The five boroughs of New York City are responsible for conjuring up some of the most vivid narratives through the guise of hip hop music and gangster movies.
The Big Apple is an amalgamation of dreams; nightmares, hedonism, crime and greed all merged in dark street corners, high-rise buildings and city parks.
Staten Island natives and hip hop titans Wu-Tang Clan epitomise everything about the city's sleazy underworld and its creative impulses, blending superhero comic book references, cartoonish aesthetics and martial-art movies while narrating stories of black ghettos, street unease and steel meeting steel.
The ten-piece collective have bedazzled audiences worldwide since their inception in the early '90s pushing hip hop music into unfamiliar territory, combining lyrical verses and choruses inspired by Eastern philosophy next to boom-bap beats.
Founder and band leader RZA has attempted to keep this ship sailing over the decades, however it's no easy feat to keep ten sword bearers buzzing like Killa Bees and all on board for recording and touring.
Last year the Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber tour began in the US and was advertised as the final ever world tour, promising all original living members of Wu-Tang Clan would partake and it would be the last chance to see them all together in the flesh.
This may have been true for their American and European shows, but unfortunately and frustratingly not in Australia to the detriment of the Aussie Wu disciples.
Just a week before the Australian leg of the tour was to begin, it was confirmed Method Man would not be joining the outfit in Australia.
Then the first show in Brisbane (25 March) proceeded with Raekwon, Cappadonna and Young Dirty Bastard – son of original member Ol' Dirty Bastard – all noticeably absent.
For some fans this was unacceptable, but others were still happy for the chance to see just 60 per cent of this legacy hip hop group for the final time. A special Wu night at the temple not to be missed.
Sydney would be the final leg (28 March) of the Australian tour and local hip hop veterans and support act Bliss N Eso were ready to stir up some pre-ruckus and up the ante in their performance.
The trio did not hold back their excitement of sharing the same stage as their idols who inspired them in their early days. Beatboxing 'Seven Nation Army' and playing their hip hop take of Grinspoon's rock anthem 'Chemical Heart' had early comers bumping their heads.
Bliss n Eso - image © Aaron Camua
There was also a call for peace, love and unity amongst all the trouble going on in the world before the trio wrapped up their set with their high-tempo single 'Addicted' backed up by a steady live drummer.
As the curtains closed on the stage, the recognisable Wu-Tang Clan logo blazed across the drapes, calling the clan into the room; Southern Shaolin's anticipation grew palpably, it was finally time to witness these real-life rap masters of ceremony.
When the curtain opened again, a swarm of virtual bees transferred the logo onto the big screen and RZA was the first to storm the stage, greeted with big applause and opening the show with 'Sunlight', a poetic and spiritual rap showcasing the ringleader's lyrical prowess.
Wu-Tang Clan - image © Aaron Camua
Other Clan members then entered the cipher: GZA, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa and U-God, all jumping straight into the song 'Killa Beez' supported by a funk-driven instrumental brigade consisting of blade‑strings-guitars, low‑end monk-bass, thunder drums, spirit‑pads-keyboards and a song priestess-female vocalist.
The 1993 debut Wu-Tang Clan album 'Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)' was a game changer and spawned many hip hop anthems such as 'Bring Da Ruckus', 'Da Mystery Of Chessboxin'', 'Wu Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing Ta F Wit', 'Protect Ya Neck' and 'Shame On A Nigga'.
These tracks still make the backbone of the Clan's show and brought a highly intense energy to the concert, the memorable sampled kung-fu movie dialogue snippets building a sonic mythology, before a single verse was dropped in each song.
Wu-Tang Clan - image © Aaron Camua
The theatrical antics of six showmen who ooze confidence in their craft were staged against imagery of ancient Shaolin temples and monasteries alongside mesmerising samurai sword fights on the huge screen behind them, heightening the drama of this collective sonic ritual.
While the unapologetic weed smoking from a few attendees, created a slightly hazy atmosphere that didn't necessary deter from the music itself. Tracks from each of the members solo albums were also sprinkled into the set list as well as deep cuts that the hardcore Wu fans truly appreciated.
RZA and co. were super enthusiastic about being nominees for this year's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and encouraged everyone to vote for them using a QR code on screen. RZA's film career has also taken off in the last few years and he was eager to promote his latest feature film, 'One Spoon Of Chocolate'.
Wu-Tang Clan - image © Aaron Camua
A touching moment during the concert was paying tribute to all the great hip hop artists who have passed including Biz Markie, Nate Dogg, Tupac, Prodigy, Phife Dawg, Nipsey Hussle, DMX, The Notorious B.I.G, Guru, and finally their long-time close associate Oliver 'Power' Grant who died last month.
This was followed by a performance 'Shimmy Shimmy Ya' and 'Got Your Money' to remember and celebrate the late Ol' Dirty Bastard.
Of course, a Wu-Tang Clan show would not be complete without including their most monumental song and a timeless hip hop anthem 'C.R.E.A.M.', a track that is still relevant and rings true in this age where money and power overshadow common sense and decency.
Wu-Tang Clan - image © Aaron Camua
Its haunting piano melody and youthful poetics transported Sydneysiders to a cold winter evening in the Stapleton Houses – the public‑housing projects of Staten Island.
Each time the group perform 'C.R.E.A.M.' the RZA conducts a raffle to offer someone from the local crew extra payment for their work in the spirit of the song, and a lucky Sydney crew member was awarded this special prize on the night.
The song 'Triumph' finished the concert and concluded what may well be the final time ever this hip hop institution comes down under.
Wu-Tang Clan - image © Aaron Camua
While it was an incomplete line-up, it was a night packed with anthems, nostalgic memories and where fans of different generations held high their W hand signs under the spiritual flag of the Wu-Tang Clan.
