name	SWV
background	group_or_band
alias	Sisters with Voices
origin	New York City, New York, United States
genre	R&B;
years active	1990–1998,2005–present
label	RCA/BMG Records
associated acts	Teddy Riley, Brian Alexander Morgan, Allstar
website	http://www.therealswv.com
current members	Cheryl "Coko" ClemonsTamara "Taj" Johnson-GeorgeLeanne "Lelee" Lyons }}

Sisters with Voices, better known as SWV, is an American female R&B; trio from New York. Formed in 1990 as a gospel group, SWV became one of the most successful R&B; groups of the 1990s. They had a series of hits, including "Weak", "Right Here/Human Nature", "I'm So Into You", and "You're the One". The group disbanded in 1998 to pursue solo projects, and reunited in 2005. SWV is currently ranked #100 on the ''Top 500 Pop Artists of the Past 25 Years'' at the website Rock on the Net.

History and early career

SWV (an abbreviation for Sisters With Voices) was formed by three friends: Cheryl Gamble, Tamara Johnson and Leanne Lyons (the group's founder). SWV got its start after the three friends sent a five song demo to record labels in the United States. Soon after, they were signed to a record deal with RCA Records in 1992 after producer Teddy Riley, a former member of Guy, heard the demo. With Riley's help, the group's 1992 debut album, ''It's About Time'', went triple platinum and produced several Top Ten hits.

SWV's first single, "Right Here", was released in the fall of 1992, reaching #16 on the R&B; charts. Their second single, "I'm So Into You," peaked at #2 on R&B; and reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. The third single, "Weak", reached #1 on both the R&B; and Hot 100 charts. "Right Here/Human Nature," the fourth single and a remix of their first single, "Right Here", featured samples of Michael Jackson's hit "Human Nature." "Right Here/Human Nature" peaked at #1 on R&B; and #2 on the Hot 100. It was followed up with the additional Top10 R&B; hits, "Downtown" (#2), and "Always On My Mind" (#8).

Following the success of their first album, SWV appeared on the soundtrack for the 1994 film ''Above the Rim''. The single, "Anything", became a Top Ten R&B; hit and reached #18 on the Hot 100 in the spring of 1994. That same year, SWV released ''The Remixes'', which went gold by the end of the year. In the summer of 1995, the trio lent vocal harmonies to Blackstreet's Top 40 R&B; hit "Tonight's the Night." In 1995, SWV recorded ''New Beginning'', which was released in 1996 and led by the #1 R&B; (and #5 Hot 100) hit "You're the One" The second single "Use Your Heart" was the first ever credited to the production team The Neptunes. Also, in 1995 SWV appeared on the ''Waiting to Exhale: Original Soundtrack Album'', recording the track, "All Night Long".

1997 saw the release SWV's third album, ''Release Some Tension'' as well as ''A Special Christmas'' a month later in 1997, the group's last studio album. Shortly after the release of ''A Special Christmas'', SWV parted ways to pursue various solo projects.

2005 – present

In 2005, SWV reunited and announced plans to record a new album the following year (the album has not materialized). In 2007, the group performed dates with After 7, Bobby Brown, New Edition, and Blackstreet.

In 2007, Johnson-George appeared in the TV One reality series ''I Married a Baller'' which documented her life with husband Eddie George, former NFL player and present Nashville entrepreneur. SWV members Coko and Lelee (who sing the theme song along with Taj) appear in a couple of the show's episodes.

On June 24, 2008, SWV made a special appearance at the BET Awards of 2008, performing "Weak" with Alicia Keys. They also sang the chorus to TLC's "Waterfalls". Coko currently resides in Virginia Beach, Lelee in Atlanta and Taj in Nashville..

Tamara "Taj" Johnson-George was a contestant on ''Survivor: Tocantins'', in which she came in fourth place. She was blindsided by her former alliance of James "J.T." Thomas, Jr. and Stephen Fishbach. She became the sixth Jury Member. She will participate in a 2009 national tour of the ''Vagina Monologues'' with an all-black cast, most of whom are also former reality show contestants.

SWV appeared on ''The Mo'Nique Show'' on February 2, 2010, performing Patti LaBelle's "If Only You Knew". Lelee and Coko provided the lead vocals.

SWV wrote a blog called "We're Back & We're Ready to Make You Weak Again" in which they disclosed what each member has been doing since the last SWV album. LeLee also wrote a blog for globalgrind.com called "Where Did That Real R&B; Music Go?" SWV have confirmed they are currently in the studio recording their fourth studio album for a 2011 release. No album name has been selected but they have been working with hit producers Jazze Phae and Kwame.

As of 2011 SWV has recently signed a record deal with Mass Appeal Entertainment and E1 Entertainment. Plans of releasing an album before the end of the summer with a reality show in the works detailing the creation, the break up and the reuniting of the group is planned.

On June 10, 2011 SWV was featured on the official remix of Chris Brown's remake of their Right Here/Human Nature song, "She Ain't You".

Personnel

Cheryl "Coko" Clemons - born June 13, 1970, New York, NY

Tamara "Taj" Johnson-George - born April 29, 1971, New York, NY

Leanne "Lelee" Lyons - born July 17, 1973, New York, NY

Discography

Studio albums

1992: ''It's About Time''

1996: ''New Beginning''

1997: ''Release Some Tension''

1997: ''A Special Christmas''

2011: ''TBA

Extended plays

1994 ''The Remixes''

Compilation albums

1999: ''Greatest Hits (RCA)''

1999: ''Greatest Hits (Simitar)''

2001: ''Best of SWV''

2003: ''Platinum & Gold Collection''

2004: ''The Encore Collection''

Tours

Weak (1993, UK)

SWV World Tour (1996, USA, Europe, South Africa, Asia, New Zealand)

Sistaz Only (1997)

Release The Tension (1997, USA)

New Jack Swing Tour (2005, USA, Canada)

Billboard Live Tour (June 16–21, 2008 Japan)

Billboard Live Tour (January 12–13, 2009 Japan)

SWV and Faith Evans (December 5–10, 2010 United Kingdom)

Opening Acts

SWV featured a number of successful female groups as opening acts throughout their various touring engagements. Those groups included such contemporaries as Xscape, Jade, Total, 702, and Destiny's Child.

Awards and nominations

WinWinNominatedNominatedNominatedNominatedNominated

style="background:#bcbcbc;"	Year	Result	Award	Category
1993	Nominated	American Music Award
1993	Nominated
1993	Nominated
1993	Nominated
1993	|	Kids Choice Awards	Female Group Of The Decade
1993	|	Billboard Music Award	Top Hot 100 Singles Artists - Duos/Group
1993	Win
1993	Win
1993	Nominated
1993	Nominated
1993	Nominated
1993	Nominated>
1993	Nominated
1993	Nominated
1993	Nominated
1993	Nominated
1994	Nominated
1994	Nominated
1997	|	Soul Train Lady of Soul Award	Best R&B; Soul single by a Group, Band, or Duo
1997	|	Soul Train Lady of Soul Award	Best Soul/R&B; album by a Group, Band or Duo
1998	|	Soul Train Lady of Soul Award	Best Soul/R&B; album by a Group, Band or Duo
1998	|	Soul Train Lady of Soul Award	Best Soul/R&B; single by a Group, Band or Duo
1994	|	Grammy Award	Grammy Award for Best New Artist>Best New Artist

See also

List of best selling music artists

Top Heatseekers

List of artists who reached number one on the Hot 100 (United States)

List of performers on Top of the Pops

Girl Group

References

External links

SWV Online

Category:Girl groups Category:African American singers Category:American rhythm and blues musical groups Category:American pop music groups Category:RCA Records artists Category:American girl groups

da:SWV de:SWV (Band) fr:SWV (groupe) th:เอสดับเบิลยูวี tr:SWV

name	Alicia Keys
background	solo_singer
birth name	Alicia Augello Cook
alias	Lellow
birth place	January 25, 1981
origin	New York City, New York, United States
instrument	Vocals, piano, keyboards, cello, synthesizer, vocoder, guitar, bass guitar
genre	Soul, R&B;, pop, hip hop, jazz, neo soul, electronic
occupation	singer-songwriter, record producer, actress
years active	1997–present
label	RCA, J, Arista, Columbia
website	}}

Alicia Augello Cook (born January 25, 1981), better known by her stage name Alicia Keys, is an American R&B; singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. Keys was raised by a single mother in the Hell's Kitchen area of Manhattan in New York City. At age seven, Keys began playing the piano. She attended Professional Performing Arts School and graduated at 16 as valedictorian. Keys released her debut album with J Records, having had previous record deals first with Columbia and then Arista Records.

Keys' debut album, ''Songs in A Minor'', was a commercial success, selling over 12 million copies worldwide. She became the best-selling new artist and best-selling R&B; artist of 2001. The album earned Keys five Grammy Awards in 2002, including Best New Artist and Song of the Year for "Fallin'". Her second studio album, ''The Diary of Alicia Keys'', was released in 2003 and was also another success worldwide, selling eight million copies. The album garnered her an additional four Grammy Awards in 2005. Later that year, she released her first live album, ''Unplugged'', which debuted at number one in the United States. She became the first female to have an ''MTV Unplugged'' album to debut at number one and the highest since Nirvana in 1994.

Keys made guest appearances on several television series in the following years, beginning with ''Charmed''. She made her film debut in ''Smokin' Aces'' and went on to appear in ''The Nanny Diaries'' in 2007. Her third studio album, ''As I Am'', was released in the same year and sold six million copies worldwide, earning Keys an additional three Grammy Awards. The following year, she appeared in ''The Secret Life of Bees'', which earned her a nomination at the NAACP Image Awards. She released her fourth album, ''The Element of Freedom'', in December 2009, which became Keys' first chart-topping album in the United Kingdom. Throughout her career, Keys has won numerous awards and has sold over 30 million albums worldwide and 25 million singles, which makes her one of the best selling artists of all time. ''Billboard'' magazine named her the top R&B; artist of the 2000–2009 decade, establishing herself as one of the best-selling artists of her time. In 2010, VH1 included Keys on its list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. ''Billboard'' magazine placed her number ten on their list of Top 50 R&B;/Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years.

Life and career

1981–96: Early life

Keys was born Alicia Augello Cook on January 25, 1981, in the Hell's Kitchen area of Manhattan, in New York City, New York. She is the only child of Teresa Augello, a paralegal and part-time actress, and Craig Cook, a flight attendant. Keys' mother is of Italian, Scottish, and Irish descent, and her father is African American; Keys has expressed that she was comfortable with her biracial heritage because she felt she was able to "relate to different cultures". Her parents separated when she was two and she was subsequently raised by her mother during her formative years in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan. In 1985, Keys made an appearance on ''The Cosby Show'' at the age of four, where she and a group of girls played the parts of Rudy Huxtable's sleepover guests in the episode "Slumber Party". Throughout her childhood, Keys was sent to music and dance classes by her mother. She began playing the piano when she was seven and learned classical music by composers such as Beethoven, Mozart and Chopin. Keys enrolled in the Professional Performing Arts School at the age of 12, where she majored in choir and began writing songs at the age of 14. She graduated in three years as valedictorian at the age of 16.

In 1994 Keys met long-term manager Jeff Robinson after she enrolled in his brother's after-school program. The following year Robinson introduced Keys to her future A&R; at Arista Records, Peter Edge, who later described his first impressions to HitQuarters: "I had never met a young R&B; artist with that level of musicianship. So many people were just singing on top of loops and tracks, but she had the ability, not only to be part of hip-hop, but also to go way beyond that." Edge helped Robinson create a showcase for Keys and also got involved in developing her demo material. He was keen to sign Keys himself but was unable to do so at that time due to being on the verge of leaving his present record company. Keys signed to Columbia Records soon after. At the same time as signing a recording contract with Columbia Records, Keys was accepted into Columbia University. At first, Keys attempted to manage both but after four weeks dropped out of college to pursue her musical career fulltime.

1997–2000: Career beginnings

Keys signed a demo deal with Jermaine Dupri and So So Def Recordings, where she appeared on the label's Christmas album performing "The Little Drummer Girl". She also co-wrote and recorded a song entitled "Dah Dee Dah (Sexy Thing)", which appeared on the soundtrack to the 1997 film, ''Men in Black''. The song was Keys' first professional recording; however, it was never released as a single and her record contract with Columbia ended after a dispute with the label. Keys was unhappy with the label because her career had stalled during her two years under contract at Columbia due to executive indecision over her direction and major changes within the company. Keys called Clive Davis, who sensed a "special, unique" artist from her performance and signed her to Arista Records, which later disbanded. Keys almost chose Wilde as her stage name until her manager suggested the name Keys after a dream he had. Keys felt that name represented her both as a performer and person. Following Davis to his newly formed J Records label, she recorded the songs "Rock wit U" and "Rear View Mirror", which were featured on the soundtracks to the films ''Shaft'' (2000) and ''Dr. Dolittle 2'' (2001), respectively.

2001–2002: ''Songs in A Minor''

Keys released her first studio album, ''Songs in A Minor'', in June 2001. It debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' 200 and sold 236,000 copies in its first week. The album sold over 6.2 million copies in the United States, where it was certified six times Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It went on to sell over 12 million copies worldwide, establishing Keys' popularity both inside and outside the United States, where she became the best-selling new artist and best-selling R&B; artist of 2001. The album's lead single, "Fallin'", spent six weeks at number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. The album's second single, "A Woman's Worth", was released in February 2002 and peaked at number 7 on the ''Billboard Hot 100'' and number three on the ''Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs'', as her second Top 10 single in both charts. The album's third single, "How Come You Don't Call Me", was released in June 2002 and peaked at number 59 on the ''Billboard Hot 100'' and number 30 on the ''Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs''. The album's fourth single, "Girlfriend", was released in November 2002 in UK and peaked at number 82 on the ''Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs''. The following year, the album was reissued as ''Remixed & Unplugged in A Minor'', which included eight remixes and seven unplugged versions of the songs from the original.

''Songs in A Minor'' led Keys to win five awards at the 2002 Grammy Awards: Song of the Year, Best Female R&B; Vocal Performance, and Best R&B; Song for "Fallin'", Best New Artist, and Best R&B; Album; "Fallin'" was also nominated for Record of the Year. Keys became the second female solo artist to win five Grammy Awards in a single night, following Lauryn Hill at the 41st Grammy Awards. That same year, she collaborated with Christina Aguilera for the latter's upcoming album ''Stripped'' on a song entitled "Impossible", which Keys wrote, co-produced, and provided with background vocals. During the early 2000s, Keys also made small cameos in television series ''Charmed'' and ''American Dreams''.

2003–2005: ''The Diary of Alicia Keys'' and ''Unplugged''

Keys followed up her debut with ''The Diary of Alicia Keys'', which was released in December 2003. The album debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' 200, selling over 618,000 copies its first week of release, becoming the largest first-week sales for a female artist in 2003. It sold 4.4 million copies in the United States and was certified four times Platinum by the RIAA. It sold eight million copies worldwide, becoming the sixth biggest-selling album by a female artist and the second biggest-selling album by a female R&B; artist. The album's lead single, "You Don't Know My Name", peaked at number three on the ''Billboard Hot 100'' and number one on ''Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs'' for eight consecutive weeks, his first Top 10 single in both charts since 2002's "A Woman's Worth ". The album's second single, "If I Ain't Got You", was released in February 2004 and peaked at number 4 on the ''Billboard Hot 100'' and number one on the ''Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs'' for six weeks. The album's third single, "Diary", peaked at number 8 on the ''Billboard Hot 100'' and number two on the ''Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs'' chart, being their third consecutive Top 10 single in both charts. The album's fourth and final single, "Karma", which peaked at number 20 on the ''Billboard Hot 100'' and number 17 on the ''Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs'', first release to fail to achieve top ten status on both charts. "If I Ain't Got You" became the first single by a female artist to remain on the ''Billboard'' Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs chart for over a year. Keys also collaborated with recording artist Usher on the song "My Boo" from his 2004 album, ''Confessions (Special Edition)''. The song topped the ''Billboard Hot 100'' for six weeks and ''Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs'' for three weeks, became her first number-one single in ''Hot 100'' since 2001's "Fallin'".

