For 20 years Wu-Tang Clan have helped define the hip hop genre as an art form and entrepreneurial power.
With their unique brand of street poetry, rugged production and kung-fu mythology, they’ve made some of the most innovative and memorable records in hip hop history. It’s been a journey of extreme success and controversy, the momentum of which shows no sign of slowing.
In their first visit since 2011, the super group from Staten Island, New York (or, Shaolin as it’s affectionately known in Wu folklore) will play three exclusive shows in Australia including Brisbane later this month.
Speaking to OzHipHop.com, original Clan member Masta Killa said to expect a three-dimensional performance: “Oh man, I can’t wait to step on stage with the Wallaby Clarks and kick lyrics, make it feel like I’m stepping out the speakers to you. You know, Australia [is] always a beautiful place to visit and to see… it’s a blessing to come and embrace the fans that love hip hop all over the world, man.”
It’s been a while between visits and fans are beginning to speculate the likely line-up. Though, with constant disharmony and the interruption of solo projects, it’s difficult even for Clan members to predict numbers.
In the same Ozhiphop interview, Masta Killa attempted to forecast. “It’s hard to say who’ll actually be there, but, I can guarantee when they say Wu-Tang Clan, man, we won’t disappoint our fans as far as bringing classic hip hop and a dynamic performance you will appreciate. I can guarantee you that: even if it was two of us, even it was me by myself.”
Whether the crowd would be satisfied with a solo show is unknown, but true fans won’t be holding their breath for a full turnout. A recent Twitter spat between leader RZA and Method Man perhaps justifies suspicion.
Though, with two successful decades under their belt, there’s certainly something solid with the Wu. “You know, we said ‘Wu-Tang forever’. And, in our hearts each and every one of us, we really have that,” Masta Killa says.
“There’s love. [It’s] actually what keeps us together. In no families, or no group, or no people that come together, nobody is always gonna [sic] agree on everything. You’re never gonna get that. But, when the common foundation is love, you’ll always have an understanding that you can come to, you know.
“Sometime space and distance is healthy. Space and distance only equals time. So, we’ve definitely been growing as artists and as people. I think it’s all been beneficial to all of us… because we’re still here and we still love doing what we do.”
It’s unlikely they’ll play anything from ‘Once Upon A Time In Shaolin’: the one-of-a-kind limited edition album/ collector’s item that was sold to controversial pharmaceutical CEO Martin Shkreli for a reported $2 million last year.
But don’t feel too left out. Artists who featured on the album haven’t even heard it. “I can’t really comment on it too much because, hey, even being a participant I haven’t even heard it… but, I would love for the fans to be able to hear it.”
Written by Ryan McGrory
Wu-Tang Clan Tour Dates
Tue 23 Feb - Margaret Court Arena (Melbourne)Wed 24 Feb - Allphones Arena (Sydney)
Fri 26 Feb - The Riverstage (Brisbane)
