Wu-Tang: An American Saga | |
---|---|
Genre | Biographical drama |
Created by | |
Starring |
|
Composer | The RZA |
Country of origin | United States |
Original language | English |
No. of seasons | 3 |
No. of episodes | 30 (list of episodes) |
Production | |
Executive producers |
|
Producers |
|
Cinematography |
|
Editors |
|
Running time | 42–59 minutes |
Production companies |
|
Original release | |
Network | Hulu |
Release | September 4, 2019 – April 5, 2023 |
Wu-Tang: An American Saga is an American biographical drama television series created by RZA and Alex Tse which premiered on September 4, 2019, on Hulu. [1] The show portrays a fictionalized account of the formation of the Wu-Tang Clan. In January 2020, the series was renewed for a second season which premiered on September 8, 2021. [2] [3] In November 2021, the series was renewed for a third and final season which premiered on February 15, 2023. [4]
Wu-Tang: An American Saga is set in New York City during the height of the crack epidemic in the United States in the early 1990s. It follows the Wu-Tang Clan's formation, a vision of Bobby Diggs aka The RZA (Sanders), and its rise amid the dangers and excesses that came with the epidemic. [5] Seeking his own way out, Diggs turns to rap in order to carve a path to fame going against his older brother Divine (Martinez), who favored the drug trade as the means to giving their family a better life. [6] The story depicts how it all came together for the clan as Diggs unites a dozen young men who are torn between music and crime. [7] The group battles against the forces that hold them down and these include their own occasional impulse to give up the fight. [8]
Season | Episodes | Originally released | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
First released | Last released | |||
1 | 10 | September 4, 2019 | October 23, 2019 | |
2 | 10 | September 8, 2021 | October 27, 2021 | |
3 | 10 | February 15, 2023 | April 5, 2023 |
No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | "Can It Be All So Simple" | Chris Robinson | The RZA & Alex Tse | September 4, 2019 | |
Staten Island, New York. Red Top. Blue Top. The birth of Wu-Tang starts with a bang. After a drive-by on Dennis Coles, he seeks revenge. His close friend, Bobby Diggs, has his eyes set on an SP-1200 drum machine. | ||||||
2 | 2 | "Winter Warz" | Norberto Barba | The RZA & Alex Tse | September 4, 2019 | |
With Divine navigating politics in prison, Dennis and Bobby step up to handle his distribution responsibilities. They scrounge up enough cash to buy a kilo of crack-cocaine from one of Divine's associates, Haze. | ||||||
3 | 3 | "All In Together Now" | Darren Grant | The RZA & Alex Tse | September 4, 2019 | |
The death of a friend shakes Staten Island to its core. While Dennis mourns, Bobby, Gary, and Ason reminisce. Prison becomes more complicated for Divine. Haze and Cressy plan to reunite Staten Island by hosting a rap battle. | ||||||
4 | 4 | "All That I Got Is You" | Tara Nicole Weyr | Rodney Barnes | September 11, 2019 | |
Bobby and Dennis find a new hustle to make some cream - taking a slice of Wall Street for themselves. Later, they make music with Shotgun and Ason, drawing influence from witty and unpredictable sources. | ||||||
5 | 5 | "Cold World" | Jet Wilkinson | Ryan O'Nan | September 18, 2019 | |
Divine returns home from prison but nothing feels the same - especially with Bobby in "charge" of the house. When Bobby cuts a track with a Shotgun, the rift between Park Hill and Stapleton grows. Infuriated, Dennis drops a track of his own. | ||||||
6 | 6 | "Impossible" | Craig Zisk | Zina Camblin | September 25, 2019 | |
With debts to pay, Bobby continues his pick-ups – meeting up with friend and fellow rapper, Rebel. But short on cash and desperate, Bobby and Dennis try a new angle only to find themselves in a worse situation. | ||||||
7 | 7 | "Box in Hand" | Malcolm D. Lee | Chelsey Lora | October 2, 2019 | |
Shotgun's troubled past is illuminated. With the rest of the Diggs' family moving out, Bobby and Divine must continue to hold it down. Before leaving, Jerome passes along some heartfelt advice to Divine. | ||||||
8 | 8 | "Labels" | Tara Nicole Weyr | Gabe Fonseca | October 9, 2019 | |
Bobby embarks on his first tour with Gary and Ason and learns some harsh truths of the music business. Music might be the road to freedom but it's paved with plenty of set-backs. Industry Rule #4,080... | ||||||
9 | 9 | "I Declare War" | Craig Zisk | Zak Schwartz | October 16, 2019 | |
With Attila's release from prison looming over Bobby, he must act. Dennis reevaluates his ways, drawing inspiration from ancient teachings. Shurrie realizes that there are parts of Staten Island she can't leave behind. | ||||||