Keys won Best R&B; Video for "If I Ain't Got You" at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards; she performed the song and "Higher Ground" with Lenny Kravitz and Stevie Wonder. Later that year, Keys released her novel ''Tears for Water: Songbook of Poems and Lyrics'', a collection of unreleased poems from her journals and lyrics. The title derived from one of her poems, "Love and Chains" from the line: "I don't mind drinking my tears for water." She said the title is the foundation of her writing because "everything I have ever written has stemmed from my tears of joy, of pain, of sorrow, of depression, even of question". The book sold over US$500,000 and Keys made ''The New York Times'' bestseller list in 2005. The following year, she won a second consecutive award for Best R&B; Video at the MTV Video Music Awards for the video "Karma". Keys performed "If I Ain't Got You" and then joined Jamie Foxx and Quincy Jones in a rendition of "Georgia on My Mind", the Hoagy Carmichael song made famous by Ray Charles in 1960 at the 2005 Grammy Awards. That evening, she won four Grammy Awards: Best Female R&B; Vocal Performance for "If I Ain't Got You", Best R&B; Song for "You Don't Know My Name", Best R&B; Album for ''The Diary of Alicia Keys'', and Best R&B; Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals" for "My Boo" with Usher.

Keys performed and taped her installment of the ''MTV Unplugged'' series in July 2005 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. During this session, Keys added new arrangements to her original songs and performed a few choice covers. The session was released on CD and DVD in October 2005. Simply titled ''Unplugged'', the album debuted at number one on the U.S. ''Billboard'' 200 chart with 196,000 units sold in its first week of release. The album sold one million copies in the United States, where it was certified Platinum by the RIAA, and two million copies worldwide. The debut of Keys' ''Unplugged'' was the highest for an ''MTV Unplugged'' album since Nirvana's 1994 ''MTV Unplugged in New York'' and the first ''Unplugged'' by a female artist to debut at number one. The album's first single, "Unbreakable", peaked at number 34 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and number four on the Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs. It remained at number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot Adult R&B; Airplay for 11 weeks. The album's second and final single, "Every Little Bit Hurts", was released in January 2006, it failed to enter the U.S. charts.

Keys opened a recording studio in Long Island, New York, called The Oven Studios, which she co-owns with her production and songwriting partner Kerry "Krucial" Brothers. The studio was designed by renowned studio architect John Storyk of WSDG, designer of Jimi Hendrix' Electric Lady Studios. Keys and Brothers are the co-founders of KrucialKeys Enterprises, a production and songwriting team who assisted Keys in creating her albums as well as create music for other artists.

2006–2008: Film debut and ''As I Am''

In 2006, Keys won three NAACP Image Awards, including Outstanding Female Artist and Outstanding Song for "Unbreakable". She also received the Starlight Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In October 2006, she played the voice of Mommy Martian in the "Mission to Mars" episode of the children's television series ''The Backyardigans'', in which she sang an original song, "Almost Everything Is Boinga Here". That same year, Keys nearly suffered a mental breakdown. Her grandmother had died and her family was heavily dependent on her. She felt she needed to "escape" and went to Egypt for three weeks. She explained: "That trip was definitely the most crucial thing I've ever done for myself in my life to date. It was a very difficult time that I was dealing with, and it just came to the point where I really needed to—basically, I just needed to run away, honestly. And I needed to get as far away as possible."

Keys made her film debut in early 2007 in the crime film ''Smokin' Aces'', co-starring as an assassin named Georgia Sykes opposite Ben Affleck and Andy García. Keys received much praise from her co-stars in the film; Reynolds said that Keys was "so natural" and that she would "blow everybody away". ''Smokin' Aces'' had a hit moderate performance at the box office, earning only $57,103,895 worldwide during its theatrical run. In the same year, Keys earned further praise for her second film, ''The Nanny Diaries'', based on the 2002 novel of the same name, where she co-starred alongside Scarlett Johansson and Chris Evans. ''The Nanny Diaries'' had a hit moderate performance at the box office, earning only $44,638,886 worldwide during its theatrical run. She also guest starred as herself in the "One Man Is an Island" episode of the drama series ''Cane''.

Keys released her third studio album, ''As I Am'', in November 2007; it debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' 200, selling 742,000 copies in its first week. It gained Keys her largest first week sales of her career and became her fourth consecutive number one album, tying her with Britney Spears for the most consecutive number-one debuts on the ''Billboard'' 200 by a female artist. The week became the second largest sales week of 2007 and the largest sales week for a female solo artist since singer Norah Jones' album ''Feels like Home'' in 2004. The album has sold nearly four million copies in the United States and has been certified three times Platinum by the RIAA. It has sold nearly six million copies worldwide. Keys received five nominations for ''As I Am'' at the 2008 American Music Award and ultimately won two. The album's lead single, "No One", peaked at number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 for fifth consecutive weeks and Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs for ten consecutive weeks, became her first number-one single in ''Hot 100'' since 2004's "My Boo" and becoming Keys' third and fifth number-one single on each chart, respectively. The album's second single, "Like You'll Never See Me Again", was released in late 2007 and peaked at number 12 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and number one on the ''Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs'' for seven consecutive weeks. From October 27, 2007, when "No One" reached No. 1, through February 16, 2008, the last week "Like You'll Never See Me Again" was at No. 1, the Keys was on top of the chart for 17 weeks, more consecutive weeks than any other artist in ''Hot R&B;/Hip/Hop Songs'' chart. The album's third single, "Teenage Love Affair", which peaked at number 54 on the '''Billboard Hot 100'' and number three on the ''Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs''. The album's fourth and final single, "Superwoman", which peaked at number 82 on the ''Billboard Hot 100'' and number 12 on the ''Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs''.

"No One" earned Keys the awards for Best Female R&B; Vocal Performance and Best R&B; Song at the 2008 Grammy Awards. Keys opened the ceremony singing Frank Sinatra's 1950s song "Learnin' the Blues" as a "duet" with archival footage of Sinatra in video and "No One" with John Mayer later in the show. Keys also won Best Female R&B; Artist during the show. She starred in "Fresh Takes", a commercial micro-series created by Dove Go Fresh, which premiered during ''The Hills'' on MTV from March to April 2008. The premiere celebrated the launch of new Dove Go Fresh. She also signed a deal as spokesperson with Glacéau's VitaminWater to endorse the product, and was in an American Express commercial for the "Are you a Cardmember?" campaign. Keys, along with The White Stripes' guitarist and lead vocalist Jack White, recorded the theme song to ''Quantum of Solace'', the first duet in Bond soundtrack history. In 2008, Keys was ranked in at number 80 the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists. She also starred in ''The Secret Life of Bees'', a film adaptation of Sue Monk Kidd's acclaimed 2003 bestseller novel of the same name alongside Jennifer Hudson, Dakota Fanning, Paul Bettany and Queen Latifah, released in October 2008 via Fox Searchlight. ''The Secret Life of Bees'' had a hit moderate performance at the box office, earning only $39,947,322 worldwide during its theatrical run. Her role earned her a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture at the NAACP Image Awards. She also received three nominations at the 2009 Grammy Awards and won Best Female R&B; Vocal Performance for "Superwoman".

In an interview with ''Blender'' magazine, Keys allegedly said "'Gangsta rap' was a ploy to convince black people to kill each other, 'gangsta rap' didn't exist" and went on to say that it was created by "the government". The magazine also claimed she said that Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. were "essentially assassinated, their beefs stoked by the government and the media, to stop another great black leader from existing". Keys later wrote a statement clarifying the issues and saying her words were misinterpreted. Later that year, Keys was criticized by anti-smoking campaigners after billboard posters for her forthcoming concerts in Indonesia featured a logo for the A Mild cigarette brand sponsored by tobacco firm Philip Morris. She apologized after discovering that the concert was sponsored by the firm and asked for "corrective actions". In response, the company withdrew its sponsorship.

2009–2010 ''The Element of Freedom'', marriage and motherhood

Keys and manager Jeff Robinson signed a film production deal to develop live-action and animated projects with Disney. Their first film will be a remake of the 1958 comedy ''Bell, Book and Candle'' and will star Keys as a witch who casts a love spell to lure a rival's fiancé. Keys and Robinson also formed a television production company called Big Pita. Keys and Robinson will develop live-action and animated projects from their company, Big Pita and Little Pita, with Keys as producer, thespian, banner spearheading soundtrack and music supervision.

Keys collaborated with the record producer Swizz Beatz to write and produce "Million Dollar Bill" for Whitney Houston's seventh studio album, ''I Look to You''. Keys had approached Clive Davis for permission to submit a song for the album. Keys also collaborated with the recording artist Jay-Z on the song "Empire State of Mind" from his 2009 album, ''The Blueprint 3''. The song topped the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and became her fourth number-one single on that chart. At the 53rd Grammy Awards ceremony, "Empire State of Mind" won Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and Best Rap Song. It had also been one of the five nominees for Record of the Year. The following month, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers honored Keys with the Golden Note Award, an award given to artists "who have achieved extraordinary career milestones". She collaborated with Spanish recording artist Alejandro Sanz for "Looking for Paradise", which topped the Hot Latin Songs chart, this was Keys' first number one on all three charts, which also made her the first African-American of non-Hispanic origin to reach #1 on the ''Hot Latin Tracks''. Keys released her fourth studio album, ''The Element of Freedom'', in December 2009. It debuted at number two on the ''Billboard'' 200, selling 417,000 copies in its first week. As part of the promotional drive for the album, she performed at the Cayman Island Jazz Festival on December 5, the final night of the three day festival which will be broadcast on Black Entertainment Television (BET). The album's lead single, "Doesn't Mean Anything", has peaked at number 60 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and number 14 on the ''Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs''. Keys was ranked as the top R&B; recording artist of the 2000–2009 decade by ''Billboard'' magazine and ranked at number five as artist of the decade, while her song, "No One", was ranked at number six on the magazine's songs of the decade. In the United Kingdom, ''The Element of Freedom'' became Keys' first album to top the UK Albums Chart. The album's second single, "Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart", was released in November 2009 and peaked at number 27 on the ''Billboard Hot 100'' and number two on the ''Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs''. The album's third single, "Put It in a Love Song", featuring Grammy-winner Beyoncé, peaked at number 60 on the ''Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs''. The music video for the single, which was filmed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has been postponed several times, and later it was confirmed that Alicia Keys' team made a decision not to release the video. The album's fourth single, "Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down", was released in February 2010 and peaked at number 55 on the ''Billboard Hot 100'' and number 76 on the ''Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs''. The album's fifth single, "Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)", was released in May 2010 and peaked at number 21 on the ''Billboard Hot 100'' and number one on the ''Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs'', for twelve consecutive weeks and became the album's most successful single, becoming Keys' eighth number-one single on ''Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs'' chart. The album's sixth and final single, "Wait Til You See My Smile", was released in December 2010 in the U.K only.

In May 2009, Swizz Beatz announced that he and Keys were romantically involved, and in May 2010, a representative for Keys and Swizz Beatz confirmed that they were engaged and expecting a child together. During the time of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the couple took part of a union and had the unborn child blessed in a Zulu ceremony, which took place in the Illovo suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa. Keys and Swizz Beatz were married on the French island of Corsica on July 31, 2010. On October 14, 2010, Keys gave birth to a son, Egypt Daoud Ibarr Dean, in New York City.

2011-Present: Ten Year Celebration, Project 5, Stick Fly and Upcoming New Album

In June 2011, ''Songs in A Minor'' was re-released as deluxe and collector's editions in commemoration of its 10th anniversary. To support the release, Keys embarked on a four-city promotional tour, entitled Piano & I: A One Night Only Event With Alicia Keys, featuring only her piano. Keys is also set to co-produce the Broadway premiere of ''Stick Fly'', which will open in December 2011. On September 26, 2011, was the premiere of ''Project 5'' known as ''Five'', short film that marks the debut of Alicia Keys as a director. It is a documentary of five episodes that tell stories of five women who were victims of breast cancer and how it affected their lives. The production also has co-direction of the actresses Jennifer Aniston, Demi Moore and film director Patty Jenkins.

On September 23, she performed at ''iHeart Music Festival'' and sang her new song "A Place Of My Own", which is present in her fifth studio album. On October 7, RCA Music Group announced it was disbanding J Records along with Arista Records and Jive Records. With the shutdown, Keys (and all other artists previously signed to these three labels) will release her future material on the RCA Records brand.

Musical style

An accomplished pianist, Keys incorporates piano into a majority of her songs and often writes about love, heartbreak and female empowerment. She has cited several musicians as her inspirations, including Prince, Nina Simone, Barbra Streisand, Marvin Gaye, Quincy Jones, Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder. Keys' style is rooted in gospel and vintage soul music, supplemented by bass and programmed drumbeats. She heavily incorporates classical piano with R&B;, soul and jazz into her music. She began experimenting with other genres, including pop and rock, in her third studio album, ''As I Am'', transitioning from neo soul to a 1980s and 1990s R&B; sound with her fourth album, ''The Element of Freedom''. Patrick Huguenin of the ''New York Daily News'' stated that her incorporation of classical piano riffs contributed to her breakout success. ''Jet'' magazine states she "thrives" by touching her fans with "piano mastery, words and melodious voice". ''The Independent'' described her style as consisting of "crawling blues coupled with a hip-hop backbeat", noting that her lyrics "rarely stray from matters of the heart". ''Blender'' magazine referred to her as "the first new pop artist of the millennium who was capable of changing music."

Keys has a vocal range of a contralto, which spans three octaves. She can sing from B flat over an octave below middle C (B₂) to B below soprano C (B₅). Often referred to as the "Princess of Soul", Keys has been commended as having a strong, raw and impassioned voice; others feel that her voice is "emotionally manufactured" at times and that she pushes her voice out of its natural range. Keys' songwriting is often criticized for lack of depth, which has led to her writing abilities being called limited. Her lyrics have been called generic, clichéd and that her songs revolve around generalities. Greg Kot of the ''Chicago Tribune'' feels that she "[pokes] around for multi-format hits rather than trying to project any sort of artistic vision". Diversely, Jon Pareles of ''Blender'' magazine stated that the musical composition of her songs makes up for their lyrical weakness, while Gregory Stephen Tate of ''The Village Voice'' compared Keys' writing and production to 1970s music.

Joanna Hunkin of ''The New Zealand Herald'' reviewed one of Keys' performances, where Kylie Minogue also attended. She described Minogue's reaction to Keys' performance, saying "it was obvious she was just as much of a fan as the 10,000 other people at Vector Arena". She went on to say that Minogue was "the original pop princess bowing down to the modern-day queen of soul". Hunkin characterized Keys' opening performance as a "headbanging, hip-gyrating performance" and her energy as "high-octane energy most bands save for their closing finale". At the end of her two-hour performance, fans "screamed, stomped and begged for a second encore". Hillary Crosley and Mariel Concepcion of ''Billboard'' magazine noted that her shows are "extremely coordinated" with the audience's attention span "consistently maintained". The show ended with a standing ovation and Keys "proved that a dynamic performance mixed with superior musicianship always wins". Throughout her career, Keys has won numerous awards and is listed on the Recording Industry Association of America's best-selling artists in the United States, with 15 million certified albums. She has sold over 30 million albums worldwide and has established herself as one of the best-selling artists of her time.

Philanthropy

Keys is the co-founder and Global Ambassador of Keep a Child Alive, a non-profit organization that provides medicine to families with HIV and AIDS in Africa. Keys and U2 lead singer Bono recorded a cover version of Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush's "Don't Give Up", in recognition of World AIDS Day 2005. Keys and Bono's version of the song was retitled "Don't Give Up (Africa)" to reflect the nature of the charity it was benefiting. She visited African countries such as Uganda, Kenya and South Africa to promote care for children affected by AIDS. Her work in Africa was documented in the documentary ''Alicia in Africa: Journey to the Motherland'' and was available in April 2008.

