From there, Wu-Tang Clan added various affiliate members and were among the first hip-hop acts to have their own clothing company and video game.
That freedom set the stage for 1997’s sprawling double-disc Wu-Tang Forever. Their 1993 debut album, Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), made them instant luminaries, with electrifying lo-fi singles like “C.R.E.A.M.” and “Protect Ya Neck.” Under a unique contract deal with Loud Records, the Clan recorded as a group while unleashing solo projects like Method Man’s Tical, GZA’s Liquid Swords, Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, and Ghostface Killah’s Ironman. Despite each rapper’s distinct personality, tone, and skill set, they melded under RZA’s leadership and ominous production. In 1992, nine MCs-RZA, GZA, Method Man, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, and Masta Killa-assembled in Staten Island, bonding over street life, Five-Percent Nation teachings, and foreign martial arts films.
Wu-Tang Clan aren’t just one of the most influential rap groups of all time-they’re a belief system: Their unconventional blend of Ginsu-sharp lyricism, Asian culture, and undying brotherhood attracted a worldwide following that worships at their feet.