10 | 10 | "Assassination Day" | Colin Bucksey | Emily Shesh | October 23, 2019 | |
As a mysterious tape makes the rounds of NYC, Bobby and Dennis try to figure out how to handle Attila. Sha's savvy pays off and Shurrie evaluates her options. The seeds of Wu Tang begin to sprout. |
No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11 | 1 | "Little Ghetto Boys" | Mario Van Peebles | The RZA & Alex Tse | September 8, 2021 | |
Bobby and Dennis have joined the Diggs family in Ohio, with Bobby seemingly having abandoned his ambitions around music and Dennis and Shurrie expecting their first child. However, things heat up when Bobby is cornered by his girlfriend's ex. Bobby defends himself and is urged by his mother to turn himself in and tell his truth. RZA then leaves the group | ||||||
12 | 2 | "Brooklyn Zoo" | Craig Zisk | Emily Shesh | September 8, 2021 | |
Bobby goes all in on music while the rest of the Clan struggles with life in the projects. | ||||||
13 | 3 | "Hollow Bones" | Matthew Ross | Ryan O'Nan | September 8, 2021 | |
The Clan becomes disillusioned with their paths as Bobby prepares to steer them in a new direction. | ||||||
14 | 4 | "Pioneer the Frontier" | Craig Zisk | Zina Camblin | September 15, 2021 | |
Bobby assembles Dennis, Divine, Sha, and Power on the Staten Island ferry, asking them to squash their beef and come together as Wu-Tang Clan. | ||||||
15 | 5 | "Visionz" | Dinh Thai | Zak Schwartz | September 22, 2021 | |
The group works together to build out their recording studio, while simultaneously finding their harmony as collaborators. Divine utilizes his business acumen to guide Wu-Tang's branding and entity formation. Dennis prepares for Shurrie and Infinite to arrive in New York. | ||||||
16 | 6 | "Protect Ya Neck" | Mario Van Peebles | Lakshmi Sundaram | September 29, 2021 | |
The Clan digs deep to make the perfect record to take the industry by storm. | ||||||
17 | 7 | "Airwaves" | Nijla Mu'min | Gabe Fonseca | October 6, 2021 | |
With Protect Ya Neck in hand, the Clan hustles to get it on airwaves and in stores by any means necessary. | ||||||
18 | 8 | "Saturday Nite" | Rachel Raimist | Earl Davis | October 13, 2021 | |
The pressure is on when the Clan tells label executives to come see them perform at a legendary hip hop club on a night they aren't booked. | ||||||
19 | 9 | "C.R.E.A.M" | Dinh Thai | Solange Morales | October 20, 2021 | |
RZA is torn between long money and quick cash as the Clan struggles with financial issues. | ||||||
20 | 10 | "As High as Wu-Tang Gets" | Mario Van Peebles | Michael C. Martin | October 27, 2021 | |
The Clan makes big moves for Wu domination. |
No. overall | No. in season | Title [12] | Directed by | Written by [13] | Original release date [14] | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
21 | 1 | "I Can't Go to Sleep" | Mario Van Peebles | Alex Tse | February 15, 2023 | |
Following six months in the wake of the season two finale, we find RZA and the Wu-Tang Clan have moved out of Staten Island to a mansion in the woods of New Jersey. Despite the massive success of their recently released album, they've only just begun. | ||||||
22 | 2 | "All I Need" | Nefertite Nguvu | Emily Shesh | February 15, 2023 | |
As an album deadline nears, RZA must reconcile with his cousin Dirty by any means necessary. Dirty, however, takes refuge at Shurrie's apartment. The friendship between Ghostface and Raekwon strengthens as they discuss a potential collaboration. | ||||||
23 | 3 | "Dirty Dancin'" | Mario Van Peebles | Michael C. Martin | February 15, 2023 | |
In our first allegorical movie of the season, we see Dirty take on the persona of "Dirt McGirt" in the theme of a 1970s blaxploitation film, as he finds inspiration for his first solo album, Return to the 36 Chambers. | ||||||
24 | 4 | "Daytona 500" | Matthew Ross | Zak Schwartz | February 22, 2023 | |
The Wu-Tang Clan goes on a tour of the East Coast as we follow what happens between the shows on the tour bus. The guys quickly discover that living on a bus together might not be all fun, as they're forced to deal with their problems face-to-face. | ||||||
25 | 5 | "A Better Tomorrow" | Nefertite Nguvu | Zina Camblin | March 1, 2023 | |
Following the completion of the tour, we see the paths of a few lesser known Wu-Tang members as they search for their individual voices amongst the crowd. | ||||||
26 | 6 | "Criminology" | Matthew Ross | Gabe Fonseca | March 8, 2023 | |
In our second allegorical movie of the season, we examine Raekwon's inspiration behind his first solo album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... through the lens of 90s gangster cinema. | ||||||
