Wu-Tang Clan are an American hip hop group formed in Staten Island, New York in 1992, masterminded by producer RZA with GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, and Ol' Dirty Bastard among the members. Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993) is the landmark — start there, no debate. Dig into Wu-Tang Clan vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
Wu-Tang Clan formed in Staten Island, New York in 1992. The large collective was masterminded by producer and de facto leader RZA and included GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Ol' Dirty Bastard (1968-2004), Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and later Cappadonna. Their innovative business strategy, allowing members to sign solo deals with different labels, helped build one of the most influential and commercially successful enterprises in hip hop.
Wu-Tang Clan are renowned for RZA's gritty, soul- and kung-fu-film-sampling production and the distinctive, interlocking styles of their many MCs. Their dark, cinematic East Coast sound, dense slang, and martial-arts mythology profoundly influenced 1990s hip hop and beyond, and their debut is frequently cited among the greatest hip hop albums ever made.
36 Chambers has been reissued in numerous anniversary and colored-vinyl editions, and the group's catalog, along with the many classic solo albums by its members, forms a deep field for hip hop collectors. Original Loud pressings are highly sought after.
Listeners new to Wu-Tang Clan almost always start with Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993). For related listening, see and .
