Biographic - Sunday January 6, 2008 Comic Strip Licensing and Permissions

Transcript

Wu-Tang Clan. In 1992, frustrated with the hip-hop industry, nine rappers banded together to launch a collective assault on the music business. As Prince Rakeem, Robert Diggs and released an unsuccessful novelty E.P. back in 1991, now operating as RZA, he teamed up with his cousins Gary Grice and Russell Jones (known as GZA and OBD, respectively) and recruited Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, U-God, Inspectah Deck and Masta Killa to the cause. Inspired by a school for warriors in the Hong Kong martial arts movie "Shaolin and Wu-Tang." they called themselves Wu-Tang Clan. Released in late 1993, their debut album, "Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" which featured RZA's stark production and distinctive beats, was a groundbreaking hip-hop milestone. The next stage of the plan saw a flurry of Very successful, RZA-produced solo projects, before The Clan regrouped to release the double CD "Wu-Tang forever" in 1997. The album soared to the top of the Billboard charts and was followed by a second round of solo albums. The "Clansmen" were now rap superstars. The 2000 album "W" and 2001's "Iron Flag" were followed by more solo releases. Group members have collaborated with the entire spectrum of rap and R&B luminaries. Method Man has also carved out of a thriving acting career that spans movies such as "How High" tv shows such as "CSI" and his own sitcom with Redman, "Method and Red" other group members have also appeared on tv and in movies. RZA who is also in demand as a soundtrack scorer, recently starred in the movie "American Gangster." credited with helping to launch the careers of over 300 affiliated artists and producers, known as The Wu-Tang Killa Bees, the collective has continued to thrive, releasing the album "8 Diagrams" at the end of 2007. There's even a hugely popular clothing line. The only blight on the group's phenomenal achievements has been the ultimately death of ODB, who passed away in 2004 at the age of 36.

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