The Top Ten Songs by Wu-Tang Clan

It is likely impossible to come up with a definitive top ten list of Wu-Tang Clan songs. For one, the nine original members (now eight), have put out a lot of solo material that is often seen as collaborative efforts. Even on their debut, the classic Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), not every song featured all nine members, but when one of the Clan members released tracks on their own solo album featuring RZA production and three or more of the original Clan members, should that not be considered a Wu-Tang song? During the four years between their first and second albums, most of their solo material featured heavy RZA production and heavy Clan involvement; and even after 1997, many Clan solo albums continue to feature multiple Wu-Tang emcees and instrumentals from RZA's production team. Many consider a Raekwon song like Wu-Gambinos a proper Wu-Tang song given the heavy involvement of Wu-Tang members and RZA production. To narrow down the catalog then, in no particular order, here are the top ten songs from the Wu-Tang Clan, released on official Wu-Tang albums.

Protect Ya Neck, Wu-Tang Clan's Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), 1993

Eight emcees? How exactly would a record work with eight emcees? That was my first thought when I first heard about the Wu and I am sure I was not alone. But, with this, their first single, they proved that not only could they make a record work incredibly well, but that they also each brought something unique to the table over this raucous, battle cry of a song.

C.R.E.A.M. , Wu-Tang Clan's Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), 1993

A departure from the free-associating rhymes of their debut, the classic Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), Raekwon the Chef and Inspectah Deck discuss their hardscrabble upbringing in memorable verse, bookended by Method Man's now iconic hook.

Method Man, Wu-Tang Clan's Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), 1993

The single that made him the first breakout star of the Clan, the song highlights Method Man's lyrical acuity and charisma. It is still refreshing today, more than a decade later.

Triumph, Wu-Tang Clan's Wu-Tang Forever, 1997

Every emcee brings grade A-verses. Song structure? Hook? Forget that. Free-associative battle raps, full of allusions to martial arts, pop culture, and the inner-city are what the Clan always has been best at, and in what they remain unmatched to this day.

Da Mystery of Chessboxin', Wu-Tang Clan's Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), 1993

Few songs exemplify the uniqueness of the group like Da Mystery of Chessboxin', which effortlessly glides over Five Percenter slang, battle raps, martial arts, allusions, stream of consciousness rhymes, and more over a signature, sinister RZA beat.

The Heart Gently Weeps, Wu-Tang Clan's 8 Diagrams, 2007

It may be off of one of the least liked albums by the Clan itself, but The Heart Gently Weeps is a classic. Whether sinister or melodic, RZA has always been known for the haunting quality of his instrumentals, and this is no exception. It perfectly complements the storytelling raps of Raekwon, Ghostface, and Method Man.

Can It Be All So Simple? , Wu-Tang Clan's Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), 1993

Built off a simple Gladys Knight sample the meditative track explains the motivations of the Clan: the poverty of the inner-city and their fantasies of illicit success seen as their only option for escaping said poverty. It is a spare and evocative track that perfectly captures the nostalgia of the lyrics.

Reunited, Wu-Tang Clan's Wu-Tang Forever, 1997

GZA, Old Dirty, RZA and Method Man spit verses hard to match in this or any era, over a haunting violin-based instrumental that properly set the tone for the Clan's sophomore disc.

Radioactive (Four Assassins) Wu-Tang Clan's Iron Flag, 2001

A back to basic beat allows the emcees the chance to spit some of the best rhymes on 2001's otherwise average Iron Flag.

I Can't Go to Sleep, Wu-Tang Clan's The W, 2000

Ghostface displays his masterful penchant for emotional rapping as he and RZA decry the socioeconomic ills that keep them awake at night.

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