STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Few groups have influenced the evolution of hip-hop as much as Wu-Tang Clan. The Staten Island-based group not only defined the sound of 1990s New York City rap, but also transformed the entire music industry.
However, seeing Wu-Tang Clan in concert as a full and complete group — all the members together on stage — is rare.
Even at their pinnacle, Wu-Tang was a rare ticket, mostly because their smaller concerts were chaotic, and personal conflicts grew when they moved to larger venues. Plus, during the 1990s and 2000s, the opportunities for hip-hop stars were still limited.
RZA, the mastermind behind Wu-Tang, spoke candidly about this in an interview on Popcast, a music podcast. “We had some success with touring, but not at the level that Wu-Tang’s brand deserves,” said RZA.
To Wu-Tang’s fans’ delight, RZA is launching the “Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber” tour, which he describes as the group’s last big road show, which kicks off in June.
The tour will feature all of the surviving original members — RZA, GZA, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, U-God, and Masta Killa — along with Cappadonna and Young Dirty Bastard, who will replace his late father, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, who passed away in 2004.
RZA of Wu-Tang Clan performs at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on Friday, April 28, 2023, at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)Amy Harris/Invision/AP
FIVE YEAR PLAN
The tour is the culmination of a five-year plan to solidify Wu-Tang’s legacy. This includes a documentary series, a mini-series, multiple biographies, and even the group’s first-ever Las Vegas residency — marking a significant milestone for a hip-hop act.
RZA told “Popcast” that this process wasn’t just about documenting their past; it was about setting the record straight and telling their story in a way that reflected their true influence on hip-hop and pop culture.
“When I saw other shows about hip-hop, they were skipping important parts of the story,” he said. “I had to take control and make sure the Wu-Tang story was told the right way.”
RZA also shared insights about how Wu-Tang began to think strategically about their legacy. He explained that this current wave — including the residency and final tour — was all part of a long-term plan.
After a successful collaboration with Nas on the New York State of Mind tour, it set the stage for the Las Vegas residency and now, the final tour.
“When we started out, there was always a plan, but this time, it was about a series of steps,” RZA said. “You build the documentary, then the series, and then a tour. Each stage was a stepping stone to where we are now.”
Ghostface Killah from the hip hop group the Wu-Tang Clan performs on day two of the Governors Ball Music Festival on Saturday, June 3, 2017, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)Charles Sykes/Invision/AP
NOT JUST ABOUT BUSINESS
However, RZA also emphasized that for Wu-Tang to stay true to their spirit, it wasn’t just about business. “The spirit has to be right,” he said. “If it’s not, you can’t pay us to show up.”
Despite the financial incentives, RZA believes that for Wu-Tang to come together, the energy must be authentic. While the idea of the whole group performing together is exciting, not surprisingly, it hasn’t been easy to pull off.
There have been moments of doubt, and getting every member to agree to the final tour required some delicate negotiations. “The hardest part was making sure everyone was on board,” RZA admitted. “But once we all agreed, we knew this could be the last time we perform as a full group.”
When asked if financial compensation played a role in bringing the group together, RZA acknowledged that money certainly mattered, but it wasn’t the driving force. “Yeah, there’s a business side, but it’s more about the love. If the love isn’t there, no amount of money can make it work.”
The group’s history of navigating complicated dynamics was also a topic of conversation. Wu-Tang’s early days involved unconventional strategies, such as teaming up with Rage Against the Machine for a tour.
At the time, many saw Wu-Tang as a strictly “Black” act, but their collaboration with Rage helped introduce them to a broader, more diverse audience. “There was a moment when I overheard a white kid in New York talking about how excited he was to see a Wu-Tang sign in Times Square. That made me realize we could reach beyond our usual fanbase.”
Wu-Tang Clan performs on day 3 of weekend 1 at the 2013 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club on Sunday, April 14, 2013 in Indio, Calif. (Zach Cordner/Invision/APZach Cordner/Invision/AP/Invision/AP
LIFE’S UPS AND DOWNS
In the podcast, RZA also reflected on some controversy with Hot 97 radio in 1997, when members “publicly disrespected” the station, which impacted their career. He considered the incident as a setback, but also an opportunity for other artists to gain traction. “It opened up space for others, like the South, to flourish. Sometimes setbacks can turn into blessings.”
Looking back at his career, RZA has faced his own share of losses, both personally and professionally. He recalled the two major floods in the early years of Wu-Tang that destroyed much of his early music work. “We lost so much, but it taught me how to rebuild,” RZA said. “Even when things are lost, the process of moving forward never stops.”
Now, as the Wu-Tang Forever tour draws near, RZA is reflecting on the journey the group has taken and the lasting impact they’ve had on hip-hop. “I’ve lost more than I’ve shared, but that’s part of life. Wu-Tang continues to live on — and this tour is a celebration of that legacy.”