Wu-Tang Clan is an American hip hop group that originated in New York City, New York, U.S.A in 1992. They dealt with genres like Hardcore hip hop. The band consisted of members RZA, GZA, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Raekwon, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna.
They worked with labels like Soul Temple, Loud, RCA, SRC, Universal Republic, Asylum and Warner Bros. They produced many record-breaking songs and has also helped in launching the careers of many new artists and groups. They were collectively named as Wu-Tang Killa Bees. They were also affiliated with many achievements and awards during their entire career.
Inception
The group was initially formed by cousins Robert Diggs (RZA), who was earlier known as Prince Rakeem, Gary Grice(GZA), who was more first known as The Genius ad Russell Jones who was known as The Specialist. They named the group initially as All in Together Now Crew. Prince Rakeem and The Genius’s musical skills were appreciated, and they were signed to different record labels and started to make music of their own.
The Genius was signed to Cold Chillin’ Records and released the song Words From the Genius under that record in 1991, and Rakeem was signed by Tommy Boy Records and released Ooh I Loved You Rakeem under that record in 1991. They were soon ditched by their careers and decided to work on their own. So, they renamed them as GZA and RZA and started a group of their own. They then began to work with Ghostface Killah, who was a rapper and Ol’ Dirty Bastard. They named their group Wu-Tang Clan with RZA as their leader.
They first released their album “Protect Ya Neck” in 1993. The group wanted to release their collections as well as solo albums of their members, so they found it challenging to find a label that would allow them to do both. They finally found Loud Records who signed them and helped them to release their debut album, “ Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers),” which was released in November 1993.
The collection was appreciated all over the world and was considered one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. The group now consisted of Ol’ Dirty Bastard, GZA, RZA, Raekwon, U-God, Method Man, and Ghostface Killah. Each of them recorded for the album as well as had their solo careers.
RZA helped to produce the career of all his band members, he helped Method Man to release his debut album, Tical in 1994 and also helped Raekwon to release his debut album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx in 1995. All of their records were a huge success and got much recognition from the critics.
Evolution
Wu-Tang released many songs since its inception. Their second album was called Wu-Tang Forever, which had singles such as Triumph, which was a 5 minutes long video. The group lost Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and he was replaced by Cappadona around 1998. The group also helped Killah Priest to launch his career.
They helped him release his single Heavy Mental in March 1998. The members also started their respective singles such as Bobby Digital In Stereo by RZA, Tical 2000: Judgement Day by Method Man, Beneath the Surface by GZA, Golden Arms Redemption by U-God, Immobilarity By Raekwon, Supreme Clientele by Ghostface Killah and Uncontrolled Substance by Inspectah Deck. All these sings were released between 1997 and 2000.
Their third album, The W, was released in November 2000. Gravel Pit was one of the first singles from the album The W.This album was able to get double-platinum status. The group released Iron Flag in 2001. They then went to make more albums such as 8 Diagrams in 2007, A Better Tomorrow in 2014, Once Upon a Time in Shaolin in 2015, and The Saga Continued in 2017.
Awards & Achievements
This group is considered one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time as they made many chart-breaking songs and has received many achievements during their career. Their debut album contained many catching songs, which made it one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.
Their third album was able to get double-platinum status. One American media company About gave them the #1 position in the list of most significant hip hop group of all time in 2008. This group was also named one of the best rap groups ever by Rolling Stone. NME named them as the most influential groups of the last ten years in 2004.
Net Worth of Wu-Tang Clan in 2024
As of November 2024, The net worth of the Wu-Tang Clan is around $25 million. This is one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time. The group released many chart-breaking songs and also made albums that reached double-platinum status. Apart from the band, each member of the band has a successful career of their own. Their musical talent has helped them to bag this fortune.
Wu-Tang Clan is one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time. They have made many albums which contained many hit singles throughout their career. The members also have a successful career of their own. This group will not lose it’s importance in the music industry any time soon.