Wu-Tang, one of the most influential rap groups ever, broked onto the scene back in '93 with their underground record "Protect Ya Neck." After that they became popular with the song "Method Man." Every hip-hop head was looking forward to the debut album from the brothers of Shaolin. Once this album,"Enter the Wu-Tang:36 Chambers" was released, the singles "C.R.E.A.M" and "Da Mystery of Chessboxing" were released, showing how versatile this band could be.
Each having their own individual style, the songs sounded unique and better than what was out there at the time. They knew it was time to release solo albums from members of the group.
The obvious first choice was Method Man. His first single off the album,"Tical", was the head bopping "Bring the Pain." After that was the soulful but funky "Release Ya Delf." The next single made Method Man bigger than anyone expected when he combined with Mary J. Blige to do a remix for "All I Need", which was later refered to when remixed as "I'll Be There For You(All I Need)."
Next was the crazy album from Ol' Dirty Bastard, "Return to the 36 Chambers:The Dirty Version." This album was really different from anything out there today. "Brooklyn Zoo", his first single, proved that Ol' Dirty could rap with the best of them. Next was the surprisingly popular "Shimmy Shimmy Ya." Many rap fans, including some Wu fans, could not get into this album because of its weirdness but it still added on to the Wu-Tang Empire.
Next was the Mafioso sounding "Only Built 4 Cuban Link..." by Raekwon F/ Ghost Face Killer. Here the Wu-Tang took on new personas as the Wu-Gambinos. The first single "Glaciers of Ice" had a smooth sounding background beat. "Criminology", the next single, had a hard edge to it that fit Raekwon and Ghostface distinct voices well. The big hit off the album and what could be considered the party jingle was "Ice Cream." Next was "Incarcerated Scarfaces" with its catchy chorus.
The next album to be released by the Wu was Gza/Genius' "Liquid Swords." Gza is known to be the lyricist of the group and he proves it with this album here. Starting out with the underground single for "Labels", Gza finally released his album. The first official single was "Liquid Swords." Next Gza would release the dark but soulful "Cold World." For his next single Gza combined two songs off the album and made them into one video. Combining the songs "Shadowboxing" and "4th Chamber" made these two songs even better than you could imagine.
Then came Ghostface Killah's solo album. "Iron Man" has proven to be just as great as the other Wu albums. "Daytona 500" was first released underground on mix tapes. The first single off the new album is "Camay". Next off, the single "All I Got is You" was released. The album is filled with plenty of Wu guest stars, mostly Raekwon and Cappadonna. It's sort of different from other Wu albums, more on the R&B tip but it stands out on it's own and proves Ghostface has what it takes to be a solo rapper. In between these previous albums, the first album released by a Wu-Affiliate that wasn't in the clan was from Shyheim AKA the Rugged Child. As of today, he already has two albums released.
After much waiting and anticipation, the new Wu-Tang album finally came out: Wu-Tang Forever. This one was a double disc and worth every penny of it. The Wu proved once again that they are the leaders of this rap era. With the exception of two songs (Second Coming, Revolution), this album was well worth the wait. The first single "Triumph" has all ten Wu-Tang Members(including Cappadonna) rapping on the track. With's it's unique video, this song has managed to gain crossover appeal and is even shown on MTV on a regular basis.
Killarmy also has released their solo debut album. Produced mainly by the 4th Disciple, Killarmy proves they don't need to ride Wu-Tang's coattails to make a good album. Definitely not the best album out of the Wu-Tang Camp, but it does carry your interest throughout. 4th Disciple proves that he can produce a whole album and make it sound good. With the first two singles("Camoflage Ninjas" and "Wu-Renegades"), many will be attempted to buy it.
Some more Wu-Affiliates have dropped their albums in the early part of 1998. First off, GP Wu, consisting of Pop the Brown Hornet, June Lover, Rubbabandz, and Down Low Recka, dropped Don't Go Against the Grain. Next, Killah Priest, front man for Sunz of Man, dropped Heavy Mental. This album is a bit different from the other Wu albums having a different sound and style to it but true heads will pick it up anyway. Finally, Cappadonna AKA Cappachino, the unofficial 10th member of the Wu-Tang Clan, released his solo album The Pillage. With plenty of Wu guest stars, this albums fits right in with the rest of the Wu solo library.
The future is uncertain, but as of now, Sunz of Man are set to release their album by the end of April or early May and Method Man is about to release his second album sometime in May also. After that, be on the lookout for the highly anticipated and long-awaited Inspekta Deck album. Also solo albums from RZA, U-God, and the second Ol' Dirty Bastard album. No dates for these albums yet but heads are anxiously awaiting.
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