Wu-Tang Clan affiliates
This is a list of musical groups and producers that are affiliated with and receive support from the hip-hop group
Wu-Tang Clan.
Mitchell Serbes,
Gary Hertzan and
Mariel Maffetone of Performance Records, the independent label which managed, produced and released their debut album. The trio has also worked closely with members of
Lil' Kim's Bee-Hive as well as epic group Who-dini.
4th Disciple
Producer from
Steubenville,
Ohio, who was one of the founding members of
Killarmy and one of the most well-known Wu-Tang producers. After being the resident turntablist on the Wu-Tang Clan's debut album
Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers, 4th co-produced several tracks with
The RZA on the first three Wu solo albums, including Wu-Gambinos, Guillotine (Swordz), and Damage. He then produced what was at the time only the second Wu-Tang track ever to lack a RZA production credit, when the
Killah Priest solo track "B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth)" was included on
GZA's
Liquid Swords. This led to five 4th Disciple productions appearing on the double album
Wu-Tang Forever. After producing 15 of the 17 tracks on Killarmy's debut album,
Silent Weapons For Quiet Wars, and featuring heavily on the debut albums of
Killah Priest (
Heavy Mental) and
Sunz of Man (
The Last Shall be First), 4th's beats continued to appear on the solo work of the Clan members, including Inspectah Deck and Method Man. However, more recently, 4th has been concentrating his production on Killarmy, Sunz of Man, and their immediate affiliates rather than the Clan itself. He released the solo album
Steel Valley Project in 1999 and was featured on
Freedom of Speech with Hell Razah in 2004, both with limited distribution. Born Selwyn Bougard, also known as Allah Devine.
Appears On: "B.I.B.L.E.", GZA,
Liquid Swords (1995); "The City", "A Better Tomorrow", "Scary Hours/Cash Still Rules", "Older Gods", "Impossible", Wu-Tang Clan,
Wu-Tang Forever (1997); Killarmy,
Silent Weapons For Silent Wars (1997); "Dangerous Mindz", "The Night The Earth Cried",
Gravediggaz,
The Pick, The Sickle & The Shovel (1998); Killah Priest,
Heavy Mental (1998); "Nasty Immigrants",
Raekwon &
12 O'Clock,
Nutty Professor soundtrack (1998); "Cold", "Illusions", "The Plan", "Not Promised Tomorrow", Sunz Of Man,
The Last Shall Be First (1998); "Shaolin What",
Method Man,
Tical 2000: Judgement Day (1998); "Check For A Nigga",
Cappadonna,
The Pillage (1998); "Fifth Disciple", "Love", "Element Of Surprise", "As The World Turnz",
La The Darkman,
Heist Of The Century (1998); Killarmy,
Dirty Weaponry (1999); "9th Chamber", "Grand Prix",
Inspectah Deck,
Uncontrolled Substance (1999); Killarmy,
Fear, Love, & War (2001); "Dancing With Wolves", Killarmy,
Wu-Tang Killa Beez: The Sting compilation (2002); "Generation Next", "Burn Bridges",
9th Prince,
Grandaddy Flow (2003). Also produced Sunz Of Man - "Soldiers Of Darkness" & "Wicked Ways",
Cappadonna - "If It's Alright With You".
Arabian Knight
Producer who played a big role in the creation of GZA's latest two solo albums. Born Sulayman Ansari, also known as Q-Base.
Appears On: "High Explosives", Killah Priest,
Heavy Mental (1997); "Breaker Breaker", "Stringplay", "Hip Hop Fury", "Victim", "Mic Trippin", GZA,
Beneath The Surface (1999); "Musical Chairs", "Our Time",
Royal Fam,
Yesterday, Today Iz Tomorrow (1997); "Stay In Line", "Sparring Minds", "Fame", "Highway Robbery", GZA,
Legend Of The Liquid Sword (2002)
Bronze Nazareth
A relatively new addition to the Wu-Elements staff, this highly regarded producer and MC met
Cilvaringz on the internet, who was impressed by his work and added him to his own production team/label Ringz & Partners, Inc with whom Bronze dropped the internet-only release
The Unknown - Death's Birth: The Grip Of Behemoths in 2002. Bronze eventually was asked by RZA to join the Wu's in-house team. Bronze produced most of the
2005 compilation
Wu-Tang Meets The Indie Culture, released on
Dreddy Kruger's
Think Differently Music label, and is scheduled to release his debut
The Great Migration on Think Differently on
May 23 2006. Born in
Michigan.
Appears On:
Cilvaringz, "In The Ending...",
All Star Collection Box: 10 Year Anniversary (2002); RZA, "A Day To God Is 1000 Years", "The Birth",
Birth Of A Prince (2003);
Afu-Ra, "Living Like That",
State Of The Arts (2005); "Introduction", "Lyrical Swords", "Slow Blues", "Think Differently", "ODB Tribute", "Fragments", "Street Corners", "Listen", "Black Dawn",
Wu-Tang Meets The Indie Culture compilation (2005).
John The Baptist
Producer who also manages his own company Deadly Venoms Productions. Born John Hitchman Jr.
Appears On: "The Professional", Killah Priest,
Heavy Mental (1997); "Crash Your Crew", GZA,
Beneath The Surface (1999); "Knockin At Your Door",
U-God,
Golden Arms Redemption (1999); "Doe Rae Wu",
Ol' Dirty Bastard &
RZA,
Wu-Tang Killa Beez: The Sting compilation (2002); "Medina 718", "Mic Ammo",
Royal Fam,
Yesterday, Today, Iz Tomorrow (2000); "People Change", "Bankstaz",
Sunz Of Man,
Saviorz Day (2002).
