The Wu-Tang Clan formed in the early 90s in Staten Island and consisted of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Universal God of Law, Masta Killa, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard, or ODB for short. RZA would act as the group’s leader. They took on the name “Wu-Tang” from the martial arts film “Shaolin and Wu Tang.” The group released their first single, “Protect Ya Neck,” was released in 1992. The single was released independently and eventually lead to the group being signed with Loud/RCA records. Their debut album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” was released in November of 1993.
The album title from their debut record stems from yet another martial arts film titled “The 36th Chamber of the Shaolin.” The album was eventually certified platinum and it has grown to become one of the best albums in hip-hop of all time. The album spawned four singles including the hits “Method Man” and “Cash Rules Everything Around Me.” The former of the two showcases member Method Man’s talents. The opening sets the pace for the song: “Hey, you, get off my cloud / You don’t know me and you don’t know my style / Who be getting flam when they come to a jam? / Here I am here I am, the Method Man.” Following the release of their debut, the group would temporarily part ways to release an army of solo albums over the next few years.
While they are considered solo albums, each one featured heavy influence from the other members of the group. The first release was that of Method Man with RZA handling the majority of the production duties. During this time, ODB, Raekwon, GZA, and Ghostface Killah would release solo records as well before reuniting in 1997 for the follow up to “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” titled “Wu-Tang Forever.”
“Wu-Tang Forever” has been certified platinum four times. It was released as a double album and was actually nominated at the 1998 Grammy Awards for Best Rap Album. It featured three singles and, like in previous albums, RZA produced the majority of the album. After the release of the album, it was time for, yet again, another wave of solo albums. In addition to releasing a solo album, RZA also created the score for the movie “Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai.”
The Wu-Tang Clan would continue this formula of group albums separated by solo projects. Unfortunately, in November of 2004, ODB passed away from a drug overdose. The group did move on without ODB. RZA has branched out into movies as well, his directorial debut, “The Man with the Iron Firsts,” was released last year. As of today, the group has released a total of five albums under the name Wu-Tang Clan plus numerous “solo” efforts that feature heavy collaboration from other members. In January of this year, it was announced that the group was at work on another album that is to be titled “A Better Tomorrow” and will be released in conjunction with the twentieth anniversary of “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).” The group recently performed at the 2013 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.