Keys has also donated to Frum tha Ground Up, a non-profit organization that aids children and teenagers with scholarships. She performed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as part of the worldwide Live 8 concerts to raise awareness of the poverty in Africa and to pressure the G8 leaders to take action. In 2005, Keys performed on ''ReAct Now: Music & Relief'' and ''Shelter from the Storm: A Concert for the Gulf Coast'', two benefit programs that raised money for those affected by Hurricane Katrina. In July 2007, Keys and Keith Urban performed The Rolling Stones' 1969 song "Gimme Shelter" at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey at the American leg of the Live Earth concerts.

Keys performed Donny Hathaway's 1973 song "Someday We'll All Be Free" at the ''America: A Tribute to Heroes'' televised benefit concert following the September 11 attacks. She participated in the Nobel Peace Prize Concert which took place at the Oslo Spektrum in Oslo, Norway, on December 11, 2007, along with other various artists. She recorded a theme song for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. She joined Joss Stone and Jay-Z on the effort, which served as a theme song for Obama's campaign. For her work, Keys was honored at the 2009 BET Awards with the Humanitarian Award. Keys performed the song "Prelude to a Kiss", retitled "Send Me an Angel", from her 2007 album ''As I Am'' for the "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief" telethon in response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

Discography

''Songs in A Minor'' (2001)

''The Diary of Alicia Keys'' (2003)

''As I Am'' (2007)

''The Element of Freedom'' (2009)

''TBA'' (2012)

;Live albums

''Unplugged'' (2005)

Tours

{|class="wikitable" ! style="background:darkGrey;"| Year !! style="background:darkGrey;"| Title !! style="background:darkGrey;"| Number ofperformances |- style="background:#dcdcdc;" | style="text-align:center; width:5px;;"| 2001/2002 || style="background:#dcdcdc; text-align:center;"| ''Songs in A Minor Tour'' || style="background:#dcdcdc;"| 58 |- style="background:#dcdcdc;" | style="text-align:center; width:5px;;"| 2004|| style="background:#dcdcdc; text-align:center;"| ''Verizon Ladies First Tour'' || style="background:#dcdcdc;"| 25 |- style="background:#dcdcdc;" | style="text-align:center; width:5px;;"| 2005 || style="background:#dcdcdc; text-align:center;"| ''The Diary Tour'' || style="background:#dcdcdc;"| 36 |- style="background:#dcdcdc;" | style="text-align:center; width:5px;;"| 2008 || style="background:#dcdcdc; text-align:center;"| ''As I Am Tour'' || style="background:#dcdcdc;"| 94 |- style="background:#dcdcdc;" | style="text-align:center; width:5px;;"| 2010 || style="background:#dcdcdc; text-align:center;"| ''The Freedom Tour'' || style="background:#dcdcdc;"| 50 |- style="background:#dcdcdc;" | style="text-align:center; width:5px;;"| 2011 || style="background:#dcdcdc; text-align:center;"| ''Piano & I: A One Night Only Event With Alicia Keys'' || style="background:#dcdcdc;"| 5 |}

Filmography

Television
!Year	!Title	!Role	!Notes
1985	''The Cosby Show''	Maria
2001	''Charmed''	P3 VIP Patron (uncredited)
	''American Dreams''	Fontella Bass	"Rescue Me" (season 2, episode 6)
''The Proud Family''	Herself (voice)
2005	''Sesame Street''	Herself	Season 36
2006	''The Backyardigans''	Mommy Martian (voice)
		Herself	"One Man Is an Island" (season 1, episode 7)
''Elmo's Christmas Countdown''	Herself	Christmas television special
2008		Alex	Starred in all five episodes
2010	American Idol (season 9)	Herself	Mentor
Film
!Year	!Title	!Role	!Notes
	''Smokin' Aces''	Georgia Sykes	Debut filmMain role
	Lynette	Support role
2008		June Boatwright	Main role
Director
!Year	!Title	!Type	!Notes
	2004		Music video	MTV Video Music Award for Best R&B; Video
2011	''Project 5''	Short film/Documentary

See also

List of artists who reached number one in the United States

List of awards and nominations received by Alicia Keys

List of honorific titles in popular music

References

Further reading

External links

Alicia Keys at Billboard.com

Alicia Keys at Discogs

Alicia Keys at Metacritic

Category:1981 births Category:Living people Category:Actors from New York City Category:African American composers Category:African American female singer-songwriters Category:African American film actors Category:African American pianists Category:African American poets Category:African American record producers Category:American contraltos Category:American hip hop musicians Category:American multi-instrumentalists Category:American music arrangers Category:American music video directors Category:American musicians of Irish descent Category:American people of Italian descent Category:American people of Scottish descent Category:American philanthropists Category:American pop singer-songwriters Category:American rhythm and blues keyboardists Category:American rhythm and blues singer-songwriters Category:American soul keyboardists Category:American soul singers Category:American television actors Category:Echo winners Category:Grammy Award winners Category:Hip hop singers Category:Neo soul singers Category:People from Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan Category:J Records artists Category:RCA Records artists Category:Rhythm and blues pianists Category:Singers from New York City Category:Songwriters from New York Category:World Music Awards winners

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Name	En Vogue
Background	group_or_band
Origin	Oakland, California, United States
Genre	R&B;, Soul, Funk
Years active	1989–present
Label	Atlantic, EastWest, Discretion Ent., 33rd Street, Rufftown
Current members	Terry Ellis Cindy Herron Maxine Jones Dawn Robinson
Past members	Amanda Cole Rhona Bennett

En Vogue is an American female R&B; vocal group from Oakland, California assembled by music producers Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy.

The group has won more MTV Video Music Awards than any other female group in MTV history, a total of seven, along with four Soul Train Awards, six American Music Awards, and seven Grammy nominations. According to ''Billboard Magazine'' they were the 18th most successful act of the 1990s, and one of the most popular and successful female groups of all time. En Vogue have accumulated over 2,800 weeks on various ''Billboard'' charts.

Biography

Assembled in Oakland, California in July 1989, En Vogue launched with original members Cindy Herron, Maxine Jones, Dawn Robinson and Terry Ellis. The inspiration for the group came when production duo of Foster and Mc Elroy envisioned a modern-day girl group in the tradition of the 1950s/1960s female trios. The blueprint was based on the plan of recruiting singers who possessed strong voices, noticeably good looks, and intelligence. Auditions were held in 1988, with Herron, Jones and Robinson making the final cut. Like previous girl groups, En Vogue was originally conceived as a trio, but after hearing Ellis audition, Foster and McElroy decided to create a quartet. At first, they selected the name "For You." They shifted to "Vogue", but ultimately settled on En Vogue, upon learning that another group had already claimed the Vogue moniker.

Music

1989–1991: Born to Sing

After forming, the group began working with their producers on their debut album. Recording began in August 1989 and wrapped up in December of the same year.

''Born to Sing'' was released on April 3, 1990. The album charted at number twenty-one on the Billboard 200 and number three on Billboard's R&B; Albums Chart. The first single, "Hold On," was released to radio in late February 1990 and became a crossover pop hit, reaching number two on Billboard's Hot 100 singles charts, and number one on both the R&B; singles and Hot Dance Music/Club Play charts. It later went to #5 in the UK, and became a hit in Europe. The next two singles, "Lies" and "You Don't Have to Worry," each went to number one on the Billboard R&B; charts, while the fourth and final single, "Don't Go," charted at number three on the Billboard R&B.; The album was later certified platinum by the RIAA.

"Hold On" was awarded a Billboard Music Award for "R&B; Single of the Year," a Soul Train Award for "R&B;/Urban Contemporary Single of the Year, Group, Band or Duo" and have been nominated for a Grammy Award for "Best R&B; Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group". In 1990, En Vogue signed an endorsement deal to appear in a Diet Coke commercial directed by Spike Lee.

1992–1993: Funky Divas & Runaway Love

En Vogue's second album, ''Funky Divas'', was released in the spring of 1992. The album debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200 and number one on the Billboard R&B; and ultimately doubled the take of its predecessor, going multi-platinum. The albums first two singles: "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)" and "Giving Him Something He Can Feel" both went top ten pop, and peaked at number one on the R&B; charts. The next single, "Free Your Mind" also went top ten. The final two singles "Give It Up Turn It Loose" and "Love Don't Love You" both were top forty hits.

The album went on to sell more than three million copies, won an American Music Award for "Favorite Soul/R&B; Album," and was nominated for five Grammy Awards. The music video for "Free Your Mind" earned the group three MTV Video Music Awards for "Best Choreography," "Best Dance Video," and "Best R&B; Video." They were also honored with Soul Train's prestigious "Entertainer of the Year Award." In addition to this, the group were featured in ''Rolling Stone'', ''Entertainment Weekly'', and ''Essence'' among other major publications.

Riding high on the success of ''Funky Divas'', a six-song EP entitled ''Runaway Love'' was released in the fall of 1993, spawning the hit "Runaway Love."

The group was signed to an endorsement deal with Converse, and were featured as an opening act on Luther Vandross' 1993 tour. Among the numerous countries toured were England, Germany, the Netherlands and France which confirmed the group's live vocal and performing prowess. However, according to an article in ''Vibe'' magazine, Vandross (by his own admission in interviews) and his entourage clashed with the members of En Vogue during the tour and he vowed never to work with them again afterwards.

En Vogue also made numerous television appearances on such series as ''In Living Color'', ''A Different World'', ''Roc'' and ''Hangin' With Mr. Cooper'' (the latter two of which they also sang the show's theme songs.)

In 1993, En Vogue were featured vocalists on Salt-N-Pepa's top ten hit "Whatta Man", from Salt-N-Pepa's Very Necessary album. The track also appeared (slightly edited) on En Vogue's ''Runaway Love'' EP.

1994–1996: Downtime

In 1995, En Vogue were amongst numerous female vocalists featured on the song "Freedom" for the soundtrack to Panther. Also in 1995, group member Terry Ellis recorded a solo album entitled ''Southern Gal'', which spun off the top ten R&B; single "Where Ever You Are."

1996–1998: The departure of Dawn Robinson and EV3

En Vogue reunited in 1996 to record "Don't Let Go (Love)" for the soundtrack to the motion picture ''Set It Off''. Released in the autumn, it became the group's biggest hit to date; the single peaked at number two on the Hot 100, number one on the R&B; singles chart, and was certified platinum by the RIAA. It, inadvertently, would also be the final En Vogue single to feature group member Dawn Robinson.

In response to the large commercial success of "Don't Let Go (Love)," the group steadfastly went to work on its third album. As the album was nearing completion, Robinson chose to leave the group in April 1997 after difficult contractual negotiations reached a stalemate. Despite Robinson's abrupt departure, En Vogue resolved to continue on as a trio (forcing the group to re-record some of the tracks on their forthcoming album that had originally featured her on lead vocals.)

''EV3'', the group's third album, was released in the spring and debuted at number eight on both the Billboard 200 and the Billboard R&B; charts. The first single, the Babyface-penned and produced "Whatever" went on to become a Top-20 pop hit, a top ten R&B; hit, while also peaking at number five on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. The single later went on to be certified gold by the RIAA. The followup single "Too Gone, Too Long" (which was produced by David Foster and written by Diane Warren) performed more modestly, managing to only peak in the top forty. Despite its being certified platinum, and the album being nominated for Grammy Award and a Soul Train Lady of Soul Award, sales of ''EV3'' failed to live up to full commercial expectation. A world tour had been planned, but was canceled due to poor ticket sales. In 1998, En Vogue recorded "No Fool No More" for the soundtrack to the motion picture, ''Why Do Fools Fall In Love'' as well as a version of "I Want A Monster to Be My Friend" for the Elmopalooza special on ABC. The following year, a greatest hits compilation, ''The Best of En Vogue'', was released.

2000: Masterpiece Theatre

''Masterpiece Theatre'', the group's fourth studio album, was released in May 2000. The album debuted at number sixty-seven and thirty-three on the Billboard 200 and R&B; Albums Charts respectively. The first (and only) single, "Riddle," peaked at number ninety-two and ninety-five on the Hot 100 and R&B; charts. As a result of poor sales, En Vogue was dropped from the Elektra Record label.

2001–2003: New member

In 2001, original member Maxine Jones left the group to focus on her family. As a result, Amanda Cole joined the group. Ellis, Herron and Cole released a holiday album, ''The Gift of Christmas''. Soon after the holiday album, Cole too left the group and was replaced with Rhona Bennett. Meanwhile, Robinson's first solo CD ''Dawn'' was released in early 2002. During the latter part of 2003, En Vogue toured Europe with Maxine Jones rejoining the group to fill the place of Cindy Herron, who was on maternity leave.

2004: Soul Flower

In 2004, En Vogue (now composed of Ellis, Herron and Bennett) released ''Soul Flower'' on independent label 33rd Street Records. While the album failed to chart on the Billboard 200, it managed to peak at number forty-seven on the R&B; charts. The albums two singles: "Losin' My Mind" and "Ooh Boy", however, failed to chart. Soon after promotion had finished on this album, Maxine Jones returned to En Vogue, turning the group back into a quartet for the first time since 1996. The group teamed with Boyz II Men for select concert dates during the summer of 2004. That same year En Vogue graced the cover of R&B; Showcase magazine.

2005–2007: Impromptu Reunion

In 2005, after an eight-year absence, Dawn Robinson rejoined En Vogue. The original four went on to sign with one of the industry's largest management firms, The Firm Management Group. That September, they joined Salt N Pepa for the girl groups' first-ever joint public performance of their 1994 hit, "Whatta Man" at ''VH-1's Hip Hop Honors'', and briefly toured. They also earned another Grammy nomination for the single "So What the Fuss", which featured Stevie Wonder and Prince. The group also appeared in the single's music video. After failing to agree on business terms, Robinson once again chose to defect from En Vogue and Bennett returned. As a result, En Vogue was let go from The Firm. En Vogue continued to perform spot dates in North America with Terry Ellis, Maxine Jones, Cindy Herron and Rhona Bennett. This line-up also saw the group return to Europe and Japan for select concert dates. During this time, En Vogue teamed up with Belgian singer Natalia for a song called "Glamorous" where Rhona Bennett's vocals are featured. The single reached No.2 in the Belgian charts and was followed by a DVD release of the concert, which went double platinum.

2008–2010: Dawn returns again; En Vogue reunited.

On 24 June 2008, the original lineup of En Vogue appeared on the BET Awards, performing with Alicia Keys, SWV and TLC as a tribute to girl groups of the 1990s. With speculation abuzz, En Vogue received the twenty-eighth highest number of hits on the Rock on the Net website for the month of June 2008. The following month, the group ascended to the twelfth position. As of June 30, Dawn Robinson has stated officially via an En Vogue Yahoo! fan site that she had indeed returned to En Vogue. On August 6, the original members appeared on Los Angeles' KTLA television station and announced that they have reunited and would do spot dates around the country during the latter part of 2008. The foursome kicked off the Americana at Brand Concert Series in Glendale, California that same evening. Furthermore, En Vogue performed at the 2009 Essence Music Festival, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. They continue to tour throughout the United States. In October 2010, the band performed their first UK show in 18 years in London.