Mathematics
See main article:
MathematicsTrue Master
Acclaimed Wu-Elements producer, and very occasional rapper. After starting as an associate of
Guru of
Gang Starr (he made a rare rapping appearance on Guru's
Jazzmatazz, Vol. 2 project and his only released solo track ever, "Who's The Truest" appeared on a Guru sampler CD), True Master joined up with the Wu-Tang and was mentored by RZA before gradually increasing his profile with standout tracks on Wu-Tang albums ("Brooklyn Zoo", "Heaterz", "Fish") and was to become extremely prolific and a crucial member of the Wu-Tang crew during its busy 1997-2000 period. Along with
Mathematics is known for his distinctly traditional Wu-Tang sound (in contrast to RZA's constant experimentation). Now owns his own production company called Persia Legacy. Born Derek Harris, derives his rap
nom de plume from the
martial arts movie of the same name.
Appears On (* = also raps): "Looking Through Darkness", "Medicine" *, Guru,
Jazzmatazz Volume II: The New Reality (1995); "Who's The Truest" * (solo track), ""Hi Energy" (by Fabidden),
Guru Presents Illkid Records compilation (1995); "Brooklyn Zoo", Ol' Dirty Bastard,
Return To The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version (1995); "Fish", Ghostface Killah,
Ironman (1996); "It's In The Game", Method Man &
Ricky Watters,
NFL Jams compilation (1996); "The M.G.M.", "Heaterz", Wu-Tang Clan,
Wu-Tang Forever (1997); "Da Bomb", "Pit Of Snakes", "Hidden Emotions" *, Gravediggaz,
The Pick, The Sickle & The Shovel (1997); "One Step", "Cross My Heart", "If You Don't Know", Killah Priest,
Heavy Mental (1997); "Slang Editorial", "Supa Ninjaz", "Splish Splash", "Milk The Cow", "South Of The Border", "Dart Throwing", Cappadonna,
The Pillage (1997); "Tragedy", RZA,
Rhyme & Reason soundtrack (1997); "What You In Fo", Wu-Tang Clan,
Oz soundtrack (1997); "Collaboration '98" *, "Flaming Swords", "Intellectuals", "Next Up", "The Grandz", Sunz Of Man,
The Last Shall Be First (1998), "Dangerous Grounds", "Grid Iron Rap", "Killin' Fields", "Party Crasher", "Sweet Love", "Torture", Method Man,
Tical 2000: Judgement Day (1998); "Longevity", "Lovin' You", "R.E.C. Room", Inspectah Deck,
Uncontrolled Substance (1999); "Nightshift", Inspectah Deck,
Uncontrolled Substance outtake (1999), "All In Together Now", Ol' Dirty Bastard,
Nigga Please (1999); "Dat's Gangsta", "Rumble", "Turbulence",
U-God,
Golden Arms Redemption (1999); "Big Acts Little Acts",
Afu-Ra,
Body of the Life Force (2000); "The Abduction", Wu-Tang Clan,
Tony Touch - The Piece Maker compilation (2000); "La Rhumba", RZA,
Digital Bullet (2001); "Super Model", Cappadonna,
The Yin & The Yang (2001); "Burn Baby Burn", "Man Only Fears", "Nightmare In A Minor", Gravediggaz,
Nightmare In A Minor (2001); "Dangerous Language", Afu-Ra,
Life Force Radio (2002); "Y'all Been Warned", Wu-Tang Clan,
Iron Flag (2001); "Biscuits", Ghostface Killah,
The Pretty Toney Album (2004); "Secret Rivals", "Queen", "Silverbacks", Masta Killa,
No Said Date (2004).
A.I.G. (Allah Is God)
This group debuted on the
Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm compilation with the track "Bronx War Stories" and is composed of Allah Wise and Darkim Be Allah. An album titled "Retaliation Strike" was completed, but remains in the vaults. The non-release of this album caused the group to leave the Wu-Tang stable and pursue an independent route, though they remain on good terms. They finally released their debut
Fame Labs Presents in 2005.
American Cream Team
A group once mentored by Raekwon and believed to consist of Chip Banks (d. 2000), Polite, Kingpin, Baby Thad, Triflyn, Nino, Superb, and Rhyme Recca as well as possibly Raekwon himself (it is unknown whether or not he considered himself a member of the group). Raekwon featured American Cream Team on two songs on his second album
Immobilarity and much of that album was produced by the group's inhouse producer Triflyn. The group also made several appearances on mixtapes and compilations, including a track titled "It's Not A Game" on the soundtrack to the film
Black & White which was played over the film's credits, and a track on
Funkmaster Flex's
Sixty Minutes Of Funk Volume III mixtape. Members of the group also made appearances on albums by Rae's fellow Clansmen Ghostface Killah and Method Man. However, after the loss of member Chip Banks in a 2000 shooting, the group split up. On Raekwon's next album
The Lex Diamond Story he assembled a new group of young proteges named
Ice Water which also included Polite. Like many Wu affiliates, American Cream Team completed an album but it has never been released (the album was even advertised in the liner notes of other Wu-Tang releases).
Ancient Coins
Group which consists of
Armel, D-Micah, Marcel, Spanky Splash, Devil Destroya and Holy Smokes. Released the
Who Got Change? EP on the MP3.com website in 2000.
The Beggaz
Officially called The Beggas.Group who debuted on
The Swarm compilation with the song "On the Strength" and which has consisted of, at various times, Buddha Hava, Father Lord, Magic Sword, Ohh Ahh Swordsman,Samo Heung, Scorpion, Bolo Gah, Long Fist, Dragon Fly, Long Axe and Short Axe. However, after Father Lord died, the group split. They have since all released various solo and group projects independently. Project and groups such as Bolos Kitchen "Blood Sweat and Years" album, Black Lotus "Lotus Notes" Drangon Fly "9000 Miles" Begga Ohh "Renewed History" http://hiddenaspects.com/ http://Boloskitchen.net/ http://ohhwebpages.com/
Black Knights
One of the many Wu-affiliates to debut on the Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm compilation, this Californian group was originally associated with the group
North Star (also from California) with whom they recorded as Black Knights Of The North Star. However, the groups have since separated. The group originally consisted of Crisis, Doc Doom, Monk and Holocaust, however Holocaust has since left the group to concentrate on his solo recordings (he has also changed his name to Warcloud). In 2004, the Black Knights released their debut album
Every Night Is A Black Knight with limited distribution, and also reunited with North Star for the closing song (titled "Black Knights Of The North Star") on North Star's debut album. In 2005, they re-released their debut to worldwide distribution through CHAMBERMUSIK.Com. Member Doc Doom is currently serving a prison sentence.
