Wu-Tang Clan is an American hip hop musical collective formed in Staten Island, New York City, in 1992. Its members include RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and, until his death in 2004, Ol' Dirty Bastard. Close affiliate Cappadonna later became an official member. They are credited for revitalizing East Coast hip hop and are considered one of the greatest hip hop groups of all time.
Iron Flag is the fourth studio album by American East Coast hip hop collective Wu-Tang Clan, released on December 18, 2001, on Loud Records. It was certified gold in sales by the RIAA. Iron Flag served as the group's second lowest-selling album, as their record label, Loud, was on the verge of shutting down at the time. The album debuted at No. 32 on the Billboard 200 with 153,000 copies sold in its first week of release. It has sold over half a million copies in the United States and certified Gold by the RIAA. Rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard is completely absent from the album.
Wu-Syndicate is a group from Virginia consisting of Joe Mafia, Napoleon, and Myalansky. They were originally called Crime Syndicate but changed their name to Wu-Syndicate when they signed to Wu-Tang Records and became Wu-Tang Clan affiliates. After debuting on the compilation Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm in 1998, their self-titled debut album Wu-Syndicate was released in 1999 on both Wu-Tang Records and their own label Slot Time Records. The album was, like most releases from Wu-Tang Clan affiliates during this time enjoyed moderately successful sales with the single "Where Wuz Heaven" going gold. Soon after the release there was a dispute of an unknown origin between the group and Wu-Tang Records and the group briefly changed their name to The Syndicate until 2009 with eventual reconciliation and the release of their second official album Grimlenz, produced mostly by Antagonist Dragonspit of Virginia Beach, VA. Both Myalansky and Napoleon continue to work with Joe Mafia but have refused to work with each other since the release of their first album. In an interview Napoleon stated that though they have always clashed, "Mya is still my dude though regardless". The group has maintained ties with various members of the Wu-Tang Family. Napoleon is currently working on a project with fellow Wu-Tang alumni Solomon Childs, Shaka Amazulu, and Dexter Wiggle called "Illuminati Network". Joe Mafia released his debut solo album This One in 2002 and founded his own label called 58 West Diamond Street Records. Napoleon released his first solo album, Kingpin Wit Da Inkpen in 2007 and a mixtape titled Mark of the Beast in 2011. Myalansky released his first solo album, Drastic Measures in 2008 and a mixtape a few years later in 2011 AMW.Com. Myalansky has also been working with California rapper Mitchy Slick and has released two more volumes of his AMW.Com mixtape series. In 2013 Myalansky and Joe Mafia featured on the song "Golden Age Rapper" by CHG Unfadable.
Beneath the Surface is the third solo studio album by American hip hop musician and Wu-Tang Clan member GZA. The album was released on June 29, 1999, by MCA Records.
Aaron Ocosice Phillip, better known by his stage name Afu-Ra, is an American underground rapper. A member of the Gang Starr Foundation, he has worked closely with its members, including Gang Starr, Jeru the Damaja, Big Shug and Group Home.
"How to Rob" is a song by American hip hop recording artists 50 Cent and Deric "D-Dot" Angelettie, released in August 1999 as the former's commercial debut single by Columbia Records. The song was intended as the lead single from the 50 Cent's debut studio album Power of the Dollar, which was ultimately shelved by the label due to 50 Cent being dropped from the label following a shooting where he was shot nine times. Following this, it was instead released in promotion for the soundtrack to the 1999 film In Too Deep. The latter performer, credited as "the Madd Rapper," included the song as the final track on his debut album, Tell Em Why You Madd (2000). Furthermore, the song was also included on 50 Cent's 2017 greatest hits album, Best Of. The song was produced by affiliates and then-labelmates of both performers, Trackmasters.
Wu-Chronicles is a compilation album by American hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan and their affiliates. It was released on March 23, 1999, via Wu-Tang/Priority Records and includes several previously released tracks performed, produced or featured by Wu-Tang artists. Its sequel, Wu-Chronicles Chapter II, was released in 2001.
We the Best is the second studio album by American disc jockey and record producer DJ Khaled. It was released on June 12, 2007, by Terror Squad Entertainment and Koch Records. Khaled, alongside fellow American rapper Fat Joe, had collectively handled as the executive producers on this album. The album was produced by The Runners, Drumma Boy, Cool & Dre, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Diaz Brothers, and Jim Jonsin; as well as this record features guest appearances from T-Pain, Akon, Rick Ross, Brisco, Flo Rida, Fat Joe, Cool & Dre, Juelz Santana, Jim Jones, Plies, Birdman, Lil’ Wayne, Trick Daddy, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Trina, Paul Wall, Bun B, T.I., and Young Jeezy, among others.
