Earlier this week, The New York Times spoke with RZA about the upcoming release of his kung-fu movie, The Man With the Iron Fists. During the interview, RZA addressed the circumstances under which he felt a successful Wu-Tang Clan reunion would be possible.

Though all members of the Clan had their unique, often brilliant, contributions to the group’s output the RZA was always the de facto leader. In his opinion, a return to that power structure is the only way to make things work.

From the interview:

There’s one last job Wu-Tang Clan must do. The 20th anniversary [of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)] is next year. And we need to, one time, completely, efficiently, properly, professionally represent our brand. One more time. But this time, showing up on time for press and for concerts and studio…
A lot of people don’t know this about Wu-Tang, it started from a focused mind. I was given total autonomy to do whatever I want with them… They agreed, to me, to be a dictator for five years. And in those five years, it’s considered some of our best work…. I see what happens when a person like me is driving that ship. I think we can do it again. I’ve been talking to some of the guys, I was like, “Yo, look, I would suggest that you put down everything you know, and trust me one more time.”
I would say, if we get one more shot of me being completely trusted as the driver of the ship, I think we could give the world one more record, maybe. And if not that, one more campaign… Anyway, I think there’s one more round for Wu-Tang, if they go proper. But if they don’t come proper, for some reason, whether it’s my fault, their fault or the world’s fault, I’m going to continue creating art and the Wu-Tang saga. If I’ve got to be the guy that’s living it, I’m going to live it to the end.

It’s difficult to know whether this plan is something that would resonate with the entire group. After all, several members (ie Method Man, Raekwon, GFK, GZA) have gone on to pave out very successful careers independently. Regardless, let’s hope this statement can get the ball rolling because one thing for certain is a Wu-Tang Clan at full strength ain’t nothin to…well, you get the point.