Black Market Militia
A group comprised of Killah Priest, Timbo King formerly of Royal Fam, Hell Razah of Sunz Of Man and non Wu-Tang artists Tragedy Khadafi and William Cooper. They released their debut
self titled album in 2005, through Nature Sounds Records. Before doing so they released two underground mixtapes, The Black Market Vol. 1, and Vol. 2: Dead Street Scrolls.
Brooklyn Zu
A group comprised of Ol' Dirty Bastard and his close associates 12 O'Clock, Shorty Shitstain, Murdock, Zu Keeper, Buddha Monk. Appeared on ODB's first two solo albums. The album was cancelled after ODB's death.
Deadly Venoms
An all-female group originally consisting of N-Tyce, J-Boo, Champ MC and Finesse (formerly of Finesse & Synquis). Lin Que/Isis (formerly affiliated with
X-Clan) also performed and recorded with the group as a fifth member at one point. A legal dispute with
A&M Records forced their debut album
Antidote to remain in the vaults, though the single "One More To Go"/"Bomb Threat", featuring the Wu-Tang Clan, was released and the album was later leaked. The scenario was repeated when their second album
Pretty Thugs was never released due to similar label disputes, this time with
Dreamworks. However, as with
Antidote, copies of the record were leaked. Still with Wu-Tang Management, the group, reduced to three with the departure of Finesse for undisclosed business reasons, finally managed to release an album with 2002's
Still Standing on Rocks The World Records.
GP Wu
Staten Island group consisting of Down Low Recka, Rubbabandz, June Luva and Ghostface Killah's cousin Pop Da Brown Hornet (real name Arby Tyrone Quinn). Released their debut album
Don't Go Against The Grain on
MCA Records during the heyday of the Wu-Tang brand in 1998. GP stands for Gladiator Posse. Pop Da Brown Hornet released his debut solo album
The Undaground Emperor on 2000, also on MCA.
Gravediggaz
See main article : GravediggazHarlem 6
Group consisting of A.G.R. (Almighty God Rule), Black Jesus, Big Deal/Righteous Born, Will Power, and Yung Man. Group producer Big Deal/Righteous Born has produced tracks for many established names including
Havoc,
Sade,
Onyx,
Black Rob,
Ice-T,
Guru of
GangStarr.
Hillside Scramblers
Group headed up by U-God during his short period of exile from the Wu-Tang Clan. Also includes King Just, Leathafase, Inf-Black, Kawz, Autumn Rue, Black Ice, & Desert Eagle. Released their debut album,
U-Godzilla Presents The Hillside Scramblers, in 2004. The group has since split from affiliation with U-God and are currently involved in a feud with him.
The Housegang
Under the direction of Wu-Tang Clansman Inspectah Deck this supergroup of underground Wu-Tang affiliates released a mixtape in 2004 entitled "Undadogz". The group is a loose collective primarily headlined by Carlton Fisk, Fes Taylor, Donnie Cash, and La Banga (Y. Million R.I.P.)
Ice Water Inc.
Group consisting of Raekwon, Cigar, Polite, Stumik and PC. They featured on Raekwon's third album
The Lex Diamond Story.
KGB (Klik Ga Blow)
Now defunct group consisting of Asiatic (aka Adriatic), DJ Kin (aka Kinny Kin), Ill Knob (aka Knowledge), and Raheem (aka Red). Were close associates of Deadly Venoms.
Killarmy
See full article: KillarmyMaccabeez
Killah Priest's group who were introduced and featured heavily on his sophomore album
View From Masada. Originally comprising of Killah Priest, Daddy Rose and Salahudin, the two latter have recently been replaced with Timbo King and Hell Razah. Hot Flamez is also a close affiliate of the group.
The Manchuz
Affiliated with ODB, Buddha Monk, and the Brooklyn Zu clique.
Northstar
Group consisting of Christ Bearer and Meko The Pharoah. Used to record with fellow Californian group Black Knights as Black Knights Of The North Star, and indeed the two groups were initially signed as such to Wu-Tang Records. The groups have since split into two separate units, and Northstar released their debut album in 2003, titled
Bobby Digital Presents Northstar, which also featured a reunion with Black Knights on the closing song "Black Knights Of The North Star". Their second album
West Coast Killa Beez was released in 2005.
Royal Fam
A group with a seemingly flexible roster, centered around the omnipresent three of Timbo King, Dark Denim and Mikey Jarrett Jr. (of whom Timbo King is the defacto leader). Has included at various times Y-Kim The Ill Figure, Stoneface (now known as ShaRecka),
Dreddy Kruger (now Wu-Tang's A&R), Q-Base, Roc & Jahrule. Like so many Wu-Tang affiliates Royal Fam have recorded an album but never had it released; an album titled
Black Castle was so near release as to be given a catalogue number yet never saw the light of day beyond a few leaked tracks. Another Royal Fam album titled
Yesterday, Today, Iz Tomorrow was leaked in 2000 without the group's knowledge or permission.
Days, Months, Yearz was released but is very rare and hard to come across CD. It was announced that on
November 22,
2005, Royal Fam would finally release their debut Black Castle through Nature Sounds Records.
Ruthless Bastards
One of the affiliates introduced on the Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm compilation, this group is comprised of Apocalipps, Beno, Iron Mic, Sha Gotti, and Truck, with their production being handled mostly by The Blaquesmiths. Like so many Wu-Tang affiliates, completed an album that was scheduled to be released during the 1997-2000 period but which was continually held back by RZA. Eventually the group were so dissatisfied with this treatment that they cut their Wu-Tang business ties and went independent. However, they are believed to still be on relatively good terms with the Wu-Tang camp. They have since released various mixtapes and solo mixtapes.
