Masta Killa, Method Man, U-God, the GZA, RZA, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck and Ghostface Killah – no one could get iller — The Wu-Tang Clan, from the affectionately known “Shaolin Land” of Staten Island returned to their homebase New York for a citywide celebration on their Final Chamber tour with openers Run the Jewels. The landmark celebration included a pop-up shop at Irving Plaza featuring exclusive merch and artist signings, afterparties with member appearances at Brooklyn Chop House and Hill Country BBQ, and an interactive map of Wu-Tang sites centered around the group’s historic performance at Madison Square Garden on July 17. The remaining eight founding members were joined by Cappadonna and Young Dirty Bastard, son of original member Ol’ Dirty Bastard, who passed away in 2004. The evening was as much a celebration of hip-hop’s vibrant history in its NYC birthplace as it was a commemoration of Wu-Tang’s body of work — featuring a career-spanning set of hits, fan favorites, and special guest appearances by genre progenitors including Lil’ Kim, Slick Rick, and Big Daddy Kane.
Photo by Johnny Knollwood
The Wu-Tang Clan, who formed in 1992 on Staten Island, are undoubtedly one of the most influential and pioneering groups in hip-hop history, a genre that celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023 with citywide performances and exhibitions. Their 1993 debut album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers),” recorded on a tight budget, featured raw production and the lyrics heavily influenced by kung fu movies, comic books, and Five Percenter Nation terminology amid the gritty backdrop of ‘80s and ‘90s New York City. It was DIY, philosophically punk rock, and no one had heard anything like it before. The album has sold roughly three million copies to date and is lauded by fans and critics as one of the greatest hip-hop records of all time.
Videos by Johnny Knollwood
The energy was bustling outside in Midtown Manhattan on Thursday as Wu-Tang fans, affectionately known as Killa Beez, swarmed to the stadium from all corners. A local New York City man who identified as Chico waited outside for hours to try to score a ticket. “They’re the best,” he told the AmNews. “I’ve been here since five.” Attendees also included visitors from around the world. One fan, Vroni Beier, flew in from her home in Cologne, Germany just for the performance, attending the show, the pop-up shop, and an afterparty featuring a performance by Cappadonna at Hill Country BBQ. “Wu-Tang was a huge influence on my musical experience,” she told the AmNews. Fearing they might not perform in Europe, she bought tickets for the farewell tour as soon as they went on sale. “They opened doors, even to other music like soul … I grew up in a small town, hip-hop was a huge thing for me, even as a little child.”
The energy was high inside Madison Square Garden. Killa Beez took over the stadium, rapping along to classics like “Protect Ya Neck,” “C.R.E.A.M.,” and the anthem “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F’ Wit.” The set included hits from members’ solo work like Method Man’s “All I Need,” Raekwon’s “Ice Cream,” and GZA’s “Liquid Swords.” Mainstays in the hip-hop community popped into the 34th Street venue to join the group on stage, including Lil’ Kim, Havoc (of Mobb Deep), Big Daddy Kane, and Slick Rick, New Yorkers who’ve made great strides and contributions to the world of hip-hop. The set was a testament to Wu-Tang’s place in the genre’s history, and an acknowledgment of their peers and those who came before them. At the show’s conclusion, the group bid their farewells to a sea full of screaming fans. It feels strange to say goodbye to an outlet so on top of their game in a live setting, packing out arenas and putting smiles on thousands of faces. The Final Chamber Tour concluded in Philadelphia on July 18 after a stop at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ the night before. But in a world where farewell tours are a dime a dozen, who knows what is yet to come — and if this really spells the end for these genre pioneers. The future is uncertain, but one thing was abundantly clear to fans at Madison Square that night: Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F’ Wit.
Oh no, Pops Wu, a.k.a Freedum Allah, gone @ 63, too soon. Rest in peace 😔