Television and film

En Vogue has appeared in Sesame Street specials including ''Sesame Street's 25th Birthday: A Musical Celebration'' and in a "Wanda" Sketch with Jamie Foxx in "In Living Color" in 1993 and ''Elmopalooza'' in 1998. In ''Sesame Street's 25th Birthday: A Musical Celebration'' the four original members sang "Adventure" about their adventures with some of the Sesame Street characters. The second song was "I Want a Monster"; a song about having a monster as a playmate. It appeared on ''Elmopalooza'' and was recorded after Robinson's departure- featuring Terry Ellis, Maxine Jones and Cindy Herron. In ''Batman Forever'' they appeared in a cameo appearance as a group of prostitutes who want to seduce Batman, but are disappointed when it is Robin who shows up instead; Robinson also appeared as a holographic prostitute demonstrating how to assemble an appropriate outfit in the film ''Tank Girl''. En Vogue has also appeared in ''A Different World'' as a group of country bumpkin sisters who want to sing. The group also appeared on more than one episode of the highly acclaimed Charles S. Dutton Fox 90's television show ''Roc'', with one of the ladies playing a love interest of Rocky Carrol's character Joey who has to choose between staying with Joey or touring with the rest of the En Vogue ladies. En Vogue recorded a brand new theme song, entitled "Live Your Life Today" for Roc's later season's. They also recorded the theme song for Season 1 of ''Hangin' with Mr. Cooper'', along with Dawnn Lewis and Holly Robinson-Peete. On May 11, 2009 the group appeared on ABC's ''The View'' to perform & announce their future reunion tour. On June 7, 2009 the group appeared on A&E; Network's ''Private Sessions'', performing select hits and discussing the group's past, present and future.

Discography

;Studio albums

1990: ''Born to Sing''

1992: ''Funky Divas''

1997: ''EV3''

2000: ''Masterpiece Theatre''

2002: ''The Gift of Christmas''

2004: ''Soul Flower''

;EPs

1991: ''Remix to Sing''

1993: ''Runaway Love''

Awards

See also

References

External links

En Vogue at Rock on the Net.

En Vogue On AOL

En Vogue Videos

Category:Atlantic Records artists Category:Musical quartets Category:American pop music groups Category:American soul musical groups Category:American rhythm and blues musical groups Category:American girl groups Category:African American musical groups Category:Music of the San Francisco Bay Area Category:People from Oakland, California Category:Musical groups from California Category:Musical groups established in 1989

cs:En Vogue da:En Vogue de:En Vogue el:En Vogue fr:En Vogue it:En Vogue li:En Vogue nl:En Vogue ja:アン・ヴォーグ no:En Vogue pl:En Vogue pt:En Vogue simple:En Vogue sr:Ен воуг fi:En Vogue sv:En Vogue tr:En Vogue

Name	Wu-Tang Clan
Landscape	yes
Background	group_or_band
Origin	Staten Island, New York, U.S.
Genre	Hip hop
Years active	1992 - present
Associated acts	''see below''
Label	Loud (1993–2001)SRC/Universal Motown (2007–present)
Current members	RZAGZAMethod ManRaekwonGhostface KillahInspectah DeckU-GodMasta Killa
Past members	Ol' Dirty Bastard (deceased)
Website	}}

The Wu-Tang Clan () is a hip-hop group from New York City that consists of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. They are frequently joined by fellow childhood friend Cappadonna, a quasi member of the group. They were formed in (and are associated with) the New York City borough of Staten Island (referred to by members as "Shaolin"), though some of their members are from Brooklyn and one is from The Bronx.

They have introduced and launched the careers of affiliated artists and groups, often collectively known as the Wu-Tang Killa Bees. In 2007, MTV ranked Wu-Tang the fifth greatest hip hop group of all time, and in 2008, About.com ranked them the number one greatest hip hop group of all time, and stated "No weapon in hip-hop history can rival the chaotic cohesion of the Wu-Tang Clan. The Clan had so many characters, each with his own eccentricities. They were fearless in their approach. There's a good reason no group has been able to successfully recreate their sound. The crew spawned countless loosely associated acts. Their classic albums spawned classic albums."

History

Foundation and name

The founders of the Wu-Tang Clan were cousins Robert Diggs, Gary Grice, Russell Jones (RZA, GZA, and Ol' Dirty Bastard respectively) who had formed the group Force of the Imperial Master (later known as All in Together Now after the release of a popular single by that name). The group attracted the attention of figures in the hip hop music industry, including Biz Markie, but did not manage to secure a record deal.

|RZA}}

The Wu-Tang Clan was assembled in 1992 with RZA as the ''de facto'' leader and the group's producer. RZA and Ol' Dirty Bastard adopted the name for the group after the film ''Shaolin and Wu Tang''. The group's debut album loosely adopted a Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang theme, dividing the album into Shaolin and Wu-Tang sections.

The group developed backronyms for the name (as hip hop pioneers such as KRS-One and Big Daddy Kane did with their names), including "We Usually Take All Niggas' Garments", "Witty Unpredictable Talent And Natural Game", and "Wisdom of the Universe, and the Truth of Allah for the Nation of the Gods".

''Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'' and solo albums

The Wu-Tang Clan first became known in 1993 following the release of the independent single "Protect Ya Neck", which immediately gave the group a sizable underground following, especially after their tour with Kat Nu and Cypress Hill. Though there was some difficulty in finding a record label that would sign the Wu-Tang Clan while still allowing each member to record solo albums with other labels, Loud/RCA finally agreed, releasing their debut album, ''Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'', in 1993. This album turned out to be critically acclaimed, and to date is regarded as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. The success of ''Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers'' established the group as a creative and influential force in mid 1990s hip hop, allowing Ol' Dirty Bastard, GZA, RZA, Raekwon, Method Man, and Ghostface Killah to negotiate solo contracts. RZA spoke on the Wu-Tang Clan's unorthodox business model:

|RZA}}

First round of solo albums

RZA was the first to follow up on the success of ''Enter the Wu-Tang'' with a side project, founding the Gravediggaz with Prince Paul and Frukwan (both of Stetsasonic) and Poetic. The Gravediggaz released ''6 Feet Deep'' in August 1994, which became one of the best known works to emerge from hip hop's small sub-genre of horrorcore.

It had always been planned for Method Man to be the first breakout star from the group's lineup, with the b-side of the first single being his now-classic eponymous solo track. In November 1994 his solo album ''Tical'' was released. It was entirely produced by RZA, who for the most part continued with the grimy, raw textures he explored on ''36 Chambers''. RZA's hands-on approach to ''Tical'' extended beyond his merely creating the beats to devising song concepts and structures. The track "All I Need" from ''Tical'' was the winner of the "Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group" at the 1995 Grammy Awards.

After the release of Method Man's ''Tical'', Ol Dirty Bastard was the next member to launch a solo career. His debut album ''Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version'' was released in March 1995, and is considered a hip hop classic.

Late summer, and early fall of 1995 saw the release of Raekwon's ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...'', and GZA's ''Liquid Swords'', which would turn out to be the group's two most significant and well-received solo projects. ''Cuban Linx'' was a diverse, theatrical criminological epic that saw RZA move away from the raw, stripped-down beats of the early albums and towards a richer, cinematic sound more reliant on strings and classic soul samples. The album is highly notable in that it revived, and expanded the Mafioso rap sub-genre, which started to decline several years beforehand. Lavish living and the crime underworld are referenced throughout using quotes from the John Woo movie ''The Killer'', with the mystique of the Wu-Tang Clan deepened by the adoption of crime boss aliases and the crew name Wu-Gambinos. The album introduced a flurry of slang words to the rap lexicon, and many artists have gone on to imitate its materialism. ''Cuban Linx'' featured all but one Wu member, and featured the debut from close Wu-Tang affiliate Cappadonna. The album also featured rapper Nas, who was the first non-Wu-Tang-affiliated MC to appear on a Wu-Tang Clan album. GZA's ''Liquid Swords'' had a similar focus on inner-city criminology akin to ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx'', but it was far darker, both in GZA's grim lyrics and in the ominous, foreboding production that saw RZA experimenting more with keyboards than ever before. ''Liquid Swords'' features guest appearances from every Wu-Tang Clan member, and is linked together by excerpts from the movie ''Shogun Assassin''. 1995 also saw the release of the Wu Wear clothing line, which would turn out to be massively successful, and influential on hip hop culture. It initially started as a mere way to make money from the demand for bootleg Wu-Tang Clan shirts, and evolved into an extensive collection of designer garments. Soon, other hip hop artists were making similar ventures and by the mid 2000s, a clothing line was almost a prerequisite for hip hop superstardom, with clothing lines launched by Puff Daddy, Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes, Nelly, Ludacris, 50 Cent, and more.

Almost a year after the release of ''Liquid Swords'', Ghostface Killah released his first solo album, ''Ironman'' in late October 1996. The album struck a balance between the sinister keyboard-laden textures of ''Liquid Swords'' and the sentimental soul samples of ''Cuban Linx'', while Ghostface himself explored new territory as a lyricist. ''Ironman'' was critically acclaimed and is still widely considered to be one of the best of Wu-Tang solo albums. Although the 1994–1996 albums were released as solo, RZA's presence behind the production, and the large number of guest appearances from other Wu-Tang Clan members has rendered them to be mostly all-round group efforts.

In 1996, the group appeared on the Red Hot Organization's compilation CD, America is Dying Slowly, alongside Biz Markie, Coolio, and Fat Joe, among many other prominent hip hop artists. The CD, meant to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic among African American men, was heralded as "a masterpiece" by The Source magazine.

''Wu-Tang Forever'' and diversification

With their solo careers firmly established, the Wu-Tang Clan reassembled to release the highly anticipated Grammy-nominated multiplatinum double album ''Wu-Tang Forever'' in June 1997, debuting at number one on the Billboard Charts. This event was featured in a CNN roundup for the extraordinary sales the group achieved without a mainstream sound or commercial appeal. The album's first single, "Triumph", was over five minutes long, featured nine verses (one from each member plus Cappadonna and excluding ODB who appeared on the intro and bridge), and no hook or a repeated phrase. The sound of the album built significantly on the previous three solo albums, with RZA using more keyboards and string samples, as well as, for the first time, assigning some of the album's production to his protégés True Master and 4th Disciple. The group's lyrics differed significantly from those of ''36 Chambers'', with many verses written in a dense stream of consciousness form heavily influenced by the teachings of the Five Percent Nation. According to Nielsen SoundScan, the album has sold over 8.3 million copies to date worldwide.

''Wu-Tang Forever'' also marked the end of RZA's "five year plan". After ''...Forever'''s success, RZA ceased to oversee all aspects of Wu-Tang product as he had done previously, delegating much of his existing role to associates such as Oliver "Power" Grant and his brother Mitchell "Divine" Diggs. This move was designed to expand Wu-Tang's reach in the industry and take advantage of financial opportunities for the group. In keeping with this move, an array of Wu-Tang products (both musical and otherwise) were to be released over the next two years.

Following ''Wu-Tang Forever'', the focus of the Wu-Tang empire largely shifted to the promoting of emerging affiliated artists. The group's close associate Cappadonna followed the group project with March 1998's ''The Pillage''. Soon after, Killah Priest, another close associate of the Clan, released ''Heavy Mental'' to great critical acclaim. Affiliated groups Sunz of Man and Killarmy also released well-received albums, followed by ''Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm''—a compilation album showcasing these and more Wu-affiliated artists, and including new solo tracks from the group members themselves. ''The Swarm'' sold well and was certified gold.

There was also a long line of releases from secondary affiliates such as Popa Wu, Shyheim, GP Wu, and Wu-Syndicate. Second albums from Gravediggaz and Killarmy, as well as a greatest hits album and a b-sides compilation also eventually saw release.

Second round of solo albums

While this round was commercially successful, it was not as critically acclaimed as its predecessor. The second round of solo albums from Wu-Tang saw second efforts from the five members who had already released albums, as well as debuts from all the remaining members, with the exception of Masta Killa. In the space of two years, RZA's ''Bobby Digital In Stereo'', Method Man ''Tical 2000: Judgement Day'' and ''Blackout!'' (with Redman), GZA's ''Beneath the Surface'', Ol' Dirty Bastard's ''Nigga Please'', U-God's ''Golden Arms Redemption'', Raekwon's ''Immobilarity'', Ghostface Killah's ''Supreme Clientele'' and Inspectah Deck's ''Uncontrolled Substance'' were all released (seven of them being released in the space of seven months between June 1999 and January 2000). RZA also composed the score for the film ''Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai'', directed by Jim Jarmusch, while he and other Wu-Tang members contributed music to a companion "music inspired by the film" album. Wu-Tang branded clothing and video games were marketed as well. The Wu Wear clothing line (previously mentioned) in particular was massively influential, and successful.

The avalanche of Wu-Tang product between 1997 and 2000 was considered by some critics to have resulted in an oversaturation that was responsible for Wu-Tang's decline in popularity, or at least in critical regard during that time period. Reviews such as ''Melody Maker'''s writeup on Ghostface Killah's ''Supreme Clientele'' in January 2000 which began "Another month, another Wu-Tang side project" revealed critics' exhaustion at the Clan's prodigious output. The overall reception for the second round of Clan member solo albums was decidedly mixed if largely positive, and they did not live up to their pre-''...Forever'' forebears critically.

Occasional albums would still receive critical acclaim (Ghostface Killah's ''Supreme Clientele'' being one of them, is regarded as one of the best solo efforts from the Clan) while Method Man and ODB remained popular in their own right as solo artists, and Wu-Tang remained as a well known force, but they had seemingly lost the ability to excite the music world in the way they had throughout the earlier, and mid-1990s.

Many fans and critics also bemoaned the lack of RZA's input on the post-''...Forever'' solo albums, which were mostly produced by the Wu-Element producers, other lower-ranking affiliates, or by outside producers such as the Trackmasters or the Neptunes.

''The W'', ''Iron Flag'' and New Millennium

The group reconvened once again to make ''The W'', though without Ol' Dirty Bastard, who was at the time incarcerated in California for violating the terms of his probation. Though incarcerated, ODB managed to make it onto the track "Conditioner" which featured Snoop Dogg. ODB's vocals were recorded via the telephones used for inmates to talk with visitors, while in prison. ''The W'' was mostly well received by critics, particularly for The RZA's production, and also gave the group a hit single with the uptempo "Gravel Pit", part of a trilogy of videos where the group would visit different eras with a time traveling elevator, which also included "Protect Ya Neck (The Jump Off)" and "Careful (Click, Click)", which were then followed by "I Can't Go to Sleep" featuring Isaac Hayes. The album would go on to reach double platinum status.

Shortly before the release of ''The W'', ODB escaped custody while being transported from a rehab center to a Los Angeles court and was considered a fugitive. At a record release party for ''The W'', ODB appeared with his face hidden by an orange parka, and was not recognized until introduced to the crowd. With police officers present outside, ODB performed briefly and then fled, fearing capture. Six days later ODB caused a commotion, signing autographs in a McDonald's at Broad & Girard Street in North Philadelphia. Unaware of who was causing the commotion, the manager called the police. When the law arrived, ODB mistook them for fans until they drew their guns. ODB fled the facility, but was stopped while trying to start his vehicle. After presenting a fake ID, he admitted his real identity, and was arrested.

''Iron Flag''

In 2001, the Wu-Tang Clan released ''Iron Flag'', an album which made extensive use of outside producers and guests. Its crossover vibe and features, including Ron Isley, Flavor Flav, and prominent producers Trackmasters, marked it as a lighter fare; while critically praised, it gained a less than stellar reputation with fans. Group member Ghostface Killah would later denounce the record.

While originally featured on the cover of ''Iron Flag'', Cappadonna was airbrushed out of the artwork and absent from the album entirely. This may be related to tension that arose within the group when it was revealed that Cappadonna's manager was, or had been, a police informant, a revelation that also brought on the manager's subsequent firing. Cappadonna would however, continue collaborating and touring with the group in the upcoming years.

Around this time Method Man began his acting career, along with close collaborator; Redman by starring in the stoner comedy film ''How High''.