Sunz Of Man
Group which currently consists of Prodigal Sunn, Hell Razah, 60 Second Assassin, Shabazz The Disciple and (it is assumed, officially) Killah Priest. Prior to becoming affiliated with Wu-Tang, Sunz were known as Da Last Future and included Shabazz The Disciple and 7th Ambassador but not 60 Second Assassin, and produced by Supreme. 7th Ambassador retired before the group's Wu-affiliated days really got started, and soon before the release of their debut album
The Last Shall Be First in 1998 both Killah Priest and Shabazz began to clash with Wu leader RZA, both eventually effectively cutting their Wu ties and leaving the group for solo careers. Supreme was kicked out of the group in late 2000, when it was discovered he had been heavily bootlegging the group's music, including leaking a whole album titled The First Testament. Killah Priest, who was absent from the recording of the group's second album proper
Saviorz Day in 2002, has began to rediscover his Wu-Tang ties and is expected to work with the group again soon, while Shabazz made his official return to Sunz Of Man in early 2003.
Discography
*
The Last Shall Be First (1998)
*
The First Testament aka
Elements (1999)
*
Saviorz Day (2002)
*
Freedom Of Speech (2004)
*
The Old Testament (2006)
Theodore Unit
Theodore Unit is an amalgamation of various existing Wu-Tang affiliates formed by
Ghostface Killah, teaming together Du-Lilz and Shawn Wiggs (formerly of Othorized F.A.M.), Solomon Childs,
Cappadonna, as well as Trife da God and Kryme Life (formerly of the trio
T.M.F.). The group first appeared on Ghostface's sophomore album
Supreme Clientele, and released their debut album
718 (from the Staten Island area code in which they all reside) in 2004 on Sure Shot Recordings. Solomon Childs left the group for unknown reasons in October 2005.
T.M.F.
Mentored by Ghostface Killah and signed to his Starks Enterprises label, this group consisted of Trife Da God, Tommy Whispers and Kryme Life. Kryme Life and Trife are now members of Ghostface's new group Theodore Unit, which has effectively superseded T.M.F.
Population Click
Alliance of artists inspired by the People Nation alliance of street gangs (Black P. Stones, Vice Lords, Mafia Clan etc.). It was formed in 1995 and consisted of Sunz of Man, Royal Fam, Coins, Black Rose Fam. It was later reorganized into United Kingdom family of artists.
Wu-Syndicate
Group from
Virginia consisting of Joe Mafia, Myalansky (named after
Meyer Lansky) and Napolean that was originally called Crime Syndicate, but changed their name to Wu-Syndicate when they signed to Wu-Tang Records and became Wu affiiated. After debuting on the
Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm compilation, their
debut album came out on both Wu-Tang Records" and their own label Slot Time Records. However, soon after the release of this album (which was moderately successful, like most Wu affiliate releases in the 1997-1999 period) there was a dispute of unknown origin between the group and Wu-Tang Records and the group have since changed their name to The Syndicate. However, they still have an active publishing deal with RZA. Joe Mafia released his debut album
This One in 2002 and founded his own label 58 Diamond West (which includes Black Jesus). Another Syndicate album is planned once Myalansky and Napolean are finished serving unrelated jail sentences, and Myalansky also plans to finish his solo album which he began work on before being incarcerated.
West Coast Killa Beez
This group is believed to consist of the Black Knights plus several of their proteges (Sandman, Gangsta Wiggles, G-Twin, P.C., the group Black Techs (consisting of P-Nut, Pimp Nasty, Sleep, Big Nut, and the crew's in house producer 6 Mil), and who were introduced on the Black Knights'
Every Knight Is A Black Knight LP.
Zu Ninjaz
Affiliated with ODB, Buddha Monk, K-Blunt, 5ft Hyper Sniper, Raw, Rambo, Popa Chief, Hook Ninja, Ninja Scroll, Shadeed, Black Lantern, Celo, & D.L. and the Brooklyn Zu clique. Released their debut
Now Justice in 2005.
12 O'Clock
Along with
4th Disciple and others, 12 O'Clock is one of the Wu affiliates whose connections to the group go back to before their fame, and he is in fact
Ol' Dirty Bastard's brother. He assisted behind the scenes in the making of the Clan's debut album and has made a few guest appearances on Wu-related albums since, including on the Clan's group album
Iron Flag in 2001. His duet with Raekwon, "Nasty Immigrants", was on the soundtrack to the film
Nutty Professor in 1998. Member of the
Brooklyn Zu clique and also makes up half the duo
2 On The Road with
Prodigal Sunn. Birth name D. Turner, also known as Billy Box.
Appears On: "Protect Ya Neck II: The Zoo", Ol' Dirty Bastard,
Return To The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version (1995); "Wu Blood-Kin", La The Darkman,
Heist Of The Century (1998); "Ghetto Syringe", Wu-Syndicate,
Wu-Syndicate (1999); "Chrome Wheels", Wu-Tang Clan,
Iron Flag (2001); "Rough Cut", GZA,
Legend Of The Liquid Sword (2003); "It's My Life" & "Manhunt", Prodigal Sunn
Return of the Prodigal Sunn (2005) and Bronze Nazareth's "The Great Migration"
9th Prince
One of the founding members of Killarmy, and brother of the RZA, who released his debut album
Granddaddy Flow in 2003. Currently incarcerated. Birth name Terrance Hamlin, also goes by the alias Madman & Iron Fingers.
Appears On: Killarmy,
Silent Weapons For Silent Wars (1997); Gravediggaz, "What's Goin' On?",
The Pick, The Sickle & The Shovel (1998); Killarmy,
Dirty Weaponry (1999); RZA, "Fuck What You Think",
Bobby Digital In Stereo (1999); Killarmy,
Fear, Love & War (2001).
Armel
Signed to GZA's small label Liquid Swords Entertainment, Armel is a member of
Ancient Coins. He made his first high-profile appearance on the track "Rough Cut" on GZA's album Legend Of The Liquid Sword in 2003. He has since formed a group named A&R with Sharecka of Royal Fam and released their first mixtape,
Non-Exclusive Vol. 1 in 2005.
