Wu-Tang Clan | 01.11 | Worcester, MA

The Chinese Delegation selects the entire Wu-Tang Clan...and why wouldn't they? Wu-Tang is where it's at. The 8 Diagrams is a killer album full of RZA's wizardry and select kung-fu samples that bring the listener into the Wu's alternate universe of rhyme. While it is a little different to hear a Wu-Tang album without the Dirt Dog, the remaining Clan pay tribute in such a way that he is fully there in spirit. Serious flow on the album, and the RZA is genious with making the most of an understated beat. Wolves (w/George Clinton) is a definite highlight of the album.

Thank you Jambase… for keeping us informed of the latest in Gangster Rap. It’s amazing how they make music with no instruments. I assume that those engulfed in the cloud of blunt smoke (is there a better way to kill the flavor?) may not notice where the “music” is coming from. Props to the J-Base-izzle Word Up G.

Why are people constantly posting negative comments about the artists involved in these articles and reviews? Wu-Tang is one of the most talented and influencial hip hop groups ever. If you can't appreciate that then you don't really appreciate music. Oh yea, sahagian you're a tool.

Music? If I don’t like Hip-Hop that glorifies violence than I “don’t really appreciate music”… that’s quite an ignorant statement! You can call them poets, but without instruments, it's quite a stretch to call them musicians. As far as negativity goes, I just shared my opinion. I come to this site to hear about music and this article seems out of place. Isn’t there a website for poetry?

I may use sarcasm to get my point across, but I certainly didn’t attack anyone… although, according to their lyrics, I would be cool if I did! Face it, your boys here, promote violence. I also believe that ignorant youngsters hear their message and turn into thugs. If I am a tool, like you so kindly say, then hopefully I can open your mind to the possibility that your “most talented and influential” Clan may be instrumental in everything that is wrong with the our country today.

Maybe you haven't heard enough Wu-Tang Clan to really get what they are about. They don't necessarily glorify violence in the everyday sense; it is a completely over-the-top portrayal of violence using lyrical swords. Sure you will hear lyrics about violence, but do you really think that people are going out into society trying to perfect the Skeleton Claw Technique? Seriously? The Clan is a brotherhood that bases its roots in honesty and integrity - listen to the intro to the new album for a basis of what a step into this alternate reality is about. But, I think that most people who listen to it can distinguish between reality and fantasy.

Just check out what the RZA is tied in with when he isn't working with the Clan; he is scoring soundtracks to such movies as Jim Jarmusch's Ghost Dog. The album does have some guests join in who play "real" instruments.

You might not like hip hop, and that is fine; I, for the most part, don't either, but I respect the parameters that these guys continue to push, and it is interesting to find a review of their show included in Jambase. But, to say that they shouldn't include articles such as this would exclude write ups on Daft Punk and Ghostland Observatory. Daft Punk doesn't play "real" instruments by definition neither does Ghostland Observatory, for the most part. Some of Ghostland's stuff is growing on me, but when I caught them on ACL the other week, the guy in the cape (great choice) only played drums on two songs, and the rest were all beat driven and the guitar might as well have been non-existent as that singer's voice was his best instrument.

the wu blew it up in Charlotte NC on sunday night. I was treat to see them in such an intimate venue!

sahagian, I suspect that JamBase simply knows that many readers listen to a wide variety of music, and thus include articles on music not limited to the Jam Band millieu. I would go out on a limb and surmise that they expect someone who does not appreciate a certain band or genre to simply pass the article or board by, rather than logging in and making a comment, although I think sometimes a negative comment might make for a good exchange of ideas, and I think these board posters tend to use the term "hater" indiscriminately and frivolously. Perhaps they should change the name of the site; I personally like the fact that it is not limited to Jam materials, because I am always looking to be turned on to something new. I backed into Wu-Tang by means of enjoying RZA's excellent film scoring of "Ghostdog," which is a terrific film (so, what is this, FilmBase now?). Anyway, back to the Clan, they are getting 50 bucks a throw, which was a little rich for me when they recently played VT. I can say that if I had paid that money and RZA was not present, I would have been very bummed, regardless of how good the others were.

dirtyleg, posts like yours are why I come here. Thanks.