Third round of solo albums

RZA's release of ''Digital Bullet'' (as Bobby Digital) in 2001 marked the beginning of a small wave of solo releases in between ''The W'' and ''Iron Flag'' which also included Ghostface Killah's ''Bulletproof Wallets'' and Cappadonna's ''The Yin and the Yang''. GZA's release of ''Legend of the Liquid Sword'' in late 2002 marked yet another wave that continued for the next two years. The wave also included Cappadonna's ''The Struggle'', Method Man's ''Tical 0: The Prequel'', Raekwon's ''The Lex Diamond Story'', Ghostface Killah's ''The Pretty Toney Album'', Inspectah Deck's ''The Movement'', and Masta Killa's ''No Said Date''. ''The Pretty Toney Album'' garnered decent reviews, but suffered claims that it was overtly commercial, especially driven by the Missy Elliott-featured single, "Tush". Raekwon's third album received similar criticism to its predecessor, ''Immobilarity''; with no RZA tracks. Fans were generally indifferent, and the album still drew unfavorable contrast to his debut. While Inspectah Deck's record was somewhat more well-received, it didn't catch on commercially outside of the core fanbase.

Masta Killa's album, however, was well received by both the hardcore fanbase and critics for its rather successful attempt to return to the classic Wu sound, and it became the highest-selling album released by its independent label, Nature Sounds Records. ''No Said Date'' was amongst a rarity of later solo albums in that it featured the entire Clan over the course of the album, including three RZA productions. The album is also notable in that it features the last appearance of Ol' Dirty Bastard on the song "Old Man". Method Man's ''Tical 0'' sold very well, despite negative reception from both critics and fans. Even Method Man himself went on to criticize the album, stating that the situation, including management transition, going on at the time with Def Jam caused the poor outcome.

Legal issues, death of Ol' Dirty Bastard and resurgence

U-God dispute

In early 2004, U-God apparently left the group in disgust. A DVD titled ''Rise of a Fallen Soldier'' was released detailing his problems, which were mostly with his treatment by RZA, who he claimed had hindered his success as a solo artist. He also formed a new group of young protegés called the Hillside Scramblers, with whom he released the album ''U-Godzilla Presents the Hillside Scramblers'' in March 2004. The dispute culminated in a heated phone conversation between RZA and U-God on live radio, which ultimately saw the two reconcile. He has since returned to the group and is heavily featured on solo albums, Wu albums, and projects.

Live and Best-Of albums

2004 saw the unexpected return of the Clan to the live stage. They embarked on a short European tour before coming together as a complete group for the first time in several years to headline the Rock the Bells festival in California. The concert was released on CD shortly afterwards under the name ''Disciples of the 36 Chambers: Chapter 1''. At this time they also released a music-video greatest hits album named ''Legend of the Wu-Tang Clan''.

Death of Ol' Dirty Bastard

Ol' Dirty Bastard's career in Wu-Tang was marked by wild and criminal behavior. At the 1998 Grammy Awards, he protested the Clan's loss (in Best Rap Album) by interrupting Shawn Colvin's acceptance speech for her Song of the Year award. ODB was also arrested several times for a variety of offenses, including assault, shoplifting, wearing body armor after being convicted of a felony, and possession of cocaine. He was also in trouble for missing multiple court dates. In late 2000, Ol' Dirty Bastard unexpectedly escaped near the end of his rehab sentence, spending one month on the run as a fugitive before showing up on stage at the record release party for ''The W'' in New York City. Ol' Dirty Bastard managed to escape the club but was later captured by police in a McDonald's parking lot in Philadelphia and sent to New York to face charges of cocaine possession. In April 2001, he was sentenced to two to four years in prison. Once released from prison, he signed a one million dollar contract with Roc-a-Fella Records.

On November 13, 2004, ODB collapsed at approximately 5:29 p.m. at Wu-Tang's recording studio, 36 Chambers on West 34th Street in New York City. He was pronounced dead less than an hour later, just two days shy of his 36th birthday. His funeral service was held at Brooklyn's Christian Cultural Center.

Wu-Tang has paid him homage on more than one occasion. In August 2006, one of his sons came out at a Wu-Tang concert at Webster Hall and rapped "Brooklyn Zoo", along with his mother. Also during a concert at the Hammerstein Ballroom the Clan brought his mother out on stage while the entire occupancy sang along to "Shimmy Shimmy Ya".

A posthumous official mixtape titled ''Osirus'' featuring many new songs was released in March 2005, while ODB's Roc-A-Fella album ''A Son Unique'' was originally scheduled for release in 2005, but encountered numerous delays. It was then scheduled for a release on November 7, 2006 to commemorate the second anniversary of his death, however this did not happen. It was released on November 7, 2009, to commemorate the 5th anniversary of ODB's death. It was distributed by the Dame Dash Music Group.

VH1 Hip Hop Honors

Moments before the Wu-Tang Clan was set to perform at the 2006 Hip Hop Honors, things turned violent with an altercation involving Oli "Power" Grant and a former associate who was suing the group.

While initial reports stated that Nick Brown was along for the ride and got arrested for possession of cocaine, the group had issues with VH1's security staff, an actual confrontation took place between True Master and Power in a VIP area of the venue, said Power. "I ain't even gonna glorify that to no type of degree, but the bottom line was, yeah, you know there was a minor little altercation over there", Power said. "I see him and he's in the VIP on the strength of Wu-Tang so I kind of reacted, be it right or wrong... fuck!" The brief altercation between the two men resulted in a tense situation and ended with Power leaving the Hammerstein Ballroom. "I ain't even have to leave. I just stood there and talked for, like five or ten minutes. I made sure the rest of my people was able to stay because I told them, 'look if it was anything then let it be my problem. Let them go ahead and finish doing what they do.' I walked out the front, girls started taking some snapshots." No charges have been pressed against Oli "Power" Grant or anyone else affiliated with the Clan in relation to this incident.

Fourth round of solo albums, ''8 Diagrams''

2005 saw the release of RZA's first book, ''The Wu-Tang Manual'', the release of U-God's second album, ''Mr. Xcitement'' and the long-awaited collaboration between GZA and producer DJ Muggs, entitled ''GrandMasters''. The collaborative record received good reviews and played fairly well with fans, who by and large had been waiting to see the Wu step up the quality of their releases.

On March 28, 2006, Ghostface Killah released the street rap-oriented ''Fishscale'', to much critical acclaim and some commercial success. The entire Clan, including Cappadonna and the deceased ODB, appeared on the track "9 Milli Bros". The album also offered an expansion of Ghostface's traditional sound—precipitated by the moderately successful club song "Be Easy" and battle rhymes in the Just Blaze-produced "The Champ". After its reception from fans, label Def Jam asked Ghost to release another album that year; the result, ''More Fish'', excited fans and critics somewhat less.

On June 25, 2006, Inspectah Deck released a street album entitled ''The Resident Patient'', a prelude to his upcoming album, titled ''The Rebellion'', which is said to be his final solo album. Late summer of 2006 saw the release of Masta Killa's second studio album, ''Made in Brooklyn'', to lukewarm reviews, as well as Method Man's ''4:21... the Day After'', on which the rapper endeavored to make up for the poor response to ''Tical 0: The Prequel.'' Around this time, he was heavily featured in the media due to his displeasure with Def Jam's handling of his previous project. Despite what the rapper felt to be little promotion compared to other Def Jam artists, ''421...'' debuted in the Billboard Top Ten, and received much greater reviews than those of his previous album. Method Man also made the decision to fall back from Hollywood, and to only do acting work on films being handled by close friends.

The summer of 2007 was the original release date scheduled for Raekwon's long-anticipated sequel to his 1995 debut ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx'', entitled ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II''. The album was to be released on Dr. Dre's Aftermath Records, however, it would turn out to be released on Raekwon's Ice H2O Records, and EMI on September 8, 2009, after numerous delays.

Ghostface Killah released his seventh full length album ''The Big Doe Rehab'' in December 2007, and exactly one week later, Wu-Tang released their fifth full length group album entitled ''8 Diagrams'' on Steve Rifkind's SRC Records, whose now-defunct Loud Records released the group's four previous albums. In an interview with MTV.com, Ghostface Killah stated that he was upset with RZA for starting the ''8 Diagrams'' project while he was in the middle of writing and recording ''The Big Doe Rehab'', and further upset with RZA for giving ''8 Diagrams'' the same release date as ''The Big Doe Rehab'', for which RZA re-scheduled a release date one week later. The final outcome of ''8 Diagrams'' received mixed views from both fans and critics, and is regarded as being RZA's most experimental work to date. Both Raekwon and Ghostface Killah were unhappy with the album, and proposed recording a group album titled "Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang" without RZA production.

In the summer of 2008, RZA released ''Digi Snacks'', which was another Bobby Digital album. He used the album primarily to put over lesser-known Wu-Tang Clan affiliates such as Freemurder, Killa Sin, Black Knights and others. The summer of 2008 also the release of GZA's'' Pro Tools'' album.

Almost a year later, U-God released his third solo album entitled ''Dopium'', which features guest appearances from several Wu-Tang members, and affiliates, among others, and was met with mostly lukewarm reviews. Released one week later was ''Wu-Tang Chamber Music'', a side project executively produced by RZA, featuring live instrumentation from a Brooklyn soul band called The Revelations. The album features appearances from five Wu-Tang members, along with New York City mainstays AZ, Kool G Rap, Cormega, Havoc, Sean Price, and M.O.P. The first single from ''Chamber Music'' was a track titled "Harbor Masters" featuring Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, and AZ. To clear up confusion, RZA spoke about the album to Billboard.com:

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September 2009 saw the release of the long anticipated album; ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II'' which features guest appearances from several big name artists, and Clan members, with Ghostface being the most prominent, and also production from RZA, Dr. Dre, Pete Rock, and J Dilla, among others. The album debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200 and at number 2 on the Top R&B;/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and has been praised by most music critics. Several weeks later, Ghostface released ''Ghostdini: Wizard of Poetry in Emerald City'', which is a hip hop/R&B; album.

Talk of the album ''Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang'' re-surfaced in July 2009; originally planned as a full-on Wu album without RZA's input, the project evolved to include RZA from an MC standpoint, without contributing to production. Raekwon stated:

Speaking to MTV.com, Method Man revealed his, Ghostface Killah's and Raekwon's plans to record a separate album as a trio:

Soon after, Ghostface Killah cemented the details: the record—featuring other Wu-Tang Clan members—will consist primarily of him, Method Man, and Raekwon. The title, as announced in three separate trailers (directed by Rik Cordero) promoting the upcoming release, is ''Wu-Massacre''. Speaking on their willingness to complete the album, Ghost said the three would begin recording within the next few months and estimated the release date to be the end of 2009 or January 2010.

More recently, it was announced that the album would be pushed back from December to March 30, 2010; the single, "Meth vs. Chef Part II," was released after the announcement. Produced by Mathematics, it is an update of the song "Meth vs. Chef" from Method Man's first solo album, ''Tical'', featuring verses by only Method Man and Raekwon. It has been confirmed by Raekwon that ''Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang'' will in fact be his next solo album and that ''Wu-Massacre'' is a separate project, while the rapper stated that he himself had petitioned to have ''Wu-Massacre'''s release date postponed in order to yield more studio time.

While it is currently unclear whether RZA will be producing on ''Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang'', Raekwon has stated the album will come in 2010 and that the sound will represent the contrast between the traditional Wu-Tang mentality and Raekwon's Staten Island background:

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In terms of ''Wu-Massacre'', Method Man recently charged Def Jam with rushing the project, while the trio revealed an updated tracklisting.

GZA will be releasing ''Liquid Swords II'' produced by RZA. It is tentatively due for a 2011 release. Masta Killa is also working on his third solo album ''Loyalty Is Royalty''. Ghostface Killah recently announced three new solo albums, the first of which is scheduled for a December 2010 release, titled ''The Apollo Kids''. The next two, ''Blue & Cream'', and ''Supreme Clientele Part II'' are scheduled for 2011 releases. In 2010, Redman announced that he had been officially inducted into the Wu-Tang as the "eleventh member;" Cappadonna is presumed to be the tenth, although Redman has not appeared on any Wu-Tang group releases before or since ''The W''. He also announced that, in addition to his own album ''Muddy Waters 2'', he and Method Man will begin recording ''Blackout! 3'' and filming "How High 2."

On February 25, 2011,Wu Tang Live At The Palladium NYC was released through the groups official Facebook page as a collectors digital download. This included exclusive, unreleased freestyles. It was limited to 100 downloads before the page was disabled after this figure was reached.

Business deals

In September 2008, RZA announced that he had inked a deal with digital music company The Orchard to release the Wu-Tang Clan's back catalogue worldwide digitally, for the first time. In addition to forthcoming material, the Wu-Tang Clan's catalogue includes 13 previous releases that have been previously unavailable digitally, including recordings by the group as a whole, U-God, Wu-Syndicate, Killarmy, Shyheim, West Coast Killa Beez, Black Knights and others, and will be available online beginning September 23. "The time is right to bring some older Wu material to the masses digitally," said RZA, de-facto leader of Wu-Tang Clan. "Our fans have been dedicated and patient and they're hungry to hear the music that has set us apart from so many others. Hip-hop is alive in Wu Music, and with The Orchard, we've got a solid partner that understands our audience and is committed to doing all they can to help us reach the fans. I'm definitely looking forward to working with them to see what else we all come up with. There's much more to come."

Documentaries

Gerald K. Barclay directed the Wu-Tang documentary, entitled ''Wu: The Story of the Wu-Tang Clan'', which premiered on BET on November 13, 2008. The documentary was released on DVD on November 18, 2008. On November 10, 2009 a documentary on Ol' Dirty Bastard was released entitled; ''Dirty: The Official ODB Biography''. The documentary features interviews and stories from his family members, Wu-Tang members, and affiliates, as well as old interviews with Ol' Dirty, and live performances.

''Wu Tang Saga'', featuring footage of the Clan dating back to the early nineties through their most recent tours was released on February 25, 2010.

''Legendary Weapons''

On June 7, 2011, it was announced that Wu-Tang Clan will be releasing a new album called ''Legendary Weapons'' on July 26, 2011. According to a press release, the album features a throwback sound that has been inspired by Kung-Fu imagery, a long running theme in Wu-Tang Clan's releases.

Sixth studio album

On June 29, 2011, Raekwon announced that the group were working on a new studio album, still in early stages. Ghostface Killah later revealed in an interview during their European Rebirth Tour that the album should hit the shelves in May, 2012.

Influence

Wu-Tang has influenced many current-day hip hop acts in the areas of rapping, production technique, subject matter and image. Among these contributions have been RZA's sampling style, certain Clan members' mafioso rap personas, usage of slang terms, and the tendency of artists to run in tightly knit groups.

Production

According to RZA, he tries to have no more than 20–25% sampling on any given record, something starkly different from many other major hip hop groups. He uses "the sampler more like a painter's palette than a Xerox. Then again, I might use it as a Xerox if I find rare beats that nobody had in their crates yet". He played much of the piano himself, with Bill Evans and Thelonious Monk as major influences; for instance, he created the piano part to "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'" after watching the Thelonious Monk documentary, ''Straight, No Chaser''.

RZA's production technique, specifically the manner of chopping up and/or speeding or slowing soul samples to fit his beats, has been picked up by currently popular producers, most notably Kanye West and Just Blaze, the two main producers behind Roc-A-Fella Records. West's own take on RZA's style briefly flooded the rap market with what was dubbed "chipmunk soul", the pitch bending of a vocal sample to where it sounded as though the singer had inhaled helium. Several producers at the time copied the style, creating other offshoots. West has admitted that his style was distinctly influenced by RZA's production, and RZA has acknowledged his influence in an issue of ''Scratch'' magazine, saying he wished he had produced "Jesus Walks" and "Breathe", two 2004 hits produced by Kanye West and Just Blaze, respectively. Kanye West commented:

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Lyrics

Raekwon's ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...'' helped (with the likes of Kool G Rap) popularize the Mafia theme in rap music that remained widespread for more than half a decade. The landmark album touted a lifestyle patterned on drug dealing, regrets of living in harsh conditions, and partying (including popularizing the Cristal brand of champagne) which Nas, Mobb Deep, Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and other popular artists all borrowed and/or expanded upon these themes at points in their respective careers.

