 Gravel Pit (04:51) 13 Jah World / Clap (07:36) 1 In the Hood (04:11) 2 Rules (03:53) 3 Chrome Wheels (04:14) 4 Soul Power (Black Jungle) (04:52) 5 Uzi (Pinky Ring) (05:20) 6 One of These Days (04:13) 7 Ya’ll Been Warned (04:15) 8 Babies (05:08) 9 Radioactive (Four Assassins) (03:30) 10 Back in the Game (04:34) 11 Iron Flag (06:26) 12 Dashing (Reasons) (04:45) |
 | Album: 20 of 24 Title: A Better Tomorrow Released: 2014-12-02 Tracks: 15 Duration: 1:06:34 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Ruckus in B minor (05:24) 2 Felt (03:50) 3 40th Street Black / We Will Fight (04:26) 4 Mistaken Identity (05:44) 5 Hold the Heater (04:07) 6 Crushed Egos (02:26) 7 Keep Watch (04:25) 8 Miracle (05:03) 9 Preacher’s Daughter (05:13) 10 Pioneer the Frontier (03:58) 11 Necklace (04:11) 12 Ron O’Neal (04:28) 13 A Better Tomorrow (04:24) 14 Never Let Go (05:22) 15 Wu‐Tang Reunion (03:33) |
| A Better Tomorrow : Allmusic album Review : Released along with Once Upon a Time in Shaolin -- their locked-down, $5 million dollar, single-copy album-as-art release -- A Better Tomorrow is further proof that, in 2014, the Wu-Tang Clan are a concept or collective led by RZA, and not necessarily a group. Their previous 2007 effort, 8 Diagrams, was the first clue that things would never be the same post-Ol Dirty Bastard, but they could be quite good, excellent even, as long as one doesnt expect the lean, mean Shaolin machine of the past. Like 8 Diagrams, A Better Tomorrow seemed quite unlikely to see release with key member Raekwon being a vocal holdout, and here, the festival circuit, post-ODB Wu-Tang rolls on with little of that holdouts help. Member Ghostface Killah is here less than usual as well, and when hes in control of a cut, be brings in his frequent solo collaborator Adrian Younge, like on "Crushed Egos," but its a highlight where RZA dives in fully, as if Ghostfaces noir LP Twelve Reasons to Die was a co-branded Bobby Digital effort. Insiders and longtime fans will get the drift, while everyone else has the groups early albums for an intro, but solid, crossover appeal still comes in the form of the singles "Keep Watch" (a supreme, electro-powered Wu-Robot), "Ron ONeal" (an organic, Roots-flavored funkster), and "Ruckus in B Minor" (a punchy history of the group with Rick Rubin adding some "99 Problems"-styled co-production). Backing up these frontline stunners are weighty album cuts like "Miracle," where the group go big, ballad, and emo, which causes Ghostface to confess "since mama died, I never wild out," then the rickety "Necklace" successfully adds indie rap to the LPs many flavors, along with some venom and teeth. RZA executive produces to perfection, and somehow, orders this diverse, 15-song track list into a sensible flow. Dont call it a comeback, call it a collective, or a compilation from solo artists who sound enthused to be back with an especially inspired RZA as ringleader. | ||
 | Album: 21 of 24 Title: Once Upon a Time in Shaolin… Released: 2015-11-25 Tracks: 26 Duration: 1:50:12 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Entrance (intro) (01:57) 2 Rivals (04:12) 3 Staple Town Pt. 1 (interlude) (00:44) 4 Ethiopia (07:55) 5 Handkerchief (00:49) 6 Staple Town Pt. 2 (interlude) (01:10) 7 The Pillage of ’88 (06:52) 8 Centipedes (07:14) 9 The Widow’s Tear (03:55) 10 Sorrow (05:45) 1 Sustenance (intro) (00:43) 2 Lions (06:08) 3 Since Time Immemorial (02:32) 4 The Slaughter Mill (06:31) 5 The Brute (03:24) 6 Iqra (07:23) 7 Flowers (05:49) 8 Poisoned Earth (04:34) 9 Shaolin (06:14) 10 Freedom (interlude) (02:25) 11 The Sword Chamber (04:05) 12 Unique (02:32) 13 The Bloody Page (05:09) 14 The Saga Continuous (06:58) 15 Salaam (outro) (01:31) 16 Shaolin Soul (Exit) (03:41) |
 | Album: 22 of 24 Title: The Saga Continues Released: 2017-10-13 Tracks: 18 Duration: 51:41 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Wu‐Tang the Saga Continues Intro (01:31) 2 Lesson Learn’d (03:22) 3 Fast and Furious (03:42) 4 Famous Fighters (skit) (01:20) 5 If Time Is Money (Fly Navigation) (03:53) 6 Frozen (04:09) 7 Berto and the Fiend (skit) (00:45) 8 Pearl Harbor (04:58) 9 People Say (04:24) 10 Family (skit) (01:06) 11 Why Why Why (04:00) 12 G’d Up (04:24) 13 If What You Say Is True (03:55) 14 Saga (skit) (00:58) 15 Hood Go Bang! (01:32) 16 My Only One (04:44) 17 Message (02:05) 18 The Saga Continues (outro) (00:45) |
| The Saga Continues : Allmusic album Review : 2017s The Saga Continues is billed as a Wu-Tang album, and plenty of major and minor members of the Wu-Tang family are on board for the project, but its not until you read the liner notes that you find out who the real star of this show is. Mathematics, the MC-turned-DJ who learned the ropes of production from RZA and is said to have designed the Wu-Tangs W logo, produced and co-wrote all 18 tracks on The Saga Continues, and hes learned to replicate the sound of Wu-Tangs classic era with impressive accuracy. He doesnt quite equal the scratchy tension of RZAs peak-period work, but Mathematics fills The Saga Continues with dark, moody beats, atmospheric keyboard patches, snatches of classic soul sides, and samples from vintage kung-fu movies. If this isnt quite a brother to Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), it at least seems like a first cousin, and Mathematics brings his A game on The Saga Continues. Too bad that cant be said for all the MCs on the album. While the cast includes Method Man, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Killa Priest, Redman, RZA, and Cappadonna, it often sounds like they were saving their best verses for one of their own albums, and the rhymes often seem scattershot, without giving the album the sharp focus it needs. And though many of the skits on The Saga Continues deal with the raw deal regularly handed to African-American men in the black community as well as in American society at large, the standard-issue braggadocio of most of the lyrics undercuts whatever message Mathematics and executive producer RZA had in mind. As a Wu-Tang album, The Saga Continues is good but not great, but its a fine calling card for Mathematics, and makes the case that he should be given an album of his own more often. | ||
 | Album: 23 of 24 Title: Of Mics and Men Released: 2019-05-17 Tracks: 7 Duration: 18:54 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 On That Sht Again (03:20) 2 Seen a Lot of Things (03:10) 3 Project Kids (skit) (01:57) 4 Do the Same as My Brother Do (03:24) 5 Yo, Is You Cheo? (skit) (01:40) 6 Of Mics and Men (03:17) 7 One Rhyme (skit) (02:06) |
 | Album: 24 of 24 Title: Of Mics and Men (Music from the Showtime Documentary Series) Released: 2019-05-17 Tracks: 7 Duration: 18:54 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 On That Sht Again (03:20) 2 Seen a Lot of Things (03:10) 3 Project Kids [Skit] (01:57) 4 Do the Same as My Brother Do (03:24) 5 Yo, Is You Cheo? (Skit) (01:40) 6 Of Mics and Men (03:17) 7 One Rhyme [Skit] (02:06) |