List of Wu-Tang Clan affiliates
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Contents [hide]
1 Groups
1.1 A&R
1.2 A.I.G.
1.3 Almighty
1.4 American Cream Team
1.5 Ancient Coins
1.6 Tha Beggas
1.7 Black Knights
1.8 Black Lotus
1.9 Black Market Militia
1.10 Black Rose Kartel
1.11 Brooklyn Zu
1.12 C.C.F. Division
1.13 Da Manchuz
1.14 Deadly Venoms
1.15 G.P. Wu
1.16 Gravediggaz
1.17 Harlem 6
1.18 Hidden Aspects
1.19 Hillside Scramblers
1.20 The Housegang
1.21 Ice Water Inc.
1.22 KGB (Klik Ga Blow)
1.23 Killarmy
1.24 Maccabeez
1.25 M.M.O.
1.26 Northstar
1.27 Orphanage
1.28 Othorized F.A.M.
1.29 Population Click
1.30 Royal Fam
1.31 Ruthless Bastardz
1.32 Sunz of Man
1.33 Theodore Unit
1.34 T.M.F.
1.35 United Kingdom
1.36 Wisemen
1.37 Wu-Syndicate
1.38 West Coast Killa Beez
1.39 Zu Ninjaz
2 Rappers
2.1 12 O'Clock
2.2 9th Prince
2.3 Armel
2.4 Beretta 9
2.5 Black Jesus
2.6 Bronze Nazareth
2.7 Buddha Monk
2.8 Cappadonna
2.9 Carlton Fisk
2.10 Chip Banks
2.11 Christbearer
2.12 Cilvaringz
2.13 Daddy Rose
2.14 Darkim Be Allah
2.15 Dom Pachino
2.16 Dreddy Kruger
2.17 Free Murda
2.18 Hell Razah
2.19 Islord
2.20 Jamie Sommers
2.21 Killa Sin
2.22 Killah Priest
2.23 King Just
2.24 La the Darkman
2.25 Lord Superb
2.26 Lounge Lo
2.27 Neek Rusher
2.28 Polite
2.29 Poppa Wu
2.30 Prodigal Sunn
2.31 Remedy
2.32 Shabazz the Disciple
2.33 Sharecka
2.34 Shyheim
2.35 ShoGun Assason
2.36 Solomon Childs
2.37 Streetlife
2.38 Sun God
2.39 Timbo King
2.40 Trife Da God
2.41 Warcloud
2.42 Young Justice
2.43 Young DB
3 Singers
3.1 Allah Real
3.2 Blue Raspberry
3.3 Suga Bang Bang
3.4 Tekitha
3.5 Stone Mecca
3.6 Hearts
3.7 Njeri Earth
4 Producers
4.1 4th Disciple
4.2 Arabian Knight
4.3 Big Deal
4.4 G-Clef Da Mad Komposa
4.5 Bronze Nazareth
4.6 Cilvaringz
4.7 Godz Wrath
4.8 Remedy
4.9 J-Love
4.10 John the Baptist
4.11 Mathematics
4.12 Su-Preme
4.13 Moongod Allah
4.14 True Master
4.15 Y-Kim the Illfigure
5 References


This is a list of musical groups and producers that are officially affiliated with the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan.[1] For albums released by these artists, see List of Wu-Tang Clan affiliate albums


[edit] Groups

[edit] A&R
A group consisting of Armel and Sharecka. They have released the albums Non-Exclusive, Vol. 1 (2005), Non-Exclusive, Vol. 2 (2005) and A&R presents Hoodtrepeneurs, Vol. 1 (2005).


[edit] A.I.G.
A.I.G. is a duo composed of Allah Wise and Darkim Be Allah. The group, whose name stands for "Allah Is God", debuted on the Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm compilation with the track "Bronx War Stories". An album titled Retaliation Strike was completed but was never released, a situation which eventually caused the group to leave the Wu-Tang stable and pursue an independent route, though they remain on good terms. They finally released their debut Fame Labs Presents in 2005.


[edit] Almighty
New group formed in 2008 by Killah Priest consists Bronze Nazareth, M- Eighty, Sone One,C Rayz Walz,5 Star, Killah Priest. Current working on "Original S.I.N -Strenght In Numbers" that will feature guests like Canibus, Planet Asia, Warcloud.


[edit] American Cream Team
A group once mentored by Raekwon and believed to consist of Chip Banks (d. 2000), Polite, Lord Superb, Twiz, and Rhyme Recka. Raekwon featured American Cream Team on two songs on his second album Immobilarity and much of that album was produced by the group's inhouse producer Triflyn. The group also made several appearances on mixtapes and compilations, including a track titled "It's Not A Game" on the soundtrack to the film Black & White which was played over the film's credits, and a track on Funkmaster Flex's Sixty Minutes Of Funk Volume III mixtape. Members of the group also made appearances on albums by Rae's fellow Clansmen Ghostface Killah and Method Man. However, after the loss of member Chip Banks in a 2000 shooting, the group split up. Like many Wu affiliates, American Cream Team completed an album but it has never been released (the album was even advertised in the liner notes of other Wu-Tang releases). Since then, Lord Superb & Twiz have been incarcerated & have been unable to release new material. Rhyme Recka continues to record solo material, and Polite joined Raekwon's new group Ice Water, who released their debut Polluted Water in 2007


[edit] Ancient Coins
A group which consists of Armel, D-Micah, Marcel, Spanky Splash, Devil Destroya and Holy Smokes. Released the Who Got Change? EP on the MP3.com website in 2000.


[edit] Tha Beggas
A group who independently released the single "Supernatural" and debuted internationally on The Swarm compilation with the song "On the Strength" after the passing of founding member Father Lord (Wu Chi) and which has consisted of, at various times, Father Lord, Buda Love, Magic Sword, Ohh Aah Swordsman, Samo Heung, Scorpion, Bolo Gah, Long Fist, Dragon Fly, Long Axe, Short Axe and Jim Kelly. However, after Father Lord died, the group split. Many members have since released various solo and group projects independently via Hidden Aspects Music. Project and groups such as Bolos Kitchen "Blood Sweat and Years" album, Black Lotus "Lotus Notes", Dragon Fly "9000 Miles", Begga Ooh (Ooh Aah) "Renewed History", Yukon Black (Short Axe) "Addiction Services", Long Axe "Lost In Translation".


[edit] Black Knights
One of the many Wu-affiliates to debut on the Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm compilation, this Californian group was originally associated with the group North Star (also from California) with whom they recorded as Black Knights Of The North Star. However, the groups have since separated. The group originally consisted of Crisis, Doc Doom, Monk and Holocaust, however Holocaust has since left the group to concentrate on his solo recordings (he has also changed his name to Warcloud). In 2004, the Black Knights released their debut album Every Night Is A Black Knight with limited distribution, and also reunited with North Star for the closing song (titled "Black Knights Of The North Star") on North Star's debut album. In 2005, they re-released their debut to worldwide distribution through CHAMBERMUSIK.Com. Member Doc Doom was shot and killed February 11, 2007.

Now teamed up with the West Coast Killa Beez and the new crew The Indovizualz to feature on the Indovizualz debut album in 2008.


[edit] Black Lotus
A group consisting of members Bolo Gah, Dragonfly, Ty Fuu, and Long Axe. They released Lotus Notes (1997-1999) in 2005.