27 | 7 | "Shadowboxin'" | Janice Cooke | Isabella Escalante | March 15, 2023 | |
In order to secure a deal for their new label, Divine must deliver on the promises he made to music executive Tommy Mottola. But upon returning to the Wu mansion, he learns that signing members and getting Dirty to feature on a song is easier said than done. | ||||||
28 | 8 | "Liquid Swords" | The RZA | The RZA | March 22, 2023 | |
For the third allegorical movie of the season, we follow GZA, who takes on the persona of "The Genius" as he journeys through an alternate reality New York City to unite the people using the music from his debut solo album, Liquid Swords. | ||||||
29 | 9 | "After the Smoke Is Clear" | Eif Rivera | Gabe Fonseca & Zak Schwartz | March 29, 2023 | |
In the penultimate episode of the series, Ghostface reflects on the sacrifices of his past while dealing with the bittersweet outcome of his artistic success. Meanwhile, RZA ventures to take a different approach for the Clan's next album. | ||||||
30 | 10 | "Triumph" | The RZA | Alex Tse | April 5, 2023 | |
RZA pushes his musicianship to new heights as he creates Wu-Tang Forever with a studio orchestra, but the recording process strains the Clan. As tensions boil over during their biggest tour yet, RZA is concerned about Wu-Tang's future and legacy. |
On October 11, 2018, it was announced that Hulu had given the production a series order consisting of ten episodes. The series was created by RZA and Alex Tse, both of whom were expected to write for the series and executive produce alongside Brian Grazer, Merrin Dungey, and Method Man. Consulting producers were set to consist of Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa, and GZA as well as the estate of Ol' Dirty Bastard. Production companies were slated to include Imagine Television. [7] [15] [16] On January 17, 2020, the series was renewed for a second season which premiered on September 8, 2021, with a three-episode release. [2] [3] On November 4, 2021, Hulu renewed the series for a third and final season. [17] On December 14, 2022, it was announced that the third and final season will premiere on February 15, 2023. [4]
Principal photography for the series commenced in February 2019 in New York City, New York. [18] Filming took place on locations in East Orange, Elmwood Park, Kearny, Newark, Paterson, Plainfield, and Secaucus in New Jersey. [19]
Wu Tang: An American Saga was released internationally on Disney + Star in selected territories.
According to Parrot Analytics, which looks at consumer engagement in consumer research, streaming, downloads, and on social media, Wu-Tang: An American Saga was the 10th most in-demand United States streaming series, during the week of September 11, 2021 to September 17, 2021. [20]
On Rotten Tomatoes, the first season holds an approval rating of 74% based on 19 reviews, with an average rating of 7.10/10. The site's critical consensus reads: "While not quite as impressive as its legendary subject matter, An American Saga is a beautifully rendered and raw exploration of the Wu-Tang journey." [21] On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 58 out of 100 based on reviews from 4 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews". [22]
Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music | RZA | Nominated | [23] |
Golden Reel Awards | Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing – Episodic Short Form – Music | Shie Rozow | Won | [24] | |
Online Film & Television Association | Best New Theme Song in a Series | Wu-Tang: An American Saga | Nominated | [25] | |
Black Reel Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actor, Drama Series | Ashton Sanders | Nominated | [26] | |
Outstanding Drama Series | Wu-Tang: An American Saga | Nominated | |||
2022 | Golden Reel Awards | Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing – Series 1 Hour – Music | Sebastian Zuleta | Won | [27] |
Golden Trailer Awards | Best Music for a TV/Streaming Series | Wu-Tang: An American Saga | Won | [28] |
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.
Enter the Wu-Tang is the debut studio album by the American hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, released on November 9, 1993, by Loud Records and RCA Records. The recording sessions took place during late 1992 to early 1993 at Firehouse Studio in New York City, and the album was produced by the group's de facto leader RZA. Its title originates from the martial arts films Enter the Dragon (1973) and The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978).
Jason Richard Hunter, better known by his stage name Inspectah Deck, is an American rapper and hip hop producer. He is a member of the groups Wu-Tang Clan and Czarface.
