#27 Wu-Tang Clan, 'Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)' (1993)

Previously #387

We’ve seen multiple entries from the various solo members of Wu-Tang Clan, we now have the group’s debut, making a major leap into the Top 30 from the bottom 300s. Drawing its title from the martial arts films, ‘Enter The Dragon’ and ‘The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin,’ this record served as the blueprint for much of the hardcore Hip Hop that would follow throughout the ‘90s. Artists like Nas, Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G. and Mobb Deep would look to this release as inspiration for their own work. The collective featured mainstays GZA, RZA, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Ol’ Dirty Bastard and Raekwon, as well as Inspectah Deck, 4th Disciple, Masta Killa and U-God. They had decided to create a group based on Eastern philosophies, Kung Fu films and various teachings of the Nation Of Islam.

The hard beats and menacing melodies are matched by the gritty and aggressive vocals. In the face of the rising West Coast Gangsta Rap scene or artists like N.W.A. and Dr. Dre, Wu-Tang Clan helped put East Coast Gangsta Rap on the map. The often humorous lyrics document life in New York City in the early ‘90s and most songs feature the various members battling for the crown of best rapper on the record. This body of work played a major hand in transitioning Hip Hop from an underground artform to the mainstream. RZA’s sampling of old Soul records, would define the production of Hip Hop to follow in the ‘90s; producers like Kanye West and Just Blaze would crib straight from RZA. My favourites on the record include ‘Bring Da Ruckus,’ ‘Shame On A Nigga,’ ‘C.R.E.A.M.’ ‘Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing Ta F’ Wit,’ ‘Da Mystery Of Chessboxin’ and ‘Protect Ya Neck.’ This album is not for everyone. It’s very hard, its lyrics incredibly full on, featuring, like most Gangsta Rap, gratuitous violence, drug use and misogyny. Its major jump is indicative of its influence and indeed the influence of Hip Hop of on music today.

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