The Influence of the Wu-Tang Clan

Notorious for its too many overly hyped members, the Wu-Tang Clan rose to fame in the early 90s, bringing the hardcore gangster rap sound that NWA, Ice-T, and Dr. Dre had created in the west coast to the streets of New York City where millions of urbanites craved someone to represent them. Wu-Tang Clan was originally a crew of nine rappers, RZA, GZA, Raekwon, U-God, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Method Man, Masta Killa, and Ol' Dirty Bastard and has in over a decade of existence became a multimillion dollar entity and one of the most significant commercial hip-hop successes of all time. Through success disputes among the original group members, their refusal to conform to the conventional hip-hop sound of the time, the Wu-Tang Clan became one of the most influential hip-hop groups.

It all began with RZA then going by Prince Rakeem and his cousins GZA the Genius and Ol' Dirty Bastard, who had together formed a Staten Island rap group called Force of the Imperial Master, which was later named All In Together Now after a popular single that the was released. The trio gained popularity with the song All in Together Now and attracted attention from notable figures in the hip-hop industry. The success was short lived and the crew after failing to get a record deal dissolved to pursue solo careers with different labels. RZA signed to Tommy Boy Records began working on his first EP, Ooh We Love You Rakeem, which was released and issued in 1991. Attempts to commercialize himself by making a video for his album's hit song and sending music to television stations were unsuccessful. GZA The Genius also had little success at Cold Chillin' Records.

Their frustration with the music industry was the driving force to create the Wu-Tang Clan. RZA masterminded a revolutionary business plan. The plan was to assemble a congregation of rappers and overtake the industry in the most profitable way. Firstly releasing a debut album that would gain them attention and respect and then individually build on the foundation laid out by the group. RZA began recruiting friends and accomplices from around Staten Island to join the group, promising each member that the Wu-Tang "empire" would conquer the hip-hop world under his complete control and after that time, he would surrender his control.

Lead by RZA, the de facto leader and the group's sole producer, the Wu-Tang Clan became underground all-stars, releasing their first single Protect Ya Neck on their independent label. Dozens of labels offered them record deals, but they refuse each one, wanting to stick to their plan. Finally they found a label that would sign them as a group and then let each member record solo albums with other record labels. Loud/RCA signed Wu-Tang and the debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) was released November 1993.

The album took time to gain momentum, but once it did it became a hugely popular critically-acclaimed album. Released in early 1994, C.R.E.A.M. (Cash Rules Everything Around Me), moved the album over the precipice to become a commercial success. C.R.E.A.M. has been accredited as one of the best hip-hop songs to ever be made with Method Man singing the chorus and contributions from GZA, Raekwon, and Ol' Dirty Bastard. Each of them and RZA received solo contracts to further their individual careers in solo albums.

Method Man was the first breakout star from the group, releasing his solo debut Tical in 1994 with help of RZA's savvy production. Teaming up with upcoming star Mary J. Blige with his single All I Need, Method Man won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.

Each member was allowed their chance to shine individually. GZA released Liquid Swords, Raekwon released Only Built for Cuban Linx, Ghostface Killah released Ironman, Ol' Dirty Bastard as well. Each album featured several other Wu-Tang members and had RZA's original production. Masta Killa, who only rapped ono Da Mystery of Chessboxing on the Wu-Tang debut, but due to several incarcerations was unable to release a solo album along with his crew members in the 90s. U-God was also incarcerated during the production of 36 Chambers, so he was present briefly on the album, thus was unable to get a solo contract.

With solo careers firmly established the Wu-Tang Clan gathered once again to release Wu-Tang Forever in 1997. Wu-Tang Forever was a highly anticipated Grammy nominated multiplatinum album that debuted number one on the Billboard Charts. The first single Triumph is a remarkable construction five minutes long with nine verses from each member with the exception of Ol' Dirty Bastard plus Cappadonna and had no hook or repeated phrase. RZA continued as the master producer, but for the first time gave some of the albums production to his protégés. Wu-Tang Forever marked the end of RZA's five year plan to drive Wu-Tang to success with complete control. After Forever was released RZA relinquished control to record label associate Oli Grant and his brother Mitchell Diggs.

Enter the Wu-Tang is one of the most significant albums of the 90s and one of the greatest rap albums ever recorded. The Wu-Tang Clan's deliberate mixture of hardcore rhymes, soothing melodies, and comedic references from martial arts, comic books, and pop culture. As a whole the album has become a template for modern hip-hop albums, creating a stepping stone for various artists, especially east coast rappers like Notorious B.I.G. and Nas. RZA producing skills have been influential to many other producers, trying to recreate RZA's technique to mix raw underground sounds with samples from soul and jazz music, including producers 9^th Wonder, Just Blaze, and Kanye West.

Wu-Tang has become successful in ways that other hip-hop groups have not. With RZA's surrender of power in the group, managers and associates quickly began building the Wu-Tang name. They continued their plan, releasing group albums and solo albums, but the members were also cast for movies and shows. RZA was even given the opportunity to publish a book, The Wu-Tang Manuel was released in 2005. The Wu-Tang Clan has become a legendary name, nine rappers, dozens of multiplatinum records, hip-hop honors, a book, The Wu-Tang Manuel, a documentary, Wu: The Story of the Wu-Tang Clan, and an enormous influence on dozens of hip-hop artists.