Wu-Tang Clan Power Rankings
It’s very possible that many of us will never listen to the Wu-Tang Clan’s new album, Once Upon a Time in Shaolin. With only one copy made, as all the digital copies had been destroyed, it has morphed the album itself into an artifact worth the consideration of high art. The album is set to be auctioned off, with the highest bidder able to do what they please with the album. Presumably, a museum will end up buying the album, making it an exhibit for it to be toured around the world. Imagine stepping into MoMa just to find yourself in the Shaolin Hall listening to the Wu-Tang Clan when there’s a Jackson Pollock only a couple steps away. But, there’s a catch. The album won’t be available for commercial release for another 88 years, which means that leaves us with plenty of time to reflect on how the Wu has affected our lives. In honor of their achievement, here’s a not very definitive power ranking of the original members of the Wu-Tang Clan.
- Ghostface Killah – He’s got the very first verse on the first song of their very first album. The type of rapper whose lyrics you have to be look up, because, when you move that fast, you shouldn’t have stories that vivid. Bold, brilliant and tough like an elephant tusk, Tony Starks has enough soul to call himself Pretty Toney and not sound crazy. Just listen to Supreme Clientele and accept everything as it is. His charisma just oozes off the mic as he is easily the star of the Wu-Tang Clan. With more classic albums than everyone else, he’s truly amongst the greats.
- RZA - The true brains behind the Wu-Tang Clan. Question; what would the Wu-Tang Clan be without the sound of lurking grit and kung-fu movie references? The answer is they wouldn’t. His production is so integral in the Wu-Tang sound that the legend of the Wu could not exist without it. The early to mid 90’s was a hotbed of emerging productive styles all over the nation. None more diverse than East Coast. From the b-boy roots of DJ Premier, to the pocket of jazz coming from A Tribe Called Quest; RZA’s sound partially lead the transition from alternative hop-hop to the gangster rap. Just as Dr. Dre was starting a g-funk renaissance in the West Coast. He still managed to define a regional genre in hardcore and gangster rap, meaning that he will forever be written in the annals of hip-hop production. A renaissance man of sorts now, it was his immaculate encapsulation of the grit that was the New York streets that first captured our imaginations.
- GZA – The man just drops knowledge. Arguably the best rapper in the Wu from a technical stand point. Not nearly as flashy as Ghost, yet he’s so effortlessly verbose that there was a reason why other members called the man a genius. He hasn’t released much recently, though one could hardly blame him for his other endeavors. He began working with Christopher Emdin, a Columbia University professor, in reforming the science programs in New York City schools. He also took a picture with Neil Degrasse Tyson, so yeah, GZA the Genius knows his stuff. This same man also released Liquid Swords, which could very well be the best solo Wu album. One of the premier lyricists of all time. There are few MC’s who could beat him in a dual of iron mics.
- Raekwon – The grittier, more Mafioso of the dynamic duo that was Rae and Ghost, he could very well be the most consistent rapper in the Wu. Still dropping guest verses from time to time, he never disappoints as one of the elder statesmen in hip-hop. In his prime, he could go toe to toe with the best of them (just listen to “Verbal Intercourse” featuring Nas and Ghostface Killah both very much in their primes). Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… isn’t an album, it’s a movie. Its cinematic scope, with Ghostface backing him on almost every track, is such a cohesive piece of work that it’s an album you have to listen to in its entirety.
- Inspectah Deck – Undoubtedly the most underrated rapper of the Wu-Tang Clan. Partially due to his lack of a stellar debut album, though Uncontrolled Substances which had long been delayed was remarkably underrated, his distinction almost always seems relegated to features on other Wu songs. But consider this, every iconic song the Wu-Tang Clan ever released, he was on it. Not only was he on those songs, but he delivered every time. While he may not be as technically gifted as GZA, or as rambunctious as Ghost, Inspectah Deck’s lyricism was almost always on point; delivering some of the greatest Wu verses. After all, he’s the one with the first verse on “Triumph”.
- Method Man – It seems a little unfair that he falls down here. He’s almost as consistent as Raekwon, not to mention that he was the break out star from Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). Perhaps it’s because he enjoyed his time more as Redman’s partner in crime. Associating himself more with his other work than with the Wu. His highs were just as high as some of the other members of the Wu-Tang Clan (marijuana aside). He scored a massive hit in “You’re All I Need” with Mary J. Blige. He was the one that came to forefront. Tical was great, though it never lived up to the hype. In a sense, Method Man never really lived up to the hype. But before you doubt him as a rapper, listen to him blow GZA’s verse away in “Shadowboxing” and remind yourself how great Johnny Blaze actually is.
- Ol’ Dirty Bastard – Method Man was right, “they ain’t no father to his style.” A true original, only he could be so lewdly brilliant. Whether he was collecting welfare checks despite the success of Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version, or giving the legendry intro to “Triumph”, everything he did was golden. His soulful aplomb made him the wild card of the group, but that’s what gave them that extra edge. His raw brilliance, left unfiltered, left his lyrics in absurd realms of thought, leaving us to wonder what could have been. He brought a sense of mystery around the Wu, as he was the embodiment of the group’s next move.
- Masta Killa –If Instpectah Desk is the most underrated, than Masta Killa is the most underappreciated. Never regarded talented as the others above him, he’s very good rapper in his own right. Late to the start, he managed to only get one verse on Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) on “Da Mystery of Chessboxin’” (which, by the way, he absolutely destroyed). His guest verses are always welcomed though. Lyrically talented, his verses are poems at heart, providing yet another example of the Wu-Tang Clan’s diverse vocabulary.
- U-God – So he’s not Cappadonna. He spent much of the first album incarcerated, with his notable contribution being that first verse on “Da Mystery of Chessboxin’”. A frequent guest rapper, his voice alone enforces the gritty vibe that is the Wu-Tang sound. Serviceable, no doubt, he provides relief on the bench when the other big names are resting or doing whatever it is great rappers do. The hustle guy, his verses still deserve more credit than just being filler.