S. Samuel
Wu-Tang Clan leader RZA recently spoke on his crew's run in hip-hop and why fans have yet to experience their full potential.
If things work out the way he likes, Wu fans will be treated to both a new reunion album and live performances.
“I think Wu-Tang is an extremely talented group of people, immensely, and knowing the power that we have, I feel like we never fully displayed it,” he tells MTV News. “It’s always been spurts. It’s never been a concentrated laser-beam focus — [except] maybe the first year or two, when it was just me driving that ship — but I think that now it’s become more of shotgun effect. It’s just scattered, and it hits targets but I would love for us to go back into a laser-beam focus and to put out not only a recording, but [also] a live show that’s as entertaining and enhancing as the mind power we give.” (MTV)
Last month, RZA a.k.a. “Bobby Digital” spoke on the importance of Wu coming back together.
“There’s one last job Wu-Tang Clan must do. The 20th anniversary [of “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)”] is next year. And we need to, one time, completely, efficiently, properly, professionally represent our brand. One more time. But this time, showing up on time for press and for concerts and studio. Do it one time, perfect. We did good – people love it and I’m proud of what we’ve done. But all that was done – I would always say in my old interviews, “This is organized confusion.” It was kept and contained, but it was a lot of chaos.” (New York Times)
RZA also reflected on iconic music groups which have come and gone.
“Many bands leave us, though – it just happens. The Beatles, they let it go, and that was it. You had to go with Paul or go with John or go with Ringo. They wasn’t coming back together, and John dies and it never could happen. It’s like O.D.B. has gone. But there’s enough of us still alive, and I think there’s still enough fans out there. Hip-hop is stronger than ever, as far as worldwide recognition, and our name is synonymous with it. It’d be smart for us to say, “O.K., 20 years, guess what?” We’ve proven that not only could the music last for 20 years, but there’s an entity – you could go see a Rolling Stones concert right now. You could go see a Kiss concert. Anyway, I think there’s one more round for Wu-Tang, if they go proper. But if they don’t come proper, for some reason, whether it’s my fault, their fault or the world’s fault, I’m going to continue creating art and the Wu-Tang saga. If I’ve got to be the guy that’s living it, I’m going to live it to the end.” (New York Times)
Prior to recent reunion talks, the GZA doubted Wu could fully come back as a solid crew earlier this year.
“I have no idea. There’s been talk. But I don’t know what going on, you know? I can’t say. I mean, we haven’t been on the same page in years,” GZA revealed in an interview when asked about reunion talks. “Nah. It is what it is. Sometimes that match burns out. So, no, I don’t feel bad about it. It’s good. I’m grateful for everything we have done throughout our careers and if there’s nothing else to put out, then there’s nothing to put out. I’m constantly writing and working. It doesn’t stop there.” (Rolling Stone)
Check out a recent RZA interview:
