You Mad, Bruh? Wu-Tang Defends “Once Upon A Time In Shaolin” Single Copy Release

Written By Cyrus Langhorne

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The Wu-Tang Clan has come forward with a statement to defend their decision to release a mystery album called Once Upon a Time in Shaolin to the highest bidder.

According to the statement obtained by SOHH.com, there were never plans to put out the project for wide distribution.

“Only one single copy of Once Upon A Time In Shaolin was ever to be made. This has been the case since the very first announcement. A commercial release was never planned. The right to commercialize it, meaning the right to sell it en mass to the public in any form is not allowed until 88 years from now. If the public rights were handed over now, then this would be a record deal like any other. Not the sale of a single copy. It can be exhibited publically and it can be given away for free. But it cannot be commercialized as a conventional album release until 2103. Even then, it will be the owner’s decision to release it or keep it as a single unit, not the Wu-Tang.” (Statement)

Check out what RZA said about the project’s release on the next page…

According to group leader RZA, the album, which has no digital backup, will be up for grabs in the near future.

And that literally is the only copy, or so RZA says. If it’s damaged or destroyed, there goes the record – there is no digital backup. Whoever buys it will also purchase the rights to the songs, though there are conditions – he or she will not be allowed to “commercialise” the music – in other words, to sell it. (The Guardian)

To make things worse, fans will have to wait at least 88 years before being able to get their hands on the LP.

Instead, whoever purchases the album must agree never to release it to the general public without the Wu’s permission, according to Paddle8’s website; though RZA indicates that the buyer could release it free of charge if he or she wished. Finally, in 88 years (a number picked for its significance to the legendary rappers), the copyright will run out, and the music will be free to be heard – providing the album, and the means to play it, still exist. (The Guardian)

Back in January, RZA said the LP would be auctioned off soon.

Today, it appears the group is ready to turn its attention back to Once Upon A Time In Shaolin, confirming for the first time the manner in which—and the unusual outlet by which—the album will eventually be sold. “We will announce Paddle8 as [the] official auction house,” said RZA in an electronic message to FORBES. (Forbes)

Comments Off on You Mad, Bruh? Wu-Tang Defends “Once Upon A Time In Shaolin” Single Copy Release

Written by Cyrus Langhorne

SOHH.com Writer. When I'm not covering hip-hop news and announcements, I'm deep into an Audible book and eating veggies.

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