Wu Tang Clan played their last Columbus concert as a complete group Wednesday night, July 9. Wu’s Nationwide show was part of the Shaolin rappers tour with Run The Jewels. Wu promoted the show as the last tour Wu would tour together..
Wu/RTJ tour’s announcement induced a moment of perspective. Both Wu Tang, and Run The Jewels careers started from the 90’s New York City college radio show, Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito.
Part of the Wu’s legend was Stretch and Bobbie played Wu-Tang’s Protect Yr Neck in December 1992. Protect Yr Neck’s rode the same wave as Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit.
Counterculture unleashed a raw uncompromising sound which was embraced by people who wanted something real. Wu Tang’s buzz negotiated a platinum classic group album Enter The 36 Chambers from Loud which launched solo projects for every Wu member released from major labels Warner, Geffen, Def Jam and Loud.
Wu Tang didn’t play the major label’s game. Wu Tang had leverage where the majors allowed Wu complete creative control.