[edit] Black Market Militia

[edit] Black Rose Kartel
The group which consist of Baracus (aka Lord Baracus, Aristotle), Daddy Rose, Elohim, Goldie Mack, Nicky Bonds (aka St. Nicolas), Salahudin (aka Saladin Rose) was originally titled the Rose Family or Black Rose Militia, but after a slight change in roster they became better known as Black Rose Kartel. Although their Wu affiliation is unclear, they were once a part of the group United Kingdom. Daddy Rose is a close associate of Killah Priest, and has performed alongside Popa Wu, Timbo King and various members of the Sunz Of Man. All traces of their involvement were left off the retail version of Popa Wu's "Visions of the Tenth Chamber". Salahudin and Daddy Rose are also members of The Maccabees. Their album Rose Kartel Order was released in 2000, on Stargate Worldwide Entertainment.


[edit] Brooklyn Zu
A group composed of Ol' Dirty Bastard and his close associates 12 O'Clock, Shorty Shitstain, Murdock, Zu Keeper, Silkski ,Buddha Monk and Dthedragon on the westcoast. First heard on Ol' Dirty Bastard's "Return to the 36 Chambers". The group has made a number of Wu album appearances since, and have also recorded a number of tracks which later appeared on Popa Wu's "Visions of the 10th Chamber". They were once collectively tied with the "old" United Kingdom group. 12 'O' Clock is ODB's cousin, and so is Zu Keeper.


[edit] C.C.F. Division
A group consisting of Free Murda, ShaCronz and Terra Tory. They had a few featurings on RZA's Birth of a Prince.


[edit] Da Manchuz
The groups consists of members Babyface Fensta, Born U Majesty, Delta One, Drunken Dragon, Manley Musa, Spiritual Assassin and War. Espionage and Professor King Bean used to be members of the group but are now deceased. They released the album Manchuz Dynasty in 2007. Affiliated with ODB, Buddha Monk, and the Brooklyn Zu clique.


[edit] Deadly Venoms
An all-female group originally consisting of N-Tyce, J-Boo, Champ MC, Finesse (formerly of Finesse & Synquis), and Lin Que (formerly Isis, who was affiliated with X-Clan). A legal dispute with A&M/PolyGram Records and the then-forthcoming merger between the MCA and PolyGram families of labels that formed the Universal Music Group forced its debut album Antidote to remain in its vaults, although the single “One More to Go” b/w “Bomb Threat,” featuring Inspectah Deck, Method Man, Cappadonna, Street Life, and Genius/GZA, was released and the album was later leaked. Linque left the group shortly before the scenario was repeated with its second album, Pretty Thugs, which was never released due to similar label disputes, this time with DreamWorks/Interscope/Universal Records. However, as with Antidote, copies of the record were leaked and a promo CD was actually pressed. Still with Wu-Tang Management, the group, reduced to three with the departure of Finesse for undisclosed business reasons, finally managed to release an album with 2002's Still Standing on Rocks the World/Caroline/Virgin/EMI Records.





[edit] G.P. Wu
A Staten Island group consisting of Down Low Recka, Rubbabandz, June Luva and Ghostface Killah's cousin Pop Da Brown Hornet (real name Arby Tyrone Quinn). Released their debut album Don't Go Against The Grain on MCA Records during the heyday of the Wu-Tang brand in 1998. GP stands for Gladiator Posse. Pop Da Brown Hornet released his debut solo album The Undaground Emperor on 2000, also on MCA.


[edit] Gravediggaz

[edit] Harlem 6
A Group consisting of A.G.R. (Almighty God Rule), Black Jesus, Big Deal/Righteous Born, Will Power, and Yung Man. Group producer Big Deal/Righteous Born has produced tracks for many established names including Havoc, Sade, Onyx, Black Rob, Ice-T, Guru of GangStarr.


[edit] Hidden Aspects
A group consisting of 6 rappers that include Begga Ooh, Bolo Gah, Dragonfly, Jim Kelly, Long Axe, Yukon Black.They released their first album ""Hidden Aspects- Revelations 1:1"" through CHAMBERMUSIK.Com. They were part of the Beggas, but the group folded after the death of their leader, Father Lord.


[edit] Hillside Scramblers
A Group headed up by U-God during his short period of exile from the Wu-Tang Clan. Also includes King Just, Leathafase, Inf-Black, Kawz, Autumn Rue, Black Ice, & Desert Eagle. Released their debut album, U-Godzilla Presents The Hillside Scramblers, in 2004. The group has since split from affiliation with U-God and are currently involved in a feud with him.


[edit] The Housegang
Under the direction of Wu-Tang Clansman Inspectah Deck this supergroup of underground Wu-Tang affiliates released a mixtape in 2004 entitled "Undadogz". The group is a loose collective primarily headlined by Carlton Fisk, Fes Taylor, Donnie Cash, and La Banga (Y. Million R.I.P.)


[edit] Ice Water Inc.
A Group consisting of Cigar, Polite, Stumik and PC. They featured on Raekwon's third album The Lex Diamond Story. Raekwon unveiled their debut album from Ice Water "Icewater: Polluted Water" on Aug. 28 via Babygrande Records. Although Cigar left the group for unknown reasons, he was replaced by D.C. (Donnie Cash of House Gang). Aside from Rae, the album featured appearances from Method Man, Pimp C, Three 6 Mafia, Busta Rhymes, Jagged Edge, Remy Ma & Rick Ross.[2]


[edit] KGB (Klik Ga Blow)
Now defunct group consisting of Asiatic (aka Adriatic), DJ Ken (aka Kenny Ken), Ill Knob (aka Ill Knibbly aka Big Knob), and Raheem (aka Red). Were close associates of Deadly Venoms.


[edit] Killarmy

[edit] Maccabeez
Killah Priest's group who were introduced and featured heavily on his second album View From Masada. Originally comprising of Killah Priest, Daddy Rose and Salahudin, the two latter have recently been replaced with Timbo King and Hell Razah and Mythman from Haatsville. Hot Flamez is also a close affiliate of the group.


[edit] M.M.O.

[edit] Northstar
A Group consisting of Christ Bearer and Meko The Pharaoh. Used to record with fellow Californian group Black Knights as Black Knights Of The North Star, and indeed the two groups were initially signed as such to Wu-Tang Records. The groups have since split into two separate units, and Northstar released their debut album in 2003, titled Bobby Digital Presents Northstar, which also featured a reunion with Black Knights on the closing song "Black Knights Of The North Star". Their second album West Coast Killa Beez was released in 2005.


[edit] Orphanage
A group consisting of members 4th Disciple, Beretta 9, Lord Superb and ShoGun Assason.


[edit] Othorized F.A.M.
Members: Crunch Lo, Lounge Mode Lo, Molly-Q, Shawn Wigs


[edit] Population Click
Alliance of artists inspired by the People Nation alliance of street gangs (Black P. Stones, Vice Lords, Mafia Clan etc.). It was formed in 1995 and consisted of Sunz of Man, Royal Fam, Coins, Black Rose Fam. It was later reorganized into United Kingdom family of artists.


[edit] Royal Fam

[edit] Ruthless Bastardz
One of the affiliates introduced on the Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm compilation, this group is composed of Apocalipps, Beno, Iron Mic, Sha Gotti, and Truck, with their production being handled mostly by The Blaquesmiths. Like so many Wu-Tang affiliates, completed an album that was scheduled to be released during the 1997-2000 period but which was continually held back by RZA. Eventually the group were so dissatisfied with this treatment that they cut their Wu-Tang business ties and went independent. However, they are believed to still be on relatively good terms with the Wu-Tang camp. They have since released various mixtapes and solo mixtapes.