Beretta 9
MC from Steubenville, Ohio who along with ShoGun Assason was one of two Ohio MCs brought into Killarmy by fellow Ohio native 4th Disciple. It has been announced that Beretta 9 will start recording his solo album. Featured on RZA's minor hit "La Rhumba".
Appears On: Killarmy,
Silent Weapons For Silent Wars (1997); Killarmy,
Dirty Weaponry (1999); Inspectah Deck, "9th Chamber",
Uncontrolled Substance (1999); RZA, "Project Talk",
Bobby Digital In Stereo (1999); Killarmy,
Fear, Love & War (2001); RZA, "La Rhumba",
Digital Bullet (2001); RZA, "Chi Kung", "Cherry Range",
Birth Of A Prince (2003).
Black Jesus
Member of
Harlem 6 who as well as being Wu-Tang affiliated is also affiliated with
GangStarr. Released his first solo album
TGSNT in 2005.
Buddha Monk
Member of ODB-affiliated Brooklyn Zu. Released his solo album,
Prophecy, in 1999.
As well as rapper/MC, Buddha Monk is also a producer. He is what the RZA is to the Wu-Tang Clan and Clan-members, to Brooklyn Zu, Zu Ninjaz, The Manchuz, and other Brooklyn Zu affiliated groups and artists. His appearances along with Lazer Life on Ratatat's Mixtape Volume 2 helped cement the R's lock on the purveyors of electro beats dominating the new NY sound.
Cappadonna
See main article:
CappadonnaCarlton Fisk
MC who named himself after the
famed baseball player. Made appearances on Method Man's "P.L.O. Style" and "Mr. Sandman" from
Tical, did a few radio freestyles with Clan members then remained silent for almost a decade until reappearing on Inspectah Deck's 2004 compilation album
Undadogz. It was widely speculated that he and
Streetlife were in fact the same person; this is not the case, and the two in fact collaborated on Streetlife's
Street Education album in 2005. It turned out that Fisk had not been able to record due to being incarcerated. He is now a member of Wu-Tang member Inspectah Deck's side project the Housegang.
Cilvaringz
This Moroccan-Dutch rapper initially made himself known to the group after jumping on stage during a Clan concert in Amsterdam and delivering a freestyle that impressed the group members. He was eventually invited backstage after the show by RZA, but in the end was refused admittance by venue security. Cilvaringz subsequently put a lot of effort into getting his demo tape heard by RZA, including making several trips to New York and waiting for hours in front of his office. Eventually, with help from RZA's sister Sophia Diggs, the tape finally was heard by RZA himself, who was impressed and signed him to his Wu-Tang International label. He has since made appearances on several Wu-Tang projects, including the RZA's own Birth Of A Prince and Digital Bullet LPs. His debut album, produced entirely by the Wu-Elements and featuring several Clan members, has been delayed numerous times, but is currently scheduled for release in early 2006. Birth name is Tarik Azzougarh, born in Dordrecht, Holland. Appears On: "Cousins", RZA, Digital Bullet (European version only) (2001); "You'll Never Know", "Chi Kung", RZA, Birth Of A Prince (2002)
Dom Pachino
Killarmy MC also known as P.R. (Puerto Rican) Terrorist (a name rarely used since the
September 11 attacks). Has released five solo albums;
Tera Iz Him,
Unreleased,
Domination,
The Arsenal and
4 Security Reasons. Following Killarmy he formed the group
Team Napalm who released
Napalm World and
The Invasion and have since disbanded from their original line-up. Dom Pachino has also organized two compilations involving Wu-affiliated artists entitled
Operation Warface and
The Grunge. He has also released a DVD titled
Life of a Performer and a
Best of Dom Pachino CD.
Dreddy Kruger
Affiliated at one time with both
United Kingdom and
Royal Fam but now virtually retired from rapping, concentrating his attention on being the A&R for most Wu-Tang members. Heavily involved with the Wu-Tang's business and promotion, while running his own label Think Differently Music. Think Differently released the compilation
Wu-Tang Meets The Indie Culture on
October 18,
2005, which featured Wu-Tang members and affiliates collaborating with well-known independent/underground hip hop artists. Dreddy Kruger has also blatantly stated his hatred of White people. In the song "Graveyard Chamber" with the Gravediggaz, Dreddy can be heard to say "...I hate fucking crackers...". His racism is also portrayed in a rarer track where he even goes as far as to dub himself the "White cracker slapper". Birth name James Dockery.
Free Murda
He's the cousin of
RZA and
GZA. He has come to represent the new generation of
Wu-Tang. He debuted in 1999 on
Popa Wu's
Visions of the 10th Chamber with his partner Shacronz as the Cuffie Crime Family or 'CCF Division', the two are also featured on the
Wu-Tang Killa Beez 2002 album
The Sting ("Hatin' Don't Pay"),
RZA's album
Birth of a Prince ("We Pop", "The Drop Off" and "Wherever I Go")
Prodigal Sunn's 2005 album
Return Of The Prodigal Sunn, and Think Differently's 2005 release
Wu-Tang Meets The Indie Culture ("Cars On The Interstate"). Free Murda also appears on the
Derailed Original Soundtrack ("Really Want None"),
Cappadonna's album
The Yin & The Yang ("Revenge"), Northstar's self-titled album ("We Got It" and "See Me"), and most recently on
Masta Killa's
Made In Brooklyn on the track "East MCs"
Islord
Member of
Killarmy, he was absent for most of the recording of their debut album "Silent Weapons For Quiet Wars" due to incarceration. A Five Percenter like all of Killarmy, the first three letters of his name (I, S, L) are also the first three letters in of the religion they claim adherence to, Islam. Therefore, the name Islord is a fusion between the terms "Islam" and "lord". Birth name R. Stevenson, also known as Thief Of Baghdad. Appears on two songs from
Bobby Digital In StereoJamie Sommers
Female MC who appeared on Ghostface Killah's "Wildflower" from the
Ironman album and RZA's two Bobby Digital albums and was signed to Razor Sharp Records.also rza's baby mother.
