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Reason First: The Melting Pot of Hip Hop... Wu-Tang Clan

The Venerable Rap Group Gets Its Day and Street

By Skyler SaundersPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
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The 'Wu-hands'

When multi-generations can appreciate your work, that’s how you know that what you have created has lasted the test of time. Enter the Wu-Tang Clan. Their hypnotic beats, layered poeticisms, and evolving and innovative style has moved local officials in their hometown of Staten Island (Shaolin) to declare November 9, Wu-Tang Day. Additionally, the rap collective will also see their moniker emblazoned on a street sign in that part of New York.

A Valuable Command

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The reason why Wu-Tang has triumphed over other groups is because they stand as a melting pot. The talents don’t all dissolve into one sound, but stand out as individuals in a meal where each flavor can be tasted. All of the members have contributed to the cornerstone of hip hop excellence. From “C.R.E.A.M.” to “Ice Cream” the rap artists have expressed the pressures of financial instability, and the joys of all shades of beautiful women, respectively. Everything that Wu-Tang does is “for the children” as the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard once proclaimed at the Grammy awards. On May fourth, plenty of games and face painting presented a cornucopia of pleasure for the youngsters.

What Every MC Needs

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Wu-Tang Clan appeared on the now defunct Chappelle’s Show in sketches like “The Racial Draft,” and especially “Wu-Tang Financial.” Now, the college kids and high schoolers who watched these offerings have reason to download and stream the figures included in these comedic offerings.

A Facet of the Genre

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The number of total members varies depending on whether you include just the ten official members that appear on songs, or the shadier affiliates who people the streets of Staten Island. Accolades like the greatest rap of all time circulate the web like a flow of dollars moved by e-commerce. Their indelible mark on the rap scene has allowed them to gain fiscal security, and artistic merit.

The Rapper Putting in Work

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Wu-Tang has influenced other mega groups in hip hop like Odd Future. Though their legacy is relatively short and faint by comparison, the members of this rap family show flashes of brilliance that are akin to Wu-Tang’s deep catalogue. For all of the work that has been discussed concerning Wu-Tang, one of the most bizarre cases that stands out is convicted felon Martin Shkreli’s purchase of the forced forfeiture of the Once Upon a Time in Shaolin (2015), hailed as the most valuable album of all time, this marked a milestone in the relevancy department for the group. At last it wasn’t a rapper being asked to hand over property. It’s just too bad that a crony like Shkreli didn’t display sharper judgement. He could be sitting in a New York luxury penthouse listening the the greatest that Wu-Tang has to offer, and not a cell in the Federal Correctional Institution, Fort Dix in New Jersey.

The Wu Isn't Too Shy

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But the rap elder statesmen continue despite the controversy. It is beautiful that the members of the Wu-Tang Clan have been able to subsist off of the sales of music, clothes, and other ventures. Their entrepreneurial acumen has inspired generations to make boss moves in the industry.

By example, each man has been able to chart a course for success to further educate the babies about how to properly navigate contracts, make deals, and secure a firm place in the rap game.

Another Facet of the Rap Genre

Photo by Josh Gordon on Unsplash

The focus of the Wu-Tang Clan has always been a more cerebral, thought driven brand of music, interspersed with wit, and profound emotive power. For the Wu-Tang Clan, their entire time that has lasted nearly three decades has been spent lifting consciousness, and getting feet moving and hands in the air. Their aim has been to illustrate how young men of color can band together as individuals, and create a unit that promotes free thought and expression.

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Skyler Saunders

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