[edit] Sunz of Man

[edit] Theodore Unit

[edit] T.M.F.
Mentored by Ghostface Killah and signed to his Starks Enterprises label, this group consisted of Trife Da God, Tommy Whispers and Kryme Life. Kryme Life and Trife are now members of Ghostface's new group Theodore Unit, which has effectively superseded T.M.F. Kryme Life in Cooperation with RuffLine Entertainment and Burlington Factory Studios is planning not only a T.M.F. reunion but a solo album entitled "The Kryme Wave" to be released in 2007. Already released on Vermont's RuffLine Label is Kryme Life's demo called "Thugs in da Club"


[edit] United Kingdom
A big Wu-Tang group also went by name of Population Click, didn't release any material and split up into separate groups.


[edit] Wisemen

[edit] Wu-Syndicate

[edit] West Coast Killa Beez
This group is believed to consist of the Black Knights plus several of their proteges (Sandman, Gangsta Wiggles,Hollywood Killah Bee(Dthedragon) G-Twin, P.C., the group Black Techs (consisting of P-Nut, Pimp Nasty, Sleep, Big Nut, and the crew's in house producer 6 Mil), and who were introduced on the Black Knights' Every Knight Is A Black Knight LP. And now also consisting of The Indovizualz. Legend, I.P., Destiny, and Stonieyac, from California will take the stand as the newest members of the West Coast Killa Beez faction with their debut album in 2008.


[edit] Zu Ninjaz
Affiliated with ODB, Buddha Monk, K-Blunt, 5ft Hyper Sniper, Raw, Rambo, Dthedragon,Popa Chief, Hook Ninja, Ninja Scroll, Shadeed, Black Lantern, Celo, & D.L. and the Brooklyn Zu clique. Released their debut Now Justice in 2004.


[edit] Rappers

[edit] 12 O'Clock
Along with 4th Disciple and others, 12 O'Clock is one of the Wu affiliates whose connections to the group go back to before their fame, and he is in fact Ol' Dirty Bastard's cousin. He assisted behind the scenes in the making of the Clan's debut album and has made a few guest appearances on Wu-related albums since, including on the Clan's group album Iron Flag in 2001. His duet with Raekwon, "Nasty Immigrants", was on the soundtrack to the film Nutty Professor in 1996. Member of the Brooklyn Zu clique and also makes up half the duo 2 On The Road with Prodigal Sunn. Birth name D. Turner, also known as Billy Box. Appears On: "Protect Ya Neck II: The Zoo", Ol' Dirty Bastard, Return To The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version (1995); "Wu Blood-Kin", La The Darkman, Heist Of The Century (1998); "Ghetto Syringe", Wu-Syndicate, Wu-Syndicate (1999); "Chrome Wheels", Wu-Tang Clan, Iron Flag (2001); "Rough Cut", GZA, Legend Of The Liquid Sword (2003); "It's My Life" & "Manhunt", Prodigal Sunn Return of the Prodigal Sunn (2005) and Bronze Nazareth's "The Great Migration"


[edit] 9th Prince
See main article: 9th Prince.


[edit] Armel
Armel is a member of Ancient Coins, A&R and The Cra-Z 88z. He is signed to GZA's small label Liquid Swords Entertainment. He made his first high-profile appearance on the track "Rough Cut" on GZA's album Legend of the Liquid Sword in 2003. He has since formed the group A&R with Sharecka of Royal Fam. He released Armel presents Ancient Coins in 2003.


[edit] Beretta 9
MC also known as Kinetic, from Steubenville, Ohio who along with ShoGun Assason was one of two Ohio MCs brought into Killarmy by fellow Ohio native 4th Disciple. It has been announced that Beretta 9 would record a solo album, but nothing materialized. He has appeard on tracks with artists such as Craig G, RBX, Reef The Lost Cauze, Scienz Of Life, Block McCloud, Xavier Naidoo, Diaz, and others, as well as his other Wu-Tang comrads, (Cilvaringz, Inspectah Deck, RZA, Remedy, Gravediggaz, Hell Razah, Northstar, etc.)

Beretta 9 is closely associated with Rza and has appeared with RZA and ODB as a guest on the show America's Next Top Model.


[edit] Black Jesus
Member of Harlem 6 who as well as being Wu-Tang affiliated is also affiliated with GangStarr. Released his first solo album TGSNT in 2005.


[edit] Bronze Nazareth
See main article: Bronze Nazareth.


[edit] Buddha Monk
Member of ODB-affiliated Brooklyn Zu. Released his solo album, Prophecy, in 1999.

As well as an MC, Buddha Monk is also a producer. He is what the RZA is to the Wu-Tang Clan and Clan-members, to Brooklyn Zu, Zu Ninjaz, The Manchuz, and other Brooklyn Zu affiliated groups and artists. His appearances along with Lazer Life on Ratatat's Mixtape Volume 2 helped cement the R's lock on the purveyors of electro beats dominating the new NY sound.


[edit] Cappadonna
See main article: Cappadonna.


[edit] Carlton Fisk
MC who named himself after the famed baseball player. Made appearances on Method Man's "P.L.O. Style" and "Mr. Sandman" from Tical, did a few radio freestyles with Clan members then remained silent for almost a decade until reappearing on Inspectah Deck's 2004 compilation album Undadogz. It was widely speculated that he and Streetlife were in fact the same person; this is not the case, and the two in fact collaborated on Streetlife's Street Education album in 2005. It turned out that Fisk had not been able to record because he was incarcerated. He is now a member of Wu-Tang member Inspectah Deck's side project the Housegang. He also appeared on a track of Method Man's 2006 release, 4:21...The Day After.


[edit] Chip Banks
A deceased member of American Cream Team and Harlem Hoodz. Chip Banks, born Bruce Mayfield, was murdered on November 24, 2000 at the age of 30.


[edit] Christbearer
A member of Northstar who released his solo EP Passion of Christ EP in 2006.


[edit] Cilvaringz
See main article: Cilvaringz.


[edit] Daddy Rose
Maccabees & Black Rose Kartel MC and producer. He grew up with The RZA, GZA, and Ol' Dirty Bastard. Daddy Rose is currently on lock down. Other Names: El Shabar. Groups Affliations: Black Rose Kartel / Maccabeez / United Kingdom aka Population Click.


[edit] Darkim Be Allah
Formed A.I.G. with Allah Wise. He released an 8-track EP called Live at the Lab: Take 1 in 2000.


[edit] Dom Pachino
See main article: Dom Pachino.


[edit] Dreddy Kruger
Affiliated at one time with both United Kingdom and Royal Fam but now virtually retired from rapping, concentrating his attention on being the A&R for most Wu-Tang members. Heavily involved with the Wu-Tang's business and promotion, while running his own label Think Differently Music. Think Differently released the compilation Wu-Tang Meets The Indie Culture on October 18, 2005, which featured Wu-Tang members and affiliates collaborating with well-known independent/underground hip hop artists. They also released a double disc album Wu-Tang The Lost Anthology in 2007. Birth name James Dockery.


[edit] Free Murda
He's the son of Popa Wu and cousin of RZA and GZA. He has come to represent the new generation of Wu-Tang. He debuted in 1999 on Popa Wu's Visions of the 10th Chamber with his partner Shacronz as the Cuffie Crime Family or 'CCF Division', the two are also featured on the Wu-Tang Killa Beez 2002 album The Sting ("Hatin' Don't Pay"), RZA's album Birth of a Prince ("We Pop", "The Drop Off" and "Wherever I Go") Prodigal Sunn's 2005 album Return Of The Prodigal Sunn, and Think Differently's 2005 release Wu-Tang Meets The Indie Culture ("Cars On The Interstate"). Free Murda also appears on the Derailed Original Soundtrack ("Really Want None"), Cappadonna's album The Yin & The Yang ("Revenge"), Northstar's self-titled album ("We Got It" and "See Me"), and most recently on Masta Killa's Made In Brooklyn on the track "East MCs". He released his debut solo album, Let Freedom Reign on February 20, 2007 on Cleopatra records.


