Wu Tang Clan: Straight from New York!
The Wu Tang Clan has a long history. There were nine members originally but in 2004, one of the members, Ol Dirty Bastard died. All of them released solo albums, and the group’s business plan rests on the philosophy of having as many affiliate artists as possible. This was the vision of the group’s leader, RZA, from the time the American nine-member super group was formed in New York City. RZA thought of building an empire in the rap arena through various artists. The orientation of the group, influenced largely by the leader, RZA, is focused on the workings of inner city life, Chinese action films, and Five Percent lingo.
Fans of the Wu Tang Clan are familiar with some of the members’ names: Raekwon, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, The Genius, Masta Killa – just to name five of the nine. The group, before it became the Wu Tang Clan, actually was called “Enter the Wu Tang” and the founders were GZA, Ol Dirty Bastard and the RZA. Although the group attracted the attention of many, they could not land a record deal initially during the early years which frustrated RZA because he said there was too much intrigue in the hip hop music domain. This frustration motivated him to come up with a business plan guaranteeing the success of the group after five years. He announced that once the Wu Tang empire was established, he would pass the rein of responsibility to someone else.
The Wu-Tang Clan became a dream come true in late 1992. “Wu” is actually the name of a Chinese province where Chinese warriors were trained in the Wu Tang style.
It was in 1993 that the Wu Tang Clan won a large following of fans when the single hit “Protect Ya Neck” was released. RCA took notice and agreed to take on the group and help release its debut album “Enter the Wu Tang: 36 Chambers”. The group spread its influence rapidly so that their album was on the permanent roster of “Best Albums of the 90’s.” In late 1995, the Wu Tang Clan created two solo projects that won acclaim, the music of which went through a change, veering more towards classic soul and the use of strings. This success gave the group its solid standing in the hip hop recording industry.
RZA’s five-year plan came to an end and as he promised, he surrendered control to his associates Oli Grant and his Brother Mitchell Diggs. The group has not ceased promoting affiliate artists. The group also established its own clothing line. In 2004, the group went on a European tour and performed live on stage. It continues to be successful in releasing solo albums by its individual members