Wu Tang Clan Biography and Information

Wu Tang Clan

Artist:

Rza - Robert Diggs
Raekwon - Corey Woods
Ol Dirty Bastard - Russell Jones
Method Man - Clifford Smith
Ghostface killa - Dennis Coles
Gza - Gary Grice
UGod - Lamont Hawkins
Master Killa - Elgin Turner
Inspectah Deck - Jason Hunter

Wu-Tang was formed by two cousins, GZA and ODB originally, though no one can question RZA''s (another cousin) and Raekwon's input into the group.
RZA was with-out a doubt responsible to a large degree for the unique sound and style of the group. Dropping basic but effective beats and riffs, they turned Hip Hop on its head. Showing that you do not have to over-produce, to make good music and reminding the world about how raw hip hop can and perhaps should be.
Before The Wu-Tang clan formed, the three cousins started a group "All in Together Now" This thankfully did not last or we would never have heard of The Clan. After the failure of this collective GZA and ODB decided to form The Wu-Tang Clan, joined shortly by The RZA.
At roughly the same time as RZA joined the group a few other local MC's/friends also joined. Ghostface Killa, Method Man, Raekwon, U-God, Inspectah Deck and Masta Killa.
The crew had firm ideas on how they wanted to attack the industry. The Plan was to hit the scene as a formidable group and then drop their Album and create a vibe. Once they had a foot in the door it was all about dropping as many projects off the back of this as possible. Starting with Solo ventures and then into merchandising and all sorts.
The first track the Wu dropped was "Protect Ya Neck".
This rough and rugged tune announced their entrance to the hip hop game. The world was now watching. This was released on their own independent label but created such a storm that every record company that counts was soon banging on their door. Wu never took the easy root. Many young artists would have snatched at the first offer of big bucks that came their way, this is where Wu-Tang are different. The guys held out until they got an offer that suited their aims and goals. One of the main concerns for them was that they wanted to have the ability to branch off and do solo projects however and with who ever they chose. Eventually Loud/RCA offered them a deal that suited their needs, basically they signed the Wu-Tang clan but every member individually remained pretty much a free agent.
REVOLUTIONARY!!
Shortly after Wu-Tang were signed they dropped their first album, "Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (Nov 93)
This LP was a true smash and took the Hip-Hop world by storm. Bringing some much needed realness to the game, the beats they dropped and the styles they possessed were like a breath of fresh air and unlike anything, anyone else had to offer at the time. Though looking back it was quite a good time for hip hop generally with New York Mcs absolutely killin it.
After announcing themselves with 36 Chambers they then dropped a single "Cream" this was even more of a hit than 36 Chambers and as a result of its success 5 members of the group were offered solo deals.
(GZA, RZA, RaeKwon, Ol Dirt Bastard and Method Man)
RZA was the first to get busy, forming a group named "The Grave Diggaz (along with Prince Paul, Frukwan and Poetic. The Grave Diggaz debut album "6 Feet Deep" went Gold. Then Raekwon released his first single "Heaven and Hell" though this was produced by GZA and featured Ghostface Killa''s vocals. While these records did well it was not until Method Man released his debut that things really started cooking. Late in 94 Meth released his solo album, "Tical".
This was a real big hit and soon after Meth also released a track with Mary J Blige, "I''ll Be There for You/You''re All I Need to Get By.". This was also massive, getting loads of airplay and it really became one of the tracks of the moment, on your radio, on your TV and in the clubs.
Next it was the turn of Ol Dirty, he released his debut "Return To The 36 Chambers". Featuring such tracks as "Brooklyn Zoo" and "Shimmy Shimmy Ya", this LP went Gold.
Towards the end of 95 came two more Wu-Tang records, "Only Built For Cuban Links" (Raekwon) and "Liquid Swords" (GZA). Both of these were greatly appreciated by real Hip Hop Heads, they were probably the most critically acclaimed records released as solo projects by the Wu-Tang.
In 96 Ghostface dropped his first solo track "Winter Warz", which appeared as part of the soundtrack for "Don''t Be A Menace to South Central While You''re Drinking Gin and Juice In The Hood". Later the same year Ghostface released his debut solo album, "Iron man" This to was received well.
Finally The Clan all got back in the studio do do another joint project, the result was their second album, a double CD, "Wu-Tang Forever".
This was not so well received by many people, though "Triumph" was critically acclaimed. Personally however, the track which I liked the most on this CD was "Impossible". A lot of heads slept on this but believe me the lyrics are un-rivalled and for the serious rap fan no doubt.
There were several other albums, singles and solo projects undertaken and the story continues....

Edit:
Unfortunately the Wu are now a member short, due to the sad loss of Ol Dirty Bastard, who passed in November, 2004 while at the Wu's studio in NY.
Rest In Peace and in the knowledge that your crew re-wrote the rules of the music business and revolutionized the rap game ODB