The Swarm is a 1998 compilation album by the Wu-Tang Killa Bees. All of the rappers on the album are either affiliated with or direct members of the Wu-Tang Clan. The album was largely produced by RZA.
Derrick Harris, better known by his stage name True Master, is an American hip-hop record producer and rapper, known for his affiliation with the Wu-Tang Clan.
"Protect Ya Neck" is the debut single by American hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, originally released on December 14, 1992, through Wu-Tang Records and later re-released May 3, 1993 through Loud Records. The song appears on the group's debut studio album Enter the Wu-Tang . It was produced by RZA and features eight of the original nine Wu-Tang members.
"C.R.E.A.M." is a song by the American hardcore hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, released on January 31, 1994 by Loud Records, as the second single from their debut studio album Enter the Wu-Tang (1993). The song was produced by the group's de facto leader RZA, and contains a sample of the Charmels' 1967 song "As Long As I've Got You" throughout. It features two verses from members Raekwon and Inspectah Deck, who discuss their upbringings while living in New York City, and Method Man, who sings its hook. Its music video, featuring all Wu-Tang Clan members in New York City, was released in 1994.
Alex Tse is an American screenwriter and television show creator active since 2004. He was one of the creators and executive producers of the 2019 TV series Wu-Tang: An American Saga. Prior to that, Tse wrote the 2004 gangster film Sucker Free City, co-wrote the 2009 superhero film Watchmen, and wrote the 2018 film Superfly.
Oliver "Power" Grant is an American entrepreneur, producer, streetwear clothing mogul and actor. As a close associate of the hip-hop group, Wu-Tang Clan, Grant executive produced all of the Wu-Tang Clan albums. He is the original founder and CEO of the Wu Wear clothing line and stores.
The Wu-Tang Clan is a New York City–based hip-hop musical group, consisting of ten American rappers: RZA, GZA, Raekwon, U-God, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Method Man, Masta Killa, Cappadonna, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. This list chronologically displays the albums of each group member including collaboration and side group albums. This list does not include compilation albums, mixtapes, or extended plays.
Shameik Alti Moore is an American actor and musician. He made his lead acting debut in Dope (2015), and is best known for voicing Miles Morales / Spider-Man in the animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) and its sequel Across the Spider-Verse (2023), and for portraying Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon in the Hulu series Wu-Tang: An American Saga.
Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, better known by his stage name RZA or The 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.
Once Upon a Time in Shaolin is the seventh studio album by the American hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan. Only one copy was created, with no ability to download or stream it. The only copy was purchased directly from the group in 2015 for $2 million, making it the most expensive work of music ever sold.
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.
Ramy is an American comedy-drama television series that premiered on April 19, 2019, on Hulu. In May 2019, Hulu renewed the series for a second season, which premiered on May 29, 2020. The series stars Ramy Youssef as the titular character. In July 2020, Hulu renewed the series for a third season, which premiered on September 30, 2022.
"Wu Tang Forever" is a song by American rapper Logic, featured as the sixth track on his 2018 album YSIV. The song is a homage to the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan and features all living members of the group: Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, RZA, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, Cappadonna, U-God, Masta Killa and GZA, as well as Wu-Tang Clan affiliate Jackpot Scotty Wotty; deceased member Ol' Dirty Bastard received a writing credit. The song shares the same title as the group's second studio album.
Dollface is an American comedy television series created by Jordan Weiss that premiered on November 15, 2019, on Hulu. It stars Kat Dennings, Brenda Song, Shay Mitchell, and Esther Povitsky. In January 2020, Hulu renewed the series for a second season, which was released on February 11, 2022. The series was canceled in May 2022.
"Hi" is a song by Scottish alternative rock band Texas featuring American hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, released as the lead single from their tenth studio album of the same name (2021). The track was written by Eddie Campbell, Robert Hodgens, Sharleen Spiteri, Johnny McElhone, Jack McElhone, Robert Diggs, and Dennis Cole and was produced by John McElhone and Angelica Bjornsson. The single was released in December 2020 through BMG.
Sophia Chang is a Canadian-Korean music director, producer, manager, TV producer and author. Widely recognized as the first Asian woman in hip hop, Chang managed A Tribe Called Quest, Raphael Saadiq, Q-Tip, and members of Wu-Tang Clan such as RZA, GZA, and Ol' Dirty Bastard. Chang produced Project Runway All Stars. Her memoir, The Baddest Bitch in the Room, won the Wavy 2021 Best Book Award. A graduate of the University of British Columbia, Chang has two children with her ex-partner Shi Yan Ming. As of 2023, Chang is developing numerous projects, including a scripted series based on her memoir.