Since the dawn of rap music in the late ‘70s there hasn’t been an artist, let alone nine different artists combining into one group, that has had the cultural and musical impact of the Wu-Tang Clan. Spear headed by the RZA, the rest of the Wu is comprised of GZA, Masta Killah, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon the Chef, U-God, Method Man, Inspektah Deck, Cappadonna and of course the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard all embodying the wisdom and philosophy of the Shaolin temple reflected in the gritty, colorful, sometimes violent streets of Staten Island where Timberland boots grip the sidewalks and steams rises from drains.
1992 was the beginning of a new era in hiphop and the Wu were catalysts. Their debut album Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers has been heralded as the greatest rap album of all time, reaching platinum status by showcasing a new world of production (all by the RZA), lyrics, styles and personalities. Since then, there have been seven studio albums, both group and solo releases combined, that have reached gold or platinum status. However the reach and connection transcend music. The Wu-Tang Clan has created a cult(ure) that is bigger than the group itself. Walking down the street rappers, hipsters, punk rockers and metal-heads alike can be seen with the yellow W stamped on their chest resting on an all black t-shirt. This is not just music, this is a movement.
Thursday March, 23 at the Hollywood Palladium will see the group come together once again for what is sure to be an energetic and live event punctuated by the crowd surfing antics of Method Man, the crossword puzzle flow and conversational story telling of Ghostface and Raekwon backed by the razor sharp lyrical dexterity demonstrated by the Rebel INS. Time does not exist when speaking upon the wisdom of the Wu, Wu-Tang is forever.
Thursday March 23rd
Hollywood Palladium
Doors @ 7pm
All ages
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