8 Diagrams is the fifth studio album by American hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, released December 11, 2007, on SRC/Universal Motown Records. The album was released three years after the death of Ol' Dirty Bastard, and six years after the group's previous LP Iron Flag.
Tales from the Crypt is the second full-length studio album by American rapper C-Bo. It was released on June 15, 1995, via AWOL Records. Production was handled by Mike Mosley, Sam Bostic, DJ Daryl, Rodney, D-Wiz and Troy-B, with Barbara Shannon serving as executive producer. It features guest appearances from Marvaless, Mississippi, Snap and Tuna Bug. The album debuted at number 99 on the Billboard 200 and number four on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in the United States. Along with a single, a music video was produced for the song "Birds in the Kitchen". West Coast Mafia Records, C-Bo's own label, reissued the album in 2002.
Platinum Game is the second studio album by American rapper CJ Mac. It was released on August 31, 1999 through Hoo-Bangin'/Priority Records. Production was handled by Young Trey, Mad, DJ Crazy Toones, Ant Banks, DJ Battlecat and Johnny "J", with Mack 10 serving as executive producer. It features guest appearances from WC, Big Pimpin' Delemond, Fat Joe, Finale, Soultre, Too Short, TQ, La' Reece and Barbara Wilson. The album peaked at number 77 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and at number 42 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums.
"The Worst" is a song by American hip hop groups Onyx and Wu-Tang Clan. It was released on December 23, 1997 by Tommy Boy as a single from Tommy Boy Records's Ride and as the first single from Onyx's third album, Shut 'Em Down.
Rhapsody is the second solo studio album by American rapper Mr. Mike. It was released on September 7, 1999 through Priority Records. Production was handled by DJ Battlecat, Dah Dah, Mike B., Gerardo Hernandez, Fredwreck, and Mr. Mike himself. It features guest appearances from Napp-1, Mack 10, Ras Kass and Jennifer Brumfield. The album peaked at number 172 on the Billboard 200 and number 36 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Its lead single, "Texas 2000", reached #93 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and #13 on the Hot Rap Songs.
Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, better known by his stage name RZA, is an American rapper, record producer, composer, actor, and filmmaker. He is the de facto leader of the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, having produced most albums for the group and its respective members. He is a cousin of two other original Wu-Tang Clan members: GZA and Ol' Dirty Bastard. He has also released solo albums under the alter-ego Bobby Digital, along with executive producing credits for side projects. After forming the Wu-Tang Clan, RZA was a founding member of the horrorcore group Gravediggaz, since 1992, where he went by the name The RZArector.
Tywone Smith, professionally known by his stage name Trigger tha Gambler, is an American East Coast rapper. He is the younger brother of Damon Smith aka Smoothe da Hustler, and first became known for his "aggressive hardcore flow" on his brother's 1995 hit single "Broken Language".
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... is the debut studio album by American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon, released on August 1, 1995, by Loud Records and RCA Records. The album was loosely composed to play like a film with Raekwon as the "star", fellow Wu-Tang member Ghostface Killah as the "guest-star", and producer RZA as the "director". It features appearances from every member of the Wu-Tang Clan. The album also features debut appearances from affiliates Cappadonna and Blue Raspberry, and an acclaimed guest appearance from rapper Nas, which marked the first collaboration with a non-affiliated artist on a Wu-Tang related album.
Bobby Digital in Stereo is the debut studio album by American rapper and producer RZA. It was released on November 24, 1998, and was certified Gold on February 5, 1999, by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It is an experimental album that is based on a story featuring him rhyming as a hedonistic, fun-loving alter-ego named Bobby Digital and showcasing a unique keyboard-driven sound that RZA called digital orchestra, receiving mostly positive, though somewhat mixed, reviews.
Wu-Tang Forever is the second studio album by the American hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, released June 3, 1997, by Loud and RCA Records in the United States. Pressed as a double album, it was released after a long run of successful solo projects from various members of the group, and serves as the follow-up to their debut album Enter the Wu-Tang . Forever features several guest appearances from Wu-Tang affiliates Cappadonna, Streetlife, 4th Disciple, True Master, and Tekitha. The original run of compact discs featured an enhanced CD which allowed users to walk around the "Wu Mansion" and access additional content.
Golden Arms Redemption is the debut solo studio album by American rapper U-God. It was released on October 19, 1999, via Wu-Tang/Priority Records.