Wu Tang Clan Forever, No we dont die we just multiply forever forever forever. By far my favorite hiphop group growing up (unfortunatly I didn't turn into a thug Sahagian) Im sick of fools linking behaviors of people with the music they listen to. Your everything wrong in the world today. Yeah its gangsta rap. What would you rhyme about if you grew up on Staten Island in the 80's. on a different note I do have some issues with there live performances Ive seen in the past, but some hiphop doesn't translate to live performance.PS, 36 CHAMBERS VIDEO GAME FOR PLAY STATION IS THE BEST FIGHTING GAME OUT THERE, YOU CAN POP THE DISK INTO A CD PLAYER AND LISTEN TO THE TIGHT BEATS THEY MADE FOR THE GAME. GENIUS (NOT GZA, BUT GENIUS)

People people people.....just because a hip-hop group uses a dj and samples live, doesn't mean that live instruments aren't used in the creation of their music. One of the best things about the RZA's beats is that he does use samples of live instruments...which is partially why their beats are always so gritty and organic sounding. Secondly, if you don't think turntables are instruments, go checkout some footage of DJ QBert. Natch.

I grew up listening to rap. Hell, my first CD was Warren G's Regulate... G Funk Era. Reviewing a Wu Tang show adds to Jambase's credibility as an overseer of ALL music. Go to jambands.com if you want news and reviews on half as many genres.

I missed them in Chicago heard it was the shit. Wu Tang definately brings the ruckus and RZA is a musical wizard! Gangsta Rap? These guys spit about real life and stories of their past, and in no means glorify the harsh conditions of their upbringing instead provide a glimpse of life outside of suburbia. Wu-Tang Forever RIP ODB aka Big Baby Jesus aka Dirt McGurt

I saw the Wu at Hammerstein in NY and they were awful. I am a big fan of their music, but a live setting just doesnt work well for them, or almost any rap/ hip hop artist or group. There was like 12 microphones on stage and you could barely make out anybody's voice as every wu member finished rhymes in concert for the other members. You also could not hear the beats at all, just a bunch of dudes yelling. Ghostface and Raekwon held it down, but overall the show was lame. Real MC's know how to command the mic.

I agree paul, there is something about a live rap show that just doesn't seem to work.

say what you will about hip-hop/jambase selling out/"bands" that don't use instruments/whatever.....playing a 90 minute show after getting on stage 2 hours late is weak sauce. if i was at the show, i would be pissed. does anybody know what the tix cost?

I saw Wu-Tang back in 97 and Killarmy opened for them. The show started at 8, but they didnt come on til midnight. Some kind of homecoming or something in NC. Great time, security guards smokin blunts, ODB was off to the side drinkin all night, some guy started to get beat up in the front row and they all stopped and said,"stomp that guy", Method Man was all over the entire arena, and eventually got arrested for punching a security guard and they stopped the show. I wont pay to see too many hip hop acts because not all are good to see live. I will pay to see Wu tang because there shows are "off the chain". The Gza is the nastiest MC ever!!! Whats Killarmy up to these days?

totally diggin the "Shaolin" shadow boxing reference

JamBase | Shaolin

Go See Live Music!

at the bottom of the story.

Wow Jeremy, that sure sounds like a fun show! Stopping the “music” and directing the crowd to “stomp that guy” and punching a security guard… that’s really “off the hook”.

Dirtyleg… it seems like you forgot to inform the Clan that they’re really artistic intellectuals informing the masses about the trials and tribulations of inner city life via symbolism; and not just a bunch of violent thugs who’s success depends on shock value. Yeah, wjeremy26’s depiction sure makes them sound like “a brotherhood that bases its roots in honesty and integrity”.