[edit] Hell Razah
See main article: Hell Razah.


[edit] Islord
Member of Killarmy, he was absent for most of the recording of their debut album "Silent Weapons For Quiet Wars" due to incarceration. A Five Percenter like all of Killarmy, the first three letters of his name (I, S, L) are also the first three letters in of the religion they claim adherence to, Islam. Therefore, the name Islord is a fusion between the terms "Islam" and "lord." Birth name R. Stevenson, also known as Thief of Baghdad. Appears on two tracks from Bobby Digital In Stereo and the song "Holy Water" from Dom Pachino's Unreleased solo album.


[edit] Jamie Sommers
Female MC who appeared on Ghostface Killah's "Wildflower" from the Ironman album and RZA's two Bobby Digital albums and was signed to Razor Sharp Records. Also RZA's baby mother.


[edit] Killa Sin
See main article: Killa Sin


[edit] Killah Priest
See main article: Killah Priest.


[edit] King Just
A half African American/Native American Staten Island MC who gained recognition for his hit single "Warrior's Drum" during the mid 1990s. He is currently a part of the group Hillside Scramblerz. He has released three albums: Mystics of the God, No Power on Earth, and Go in on 'em.


[edit] La the Darkman
See main article: La the Darkman.


[edit] Lord Superb
A former member of the now defunct group American Cream Team and an active member of the group Orphanage. Currently incarcerated.


[edit] Lounge Lo
An Othorized F.A.M. MC whose other names are Lounge Mode or Lounger was formally signed to Code Red Entertainment. Lounge has been connected with the Wu since their very beginning his earliest reference was on GZA's "Pass The Bone".He recent appeared on his older brother Cappadonna's newest album The Cappatalize Project.


[edit] Neek Rusher
Songwriter/producer who collaborated with Raekwon from Wu Tang Clan for "Time Has Come".


[edit] Polite
Rapper who was a former member of the now defunct group American Cream Team. He is now a member of Ice Water Inc.


[edit] Poppa Wu
The father of Wu-offshoots ShaCronz and Free Murda and an expert on the philosophy of the Five Percent Nation, Poppa Wu can be heard giving teachings on Wu-Tang tracks such as "North Star", "Black Jesus", "All I Got Is You", "The Blessing", and "Wu-Revolution". He released a solo album titled Visions Of The 10th Chamber in 2000, which was effectively a compilation of Wu-affiliated artists (including LA The Darkman, Method Man & Ol' Dirty Bastard) with regular interjections from Poppa Wu himself. Was recently featured on "Older Gods pt.2" from Masta Killa's second LP, Made in Brooklyn. Also goes by the name of Freedom Born.Recent he mentioned on the public premiere of Wu: The Story of the Wu-Tang in NYC, that he is planning to publish a book.In 2008 Visions of the 10thchamber part 2 will be released.Poppa Wu records ceo Dlah producer & mc of the group Hellkeydoe will produce & arrange the entire album.Guest appearances will included future chamber artist.http://www.futurechamber.com Dlah,dj nino carta, Consciouzfear,Lordsubliminal,DeadlyStrangah,Lu struggz,Zoc,Rebel Palestine,Raaddrr Van etc.....


[edit] Prodigal Sunn
Sunz Of Man MC and cousin of RZA. With 12 O'Clock makes up the duo Two On Da Road. Birth name Vergil Ruff. Albums: Return Of The Prodigal Sunn (2005). Appears On: Killarmy, "Wake Up", (1997); Sunz Of Man, The Last Shall Be First, (1999); Gravediggaz, "False Things Must Perish", Nightmare In A Minor (2001), "Dancing With Wolves" Wu-Tang Killa Beez: The Sting compilation, Wu-Tang Clan, "Chrome Wheels" Iron Flag,(2001); Ghostface Killah, "Street Chemistry", Bulletproof Wallets (2002); Sunz Of Man, Saviorz Day, (2003); RZA, "The Whistle", Birth Of A Prince (2003); "Whatever", Masta Killa, No Said Date (2004). Also appeared on German hip hop artist DJ Tomekk's single "Ich Lebe für Hip Hop" along with GZA.


[edit] Remedy
See main article: Remedy.


[edit] Shabazz the Disciple
Birth name David Collins, formerly known as Scientific Shabazz [1]. An original member of the Sunz of Man and Da Last Future. Originally made up the duo The Disciples with Killah Priest, and later formed the duo Celestial Souljahz with Freestyle of The Arsonists [2]. Possibly best known for his guest appearance on the Gravediggaz 1994 hit single "Diary of a Madman" [3], and for his controversial 1995 single "Death be the Penalty" [4]. Shabazz released a handful of singles in the mid-90s, such as "Death be the Penalty", "Crime Saga", "The Lamb's Blood" and "Street Parables" [5], in anticipation of his planned 1998 debut LP on GZA's GZA Entertainment imprint. However, the label folded and his relationship with the Clan soon strained, leading him to cut his Wu-affiliate ties [6]. Shabazz finally released his debut album The Book of Shabazz (Hidden Scrollz) in 2003, featuring his past singles "The Lamb's Blood", "Crime Saga", "Street Parables" and "Organized Rime Part 2", as well as the single "Red Hook Day" b/w "Thieves in da Nite (Heist)" [7]. Albums: The Book of Shabazz (Hidden Scrollz) (2003), The Passion of the Hood Christ (2006). EPs: Take Your Time (1998, unauthorized), Brooklyn Bullshit (2000). Singles: "Death be the Penalty" (1995), "Crime Saga" b/w "Conscious of Sin" (1995), "The Lamb's Blood" (1996), "Street Parables" b/w "Organized Rime Part 2" (1997), "Red Hook Day" b/w "Thieves in da Nite (Heist)" (2003). Appears on: Gravediggaz "Diary of a Madman", 6 Feet Deep (1994); Gravediggaz "Elimination Process", The Pick, the Sickle and the Shovel (1997); Jus Allah "Eyes of a Disciple", All Fates Have Changed (2005); Cilvaringz "In the Name of Allah" & "Valentine Day Massacre", I (2007); Blue Sky Black Death & Hell Razah "Audiobiography", Razah's Ladder (2007).


[edit] Sharecka
A member of Royal Fam, A&R and The Cra-Z 88z. Sharecka was formerly known as Stoneface.


[edit] Shyheim
See main article: Shyheim.


[edit] ShoGun Assason
Killarmy MC and occasional producer, rumored to be the next Killarmy MC to release a solo album. Birth name Jamal Alexander.


[edit] Solomon Childs
See main article: Solomon Childs.


[edit] Streetlife
See main article: Streetlife.


[edit] Sun God
He is Ghostface Killah's eldest son, he appears twice on his album More Fish in "Miguel Sanchez" and "Street Opera". He also appears on "Yapp City" and "Paisely Darts" from Ghost's newest album The Big Doe Rehab. He is signed to Starks Enterprises, his father's label.


[edit] Timbo King
The best-known member and leader of Royal Fam. Released an EP titled "United We Slam" in 1994 with producer Spark 950. Formed the group 56 Platoon in 2005, along with some other Royal Fam refugees. Can be seen in the Forrest Whitaker film Ghostdog:Way Of The Samurai in the cypher in the park scene over the instrumental to "Ice Cream" with the lines "jumpin sharp fences, dodging police radar sensors". Has his own label, Fortknox, on which he plans to release a debut solo album. Birth name Timothy Drayton.

