VIDEO: Wu-Tang Clan x Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… x Red Bull Music Academy
The Red Bull Music Academy hit me up and asked me if I wanted to host a panel with the Wu-Tang Clan discussing their seminal debut Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). The answer to that question was obvious and this Wednesday (9/28), I made the trip to Shaolin Land to moderate a lecture was part of RBMA’s Five Out of Five Tour that features artist from each NYC borough, performing and discussing their classic albums, hence Wu-Tang Clan and Staten Island.
There was some minor drama with some Wu members being unaware of the panel (the group performed at the venue, Eve Lounge in Staten Island, that night), which led to the discussion’s focus shifting to Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… since all the members on hand—Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Masta Killa and also Cappadonna—participated in creating the masterful album. The conversation was lively and many jewels were dropped.
Red Bull will be posting the lecture in its entirety but AllHipHop was on hand and already has a bunch of videos from the event up. Some choice moments include Wu-Tang revealing they too watch soap operas and Raekwon speaking on playing A&R for Nas as well as the creation of “Incarcerated Scarfaces” (above). There was also a portion where Ghostface recounted hitting a “grandfather deer” in New Jersey while listening to Cuban Linx for the first time that was hilarious, but isn’t up yet. God bless that deer.
BLATANT SELF-PROMOTION: A lot of this info and much more can be found in my book, The Wu-Tang Clan & RZA: A Trip Through Hip Hop’s 36 Chambers. Shout out to Allah Mathematics who was also on stage.
Ghostface Killah on “All My Children” and His Favorite Wu Album
Raekwon and Ghostface on the Importance of RZA
Raekwon on Nas and “Verbal Intercourse”
VIDEO: GZA “Liquid Swords” x Wavves x Fuel TV
Vodpod videos no longer available.
This seems totally random, but is nevertheless dope. GZA/Genius performs “Liquid Swords” with musical accompaniment from the Wavves on Fuel TV’s ‘The Daily Habit.’ OG video below. [Spotted at Pitchfork]
VIDEO: Author Alvin Blanco Explains His New Wu-Tang Clan Biography
Vodpod videos no longer available.
The good folks over at Fuse TV’s “Hip Hop Shop” interviewed me about my book, The Wu-Tang Clan and RZA: A Trip Through Hip Hop’s 36 Chambers. Wouldn’t call it a “bio” since the book deals more with the Clan’s music as opposed to their come up, but biographical content was definitely included to add proper context to the sounds from Shaolin. Consider the book more like “the ultimate guide to the labyrinthine musical world of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan,” as the esteemed Brian Coleman described it.
VIDEO: Ghostface Killah On VH1’s Mob Wives
Vodpod videos no longer available.
via UpNorthTrips
VIDEO: GZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, RZA on Rhythm & Soul (1991)
“Been doing it for a long time, tearing up parties, waxing MCs, just anything you can name as far as emceeing.”—The Genius (in 1991)
The Genius promotes his debut Words From the Genius on a public access show called “Rhythm & Soul” with ODB, RZA (aka All In Together) and some cat who probably had warrants and didn’t want to show his face—in tow. What, you didn’t know that Liquid Swords was GZA’s sophomore album? Then you should read my book—The Wu-Tang Clan and RZA: A Trip Through Hip Hop’s 36 Chambers. I know, I know, I didn’t set that price, I swear. GZA/Genius’ “Come Do Me” video below (Red Alert is the bartender), directed by Ralph McDaniels and Lionel “THe Vid Kid” Hampton. [Propers to Nah Right via J-Zone/Ego Trip]
Raekwon “Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang” Tracklist
Looks like The Chef’s fifth album, Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang, is out of the oven and set to drop March 8. Amazon (UK) comes through with what looks like the official track list (after the break). Here’s hoping Shallah Raekwon has improved at dropping music sans participation from RZA. Black Thought and Nas participation makes this already a win. [Peeped at 2DopeBoyz]
RELATED:
DOWNLOAD: Raekwon “Butter Knives”
Raekwon – “Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang” (Dirty) [Nah Right]
Raekwon Plans Two Albums for 2011 [HipHopDX]
The Wu-Tang Clan and RZA: A Trip through Hip Hop’s 36 Chambers
Book written by yours truly dropping April 30th, 2011 via Praeger. Stay tuned for more info while I get my self-promotion (ugh) game together. Big up to HipHopIsRead.com.
RIP Ol’ Dirty Bastard (11/15/68 – 11/13/04)
UPDATED: New video for Raekwon’s ODB dedication, “Ason Jones” from Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II, below.
Hard Times [Vibe Magazine, April 2006]
Ol’ Dirty Bastard: Rather Unique [AllHipHop, 2006]
Ol’ Dirty Bastard Died From Drug Overdose [MTV]
DOWNLOAD: Ghostface Killah “Together Baby”
The legendary Ghost Deini drops the first single, “Together Baby,” from his new album, The Apollo Kids, due in stores December 14. The sample is from “Together” by Philly Soul icons the Intruders. Yeah, my sample recognition game is supreme.
Can Tony Starks get some better album promotion, though?
DOWNLOAD: Ghostface Killah “Together Baby” (Mediafire) [Hat tip to Nah Right]
VIDEO: Ol’ Dirty Bastard & RZA x 1991 Talent Show
Talent show footage (Ol’ Dirty Bastard on the beatbox, the RZA on the rhymes) from two thirds of the All In Together Now crew circa 1991. The RZA’s rhymes are the same lyrics the late Dirt McGirt kicks on “Don’t U Know” from his debut, Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version.
Slang Rap Democracy 