The Wu-Tang Clan's slang has long been a staple of their music, wherein members would blend Five Percenter terms, Kung Fu/oriental words, and comic book and street terms to create their own nicknames for actions, people, places and things (such as the christening of Staten Island as "Shaolin Land" and money as "C.R.E.A.M."). RZA noted in the ''The Wu-Tang Manual'', that Raekwon was the resident slang-master of a great deal of the slang used by the group.

Image

Before the Wu-Tang Clan's debut in 1993, few popular rap music acts operated in large groups, and at nine main members with several affiliates, the Wu was the largest around at that point. No other group was composed of such a large number of skilled rappers and personalities. Since that time, several collective-sized groups been recorded together, and gained popular status, including Dipset, G-Unit, LA Symphony the Dungeon Family, D12, and No Limit Records. Though the Wu-Tang Clan may not have been directly responsible for the formation of the group prototype in hip hop, they helped encourage popular acceptance of the idea. They were also among the first to start the trend in hip hop of diversification in fashion; the creation and pioneering of a hip hop clothing line was an idea which was later picked up by Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z and Puff Daddy, among others.

Syndication

Wu-Tang management

Oli "Power" Grant and RZA's brother Mitchell "Divine" Diggs are the controversial executives who have been handling the business side of the Wu Tang empire since 1997, and are responsible for large amounts of products such as the ''Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style'' video game and Wu Wear which were released in the late 90s and early 2000s. The two stay behind the scenes for the most part but do occasionally step into the public eye. Oli "Power" Grant is a childhood friend of several clan members.

Oliver "Power" Grant has also acted in numerous films including ''Belly'', ''Black and White'', ''When Will I Be Loved'' and others. He also won the 24th Annual Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race in Long Beach, beating out seventeen other celebrity and professional drivers. "Power" was mentioned in Raekwon's lyrics in the street anthem "Incarcerated Scarfaces", saying "Peace to Power and the whole unit".

Mitchell "Divine" Diggs has been mentioned in several songs by Wu-Tang members, such as by RZA in his song "Brooklyn Babies" with "My big brother Divine he push the Benz well", and Raekwon in the song "The Turn" with "Divine got me, nigga, the boss, he pop me".

Method Man however has voiced his displeasure with Mitchell "Divine" Diggs of the Wu-Tang management, "Number 1 on my shit list right now is Divine from Wu-Tang management. He took something major from me that he had no intention of giving back."

RZA's cousin John "Mook" Gibbons is now the head of Wu-Tang Management who manage the affairs of Cappadonna, Blue Raspberry and the Watchmen.

Collective appearances

Several members, including Raekwon, Inspectah Deck and Method Man, appeared as themselves in the movie ''Black and White''.

Members of the group have appeared in several Comedy Central shows, most notably two appearances on ''Chappelle's Show.'' The first was in episode 107, in a sketch titled "Wu-Tang Financial", in which RZA and GZA run an investment firm, lampooning the over-saturation of hip hop endorsed brands (which Wu-Tang were guilty of at one point). The second appearance was in episode 201, in the sketch "Racial Draft 2004", in which the group is drafted to become ethnically Asian. In another sketch there is a news report parody of the opening sketch of "Method Man", with a man describing Method Man torturing him. Various members have also appeared in episodes of ''Upright Citizens Brigade'' and ''Crank Yankers.'' On the latter, they performed "In The Hood" in puppet form.

Several members appeared in ''Scary Movie 3'' (2003) (with many other rappers) in a scene where, originally coming to save the day, they end up arguing with other rappers until guns are drawn and everyone shoots each other to death.

RZA, Cappadonna and affiliate group Killarmy made an appearance in the "Adolf Hankler" episode of the HBO sitcom ''The Larry Sanders Show''. In the episode, the group are booked to perform on the show-within-the-show by guest host Jon Stewart, who then comes into disagreement with the show's network over whether or not the Clan are "too urban" for the show's audience. In one of their two scenes, the group is seen rehearsing the song "And Justice For All" and in the other scene, they are awkwardly conversing with the show's sidekick character Hank Kingsley, who asks where 'Dirty Old Bitch' is.

In 2003, RZA and GZA appeared in the Jim Jarmusch movie ''Coffee and Cigarettes'', in the sketch "Delirium" with Bill Murray.

In late 2006, Wu-Tang was honored as one of the premier and influential rap groups by VH1's 2006 Hip Hop Honors with other influential performers: Afrika Bambaataa, Beastie Boys, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, MC Lyte, Rakim and Russell Simmons.

RZA

In 1999, RZA made a brief appearance in Jim Jarmusch's ''Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai'', a film he also scored. He also starred with fellow rapper Xzibit in the movie ''Derailed''. RZA appeared as himself in a scene in Jim Jarmusch's ''Coffee and Cigarettes'' with GZA and Bill Murray. He has since appeared in ''American Gangster'', a 2007 crime drama film directed by Ridley Scott and in the 2009 film ''Funny People'' directed by Judd Apatow.

RZA scored the first film of Quentin Tarantino's ''Kill Bill'' saga. He has gone on to score several more productions including ''Blade: Trinity'', ''The Protector'', ''Freedom Writers'' and several others, as well as producing all of the music to a Japanese style cartoon ''Afro Samurai'', which also featured other artists such as GZA, Talib Kweli, Big Daddy Kane and Q-Tip.

RZA was featured as a guest on ''The Colbert Report'' on October 14, 2009 to promote his new book, ''The Tao of Wu''.

RZA also acted as referee in the music video for Vampire Weekend's "Giving Up The Gun".

Method Man

Method Man has had recurring roles in critically acclaimed television shows such as HBO's ''The Wire'' in which he plays the character "Cheese" Wagstaff, HBO's ''Oz'', ''The Twilight Zone'', ''Third Watch'', and the recurring character of Drops on ''CSI''. He hosted a series on MTV for a brief period called ''Stung'' and has made numerous appearances as himself on TV shows such as ''Mind Of Mencia'', ''Chappelle's Show'', and others.

He also co-starred with Redman in his own Fox sitcom called ''Method & Red'' in late 2004; however, after only a short time on the air, the show was put on hiatus and never returned. Method Man later complained in the press about Fox's influence on the show's style, claiming that "there's been too much compromise on our side and not enough on their side" and bemoaning the network's decision to add a laugh track. Before the show even aired, he told fans not to bother watching it.

His first prominent role came in 1998 with the film ''Belly'' along with fellow rappers Nas and DMX. He has since added many credits to his name, including roles in the films ''Garden State'' and ''One Eight Seven'', with starring roles in the feature films such as ''How High'', ''Soul Plane'' and others. He also played a small role in the 1997 film ''Cop Land''.

On March 27, 2007 Redman confirmed on BET ''Rap City'' that the sequel to the movie ''How High'' is currently being written, by Dustin Lee Abraham, who also wrote the first movie.

He had a guest appearance in the music video for the 2003 "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys, where he played the role of her boyfriend. Beanie Sigel also called upon Method Man's acting skills for his 2005 video "Feel It in the Air", where Method Man played an undercover cop leading an operation against Sigel.

Method Man has fallen back from pursuing more acting roles after the situation with his sitcom on Fox left a bad taste in his mouth, and now mostly just acts if the project is being handled by a friend of his, as was the case with ''CSI'' and ''The Wire''

He also appears in the 2008 parody film ''Meet the Spartans'', as leader of the breakdancing Immortals.

Method Man appears in the film ''The Wackness'' as a Jamaican drug dealer and on ''Burn Notice'' as a record label CEO.

Raekwon

Raekwon was the focus of a VH1 "RockDoc" about blood diamonds, where he along with Paul Wall and others visited Sierra Leone. During the shooting of the documentary, Raekwon became the first American rapper to perform in Sierra Leone. Raekwon and Damon Dash are in the process of filming a movie called C.R.E.A.M., a project directed by the Wu Tang rapper.

Ghostface Killah

Ghostface Killah released a doll in his likeness along with a series on daily habits and lifestyle for MTV called "The Pretty Toney series" into various short episodes. He appeared in a sketch on the show ''Human Giant'' and twice as himself on ''30 Rock''.

Video games

All nine original members of the group were featured in the game ''Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style'', released for the PlayStation on October 31, 1999, as well as a special collector's edition controller. Ghostface Killah and Yung Dirty Doucette, as well as collaborators, Redman and Keith Murray, also play themselves in all three games in the Def Jam video games ''Def Jam Vendetta'', ''Def Jam Fight For NY'', and ''Def Jam: Icon''.

Method Man is a huge fan of video games himself and has publicly stated that he loves playing ''SOCOM'' online with other PlayStation 2 users, and is part of an online clan ("KMA/Kiss My Ass"). ''His SOCOM II'' name is "ICU". He has a fellow SOCOM player featured on a skit on his album 4:21.

A video game from Acclaim, ''9Dragons'', also sports the name Wu-Tang Clan in one of the ingame branches.

In EA's ''Army of Two'', main character Salem talks about Wu-Tang asking his team mate Rios who the best member is. Salem says it's RZA but he says Ghostface Killah is pretty good himself. In the ending cut scene, a reference is made when Salem says "Survey says?" and Rios replies "You're dead". The exchange referenced the lyric, "And the survey says? / You're dead!" from "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthin' Ta F' Wit", from the album ''Enter the Wu-Tang Clan (36 Chambers)''.

Several tracks by Clan members and affiliates such as Method Man, Ghostface, Cappadonna, Trife, DJ Mathematics and others were featured in the 2006 game ''Saints Row''.

The video game of ''Afro Samurai'', based on the cult TV series, was released in January 2009 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Its soundtrack, like the show, was produced by RZA.

Clothing line

Oli "Power" Grant was one of the first to move from music to clothes. The executive producer of the Wu-Tang Clan, Grant started making clothes in the early 1990s, with little success. But in 1995, with the platinum success of ''Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'', suddenly the manufacturers that earlier wouldn't extend Power credit saw the potential. Power opened four Wu Wear stores, in New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Norfolk, Virginia., the line is carried in Macy's, Rich's, and d.e.m.o, among others; Power says he earned $10 million in 1998.

1997 saw the release of Wu-Tang's multi-platinum double-LP ''Wu-Tang Forever'' which launched the clothing line, Wu-Wear, to all new heights.

Method Man was unhappy with the decision to bring Wu Tang into the fashion world with Wu Wear, despite the brand being a major money-maker for the group. "When Wu-Wear started making shoes and sneakers and pants, it was shoddy material. I never rocked that shit."

In 1999, Nike released a Wu-Tang Clan themed dunk hi. The shoes were produced in low quantities. Their rarity and popularity makes them very sought after, leading reseller prices to be as much as $7,500.

A partnership between Wu Tang and the Alife NYC clothing group took place in 2007 through 2008 for an exclusive series of custom sneakers, t-shirts, hoodies and other accessories for both men and women. The collection was named "A Wu-Tang Life".

Controversy

G-Unit

Ghostface had a non publicized feud with 50 Cent in the late 1990s and early 2000s. On 50 Cent's track "How to Rob" insults were aimed at many high-profile rappers, including Wu-Tang. In the early 2000s the argument made it on to wax with skits titled "Clyde Smith" on ''Supreme Clientele'' featuring a low-pitched recording of what most fans believe to be Raekwon's voice derisively making fun of 50 Cent's behavior and his methods of attracting attention to himself. The skit also joked at other unnamed "gangster rappers" in New York. 50 Cent took offense and came back with a short track dissing Wu-Tang Clan, and Ghostface in particular. 50 rose to fame, both he and Ghostface talked in interviews with SOHH.com and Hot 97 Radio about the supposed argument, both saying that the argument was never that serious and nothing major had happened.

A supposed diss song, "Small Change (Who The Fuck Is 50 Cent)", which circulated the web in the beginning of 2001 was rumoured to be by the Clan, but was proven to be recorded by Polite of American Cream Team (Raekwon's then side-project).

G-Unit member Tony Yayo has alleged that Ghostface had a ghostwriter for his critically acclaimed album ''Supreme Clientele''. In an interview with spin.com, Yayo claimed that Far Rockaway native Superb, who guested on the album, wrote a majority, if not all, of the lyrics. In an interview with hiphopdx.com Raekwon, who also appears on the album, responded saying: "He [Tony Yayo] know damn well he [Superb] ain’t write that fuckin’ album. I don’t even wanna get into shit like that, because it just makes me upset that muthafuckas be running they mouth all kinda ways. But at the end of the day, I think Ghost gonna have to really say what he gotta say." However, in a November, 2007 interview with Rhapsody Music, Ghost responded with "...'Perb [Superb] is Rae’s [Raekwon] man. He been in the studio a few times while we’re doing shit. He ain’t write shit. All ‘Perb contributed was a couple of lines that you could put in the air. When we write, we all do that. “Say this one right here” or “Put this one right here.” We all catch lines with each other ‘cause you in the studio. You got niggas around you that write. Even if he did write a verse, he could never make an album of mine. He couldn’t make an album, you feel me? I made Supreme Clientele what it is. Those are my stories, based around whatever they’re based upon. It’s me. I can’t see what songs ‘Perb wrote. He ain’t write “Mighty Healthy” or “One” or “Apollo Kids” or “Cherchez LaGhost” or “Saturday Nite” or “Malcolm.” U-God called Tony Yayo "a bitch" in an interview with Undergroundhiphop.com, and threatened to beat him down when he sees him, but said that no diss tracks will be recorded. Paper Plates, one of the tracks from GZA's Pro Tools album released in 2008 is known to be a 50 cent diss track. The feud between GZA and 50 started in a concert in London, where GZA was performing and during the concert he was responding to what the crowd had to say about the current state of Hip Hop particularly in the Mainstream world. Soulja Boy and 50 cent were both mentioned. GZA made some comments such as, "Fifty doesn't have any motherfuckin' lyrics. You got a lot of record sales, a lot of money nigga but no TALENT!"

50 cent responded back to GZA on his thoughts about his comments directed at Soulja Boy, whom he has a good relationship with personally. "Recently I seen a video on YouTube and the video was of the GZA, that's short for The Genius. He's a 'Genius,' I'm sure everyone else has forgotten who he is also. Kid is 16 years old and we Googled you; you were born in '66. He was born in 1966 (laughs). Listen, I have an old school Chevy Impala your age." 50 has yet to record a diss track in response to GZA's "Paper Plate."

The Notorious B.I.G.