[edit] Co Defendants
See main article: Enza, Taxi and Shabazz The Disciple.

[edit] Trife Da God
See main article: Trife Da God.


[edit] Warcloud
See main article: Warcloud.


[edit] Young Justice
GZA's teenage son, first appeared on the intro to his father's Legend of the Liquid Sword album then released a cover of his father's "Killa Hills 10304". Also appears, with Lord Jamar's and ODB's sons, on Lord Jamar's The 5% Album. Signed to Liquid Swords Entertainment and hoping to release an album soon.


[edit] Young DB
Ol' Dirty Bastard's first son, he has recently been touring with the Clan during their 2007 tours. Under the guidance of his uncle the RZA, he has already recorded up to twenty songs carrying on his father's legacy.


[edit] Singers

[edit] Allah Real
Al Green-style singer who has made appearances on Ghostface Killah's The Pretty Toney Album, Masta Killa's debut No Said Date as well as both Mathematics albums. He released his mixtape Real Estate in 2005 through CHAMBERMUSIK.


[edit] Blue Raspberry

[edit] Suga Bang Bang
Reggae artist who appeared on the Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai - The Album compilation and is affiliated with the new United Kingdom click. Performed the chorus of "In The Hood" from the Wu-Tang Clan's Iron Flag album. He was on Cameo Afro with Big Daddy Kane & GZA from The RZA Presents: Afro Samurai OST.


[edit] Tekitha

[edit] Stone Mecca
LA based funk/soul group signed to Wu Music Group. Consisits of producer Tru James and vocalists Salakida, Wendy Marie, and former Roc-A-Fella singer Allen Anthony.


[edit] Hearts
Female singer closely associated with Killah Priest's group Maccabeez.


[edit] Njeri Earth
Female soul singer that appeared on GZA's album Beneath The Surface on songs “1112" and “Victim".She also had a brief cameo in the movie 8 Mile as “3rd Parking Lot Rapper”.She is current working on her new album 20 - 20 according to Wu-International.com.


[edit] Producers

[edit] 4th Disciple

[edit] Arabian Knight

[edit] Big Deal
Big Deal/Righteous Born has produced tracks for many established names including Havoc, Sade, Onyx, Black Rob, Ice-T, Guru of GangStarr and others. Is a member of the group Harlem 6.


[edit] G-Clef Da Mad Komposa
affiliated with Chambermusik and member of Soul Kid Click. He worked with many Killa Beez like Christbearer, Allah Real, Buddha Monk


[edit] Bronze Nazareth

[edit] Cilvaringz

[edit] Godz Wrath
Collective from Amsterdam, Netherlands, consisting of MOD the Black Marvel, Jordan River Banks, Dirty Needlez and Ciph Barker. Known for their recent work with Black Market Militia, Killah Priest and Hell Razah. Production credits: "Thug Nation", "Hood Lullabye", "Dead Street Scrolls", "Black Market", Black Market Militia Black Market Militia; "Things We Share", Killah Priest A Prelude to the Offering; "Buried Alive", "Smoking Gunnz", "Musical Murdah", Hell Razah Renaissance Child; "The Offering (Intro)", "Melodic Part 2", "Ghetto Jezus", "Truth B Told", "Stand Still", Killah Priest The Offering.


[edit] Remedy

[edit] J-Love
The self-proclaimed "King of Mixtapes", he is responsible for most of the Wu-Tang affiliated mixtapes and is the official tour DJ for Ghostface Killah. A list of his Wu mixes:

Return Of The Swarm Series
Straight Bangerz (Series with Rza)
La the Darkman - Return of the Darkman
A Taste Of Tical O (Series with Method Man)
Rza - The Cure
Street Savior (Series with Ghostface Killah)
Ghostface Killah- "Hidden Darts 3"
Official site

[edit] John the Baptist

[edit] Mathematics

[edit] Su-Preme
Originally, Supreme was the primary producer for the Sunz of Man. He produced their demo album (when they were called "Da Last Future"), he also produced some songs on the shelved Sunz of Man album "Nothing New Under the Sun". Supreme is credited to producing the songs "Natural High" and "Israeli News" on the Sunz of Man debut album, "The Last Shall Be First".


[edit] Moongod Allah
Closely associated with Cilvaringz, He produced tracks like Wu-Tang Martial Expert and Valentine's Day Massacre.


[edit] True Master

[edit] Y-Kim the Illfigure
He was the primary producer for the Killa Beez group, Royal Fam, Y-Kim has achieved a cult-following among Wu-Tang fans. He produced the majority of the Royal Fam's shelved album "Black Castle", as well as many contributions to albums from Sunz of Man, Killah Priest and Buddha Monk. Although RZA is credited as producer, it is rumored that he produced the song "What Da Blood Clot?" from Method Man's "Tical".

"Summin Gotz Ta Give", "I Declare War", Royal Fam; "Blessed Are Those", "From Then Till Now", Killah Priest, Heavy Mental (1998); "Army Brickaid", Royal Fam, (2000).

[edit] References

Killarmy
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Killarmy
Origin New York City, New York
Genre(s) Hip hop
Years active 1995 - Present
Label(s) Wu-Tang/Priority/EMI Records
Loud/Relativity Records
Associated
acts Wu-Tang Clan
Sunz of Man
Members
4th Disciple
9th Prince
Beretta 9
Dom Pachino
Islord
Killa Sin
ShoGun Assasson
Killarmy (pronounced kih-luh-AR-me) is a Hip hop group, best-known through its affiliation with the Wu-Tang Clan. It is one of the earliest and most successful of the many Wu-Tang affiliates that emerged in the mid-to-late 1990's.

Contents [hide]
1 Career
2 Breakup
3 Discography
4 References



[edit] Career
Originally consisting of New York emcees 9th Prince (RZA's younger brother), Islord, Dom Pachino, Killa Sin, and Ohio-based producer 4th Disciple; it added Beretta 9 and ShoGun Assasson to its membership in 1996, also from Ohio. It distinguishes itself from the other affiliates with gritty subject matter, differing from the standard subject matter of martial arts common to Wu-Tang and their affiliates and focusing on themes of military and combat—but with a heavy dose of the Five-percenter philosophy prevalent in everything related to Wu-Tang Clan.

Killarmy released numerous singles from 1995 to 1997, including "Swinging Swords" and "Camouflage Ninjas" as well as the Sunz Of Man collaborations "Wake Up" and "Soldiers of Darkness." The album Silent Weapons for Quiet Wars was released in 1997 just after the release of Wu-Tang Clan's second album, as well as a 12-inch single containing two tracks from the album, which were "Wu-Renegades" and "Clash of the Titans." Shortly afterward, the group's manager General Wise was shot dead in Steubenville, Ohio, where several members were from and Wu-Tang members like the RZA had spent time in their youth and young adulthood, but the group pressed on undeterred, appearing on the Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm compilation and each making numerous appearances on other Wu-Tang projects from the Clansmen themselves and from other affiliates. The group's second album, Dirty Weaponry, was released in 1998 and their third and final album, Fear, Love & War was released on September 11, 2001.


[edit] Breakup
In 2002, Dom Pachino became the first group member to release a solo album, with Tera iz Him. 9th Prince followed in 2003 with his solo debut, Granddaddy Flow. ShoGun Assasson is rumored to be the next member to release a solo album. Dom Pachino has stated he is no longer affiliated with Wu-Tang, and has started his own crew called Napalm.