Killa Sin
Probably the most well-known member of Killarmy, Killa Sin is the brother of Oli "Power" Grant. Real name Jeryl Grant.
Appears On: Killarmy,
Silent Weapons For Silent Wars (1997); La The Darkman, "Heist Of The Century",
Heist Of The Century (1998); Method Man, "Spazzola",
Tical 2000: Judgement Day (1998); Killarmy,
Dirty Weaponry (1999); RZA, "Terrorist",
Bobby Digital In Stereo (1999); Inspectah Deck, "7th Chamber",
Uncontrolled Substance (1999); RZA, "Fools", "La Rhumba",
Digital Bullet (2001); Killarmy,
Fear, Love & War (2001), Ghostface Killah, "Strawberry",
Bulletproof Wallets (2002); Inspectah Deck, "Framed",
The Movement (2003), Bronze Nazareth "The Great Migration".
Killah Priest
See main article:
Killah PriestKing Just
A half African American/Native American Staten Island MC who gained recognition for his hit single "Warrior's Drum" during the mid 1990s. He is currently a part of the group Hillside Scramblerz. He has released three albums:
Mystics of the God,
No Power on Earth, and
Go in on 'em.
La The Darkman
One of the most well-known Wu affiliates and considers himself to be the "12th member" of the Clan. His debut album
Heist Of The Century was one of the first affiliate LPs in 1998 and featured several appearances by the Clan members themselves. Also notable for having recorded several times and developed a friendship with the virtual hip hop pariah
Vanilla Ice. His long-awaited followup album is due for release in 2006, through Think Differently Music. Birth name Lason Jackson, also known as Lashaun, Triple Darkness and La Traficante.
Prodigal Sunn
Sunz Of Man MC and cousin of RZA. With 12 O'Clock makes up the duo Two On Da Road. Birth name Vergil Ruff.
Albums:
Return Of The Prodigal Sunn (2005).
Appears On: Killarmy, "Wake Up", (1997); Sunz Of Man,
The Last Shall Be First, (1998); "7th Chamber", Inspectah Deck,
Uncontrolled Substance (1999); Gravediggaz, "False Things Must Perish",
Nightmare In A Minor (2001), "K.B. Ridin'", "Dancing With Wolves"
Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Sting compilation, (2002); Ghostface Killah, "Street Chemistry",
Bulletproof Wallets (2002); Sunz Of Man,
Saviorz Day, (2003); RZA, "The Whistle",
Birth Of A Prince (2003); "Whatever",
Masta Killa,
No Said Date (2004).
Remedy
Both the first white and the first Jewish Wu-Tang affiliate, MC-producer Remedy (birth name Ross Filler, born 1972 in Staten Island, New York) is a Staten Island, New York, native. After emerging with the "Seen it All"/"Everything is Real" 12-inch single, Remedy appeared on the 1997
Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm compilation with his track "Never Again", a song about the
Holocaust. This track remains his best-known work as well as his most highly regarded, and appeared on both his debut album,
The Genuine Article, from
2001, and its follow-up,
Code Red, from
2003 (Remedy considers the track to be effectively his signature theme song).
Code Red included a track about the 9/11 attacks, as well as "A Muslim and a Jew," which featured Remedy and fellow Wu-Tang affiliate Cilvaringz (a Muslim) rapping as representatives of their respective sides in the Palestinian/Israel conflict (with Wu-Tang leader
The RZA acting as mediator). He runs Code Red Entertainment, which also houses Cappadonna.
Shabazz The Disciple
A Red Hook(Brooklyn) native discovered by the RZA prior to the release of Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers, and gets a shoutout on the intro to "Clan In Da Front" on that album. He was originally a member of Sunz Of Man in their pre-Wu days when they were known as Da Last Future and produced entirely by Supreme. After hooking up with the Wu-Tang, Shabazz made two guest appearances on the first Gravediggaz album
6 Feet Deep then signed to the GZA Entertainment management agency. He remained an official member of Sunz Of Man until just before the group released their debut LP
The Last Shall Be First; his most well-known solo track "Death Be The Penalty" was originally intended to be a Sunz Of Man track on the B-side to their single "Soldiers Of Darkness", but the other members were so impressed with his contribution he was given the track for himself. However, after GZA Entertainment dissolved Shabazz's Wu affiliation (along with the affiliation of his close friend Killah Priest, also a GZA Entertainment refugee) began to wane. Around this 1996/1997 period, Priest and Shabazz both began to clash with RZA, and both had since all but cut their Wu-Tang ties. After unsuccessful attempts by the pair to create new post-Wu Tang crews (Priest proposed a crew called the Maccabees which would include himself, Shabazz and Timbo King among others, while Shabazz proposed a group including himself and Priest called the Sunz Of Thunder) they both effectively went their separate ways, recording solo projects and in Shabazz's case recording as Celestial Souljaz with his cousin Freestyle (of non-Wu Tang crew The Arsonists). In recent years, Shabazz has began to rediscover his Wu-Tang roots and performed on the recent Killa Beez tour as well as doing shows in Europe with Killah Priest (who has also recently been repairing his links with the Wu-Tang). After the death of Poetic, he as been rumored to be part of a new incarnation of Gravediggaz though Prince Paul has stated that a revival of the group is unlikely. He also announced in early 2003 that he has returned to Sunz Of Man as an official member. Finally released his solo debut
The Book of Shabazz in 2004. Two years later he returned with
The Passion of the Hood Christ in mid-2006.
Appears On: "Diary Of A Madman", "Graveyard Chamber", Gravediggaz,
6 Feet Deep (1994); "Elimination Process", Gravediggaz,
The Pick, The Sickle & The Shovel (1998).
ShoGun Assason
Killarmy MC and occasional producer, rumored to be the next Killarmy MC to release a solo album. Birth name Jamal Alexander.