During his career, The Notorious B.I.G. had a checkered relationship with the Wu-Tang Clan. He collaborated with Raekwon on the 1994 Ron G song "Stop the Breaks," which also featured Killa Sin and KRS-One; the following year, on B.I.G.'s debut album ''Ready to Die'', Method Man was featured on the song "The What" (and was the only featured rapper on the album.) The song, "The What," was produced by Easy Mo Bee, who had strong ties to Notorious B.I.G. as well as several Clan members, such as RZA and GZA. According to Method Man, though even at this point friction was present between Biggie and the Clan, the two rappers got along:

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In 1995, on the album ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...'', Raekwon and Ghostface Killah commented on Big in a skit called "Shark Niggas (Biters)." Alleging that he copied the cover from Nas' landmark release ''Illmatic'', as well as styles from other rap artists. This generated longstanding controversy over their differences with Biggie, and in later interviews, both rappers would downplay the incident:

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In the ''Wu-Tang Manual'', a book by the RZA on the origins of the Wu-Tang Clan, he recalls a concert at which Biggie and Wu-Tang both performed, at which Raekwon and Ghostface were reportedly under the influence, and angry at some comments BIG made in The Source. In RZA's view, had the artists and their entourages met up that night, things could have gotten violent, but nothing of the sort ever occurred. It is worth mentioning that on B.I.G.'s final studio album ''Life After Death'' he took a shot back at Raekwon on the song "Kick in the Door" (which was a diss song to several other rappers as well) with the line; "Fuck that, why try/Throw bleach in ya eye" which was a response to lyrics from Raekwon's song "Ice Water", where Raekwon rhymed; "...To top it all off, beefin' for White/Pullin' bleach out, tryin'a throw it in my eyesight." On the posthumous 1997 song "Victory," released on Puff Daddy's album ''No Way Out'', B.I.G. also rhymes, "Militant/Y'all faggots ain't killin' shit," in response to a Ghostface Killah line on the song "Criminology" where he raps; "RZA baked the track and it's militant/Then I react like a convict, and start killin' shit." It is also worth mentioning that B.I.G. chose RZA to produce the track "Long Kiss Goodnight", a song allegedly aimed at Biggie's longtime rival Tupac Shakur, which appeared on ''Life After Death''. RZA went on to comment about the collaboration, saying,

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On the same album, B.I.G. gave thanks to Wu-Tang in the album's liner notes, and also inserted lyrics praising the Wu-Tang Clan single "C.R.E.A.M."; on the song "Notorious Thugs," he states, "I'mma tell you like a nigga told me/Cash rules everything around me." On his 2002 album ''God's Son'', Nas references the feud on his song "Last Real Nigga Alive," inferring that although he and Big had their differences, they were friendly; while he was also on good terms with Raekwon, neither Big nor Raekwon got along, and both warned Nas the other would copy his lyrics and style. In 2006, Ghostface and Raekwon did a posthumous collaboration with Biggie, on the song "Three Bricks," which was originally intended to appear on the posthumous Biggie album, ''Duets: The Final Chapter'', but it instead became a bonus song on the Ghostface Killah album ''Fishscale''. In 2008, Raekwon did a cover of Jadakiss' hit "Letter to B.I.G.," injecting his own thoughts on his deceased former rival.

Sean Combs

In 1998, ODB rushed onstage unexpectedly during Shawn Colvin's acceptance speech for "Song of the Year" at the Grammy Awards, and began complaining that he had recently purchased expensive clothes in anticipation of winning the "Best Rap Album" award that he lost to Sean Combs. Before being escorted off-stage, he implored the audience, "I don't know how you all see it, but when it comes to the children, Wu-Tang is for the children. We teach the children. Puffy is good, but Wu-Tang is the best. I want you all to know that this is ODB, and I love you all. Peace!" His bizarre onstage antics were widely reported in the mainstream media. Dirty made it known on The Howard Stern Show that he meant no disrespect to Combs, but that feelings were hurt on Combs' end. Later that night Combs' bodyguards would physically threaten ODB, but Dirty insisted to his friends and family in attendance that no violence broke out. Following the award show, Howard Stern asked Dirty about the incident with Diddy's bodyguards on his radio show, but Dirty wouldn't play up the incident as he didn't want to shine a bad light on hip hop because of one minor altercation.

Ghostface appeared on the 2002 Bad Boy Records release, ''We Invented the Remix'', along with Combs on the remix to the song "Special Delivery." Ghostface even gives Bad Boy Records a shout out for inviting him on the track when he raps "Bad Boy, thank you for this special delivery." Combs was one of the executive producers for Method Man's 2004 album ''Tical 0: The Prequel'', although Meth later voiced his displeasure with the final product. "On the third LP, it was suggested to bring in Harve Pierre and P Diddy. Who am I to argue? Puff knows how to sell some records. But that wasn't the direction to go in, and I know that now." In 2006, Method Man also called out Combs' decisions on the posthumous Notorious B.I.G. album ''Duets: The Final Chapter'', saying that Biggie never would have rocked with some of the sub-par rappers featured on it. He also brought up the fact that he was the only other rapper that Biggie chose to feature on his debut album ''Ready to Die''.

Mase

After badmouthing Wu-Tang at a concert, Bad Boy recording artist Mase had a run-in with Ghostface and his entourage at a club in New York City. There was some sort of physical altercation between Mase's and Ghostface's camps, and Mase left the incident with a broken jaw. Kanye West is among several rappers who have made reference to the incident, rapping "...if you could feel how my face felt/ You would know how Mase felt..." on his single "Through the Wire". Shyheim also referred to the incident in a freestyle, with the line "The Empire State, where Ghostface retired Mase". In the June 2007 issue of ''Hip Hop Connection'' magazine, Wu-Tang affiliate Cilvaringz stated that Ghostface had in fact done time in jail for "beating up" Mase.

Joe Budden

In 2009, Joe Budden posted a video blog voicing his opinion on a "Best rapper" readers' poll posted in ''Vibe'' magazine. Throughout the video, Budden gave examples of rappers who were ranked too high, and claimed to be better than half of the rappers on the list. Some of the people he mentioned were Melle Mel, Prodigy, Ol' Dirty Bastard, and Method Man. At the end of the video, he went on to say that he'd beat Method Man in a battle if they were face to face. Shortly after this, Budden called into Ed Lover's Power 105.1, and took his claim on Method Man even further by stating, "Lyrically, I will cut that man's head off his shoulders". Several weeks later, Joe Budden did a freestyle track titled "D.O.A. Freestyle", which many speculated of containing subliminal shots towards Method Man and several members of Wu-Tang. Method Man was overseas while all of this occurred, but eventually spoke out about it on several radio interviews. While Raekwon was on the Rock the Bells tour with Joe Budden and his group Slaughterhouse, the two got together to settle any bad blood.

This calmed things down for a short while, until Wu-Tang member Inspectah Deck released a Joe Budden diss track entitled "House Nigga", which was a response to Budden's remarks. A few days after releasing this track, on July 9, 2009, Deck went on stage at the Columbia, MD show of Rock the Bells, during Raekwon's set, and told the audience the reason for the diss track was because "the nigga tried to diss my brother, he tried to shit on my nigga like my nigga aint a made man ... fuck Joe Budden" (referring to what Budden said about Method Man). Joe Budden did not retaliate with a diss track, but however, posted a five-minute video blog in which he said that he wanted to slap Deck and called Deck a coward. At the San Bernardino stop of Rock the Bells, Raekwon approached Budden with his Ice Water Inc. entourage, resulting in Budden getting punched in the right eye. Shortly after this occurred, Joe Budden posted yet another online video blog of him with an ice pack over his eye, with many speculating Raekwon as the one who did the assault.

It was later revealed that the punch was thrown by a member of Raekwon's entourage named Hanz. Hanz stated that he "did not appreciate Budden speaking disrespectfully about Inspectah Deck and Method Man in interviews over the summer." He further commented "I punched him in the face because he was outta line. I look at him like, not the school yard bully, but the motherfucker that's always picking on a motherfucker that don't fuck with nobody. To say something about a nigga like Meth is crazy, Meth don't fuck with nobody. I'm not gonna sit here and say Rae made me do it, that was a spontaneous decision on my own. I'm glad I did it, 'cause he got a big mouth...It wasn't actually planned, he could have actually changed that whole situation as it unfolded, as it went on".

Although Joe Budden and Raekwon reportedly were sat down and forced to settle things on the final day of the tour, Budden released a video on his website challenging Raekwon to a one-on-one fight, and called on all his fans to help persuade Raekwon to accept, despite the fact that it wasn't Raekwon who threw the punch. Raekwon however did not accept, and explained that he is a grown man with a family, and that fighting would be childish. He also stated "This has never ever been a Wu-Tang versus Slaughterhouse thing, this is about a kid who gets off on doing blogs. My thing is this, I'm a business man, I'm here to make money, take care of my family and keep as many people safe and sound as possible. We not gonna take it there 'cause that's little shit, we are grown men. I will never jump out the window to sacrifice the situation with my family for something that ain't worth it". Since the incident, Budden has stated in interviews the feud was over, and Raekwon made a similar announcement during a show, stating that he "had love" for Joe Budden.

Wu-Tang affiliates

The Wu-Tang Clan's range of big-name, non-Wu-Tang artists has expanded exponentially since their early days. Close collaborators to individual members or the group as a whole include or have included mainly East Coast-based artists, including Redman, Mobb Deep, Busta Rhymes, Erick Sermon, Nas, Pete Rock, and others. The Wu-Tang clan also has many "affiliates" which receive support, financial and otherwise, from within the Clan. These are collectively known as the Wu-Tang Killa Beez.

Killa Beez

The association of these artists with Wu-Tang varies greatly. They include a plethora of solo artists and groups, both past and present. Many on this list are virtually unknown, while many are already successful musicians in their own right. Generally, the most acclaimed Wu-Tang affiliates are the ones with the closest actual ties to members of the group.

Easy Mo Bee

In the late '80's, future Wu-Tang Clan co-founders RZA and GZA were signed under different monikers to Cold Chillin' Records, the label home of Big Daddy Kane and Kool G. Rap, among others. During their tenure, producer Easy Mo Bee provided RZA (under the name Prince Rakeem) with his first hit single, "Ooh I Love You Rakeem", and produced much of GZA's (under the alias The Genius) true first album, ''Words From the Genius''. Around this time, according to the Wu-Tang Manual, RZA accredits Easy Mo Bee with mentoring him and providing equipment for RZA to continue practicing beatmaking.

In 1994, after linking up with Bad Boy Entertainment, Mo Bee began producing a fair share of ''Ready to Die'', The Notorious B.I.G.'s debut album. The only rap feature on the album was Method Man, who appeared on the Easy Mo Bee-produced "The What." 1998 saw the producer produce for RZA once again, on the Ras Kass song "The End," and Wu-Tang member Raekwon was featured on Easy's solo album, ''Odyssey 2000: Now or Never'' alongside Busta Rhymes on the song "Let's Make a Toast." Seven years later, Mo Bee would go on to co-produce alongside RZA on the group's fifth group album, ''8 Diagrams''. Wu-Element producer True Master has also credited Easy Mo Bee with teaching him certain production tips, such as snare, hi-hat and volume change techniques.

Nas

In 1995, New York rapper Nas became the first artist with no previous ties to the Wu-Tang to be featured on any Wu-Tang album—namely, Raekwon's ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...''. Following this appearance, Nas and Raekwon began to collaborate more often, frequently being featured on the same songs. That same year, Nas and Raekwon appearaed on Mobb Deep's ''The Infamous'', on the track "Eye For An Eye;" in 1998, they appeared on the Fat Joe single "John Blaze," alongside Big Pun and Jadakiss. During the same time period, Nas and Method Man co-starred in the film ''Belly'', and collaborated on its soundtrack. Nas was later featured on the Wu-Tang Clan album ''The W'', on the song "Let My Niggas Live," which also featured Raekwon, as well as Inspectah Deck. In 2009, before the release of his anticipated ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II'', Raekwon stated that Nas was intended to be on the song "Broken Safety" with Jadakiss, but Nas was never able to find time to record. However, Nas was able to appear on Raekwon's fifth solo album titled ''Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang'' on the song "Rich and Black".

Mobb Deep

In 1995, the same year that Raekwon's debut came out, the Wu-Tang rapper appeared on Mobb Deep's seminal ''The Infamous''; aside from "Eye For An Eye," he and Ghostface Killah appeared on the track "Right Back At You." A year later, Method Man and Raekwon made appearances on separate tracks on the duo's followup album, ''Hell on Earth''. In 1998, Mobb Deep member Prodigy was featured on "The Game," a song from Pete Rock's solo debut ''Soul Survivor'', once again alongside Ghostface Killah and Raekwon. The same year, Prodigy made an appearance on Big Pun's debut album ''Capital Punishment'', on the song "Tres Leches (Triboro Trilogy)," also featuring Inspectah Deck as well as produced by RZA. Furthermore, Prodigy and Method Man collaborated on the soundtrack to Bulworth, on the DJ Muggs-produced song "Bulworth," which also featured KRS-One and Kam.

In 1998, Mobb Deep appeared on Method Man's second album, ''Tical 2000: Judgement Day'', on the song "Play IV Keeps," which was produced by Mobb Deep producer Havoc. Havoc also appeared on Raekwon's 2003 album, ''The Lex Diamond Story'', on the song "King of Kings," and in 2006 he produced the song "Somebody Done Fucked Up Now" for Method Man's album ''4:21... The Day After''. More recently Havoc collaborated with the Wu on J. Dilla's posthumous single "24K Rap" alongside Raekwon, and "Evil Deeds" from the Wu-Tang Clan compilation album ''Chamber Music''. Raekwon also leaked a 2009 song with Mobb Deep called "Road to Riches." Havoc also made a guest appearance as a producer and rapper on the song "Your World, My World" which was a bonus iTunes track off of Raekwon's fifth studio album ''Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang''.

Redman & Erick Sermon

Both Wu-Tang rapper Method Man and Def Squad member/EPMD protege Redman were signed to Def Jam Records in 1994; their first recorded collaboration was "Double Deuces," a commercial recorded for St. Ides malt liquor. Both were also featured on "Got My Mind Made Up," a 2Pac song from his Death Row Records album ''All Eyez on Me''. The collaboration led to a hit single, "How High," and Method Man and Redman would make guest appearances on every subsequent album either of them have put out thus far in their careers, including the Erick Sermon-produced "Whateva Man," a single from Redman's 1996 album ''Muddy Waters''. In addition the duo has made many guest appearances together, including LL Cool J's 1997 hit "4, 3, 2, 1", produced by Erick Sermon and 1999's "Rap Phenomenon," on the posthumous Notorious B.I.G. album ''Born Again''.

In 1998, Method Man released his second album, ''Tical 2000: Judgement Day'', which sported two tracks produced by Sermon, on one of which Redman guested. A year later, Redman and Method Man released ''Blackout!'', a collaboration album that featured production from Erick Sermon, RZA, and Wu-Elements producers 4th Disciple and True Master. In 2000, Redman appeared on the Wu-Tang Clan's third group album, ''The W'', on the song "Redbull" alongside Method Man and Inspectah Deck; he also appeared on Ghostface Killah's second album, ''Supreme Clientele'', alongside Ghostface, Method Man and Cappadonna. In the late 90's to the early-to-mid 2000's, Redman and Method Man made several appearances in film and television together, including the comedies "How High" and "Soul Plane", and the short-lived sitcom Method & Red.

Sermon made a return to Method Man's music with 2006's ''4:21... The Day After'', for which the producer served as co-executive producer alongside RZA and Method Man himself, producing or co-producing four tracks. The producer also worked on rapper Busta Rhymes' Aftermath Entertainment album ''The Big Bang'', co-producing the song "Goldmine" with Dr. Dre, a song featuring the Wu-Tang Clan's Raekwon. This collaboration culminated in Sermon producing the song "Baggin' Crack" on Raekwon's 2009 album ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II'', as well as two songs on ''Blackout! 2'', Method Man & Redman's followup to the 1999 record. In 2011, Sermon resurfaced to produce the song "Every Soldier in the Hood" for Raekwon's latest album, ''Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang''.

Pete Rock

Like Easy Mo Bee, New York producer Pete Rock first began his association with the Wu-Tang before it was formally founded—by playing mentor to RZA, then under the moniker Prince Rakeem. In the book "The Wu-Tang Manual," RZA admits to effectively stealing equipment from the successful producer, borrowing and never returning an MPC. Pete first produced for the Wu-Tang when its members Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck and Method Man made appearances on his 1998 album ''Soul Survivor''. The following year, the producer provided beats for Raekwon's second album ''Immobilarity'', Inspectah Deck's debut album ''Uncontrolled Substance'', and Wu members RZA and GZA appeared on Pete's 2004 followup solo album ''Soul Survivor II''. Since then the frequency of Pete Rock's collaborations with the Wu-Tang have increased, as he provided production for Ghostface Killah's two 2006 solo albums, ''Fishscale'' and ''More Fish''; Masta Killa's 2006 second album ''Made in Brooklyn''; the Raekwon- and Masta Killa-featuring song "PJ's" from his own third solo album, ''NY's Finest''; the single "A Yo" from Method Man & Redman's ''Blackout! 2''; the song "Sonny's Missing," from Raekwon's ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... pt. II''; and the track "How You Like Me Baby?" from Ghostface Killah's latest album ''Apollo Kids''.