In 2002, the group received some controversy following the Washington, D.C., sniper attacks. On an episode of Tim Russert's Meet the Press, Russert and Montgomery County police chief Charles Moose stated that Killarmy influenced the shootings, and referenced a number of lyrics to support the claims. Despite the press attention, nothing materialized from the accusations[1].

In 2007, The Single " 10 th Anniversary " featuring Co Defendants (Enza, Taxi and Shabazz The Disciple)/Video on Mtv.

[edit] Discography
Album cover Album information
Silent Weapons for Quiet Wars
Released: August 5, 1997
Billboard 200 chart position: #34
R&B/Hip Hop chart position: #10
Singles: "Swinging Swords," "Camouflage Ninjas"/"Wake Up,"
"Wu-Renegades"/"Clash of the Titans"

Dirty Weaponry
Released: August 11, 1998
Billboard 200 chart position: #40
R&B/Hip Hop chart position: #13
Singles: "Red Dawn"/"Where I Rest At," "The Shoot-Out"

Fear, Love & War
Released: September 11, 2001
Billboard 200 chart position: #122
R&B/Hip Hop chart positions: #34
Singles: "Street Monopoly"/"Monster," "Feel It"/"Militant,"
"Nonchalantly"

Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm, Volume 1 is a 1998 album by various artists affiliated with or part of the Wu-Tang Clan.


[edit] Track listing
Intro :30 [only U.S. version]
Legacy - Timbo King (RZA) – 2:20
Concrete Jungle - Sunz of Man featuring Timbo King (RZA) – 4:41
Co-Defendant - Shyheim featuring Hell Razah (RZA) – 4:37
S.O.S. - Inspectah Deck featuring Streetlife (Inspectah Deck) – 3:42
Execute Them - Wu-Tang Clan (Raekwon, Inspectah Deck & Masta Killa) featuring Streetlife (RZA) – 3:40
Bronx War Stories - A.I.G. featuring 120 (Darkim Be Allah) – 3:27
And Justice for All - RZA featuring Islord, Killa Sin, P.R. Terrorist & Method Man (RZA) – 4:55
Punishment - Black Knights Of The North Star (Mathematics) – 4:54
Bastards - Ruthless Bastards (The Blaquesmiths) – 4:19
On the Strength - The Beggaz (Ron Browz) – 5:01
Cobra Clutch - Ghostface Killah (Mathematics) – 3:42
Never Again - Remedy (Remedy) – 4:09
Where Was Heaven - Wu-Syndicate (DJ Devastator) – 3:28
'97 Mentality (New Born God) - Cappadonna featuring Ghostface Killah (RZA) – 3:41
Fatal Sting - Black Knights Of The North Star (Mathematics) – 4:09

Wu-Tang Clan
Un article de Wikipédia, l'encyclopédie libre.
Aller à : Navigation, Rechercher
Wu-Tang Clan

Eurockéennes de Belfort France en 2007

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pays d’origine Staten Island, New York
États-Unis
Genre(s) Rap
Années actives 1991
Label(s) Loud Records
Site internet www.wutangcorp.com

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Membres RZA (Robert Diggs)
GZA (Gary Grice)
Method Man (Clifford Smith)
Raekwon (Corey Woods)
Ghostface Killah (Dennis Coles)
Masta Killa (Eglin Turner)
Inspectah Deck (Jason Hunter)
U-God (Lamond Hawkins)
Cappadonna (Darryl Hill)
Anciens membres Ol' Dirty Bastard (Russell Jones) mort le 13 novembre 2004
Le Wu-Tang Clan est un groupe de Rap américain du milieu des années 1990. Les neuf membres qui le composent sont originaires de Staten Island, au moment où la vague West Coast dominait le monde du rap américain.

Sommaire [masquer]
1 Biographie
1.1 Au Commencement
1.2 Enter the Wu-Tang
1.3 La fin de l'age d'or
2 Membres du groupe
3 L'imagerie du groupe
4 Anecdotes
5 Citations
6 Discographie
7 Liens externes



Biographie [modifier]

Au Commencement [modifier]
À l'origine du groupe sont RZA, GZA et Ol' Dirty Bastard. Rza vient de Staten Island tandis que GZA et ODB viennent de Brooklyn, deux des cinq districts de New York. Passionnés par la musique soul de leurs parents et par la culture hip hop omniprésente dans le ghetto de New York, ils créent ensemble une première ébauche de groupe, All in Together Now, qui ne connaîtra aucune suite. C'est à cette époque qu'ils s'inventent leurs premiers alter-egos. RZA est le « Scientifique », GZA le « Génie » et Ol' Dirty Bastard le « Spécialiste ». De son côté, RZA s'autoproduit sur un single au ton léger qui ne marchera pas en 1991 sur le label Tommy Boy : Ooh, We Love You Rakeem. Pour sa part, GZA est le seul membre du groupe à avoir réalisé un album avant l'avènement du Clan. En 1991, Words from the Genius, signé chez Cold Chilin' et précédé par le single Come Do Me, reste cantonné au milieu underground new-yorkais et ne parvient pas à décoller. Ces deux échecs vont forger la détermination de RZA qui se sent lésé par des labels qu'il juge incompétents.


Enter the Wu-Tang [modifier]
Peu à peu, la nébuleuse des membres va s'élargir avec l'arrivée de Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Method Man, U-God et Masta Killa qui signent ensemble un pacte afin de former une communauté artistique et financière. Le Wu-Tang Clan n'est pas qu'un collectif, il devient sa propre industrie. Certains membres sont originaires du Bronx bien que le QG de la formation reste Staten Island, quartier encore en retard à l'époque en matière de hip-hop. Depuis, le quartier, qu'ils renomment Shaolin, est devenu indissociable du nom de Wu-Tang. Les neuf rappeurs se font rapidement connaître avec l'arrivée d'un premier maxi autoproduit en septembre 1992, Protect ya Neck (que l'on peut traduire par Protège ton cou), qui devient rapidement un succès underground avec des passages en radio sur Hot97, une station populaire de New York.

En 1993, repéré par de nombreuses maisons de disque, le groupe, dont c'est l'une décision les plus paradoxales, se réunit finalement autour de la table du président du label Loud Records implanté sur la cote ouest et obtient un premier contrat pour un disque. Grâce aux négociations habiles de RZA, chaque rappeur conserve la liberté de sortir de futurs projets solo chez d'autres maisons de disque. C'est ainsi que le Wu-Tang Clan sort son premier album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), en novembre de la même année. Cet opus change la donne du hip-hop en remettant le rap East Coast au goût du jour. RZA aux commandes délivre un son novateur à travers des samples de soul des seventies, mêlant ambiances glauques et dialogues de film de kung fu, le tout servi par des beats minimalistes et des flows rageurs. L'album se divise en deux approches, Shaolin et Wu-Tang Sword, symbolisant ainsi le combat comme une forme de discipline qu'ils ont appliqué à leur rap. Bien qu'il n'ait débuté qu'à la 41e place des charts en novembre 1993, l'album devient rapidement un incontournable du genre, reçoit deux awards, dont celui de meilleur groupe de rap, puis devient peu de temps après disque de platine. Le titre C.R.E.A.M. (Cash Rules Everything Around Me) est l'un des titres-phare de l'album.

À la même époque, RZA se consacre également à un projet parallèle, Gravediggaz, en compagnie de Prince Paul (le producteur des débuts de De La Soul), Frukwan (ex-Stetsasonic) et Poetic. Le premier album, 6 Feet Deep, se présente comme du rap hardcore ou plutôt horrorcore comme ils le définissent eux-même, mêlant ambiance de film d'horreur et humour noir. RZA confirme une fois encore ses talents de producteur mais aussi de rappeur.

