Shacklin’ the masses with drastic rap tactics, graphic displays melt steel like blacksmiths
– Wu-Tang Clan
20 years ago the New York-based rap collective Wu-Tang Clan released their first album Enter the Wu-Tang(36 chambers). A Hip Hop legend was born.
Enter the Wu-Tang quickly gained critical claim and the group established itself as a influential and creative force in the 90s. Wu-Tang Clan is famous for their unorthodox business model and their ground breaking contract with Loud/RCA, allowing all group members to negotiate their own solo contracts with other labels, effectively spreading the Clan across the industry.
Enter the Wu-Tang 36 Chambers. The first Album of the soon to be notorious Wu-Tang Clan
Enter the Wu-Tang had a back to basics approach featuring piano-snippets, elements of 70s Soul and guitar stabs. The album had huge influence on the sound of east coast rap throughout the 90s.
Reflecting on their 20 years anniversary group member Method Man said to XXL Magazine it was “bitter-sweet”.
“It’s great to be recognized as pivotal group in the business. But it’s constant struggle to stay relevant and keep revenue coming in.”
Speaking about how the group has evolved, he said:
“We’re all still the same dudes. At least, I feel like we’re the same dudes; you’d have to ask somebody on the outside looking in. I still see the child in all my niggas. “
Wu-Tang Clan is more than just a rap collective, it is also a business enterprise. The Wu Tang brands has branched out to a range of merchandise and affiliated products. In 1999 the video game Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style was released for the Playstation, featuring all nine group members.
Following the success of their first album, Oli “Power” Grant, the executive producer opened four Wu Wear stores in different American cities. In 2007 the Wu-Tang entered a partnership with the Alife NYC clothing group, developing an exclusive series of custom t-shirts, hoodies, sneakers and other accessories.
Wu-Tang Clan was set to release an album commemorating their 20 years of fame, but the plans folded.
VIDEO:
Wu-Tang Clan Reflects on 20 year anniversary