RZA, GZA, Ol Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Inspector Deck, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah…
These names represent the core of the Wu-Tang Clan, one of the most unique, interesting, and talented rap collectives to emerge in the golden age of rap.
The Wu-Tang style is instantly recognisable. The production style of the inimitable RZA uses old martial art movie samples, funk and soul samples, and a certain mad genius to create some serious productions.
This is nowhere more evident than the Wu-Tang Clan’s seminal 1993 album, Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). The style is aggressive, yet not mindless. It exudes a gritty, lo tech feeling that is very much a New York vibe.
“Bring Da Ruckus” is a typically minimal Wu-Tang beat with acerbic lyrics from each of the rappers who deliver a verse. The group are all different in many ways, and so complement each other. The personalities in the group are very much in evidence as the verses switch; the characters come out.
It’s not ultra sophisticated, but it doesn’t need to be, or even want to be.
The Wu-Tang Clan remain one of histories most influential musical groups of any genre.