La période suivant cette première heure de gloire marque l'ère des projets solo. Comme convenu dans leur contrat, chaque membre, mis à part Inspectah Deck, U-God et Masta Killa, réalisent leurs premiers albums exclusivement produits par RZA. Le premier à connaître la gloire avec son Tical est Method Man chez Def Jam qui deviendra disque de platine. Peu après, sur le label Elektra, Return to the 36 Chambers : the Dirty Version du trublion Ol' Dirty Bastard où celui-ci dévoile un peu plus son personnage de « crevard » qu'il endosse à merveille. Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… de Raekwon sorti en 1995 chez Loud dresse à sa manière un tableau de la vie impitoyable dans les bas-fonds de New York. Liquid Swords de GZA paru sur le label Geffen délivre une ambiance à la fois sombre et nostalgique. Quant à l'album de Ghostface Killah, Ironman, sorti en dernier, il devient un franc succès commercial, notamment avec son duo en compagnie de Tkeitha sur All that I Got is You. Il est le premier album du groupe à sortir sur Razor Sharp, le label monté par RZA.

Le film continu..

En juin 1997 sort le second album du groupe au grand complet, Wu-Tang Forever, qui est composé de deux CD et d'une piste CD-Rom. Le succès est immédiat : l'album se hisse directement à la première place des charts et 600 000 copies sont écoulées dès la première semaine. Toujours réalisé par RZA malgré l'apparition d'autres producteurs sur quelques morceaux (4th Disciple : producteur de Killarmy et True Master), cet album est au demeurant moins expérimental que son prédécesseur mais tout aussi envoûtant.

C'est véritablement à partir de cet album que le groupe se fait connaître du grand public avec des titres comme Reunited ou As High As Wu-Tang Get. L'apparition des violons sur les boucles de certains titres reste « la » griffe de l'album. À noter qu'un nouveau membre, Cappadonna, fait à cette occasion officiellement son apparition au sein du groupe.

La période suivante voit l'arrivée de la seconde vague d'albums solo et des premiers opus de Cappadonna en 1998 avec The Pillage et d'Inspectah Deck, Uncontrolled Substance en 1999, qui se révèlent tous deux d'excellente facture. Peu après, U-God s'essaye également au solo avec un Golden Arms Redemption bien moins mémorable. Quant aux vétérans Method Man, GZA, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Raekwon et Ghostface Killah, ils sortent successivement leur deuxième album. À l'insu de tous, RZA publie un album expérimental, In Stereo signé Bobby Digital, délire schizophrène qui constitue en réalité la bande originale d'un court-métrage éponyme tourné par ses soins.

Le possee étend peu à peu sa mainmise sur l'industrie du rap en produisant de nouveaux artistes comme Killarmy ou Sunz Of Man, en lançant une marque de vêtements : Wu-Wear, divers sociétés de production : Wu-Tang Production et deux labels : Razor Sharp et Wu-Tang Records. Le concept de Killa Bees fait son apparition, les « abeilles tueuses » représentant les artistes gravitant autour du groupe originel. Les albums Wu-Tang Killa Bees - The Swarm: Volume 1 et Wu-Chronicles sont des mélanges de compilation et de recueil de titres inédits qui présentent tour à tour les membres rattachés au Wu-Tang tel que Northstar, Wu-Syndicate, Shyheim, Popa Wu, DJ Allah Mathematics ou encore Royal Fam.


La fin de l'age d'or [modifier]
La parution de l'album The W reste une demi-déception pour les fans. Malgré les excellents Protect Ya Neck (The Jump Off) et Gravel Pit, ce projet sonne moins authentique que ses prédécesseurs et plus formaté. Ol' Dirty Bastard, alors en cure de désintoxication, n'est présent que sur un seul titre. Cet album marque la fin de l'isolement volontaire du clan avec la participation d'artistes extérieurs sur certains morceaux tels que Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Nas ou Isaac Hayes.

Le dernier album en date Iron Flag paraît le 18 décembre 2001 et suit la même voie que son prédécesseur avec aucun titre ne parvenant réellement à replonger l'auditeur dans les ambiances uniques des débuts du groupe. Il semblerait que l'unité artistique du crew se soit érodé au fil des albums.

Le 17 mars 2003, une compilation des différents artistes du Wu-Tang clan est commercialisé, elle est intitulé Wu-Tang Collective.

Le groupe a entamé une tournée d'adieu au milieu de l'année 2004, avec notamment un passage à Paris en juillet, avant la parution de ce qui sera probablement leur dernier album en tant que groupe sous la forme d'un best-of et d'un live ainsi qu'un ouvrage sur l'histoire et la philosophie du groupe. Le Wu-Tang Manual, écrit par RZA, constituera le seul support écrit officiel traitant de l'histoire du groupe. À noter que Masta Killa a enfin sorti son premier album solo : No Said Date, plébiscité par la majeure partie des amateurs du Wu de la première heure.

Le 13 novembre 2004, une page se tourne avec le décès de Ol' Dirty Bastard, un des membres fondateurs du groupe, à la suite d'une crise cardiaque alors qu'il enregistrait son nouvel album en studio. L'autopsie a conclu qu'il avait été victime d'une trop grande consommation d'anti-dépresseurs et de cocaïne. Plusieurs versions d'albums posthumes sont sortis depuis lors sous la forme de mixtapes. ODB avait laissé un album complet : A Son Unique qui n'est malheureusement jamais sorti officiellement malgré, ou à cause de sa diffusion underground sur les réseaux peer to peer. Aujourd'hui encore, le Wu-Tang Clan bénéficie d'un noyau dur de fans, nostalgiques de l'âge d'or du collectif.

Le Wu-Tang a cependant refait surface en 2007 : une tournée mondiale l'a amené à donner plusieurs concerts en France (à Paris et Belfort notamment), et un nouvel album intitulé 8th Diagram est annoncé pour le 11 décembre 2007.


Membres du groupe [modifier]
RZA(prononcé Rèzza) (de son vrai nom Robert Diggs) alias Bobby Digital, Prince Rakeem, The Abott - né le 5 juillet 1969 à Brooklyn. Il est considéré comme le leader du groupe. C'est lui qui a produit la totalité d'Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) ainsi que la plupart des autres titres du Clan. Il a participé à bon nombre de projets solos des membres du groupe ainsi qu'a la bande-son du film de Quentin Tarantino : Kill Bill. Il est aussi responsable de la production et de la sélection des titres pour l'excellente bande-originale de Ghost Dog, de Jim Jarmush.
GZA(prononcé Jizza) (de son vrai nom Gary Grice) alias The Genius, Justice, The Head, Maximillion. Il est né le 22 août 1966 à Staten Island. Il est le plus âgé du groupe et le plus expérimenté puisqu'il a commencé à rapper en 1991 avec un premier album « Words From Genius ». Il est le seul à avoir sorti un album solo avant le premier album du groupe. Il a depuis sorti trois albums solo, (Liquid Swords, Beneath the Surface et Legend of the Liquid Sword ) dans la continuité des premiers albums du Wu, et une collaboration avec Dj Muggz, le DJ de Cypress Hill, que certains fans de la première heure ont décriée : des productions baclées, des beats prétentieux, on est loin de l'ambience à laquelle nous ont habitué les 9 Gods de Shaolin !
Method Man (de son vrai nom Clifford Smith) alias Mr Meth, Johnny Blaze, Ticallion Stallion, Tical, Methtical (Meth-tical), MZA, Iron Lung, Hot Nickels,Shakwon. Il est né le 2 mars 1971 à Hempstead, Long Island. Il est le premier à se lancer dans une carrière solo après l'éclosion du groupe. Plusieurs de ses albums seront disques de platine et son duo avec Mary J. Blige I'll Be There For You/You're All I Need est un succès commercial. Il fait des apparitions au cinéma avec Redman, notamment dans le film How High.
Ol' Dirty Bastard (de son vrai nom Russell Jones) alias Joe Bananas, Dirt Dog, Dirt McGirt (sous le label DEF JAM), ODB, Osirius. Il est né le 15 novembre 1968 à Brooklyn (New York). ODB décède le 13 novembre 2004 d'une attaque cardiaque, dans un studio d'enregistrement à New York.
Raekwon (de son vrai nom Corey Woods) alias The Chief, Ice Water Inc, Lou Diamonds, Lex Diamonds. Il est né le 12 janvier 1970 à Park Hills, Staten Island (New York).
Ghostface Killah (de son vrai nom Dennis Coles) alias Ironman, Tony Starks, Sun God. Il est né le 9 mai 1970 à Staten Island (New York).
Masta Killa (de son vrai nom Eglin Turner) alias High Chief, Noodles. Il est né le 18 août 1969 à New York.
Inspectah Deck (de son vrai nom Jason Hunter) alias Rebel INS, Fifth Brother, Rollie Fingers. Il est né le 6 juillet 1970 dans le Bronx (New York).
U-God (de son vrai nom Lamont Hawkins) alias Golden Arms, Baby U, Lucky Hands, U-GODZILLA. Il est né le 11 octobre 1970 à Staten Island (New York).