Shyheim
MC who was only 14 when he released his debut album in 1994. Shyheim also starred in an online reality show called "Real Talk" in 2004, and has acted in several movies, including "
The Preacher's Wife". Real name Shyheim Dionel Franklin, he was born in Brooklyn but raised in Staten Island. He is also known as The Rugged Child, Manchild and Micky Knos.
Discography:
Shyheim AKA The Rugged Child (1994);
The Lost Generation (1996);
Manchild (1999);
The Greatest Story Never Told (2004).
Solomon Childs
Close associate of Ghostface, as well as Cappadonna and Remedy's Code Red crew. He was a member of Ghostface's group Theodore Unit until October 2005, when he left the group for undisclosed reasons. An unauthorized 11 track album titled King Of New York leaked onto the internet in 2001. His official mixtape
Funeral Talk was released in 2005, through CHAMBERMUSIK and he has since signed a major label deal with Wu Music Group, to release his first official solo;
My Motion Picture. Also known as Killa Bamz.
Streetlife
Close associate of the Clan, particularly with Method Man (whose Method Man Entertainment he is signed to) and along with Cappadonna is the closest Wu-affiliate to being a tenth Clan member, appearing on the last three group albums. Made his debut with an appearance on "Mr. Sandman" from Meth's first album
Tical, and was originally intended to appear on Ghostface Killah's Ironman on the track "Box In Hand" but the track was pulled from the album at the last minute (the track replacing it subsequently becoming known as "Box In Hand", it being too late to change the album packaging). The original version became known as "Box In Hand (Remix)". Street went on to make two appearances on the Clan's second album
Wu-Tang Forever and numerous appearances on Method Man's second album
Tical 2000: Judgement Day in 1997 and 1998 respectively, after which he continued to make appearances on Clan albums and on the members' various solo projects. His own debut album was originally intended to be released in the busy 1998-1999 period but as was soon to become the norm for Wu-Tang releases, it was repeatedly delayed, eventually seeing release titled
Street Education in 2005. To boost sales, the album was officially titled as
Method Man Presents Streetlife: Street Education though Method Man only made three short appearances on the album.
Timbo King
The most well-known member and leader of Royal Fam. Released an EP titled "
United We Slam" in 1994 with producer Spark 950. Formed the group 56 Platoon in 2005, along with some other Royal Fam refugees. Has his own label, Fortknox, on which he plans to release a debut solo album. Birth name Timothy Drayton.
Trife Da God
Born Theodore Bailey. Protege and close associate of Ghostface, and part of both of his protege groups T.M.F. and Theodore Unit. In November 2005 he released the album
Put It On The Line, packaged with a DVD of Ghostface in concert. He has also appeared on the Ghostface album Fishscale on the tracks "Clipse of Doom", "Jellyfish", and "Dogs of War". He is currently working on a promo album that has yet to be named. It is rumoured to feature
Young Granger and
Birdman Priest.
Warcloud
Former member of the Black Knights, who had a relatively conventional style in his early days with the group as Holocaust, but after his departure when he abandoned the potentially offensive name and became Warcloud, he drastically changed his style to a more avantgarde, Ghostface-esque free association verse. He refers to this new style as "Old Jail Pajama Room", as opposed to his old style which is "Mixed Forest Zone".Together with his cousins Onslawt (Black Sun) and Leviathan (L-swift), and Skarekrow and Mantra they formed Da Monstar Mob.An underground Wu-Affiliated Hip-Hop crew.Da Monstar Mob released the album "Da Nightmare B-4 X-Mass" in 2003 but Warcloud did not appear on this album which left the fans with the question wether Warcloud is, or isn't a member of Da Monstar Mob.Those questions got answered by an interview with Da monstar Mob who informed the fans that Warcloud will always be a Monstar Mobster.Warcloud did however appear on an early Monstar Mob work called "Operation Takeover" which leaked all over the internet and never got an official release till 2006.Warcloud appears on two tracks, "Blue Apples" and "Creepin'" where technically we can hear the first real "Old Jail Pajama Room" style cause the album was created during a period between 1998 - 1999.In 2002 Warclouds two first albums suddenly got sold over the internet,which emediatly left the fans wanting more of Warcloud.Those two albums "Nightmares That Surface From Shallow Sleep" and "Smuggling Booze In the Graveyard" eventually had a re-release in 2006 with cover art on Chambermusik including a bonus track on each album.In between this period Warcloud kept himself busy working alongside his partner The Professional and appeared on 2 of his albums. "Pro's Laboratory" was the first one which had it's release over the internet in 2003.The album earned itself a very good name in deep underground hip-hop which was loaded with dark, raw beats by The Professional and Skarekrow, and guest appearances by Vulgar, Leviathan, Onslawt, Bootface and ofcourse Warcloud. In 2005 The Professional released his short album "Hip-Hop Endurance" where we can hear Warcloud rhyme in his Alcatraz style.In 2004 Warcloud also appeared on Vulgars album "Hammer Pattern".Another great raw underground hip-hop release with Pro & Skarekrow productions.Since 2004 a fan based forum was created dedicated to Warcloud by Cipher Born aka Skellington,Holy Ghost & Intellectual at
www.warcloud-forum.r8.organd the forum started a My Space page dedicated to Warcloud at
www.myspace.com/warcloudforumspace. Soon the forum turned into the official home for the die-hard Warcloud fans. During 2005, Warcloud resurfaced from a hiatus to work on an album tentatively titled
Hole in the Sky 2012 in the persona of Holocaust.Under his alias Alcatraz he made an appearance on The Professionals album "Hip-Hop Endurance" as on Contribution X's "Gun". Birth name Anthony Creston Brown, also known as Holocaust, Architect, Dr. Killgrave, Mr. Appleby, Alcatraz, Warcloud, Trembling Eagle, Tony Holocaustal and Frank Holocaustal.
Discography:
Nightmares That Surface From The Shallow Sleep (2002);
Smuggling Booze In The Graveyard (2002);
Blue Sky Black Death present...The Holocaust (2006).
