The Wu-Tang Clan gathered at the Tiny Desk to commemorate the 25 years
since the release of the group's landmark album Enter The Wu-Tang (36
Chambers). With more than 60 albums between the various members, The
Clan's combined discography left them spoiled for choice when it came to
narrowing down the set list for their performance. The result was an
extended, 20-minute medley of songs from across the group's iconic
catalog.
The retrospective mashup of Wu classics started with the posse cut
"Triumph." Backed by strings (The Green Project), the performance
morphed into an old-school cipher as Raekwon, Inspectah Deck and
Cappadonna traded verses with Masta Killa and U-God. Young Dirty
Bastard, son of original member Ol' Dirty Bastard, provided a spark of
energy reminiscent of his father.
At one moment in the performance, RZA — the mastermind behind the Clan's
success — omits some explicit lyrics from earlier in his Wu journey,
while alluding to the #MeToo
movement mid-cadence. But it's the poetic interlude, read from his
phone at the close of the set, that better reflects his current state of
consciousness. "Wu-Tang is for the kids!" RZA proclaims. The core of
the group began as childhood pals in Staten Island in the early '90s,
when the crew's creative philosophy was influenced by everything from
Saturday afternoon kung-fu flicks to the spiritual wisdom of the
Five-Percent Nation. As they've matured, Raekwon still describes the Wu
as "superfriends." They've allowed each other to grow and form various
offshoots in recent years. But when the Wu-Tang Clan comes together,
they still bring a love for the culture and for their brotherhood.
Set List
"Wu Classics"
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