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The Way of the Wu
By: DJ Roch, Bakotopia.com contributor
Description: Back in ’93, rap’s greatest supergroup changed the foundation of hip-hop. Can they do it all over again with ‘8 Diagrams?’

Topics: WU, DJ Roch, Bakotopia, Bakersfield, Preview, blog, December 2007
Posted by djroch Wed Dec 12, 2007 10:23:52 PST
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Location: 2001 H. St, Bakersfield, CA 93301

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The Way of the Wu
Back in ’93, rap’s greatest supergroup changed the foundation of hip-hop. Can they do it all over again with ‘8 Diagrams?’



By DJ Roch, Bakotopia.com contributor

The Wu is back!

Releasing their first album since “Iron Flag” in 2001, Wu Tang Clan delivers to the world their fifth, and possibly last, group album on Dec. 11 called “8 Diagrams.”

This album features a tribute track to founding member Ol’ Dirty Bastard, as well as a cover of The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” called “The Heart Gently Weeps,” which features Erykah Badu and Dhani Harrison, son of Beatle George Harrison.

Time will tell if “8 Diagrams” and the Wu can remain relevant in this current world of ringtone beats and recycled raps, but their impact on hip-hop music and culture is undeniable.

Their seminal ’93 debut, “Enter The 36 Chambers,” brought back the grimy, gutter sound at a time when West Coast gangsta rap was in full swing.

Considered by many a classic pop album with catchy hooks and memorable raps, the album introduced the world for the first time to the “super rap group” - where nine members shared mic time on one album. Ever wonder why at a rap show you see 15 people on stage passing a mic around? You can thank the Wu for that.

The Wu Tang Clan was also the first rap group to market themselves as a brand name. They turned that Wu symbol into a clothing line, Wu Wear; produced numerous solo albums by all the group members; advertised for alcohol companies; and made guest appearances in movies. A common practice by any rap entity now, the Wu pioneered the expansion of their music into other business ventures.

But beyond business, The Wu Tang Clan remains about making quality music.

No doubt, The Wu are not the darlings of the media they once where, when Ol’ Dirty Bastard stormed the stage at the 1998 Grammy Awards show a la Kanye West to protest an award won by Puff Daddy, proclaiming, “Puffy is good, but Wu Tang is for the children!”

But they remain relevant, especially to their fans, by putting out quality music.

“8 Diagrams” is produced by The Rza, which is a musical stamp of approval for any Wu fan.

And when it comes to live shows, they don’t disappoint. I saw them at “Rock The Bells” twice, and if you find yourself at The Fox Theater on Dec. 22, be prepared - it will be loud and they will go through almost their entire catalog of solo and group songs.


(Wu-Tang Clan - Reunited in 2007)

So if you are a fan of the Wu Tang Clan and have a little brother or know some high school kid cranking some silly dance to a retarded radio song, do them a favor - take them to The Fox Theater on Dec. 22 or lend them a Wu CD and tell them that yes, there was and can still be quality hip-hop music.

Wu Tang! Wu Tang! Wu Tang! Wu Taaaaaaaaaaang!


Wu-Tang Clan LIVE!
-Saturday, December 22nd, 2007
-Fox Theater - downtown
-8pm / ALL AGES
-$45 - $55
-www.vallitix.com
-661-322-5200

Originally printed in Bakotopia magazine, Issue 17, 12-13-07
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