Appears On :
Wu-Tang Killa Beez,"Punishment",
Wu-Tang Killa Beez: The Swarm (1998);
Killarmy, "Doomsday", "Bastard Swordsman",
Dirty Weaponry(1998
RZA, "Holocaust (Silkworm)", "Terrorist",
Bobby Digital In Stereo (1999);
Da Monstar Mob "Creepin'", "Blue Apples",
Skarekrow presents...Operation Takeover (1999);
Black Knights "Smack This Bitch", "Allmighty Black Knights", "Killa Cal Lifestyle", "Real Sh-t",
Every Night Is A Black Knight (2001);
Wu-Tang Killa Beez "Bluntz, Martinez, Girlz & Gunz","Woodchuck"
Wu-Tang Killa Beez: The Sting (2002);
The Professional "I Just Laugh, No One Can defeat me", "Cyber tropic Murder Raps", "Old Gator Man", "Cold American Beach", "White Beach Cruisers", "Paralysis Pharmacies", "Unpleasant As It Seems, Happiness Illudes Me", "Laboratory Ellequence",
Pro's Laboratory (2003);
Northstar "Killer Beez",
Underground Shit (2004-2005);
Vulgar "Harmonica", "Horror Theatrical Pallace", "Stomping Tip Toe",
Hammer Pattern (2004);
The Professional "Doomsday (reprise)", "Hold It Down",
Hip-Hop Endurance(2005);
Contribution X "Gun",
Dark Destiny single "GUN" (2006);
Blue Sky Black Death, "I Catch Fire",
A heap Of broken Images (2006);
DJ Swarm "Dirty Bike Chains", "Unreleased",
Wu-Fam Exclusive Cuts (2006);
Unreleased Material:
The Professional "Rumours Of War", "Life's Mysteries",
Plethora Of Lyrics; "Dodger Caps & Yankee Caps"
Young Justice
GZA's teenage son, first appeared on the intro to his father's
Legend Of The Liquid Sword album then released a cover of his father's "Killa Hills 10304". Signed to Liquid Swords Entertainment and hoping to release an album soon.
Allah Real
Al Green-style singer who has made appearances on
Ghostface Killah's
The Pretty Toney Album, Masta Killa's debut No Said Date as well as both
Mathematics albums. He released his mixtape
Real Estate in 2005 through CHAMBERMUSIK.
Blue Raspberry
Discovered by the Clan working in a casino, Blue Raspberry emerged as the group's in-house female vocalist during the first round of Wu-Tang solo projects. She added vocals to tracks on Method Man's
Tical and Raekwon's
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, but seemed to have her position somewhat usurped by Tekitha on the Clan's second album Wu-Tang Forever. Nevertheless, she has continued to appear on Wu projects including Method Man &
Redman's
Blackout! and the Ghost Dog soundtrack. A solo album was scheduled for 1999 and is known to have been completed (titled either
Black Shampoo or
Blunted Soul) but it was not released. Blue Raspberry finally debuted as a solo artist in 2005, releasing the album
Out Of The Blue through the semi-official Wu-Tang website Chambermusik.com. Her stage name was given to her by Killah Priest, who said she reminded him of a
blue raspberry.
Appears On: "Release Yo' Delf", "Mr. Sandman", "Stimulation", Method Man,
Tical (1994); "Rainy Dayz", "Glaciers Of Ice", Raekwon,
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx (1995); "What's Goin' On", Gravediggaz,
The Pick, The Sickle & The Shovel (1998); "Young Hearts", Cappadonna,
The Pillage (1998); "Cereal Killer", Method Man & Redman,
Blackout! (1999); "Strange Eyes", "4 Sho Sho"
Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai - The Album (1999); "Killa Beez"
Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Sting compilation, (2002);
Suga Bang Bang
Reggae artist who appeared on the
Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai - The Album compilation and is affiliated with the new
United Kingdom click. Performed the chorus of "In The Hood" from the Wu-Tang Clan's
Iron Flag album.
Tekitha
Female vocalist who appeared to take the role of Wu-Tang in-house singer (previously filled by Blue Raspberry) for
Wu-Tang Forever, on which she also got a solo track titled "Second Coming". Also filled in for the unavailable
Mary J. Blige in the video for Ghostface Killah's "All I Got Is You". Initially signed to RZA's Razor Sharp Records and then to Ghostface's Starks Enterprise. Believed to have completed a solo album, but like many other affiliates, has not had it released. Continues to make guest appearances on Wu-Tang projects such as Raekwon's
The Lex Diamonds Story (though the role of in-house singer was filled by Madame D on 2001's
Iron Flag) and has also collaborated with other non-Wu artists including
KRS-One and
Armand Van Helden. Can rap as well as sing, as heard on Cappadonna's "Pump Your Fist" and RZA's "Mantis".
Appears On: "Impossible", "Little Ghetto Boys", "Second Coming", Wu-Tang Clan,
Wu-Tang Forever (1997); "One Step", Killah Priest,
Heavy Mental (1997); "Pump Your Fist", "Black Boy", Cappadonna,
The Pillage (1997); "All That I Got Is You (Video Version)", Ghostface Killah (1997); "Soul In The Hole", Wu-Tang Killa Bees, Soul In The Hole soundtrack (1998); "Mantis", RZA,
Bobby Digital In Stereo (1999); "Walking Through The Darkness",
Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai - The Album (1999); "Mother Earth", Armand Van Helden,
2 Future 4 U (1999); "Build Strong", RZA,
Digital Bullet (2001); "Walking Through The Darkness", Ghostface Killah,
Bulletproof Wallets (2002); "Once Upon A Time", Raekwon,
The Lex Diamonds Story (2003); "Survivin'", KRS-One,
Kristyles (2003).
Popa Wu
An expert on the philosophy of the
Five Percent Nation, Popa Wu can be heard giving teachings on Wu-Tang tracks such as "Black Jesus", "All I Got Is You" and "Wu-Revolution". He released a solo album titled
Visions Of The 10th Chamber, in 2000, which was effectively a compilation of Wu-affiliated artists (including La The Darkman, Method Man & Ol' Dirty Bastard) with regular interjections from Popa Wu himself.