Sorry Dirtyleg, it seems to me that you’re just making excuses because you like them. Justify it however you want, they’re still a bunch of hoodlums.

Look at all the white kids in the crowd pics - not a brother in the crowd except the brothers up on stage doin their thing ... And not a single mention of that in the review either. Things that make ya go ... HMMMMM!

sahagan could u be bigger pussy? Its fuckn wu tang! U don't know what the he'll you're talking about. They are muscians. look at their resumes u r out of your element

Tourfan, maybe the power of music supersedes things like race. Just a thought

here we go again with cut-school-since-five. he's a pussy because he doesn't agree with you? wouldn't that mean that almost everyone on this board is a pussy? that would be cool with me cause "we are what we eat" which would make you a dick!

for real though, as far as rap goes wu tang is ok; as for the type of music that is commonly reviewed here, wu aren't even in the same league.

rappers could be considered musicians but not in the same sense as someone who plays an instrument, hence the sub-par live show. and continuing to encourage it's readers to see sub par live shows definately suggests jambase is selling out.

Just because the Wu Tang clan is living off its legend and puts on a less than spectacular live show, IS NOT reason to trash all Live hip-hop artists. If you want to see how REAL MCs bring the heat live and gain a REAL HIP HOP education, check out Hieroglyphics, Blackalicious, Lyrics Born, The Coup, Lifesavas, I.C.O.N the Mic King, and Jurassic 5. I dare you to see any of them live and say that "Hip Hop isnt music"

I think it’s funny that I voiced my opinion about gangster rap, which unless you are a gangster, or aspire to be one, is pretty negative stuff, yet I get bashed for posting negative comments? WTF? Good thing I didn’t use Wu-Tang lingo, or would that have been ok?

Really a hudge WU fan. Have been for a long time. Love everything they have done even "the W". I have seen Wu now 3 times. Once with everyone. And twice without. Really pretty much over it now.

Who wants to pay 50plus for a show of the "wizard of oz" where the wizard of oz isnt in it! not to mention we didn't hear a single track from the new album. I mean please just a taste of one?

And if they think that we can go to the show and not get the guru who makes the beats to most everything not present for whatever reason, in SF it was a court date. In this show he was mixing a score.

SO during scheduling of the concert they didn't realize on their short tour, where in the biggest City in California they don't have everyone accounted for that maybe they should reschedule?

Im sorry but that will be the last time I see wu. Because I had a better show in my car listenings to a mix i made of wu on the ride home then i did having to sit through a ton of opening acts to watch a short set of a a half present group. is that what wu is really all about? is that what makes them so hot these days cause i tell you im done with them.

but there shows are not spectacular. Yes method man is but we all knew that from day one he was the spectacular one. so i was happy with that alone. GZA is great solo not so much in the group atmos, and same with rae.

i dont know im just wishing to show up at 8 watch a killer opening act like wu should have, i mean what barely above the underground hip hop group would kill for that billing, like they had at rock the bells, maybe dilated people or living legends from the bay here. Then id like them on before midnight if at all possible to have things rolled and poured before then. Then a great 2 hour show filled with solo hits, group hits, and some freestyles maybe. I think the great group today could flow for 5 min or so show us what they have.

All in all i said it before and ill say it again, im done seein them live. they need a fresh new idea then glass breaking transitions and half song. cause id kill to hear a whole song just once maybe.

I wouldn't call Wu Tang "gangster rap", thats just ignorance...Gangster rap is all that Dr Dre/NWA stuff. Wu is much more deeper than that.

Sahagian, Is someone with a Grateful Dead logo really commenting about music that glorifies violence and crime? Jack Straw, Me and My Uncle, Candyman, Chinatown Shuffle, Mr. Charlie, Friend of the Devil, Loser, Deal - these are all songs that deal with violence, murder, crime and gambling. (Do I even need to mention drugs, or the Dead's affiliation with the Hells Angels?)

