Protect Ya Neck

Back in 1993, when Wu-Tang first hit the scene, shock waves were felt across the country and around the world. Their stellar debut Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) was the perfect combination of raw, unadulterated energy--nine unknown MCs mixing street wisdom, five-percenter ideology, and martial arts references, all going off over subsonic production by one visionary producer named RZA.

Proudly hailing from various New York boroughs (Shaolin referring to the previously underrepresented Staten Island), the Clan brought something entirely different to the table--lyrically, musically, and visually--which forever changed the game. They played a crucial role in the East Coast's resurgence (alongside Biggie, Nas, and Mobb Deep) throughout the mid-'90s, at a time when hip-hop was dominated by the squealing keys and lowrider imagery of G-Funk and California.

In addition to their wholly original, straight-from-the-basement sound, the Wu also changed the business of rap music. They were one of the first and arguably the best "supergroup," years before large crews like Ruff Ryders or G-Unit emerged. They pioneered the use of multiple alter egos. They were among the first to get into the fashion game, launching Wu-Wear clothing and retail stores.

Perhaps, most importantly, they were the first to secure individual label deals, where any member could sign with any label for solo releases. While the industry is more accommodating toward independent artists today, it was unheard of in the mid-'90s. This freedom allowed them to release some of hip-hop's most essential records.

Triumph

The initial wave of solo LPs was completely untouchable. Method Man's Tical was the first blast, loaded with hits like "Bring the Pain" and "Method Man." Ol' Dirty Bastard's The Dirty Version was up next, one of the strangest rap albums ever recorded yet still relentlessly funky, with singles such as "Brooklyn Zoo" and "Shimmy Shimmy Ya." Raekwon the Chef struck next with Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. Loaded with dialogue clips from Hong Kong hit-man flick The Killer and organized crime/drug kingpin narratives, it set the stage for a million imitators.

GZA's 1995 epic Liquid Swords is often mentioned in the same breath as Illmatic on many all-time greatest lists, thanks to its hypervisual lyricism and dark soundscapes. Ghostface Killah's solo shot Ironman dazzled with its abstract verbalisms, custom Clarks fascination, and one of the Clan's first true ballads, the goose-bump-inducing "All That I Got Is You" duet with Mary J. Blige. Each one of these was produced by RZA, who was fast becoming one of the most admired and prolific beat-makers in the game.

When the second group album Wu-Tang Forever finally dropped in 1997, they were at the height of their powers: rich, famous, critically acclaimed, embraced by the streets and suburbs alike. The record was a huge success, and they embarked on an arena tour with Rage Against the Machine. Then it all began to fade away.

Gravel Pit

There are a number of factors that contributed to their fall from grace. For one, the sound of hip-hop was changing, getting dramatically more slick and shiny (aka cornier), thanks to crossover acts like Puff Daddy and Mase. Also, their second wave of solo releases was generally far inferior to the first. More outside producers came into play, RZA himself was experimenting with different sounds, and the Wu's seemingly endless lineup of affiliated artists was doing little to help the cause. Besides a core following of loyal supporters, many simply gave up on the team and wrote them off completely.

The years that followed were slim ones. Though the members continued to tour both individually and together, the times had clearly changed. The venues got smaller, solo albums bricked, and radio/video play became virtually nonexistent. Wu-Wear sales plummeted, Dirty got locked up, Meth and RZA dabbled in film, and Ghostface became the only member to really get any sort of good press.

Reunited

In 2005, while Southern accents and crack rhymes dominate the rap landscape, the Wu-Tang are coming out of the shadows to reclaim their lost glory. Ol' Dirty Bastard's death may have served as a catalyst for the crew to sharpen their swords, because the past year has been a positive and productive one for the Shoalin warriors.

This summer, longtime Wu-Tang DJ/producer Mathematics unleashed The Problem, a compilation-style album that featured every member on blazing tracks reminiscent of classic Clan. Released on independent label Nature Sounds, it was universally praised by heads who longed for that vintage sound. Masta Killa also dropped his long-awaited solo debut No Said Date, which earned high marks despite limited promotion.

Just a few months later, Dreddy Kruger, a close associate who has been down with the Wu since day one, put out Think Differently Music: Wu-Tang Meets the Indie Culture. On it, WTC emcees are paired with hip-hop's underground elite (MF DOOM, Del, Ras Kass, Aceyalone, Cannibal Ox, and so on). The concept and resulting album was embraced by fans old and new, sparking renewed interest in all things Wu.

Almost simultaneously, GZA and DJ Muggs appeared with Grandmasters, a start-to-finish classic that sounds as if it were recorded alongside Liquid Swords. Easily one of the year's finest albums, the production is a dead ringer for RZA's heyday beats, while The Genius continues to up the ante and to live up to his name and with his outstanding lyrical skills.

Mighty Healthy

With the year coming to an end, things are definitely looking up for the once-beleaguered squad. Ghostface, who has managed to stay very popular over the years, has two new albums on deck for release in early '06. One of them, entitled Fish Scale, will be put out by Def Jam. The other, a collaborative endeavor with indie-rap icon MF DOOM, is tentatively called Ironman Meets Metalface. Expectations are sky-high for both.

As if that weren't enough to keep fans satiated, the long-rumored Cuban Linx II album is also in the process of being recorded, with Rae and Ghost revisiting and revising their '95 breakout smash. Details are sketchy, but it should see the light of day sometime next year. In addition, the Wu's unofficial 10th man, Cappadonna, is readying a new solo album, The Transition, which features production from Pete Rock and Large Professor.

Though the rap game has changed dramatically since they last scored a hit single, there is nothing stopping the Wu from rising again. Strapped with rejuvenated verses, darkly familiar beats, and a newfound hunger, the Wu are taking things back to the essence. If their hot streak continues, 2006 could very well bear witness to one of the greatest comebacks in the history of music...the rebirth of the Wu-Tang Clan.