L'imagerie du groupe [modifier]
Le Wu-Tang Clan reprend dans ses textes les grands thèmes du rap américain que sont la pauvreté, la drogue et la conscience noire. Ils incarnent parfois le mythe du macho noir semant la terreur dans les rues. La plupart des membres bénéficient d'une certaine culture. Tout comme GZA est un amateur du jeu d'échec, beaucoup pratiquent un art martial et sont imprégnés par la mythologie asiatique qu'ils reproduisent dans leur rap. Tout d'abord à travers les films de série Z de Hong-Kong qu'ils allaient voir dans les cinéma de Chinatown. L'imagerie orientale est un thème récurrent du groupe à travers des passages de dialogue de film de kung-fu ou plus simplement le nom du groupe : Wu-Tang, nom d'une montagne constellée de temples taoïstes, l'un des deux lieux mythiques des arts martiaux chinois avec le monastère bouddhiste de Shaolin. Ils sont par ailleurs, et cela vaut aussi pour les membres les plus médiatisés du groupe tels que Method Man ou Ghostface Killah, plus ou moins tous affiliés aux Five Percenters. On trouve de très nombreuses références, en particulier sur l'album Wu-Tang Forever. Image:CAT40B5L.jpg


Anecdotes [modifier]
L'épée du Wu-Tang est le nom de l'ultime exercice shaolin à apprendre lorsque chaque moine doit passer au niveau (ou chambre) plus difficile que le précédent. Le suffixe 36 Chambers présent dans le titre du premier album fait référence au premier film d'une trilogie des Shaw Brothers (Enter the 36 Chamber, Return to the 36 Chambers et Disciple of the 36 Chambers) dans le scénario du film, la 36e chambre est créée par le « Hero », elle permet aux laïques non bouddhistes d'apprendre le Kung fu shaolin. Contrairement à ce que beaucoup de gens croient, c'est la première chambre qui est le niveau ultime du monastère shaolin.
Dans une cité de New York, un mur peint pour le tournage du clip Can It Be All So Simple? en 1994 n'a jamais été recouvert par les taggeurs. On ne touche pas à une légende urbaine.
Le nom chinois du groupe fait référence à un film de kung-fu de Hong-Kong, Shaolin vs Wu-Tang.
Le troisième album de Killarmy, un groupe rattaché au Wu-Tang dont les allusions à la guerre, au terrorisme et à la religion musulmane sont monnaies courantes, est sorti le 11 septembre 2001. Titre de l'album : Fear, Love & War. Le hasard est parfois troublant.
Ol' Dirty Bastard, le membre le plus déjanté du groupe, est un habitué des barreaux. Arrêté maintes fois en possession d'armes et de drogue, il a effectué de long séjours entre prison et cure de désintoxication, notamment durant la réalisation de l'album Iron Flag où il n'apparait sur aucun titre.
Les pseudonymes de GZA et RZA ont été obtenus en reproduisant leurs prénoms (Gary et Roberts) scratchés sur une platine mais ont également une connotation religieuse
Le logo du groupe représentant à la fois un W et une chauve-souris a été dessiné par le producteur Allah Mathematics au tout début du groupe.
Le premier album Enter the Wu-Tang a été enregistré dans leur propre studio.
Le pseudo de Ghostface Killah est issu du film de kung-fu Mystery of Chessboxing et son héros, Ghost Faced Killer.
Un concert du groupe en juillet 2001 à Los Angeles dégénère et se solde par une fusillade. Bilan : 1 mort et 3 blessés.
En 1994 le fils de U-God alors âgé de deux ans, Dante Hawkins, est touché par un feu croisé dans une fusillade alors qu'il jouait devant la maison de sa baby-sitter.
Inspectah Deck a choisi son pseudonyme lorsque, adolescent, U-God lui avait dit qu'il faisait penser à l'Inspecteur Clouseau du dessin animé La Panthère Rose en regardant systématiquement les gens bizarrement.
Masta Killa devait être présent sur le premier titre du groupe Protect ya Neck mais il était en prison à ce moment-là.
La pochette de Liquid Sword de GZA représente des combattants sur un échiquier. Les noirs semblent massacrer les blancs à coups de chaîne et de sabre, entraînant une controverse accusant GZA de racisme anti-blanc.
Un jeu vidéo de combat, Shaolin Style, mettant en scène les membres du groupe est sorti en 1999 sur PlayStation. Le but du jeu est de nettoyer les bas-fonds de Staten Island, de traverser les 36 Chambres et d'affronter le démon afin de rétablir la dynastie Wu.
Tricky, un des rois du trip hop, considère RZA comme le « Mozart des temps modernes ».
Masta Killa est végétarien.
Les Wu Tang Clan étaient très amis avec 2Pac, celui ci aurait voulu créer un Death Row Records sur la Côte Est et y inviter les Wu Tang Clan, mais la mort de 2Pac mis un terme à ce projet qui aurait pu être fabuleux !

Citations [modifier]
« C'est en même temps le plus grand groupe de rap du monde et le plus amateur » (Eva Ries, responsable du marketing de leur premier album)
« Ils laissaient des notes de 17 000 dollars. Ils refusaient de boire dans des bouteilles déjà décapsulées, par peur que le gouvernement américain ne les empoisonne » (Eva Ries)
« Ils n'étaient jamais sortis d'Amérique, comme les deux tiers des citoyens américains. Quand j'ai voulu faire leurs passeports, ça a été compliqué, car ils avaient tous des casiers. Certains, comme Ghostface ou ODB, n'avaient pas de pièces d'identité, même pas un permis de conduire. Rien, sauf leurs matricules d'ex-détenus. » (Eva Ries)

Discographie [modifier]
1993 Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
1997 Wu-Tang Forever
2000 The W
2001 Iron Flag
2003 Wu-Tang Collective
2004 Disciples of the 36 Chambers: Chapter 1
2004 Disciples of the 36 Chambers: Chapter 2
2005 Legend of the Wu-Tang Clan
2007 8 Diagrams