I'm definitely not saying that Wu Tang ranks anywhere near the Dead, but I'm just curious what the difference is between a band like the Dead that wrote about the crime and violence of the Old West (something that they never actually experienced themselves) and a group like Wu Tang that writes about the violence that they've probably experienced themselves in the inner city. The violence in Wu Tang's lyrics is certainly more extreme, but there is definitely a parallel there.

Wu-tang's albums are pretty good, but like most rap/hiphop artists, they are terrible live. Jurassic 5 was a great live act, but (in my opinion) there wasn't really anything too special about their albums. That's just how it goes. JAY-Z sells more albums than most, and he is GOD AWEFUL live, but Cypress Hill(who hasn't had a good album since the mid 90's) are probably the best live rap act I'v ever seen. the Kottonmouth kings write descent albums and are an outstanding live act, but get zero credability in the rap/hiphop world because they are just some skaterpunk whiteboys from the suburbs of southern california. Lupe Fiasco wrote a terrible album, and sucks ass live, however, since he is friends with Kanye west, he gets nothing but credit for everything he does. it's a mad mad mad RAPPIN' world.

Solid review and great pics. "Wu-Tang Clan ain't nuthin to f*** wit!"

Seen the Roots twice, Thats a solid good time!! Great live performers that do actually play instruments.

The Roots at Bonnaroo 03 was outstanding. The other 2 times i saw them was opening for 311 one time and NERD the other. those 2 were both a little weak(they were still much better than NERD who was horrible live), but there's no deneying the Roots are a talented band.

Paulyblunts… much more deeper? What can an ignorant man like me say to that?

Brandon… I don’t see the parallel. Although the GD songs you refer to mention things like guns or gambling, they in no way glorify them, if anything they are cautionary tales. In addition, they’re telling stories about others, not bragging about their own deeds. On the other hand, we have Mr. Killer from the Wu…

“Ghostface, catch the blast of a hype verse

My glock bursts, leave in a hearse, I did worse

I come rough, tough like an elephant tusk

Ya head rush, fly like Egyptian musk

Aw shit, Wu-Tang Clan spark the wicks an'

However, I master the trick just like Nixon

Causin terror, quick damage ya whole era

Hardrocks is locked the fuck up, or found shot

P.L.O. style, hazardous, cause I wreck this dangerous

I blow sparks like Waco, Texas”

From these lyrics, it seems to me that the guy likes violence and believes it makes him cool. There is evidence to support this impression found in Jeremy’s above post. Honestly, I don’t see any literary credibility, it seems like he’s just saying things that rhyme.

Thanks for the review. I saw Wu-Tang about 11 years ago and they were good. I'm glad they still keep it real.

If you can't understand why rap is music, or if you don't like it, why even post comments to this article?

The Roots live prefromance blows every other hip/hop artist out of the water. They have real talent and can play the shit out of instruments. Anybody see that dude tearin' up the tuba at ROO last year. Tell me that wasn't sick. Or have you ever heard any other rap artist cover a Bob Dylan song? Probably not. The Roots, man... thats all I got to say.

sahagian..you're probably just bitter cause your hippy/jamband scene is dying a slow death. you gotta get used to bands other than String Cheese, Phish, Umphry's, etc. getting coverage on this site..or go to jambands.com

They aint nothin to fuck with. I give praise to all east coast hip-hop. I am sick of the same old shit on the radio and tv, commercialism kills music as it did ever since tupac died in 96. Hip-hop is all about money & bitches/hoes now. That is why I give respect to true artists who actually write their own lyrics like, Talib Kweli,Mos Def,even MF Doom( even though he faked a couple of shows which would have completely pissed me off)Tribe/q-tip, all i am really trying to say is that East Coast hip-hop is still "holdin it down", just like Big L would have kept it, underground. Anyone here goin to tonites show in Miami?