Wu-Tang Clan

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. 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. Despite each rapper’s distinct personality, tone and skill set, they melded under RZA’s leadership and ominous production. 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. That freedom set the stage for 1997’s sprawling double-disc Wu-Tang Forever. 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. The group continued to release albums through the 2000s, but internal turmoil and the death of ODB in 2004 spaced their collective efforts further apart. During an era when the industry struggled to decide music’s monetary value, Wu-Tang Clan created 2015’s secretly recorded Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, a single-copy album that was auctioned off for $2 million. Still, the Clan were steering cultural conversations two decades after their formation, but it shouldn't come as a surprise—Wu-Tang is forever.