Twelve Most Influential 1990’s Hip-Hop Albums: Part II

Wu-Tang Clan- Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers (1993) ft. "C.R.E.A.M.", "Protect Ya Neck", "Method Man"
In the microcosm of New York Hip-Hop in the early 1990’s, the cream of the crop tended to flock together more often than not. But out in Shaolin, a whole new noise had bubbled up independently and caught us fans way off-guard. Lead up Prince Raheem (The RZA) and The Genius (GZA), the Wu-Tang Clan formed into a collective of the grimiest and most underground emcees known in the tri-state area. The nine-man brethren were the most hardcore dudes on record and they didn’t even try to project the image; they just were hardcore. With a 12” self-pressed in 1992 (“Protect Ya Neck”), the industry was put on notice that broadcasts of street corner terror and project building drama were the next ticket out of the ghetto. But Method Man, U-God, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Masta Killa, Inspectah Deck, The RZA, and GZA didn’t want to move out of the hood. 1993’s Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers sounded like it was recorded in a studio apartment bathroom. It was put out by Loud Records, not Steve’s Next Door Ent. as one might guess. But one also wonders if screeching brakes, shouting neighbors, and slamming doors needed to be cut from the mixes. The album was so gritty and unpolished, but it rang true to the do-it-yourself attitude of Hip-Hoppers who grew up the 1980’s. Bringing back fond memories of pause-record dubbed homemade mixtapes and recordings captured via headphones in the mic jack, Wu-Tang were the heroes of the Hip-Hop populous who lead the backlash against the over produced sell-outs trying to cash in on the street culture. The dirty production of The RZA matched his cohorts’ lyrical ethos well; the Wu emcees were literal ghetto narrators. For fans that lived, breathed, and shared the Wu’s scenery it was vindication and a shout to America, “hey look over here at us!” For others, they heard the shouts and became fascinated with the underbelly of the American dream they assumed only existed in the popular ‘hood flicks of the day.

I'd be remissed if I failed to mention that the Wu loved kung fu flicks. They loaded up the album with samples and built their whole group image and philosophy around the martial arts. The legend only grew from there.



For part I of the series, click HERE.

*Note- I originally wanted to release these in alphabetical order and promised to cover a "duo of bookbag icons" next. Spoiler alert: that kind of obviously refers to Black Star...whose article is coming soon.