The L.O.X.

Jadakiss, one-third of Yonkers, New York-based group the L.O.X., first collaborated with a member of the Wu-Tang Clan in 1998 on the single "John Blaze" with Raekwon. While the collaboration led to associations with Nas and Fat Joe as well, Jada's group began to collaborate with the Wu-Tang on a more regular basis. L.O.X. member Sheek Louch collaborated with Method Man and Redman on ''Ryde or Die vol. 2'' in 2001, on the track "Two Tears in a Bucket." He also appeared on Raekwon's third album ''The Lex Diamond Story'' in 2003; in 2004, Jadakiss appeared on "Run," the RZA-produced hit single from Ghostface Killah's ''The Pretty Toney Album,'' which also featured the song "Metal Lungies," a collaboration with the other two L.O.X. members, Styles P and Sheek Louch. The following year Ghostface appeared on Louch's 2005 album, ''After Taxes''; in 2006, Sheek made a return appearance on Ghostface's ''Fishscale'', and Raekwon appeared alongside Jadakiss and others on Hi-Tek's album ''Hi-Teknology 2: The Chip'', on the song "Where it Started At." Ghostface Killah appeared on L.O.X. member Styles P's 2007 album, ''Super Gangster (Extraordinary Gentleman)'', and Styles was set to appear on Ghostface's ''Big Doe Rehab'', having recorded a version of the song "Tony Sigel A.K.A. Barrel Brothers" with Styles.

In 2009, Jadakiss featured Raekwon and Ghostface Killah on his album ''The Last Kiss'', on the single "Cartel Gathering", and Raekwon featured Jadakiss and Styles P on his album ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II''; Sheek Louch and new D-Block addition Bully also appeared on the Method Man, Ghostface Killah and Raekwon album, ''Wu-Massacre''. Inspectah Deck has also stated that he intends to reach out to Jadakiss to appear on his next and final album, ''The Rebellion''. In addition, Ghostface and Sheek Louch have announced that they are recording a collaboration album called ''Wu-Block''.

Busta Rhymes

New York rapper Busta Rhymes first collaborated with the Wu-Tang Clan on the remix to his 1996 single "Woo-Hah!! (Got You All In Check)", which featured Ol' Dirty Bastard. Also that year, Busta was featured on the soundtrack to "Space Jam", where he and Method Man appeared on the song "Hit 'Em High" alongside B-Real, Coolio, and LL Cool J. 2000 witnessed Ghostface Killah and Raekwon appear on Busta's album ''Anarchy'', on the song "The Heist;" Busta also appeared with Raekwon on Easy Mo Bee's solo album, ''Odyssey 2000: Now or Never'', and guested on ''The W'' on the song "The Monument." Busta would later appear on Method Man's album ''Tical 0: The Prequel'', assisting on the hit single "What's Happenin'," while convincing Raekwon to record his sequel to the critically acclaimed 1995 album ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx''. Serving in an executive producer capacity, Busta helped Raekwon assemble ''Cuban Linx II'' and provided the rapper with a link to Aftermath producer Dr. Dre. Raekwon appeared on Busta's 2006 album ''The Big Bang'', on the Dr. Dre/Erick Sermon-produced song "Goldmine," and Busta made a return appearance on the Dr. Dre-produced "About Me" from 2009's ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II''. In addition, Busta later appeared on Capone-N-Noreaga's 2010 album ''The War Report 2: Report the War'', their first on Raekwon's vanity label IceH20 Records, on the song "The Oath," which also featured Raekwon. Busta also made an appearance on Ghostface Killah's album ''Apollo Kids'' later that year on the song "Superstar," and appeared in 2011 on Raekwon's fifth solo album ''Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang'' on the song "Crane Style".

AZ

AZ began his career as an affiliate of Nas, but over time has strengthened his ties with other artists, including the Wu-Tang Clan. The Brooklyn rapper first recorded with the Wu in 1996, when Raekwon joined him for a RZA-produced remix of his first single, "Doe or Die." In '98, the rapper linked up with RZA again on the album ''Pieces of a Man'', with the RZA-produced song "Whatever Happened (The Birth)." 2005 brought another collaboration; on his album ''AWOL'', AZ featured Raekwon and Ghostface Killah on his single "New York." In '09, AZ was featured on the Wu-Tang compilation album ''Chamber Music'', and is set to appear alongside Raekwon and Ghostface again in 2010 on DJ Kay Slay's album ''More Than a DJ''.

Kool G Rap

Kool G Rap began appearing with the Wu-Tang starting in 1997, on the single "Cakes," produced by and featuring RZA for the soundtrack to ''Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai''. In 2003, G Rap appeared on Inspectah Deck's album ''The Movement'', on the song "Framed;" he went on to make appearances on the Ghostface Killah/Trife da God joint album ''Put it on the Line'', RZA's ''Afro Samurai: Resurrection soundtrack'', and the Wu-Tang's ''Chamber Music''. Recently, it has been announced that Raekwon and G Rap are recording a collaboration album together.

DJ Muggs

West coast producer and Cypress Hill co-founder DJ Muggs began collaborating with the Wu-Tang in 1995, when RZA and U-God appeared on the RZA-produced Cypress Hill song "Killa Hill Niggas," from the album ''III: Temples of Boom''. In 1997, Muggs produced the Method Man/Prodigy collaboration, "Bulworth." In addition, RZA and GZA appeared on his album ''Soul Assassins I'', and GZA appeared on the 2000 followup, ''Soul Assassins II''. In return, Muggs produced a song on GZA's 2002 album ''Legend of the Liquid Sword''. The partnership led to Muggs and GZA recording the 2005 joint album ''Grandmasters'' (billed as DJ Muggs vs. GZA, the first in a series of "DJ Muggs vs." albums), released to some critical acclaim. 2005 also saw Muggs produce the song "Black Opera" for Skillz, which featured Raekwon. Additionally, GZA appeared on the DJ Muggs-produced Planet Asia album, ''Pain Language'' in 2008. In 2009, Raekwon spoke about recording new material with DJ Muggs, presumably for his album ''Cuban Linx II'', although no new collaborations surfaced until he appeared on the song "Chase Manhattan" from the DJ Muggs/Ill Bill album ''Kill Devil Hills''.

MF Doom

The underground rapper/producer MF Doom's first collaboration with the Wu-Tang Clan was in 2005, when he appeared with the RZA on "Biochemical Equation" (which RZA also produced), from the compilation album ''Wu-Tang Meets the Indie Culture''. When Doom anonymously submitted a beat tape for Ghostface Killah, several of his tracks made the cut for Ghostface's 2006 albums ''Fishscale'' and ''More Fish'', including the song "9 Milli Bros.," which featured the Wu-Tang Clan in its entirety. Doom also provided production for Masta Killa's 2006 album ''Made in Brooklyn''. An album-long collaboration with Ghostface Killah was rumored for several years, and various songs leaked that reportedly were recorded for the project, which was to be entitled either ''Ghostface Meets Metalface'' or ''Swift & Changeable''. The project has not yet surfaced, but in July 2009 Ghostface reported having recorded his parts for the record and said he was simply waiting for Doom to finish his parts. Since ''More Fish'', several new collaborations by the two have surfaced, including "Chinatown Wars" (from the soundtrack to Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars), "Angeles," "The Mask," and the J. Dilla-produced "Sniper Elite" and "Murder Goons."

Kanye West

Producer/rapper Kanye West, formerly of Roc-A-Fella Records, built a production and rapping style closely based on various members of the Wu-Tang Clan. In 2000, he got some of his first major production placements on former Bad Boy producer D-Dot (née The Madd Rapper)'s debut album, ''Tell 'Em Why U Madd'', including the song "Ghetto," which featured Raekwon. In 2001, West produced the bulk of Jay-Z's successful and highly praised album ''The Blueprint'', implementing an augmented version of a technique pioneered by RZA; Kanye has since revealed that the beats he and fellow Roc producer Just Blaze produced were originally created for Ghostface Killah, before announcing that Ghostface inspired his sound and style. During the recording sessions for West's 2004 debut ''College Dropout'', Wu-Tang member and then-Roc-A-Fella artist Ol' Dirty Bastard recorded a chorus and backing vocals for the song "Keep the Receipt," which was left off the album but released on a mixtape.

In 2006, Kanye was featured on the remix to Ghostface Killah's hit single, "Back Like That." In 2010, West and Raekwon collaborated again on the Kanye-produced remix to Justin Bieber's single "Runaway Love." Following up on the song, Raekwon guested on several tracks cut from West's upcoming ''My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy'', which were released as songs in the producer's weekly G.O.O.D. Fridays series. On the album's proper release, Raekwon was featured on the track "Gorgeous" alongside West and Kid Cudi; in addition, RZA co-produced the song "Dark Fantasy" with West and producer No I.D., and appeared on the song "So Appalled" alongside Jay-Z, Pusha T and CyHi da Prince.

Other artists

Ghostface Killah's ''Fishscale'' also boasted work by underground sensation and Detroit, Michigan producer J. Dilla, who died shortly after. However, just as the producer's music has continued to surface in other artists' projects, several productions Dilla created for Raekwon made the final cut of the rapper's 2009 album. The year 2009 witnessed the release of the long-delayed, highly anticipated ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II''. The album made heavy use of longtime and short-term Wu-Tang associates, featuring frequent collaborators Pete Rock, Erick Sermon and Busta Rhymes while cementing the associate status of newer associates: namely, Beanie Sigel, J. Dilla, The Alchemist and Dr. Dre, all of whom have worked—in a limited capacity—with the Wu-Tang Clan previously.

As of 2010, the number of Wu-Tang affiliates has grown further: Capone-N-Noreaga, a rap duo from Queens, New York City, signed with Raekwon's IceH20 Records on February 18, 2010 and enlisted the Wu-Tang rapper to serve as an executive producer of their latest album, ''The War Report 2''. In addition, the compilation album Wu-Tang Chamber Music is almost completely produced by Fizzy Womack of M.O.P. alongside RZA, the band The Revelations and others, and features M.O.P.'s Billy Danze. Bun B has also appeared on several songs with Wu-Tang members in 2009-10: after being featured on Method Man & Redman's ''Blackout! 2'', Bun made appearances on Raekwon's ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II (Gold Edition)'', made up of tracks cut from the original product, and appeared on Redman's latest album ''Reggie'' alongside Redman and Method Man.

Members

RZA (born Robert Diggs, 1969) – The de facto leader of the group. He produced the entirety of ''Enter the Wu-Tang'' and the majority of the tracks on subsequent Wu-Tang albums. He has also produced many of the group's solo efforts, especially early on. Considered a producing pioneer, recently his popularity has transcended hip-hop. Thanks to Jim Jarmusch giving him his break with ''Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai'', he has gone on to score several Hollywood films such as the first installment of Quentin Tarantino's critically acclaimed ''Kill Bill'', Tony Jaa's ''The Protector'' and Ridley Scott's ''American Gangster''. Most recently he scored the music for the anime series ''Afro Samurai''. Before signing with SRC Records in early 2007, RZA was flooded with offers from Bad Boy Records, Aftermath Entertainment, Interscope and Def Jam among others. Rza is currently working with Shavo Odadjian of System of a Down on an album titled "Achozen" still with an impending release date. The first single "Deuces" was released on April 22, 2008. A second single, "Salute/Sacrifice", was released on November 13, 2009.

Ghostface Killah (born Dennis Coles, 1970) – He has a very distinctive, abstract, energetic and emotional style of rapping and is arguably the most consistent member of the group. He had a large role in Raekwon's ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...'' and later released his debut album ''Ironman'' to critical acclaim . Mainstream hip-hop press credits his second album ''Supreme Clientele'' with "saving the Wu." He has enjoyed similar success over the course of eight solo albums, more than any other member of the group.

GZA (born Gary Grice, 1966) – He is the oldest member of the group as well as the most experienced, having begun rapping in 1976, when hip hop was still a local New York phenomenon. He was also the first to release an album, ''Words from the Genius'', which was released in 1991 on Cold Chillin'/Reprise. The interplay between and other members on the group's recordings shows him as the wisest MC of the group. He is known for his laid-back flow, deliberate style, and complex use of metaphor, containing references to Samurai films, chess and 5 Percenter teachings. ''Liquid Swords'', his Wu-Tang debut album, is often considered among the group's best work, perhaps only challenged by Raekwon's ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...''.

Inspectah Deck (born Jason Hunter, 1970) – He was one of the star members of the group, gaining attention by providing stand-out performances on both Wu-Tang albums and on other member's solo albums as well as being a popular guest rapper in 1997 and 1998. He is considered by many in the fanbase as the stand-out member on ''Wu-Tang Forever'', although his later solo albums failed to live up to the high expectations. Inspectah Deck is known for his ability to use metaphors and deliver complicated rhyme-schemes. He is also a successful producer, providing beats for many artists both in and out of the Wu-Tang family such as Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Big Pun, Prodigy and others.

Masta Killa (born Elgin Turner, 1969) – He was the only member not already an experienced rapper at the time of the group's formation, and was extensively mentored by GZA during his early days with the group. He was largely absent on the group's first album due to his being incarcerated, though he did contribute the classic final verse to the track "Da Mystery of Chessboxin", He also had stand-out verses to ''Wu-Tang Forever'' and other members solo albums, delivered with an intelligent talk-rap style. Fans have praised his work on classic Wu tracks like "Duel of The Iron Mic", "Snakes" or "Winter Warz" among others. He was also the last to release a solo album, though when he finally did release ''No Said Date'', it was generally well received and considered one of the best post-2000 Wu-Tang releases.

Method Man (born Clifford Smith, 1971) – He was the youngest member of the Wu-Tang Clan and the first to release a Wu-Tang solo album with ''Tical'', his career went on to become the most successful in the group, while maintaining an underground rep. His career is highlighted by platinum sales and a Grammy for ''I'll Be There For You/You're All I Need'' with Mary J. Blige. He is recognized by his distinct voice and smooth, yet "grimy" flow. He has also had a significant acting career with many film and television credits to his name, most notably the popular series, ''The Wire'', where he portrayed the character of Cheese Wagstaff, the lieutenant of drug lord Proposition Joe. He also acted in the comedy film ''How High'' and the sitcom ''Method & Red'', both co-starring with Redman, with whom he also made an album in 1999 titled ''Blackout!'' as well as the 2009 sequel ''Blackout! 2''. Method Man's friendship with the Notorious B.I.G. is credited for preventing more heat between Biggie, Raekwon and Ghostface.

Ol' Dirty Bastard (born Russell Jones, 1968–2004) – Arguably the most eccentric and erratic member of the group, his wild behavior drew significant media – and often police – attention. He was known for his off beat rhymes, charismatic ululations, slightly garbled style, and unpredictable vocal inflections. ODB was among the most popular members of Wu-Tang, with high sales and guest spots with industry giants like Mariah Carey. He collapsed in Wu-Tang's recording studio on November 13, 2004 and was pronounced dead less than an hour later, with a later autopsy confirming an accidental drug overdose to be the cause of his death.

Raekwon (born Corey Woods, 1970) – Nicknamed "The Chef" for having "lyrical flavor", and ability to cook cocaine into "crack rock." His lyrics contain extensive use of New York slang (and some of which he invented), which is often delivered in an aggressive, fast-paced manner. He is also known for his vivid storytelling about wealth, power, and prestige derived from the illegal drug trade. His influential solo album ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...'' is often credited with initiating the Mafioso rap phenomenon of the mid-to-late-1990s, and is generally considered one of the best of the solo albums by both fans and critics. The sequel to the influential album was released in late 2009 titled ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II''.

U-God (born Lamont Hawkins, 1970) – A founding member with his own solo career, U-God's has had a relatively low profile, in part due to his limited exposure, from being incarcerated for most of the recording of ''36 Chambers'', in which he only delivered short verses on "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'" and "Protect Ya Neck." He is known for delivering strong verses, his unique "bass-like" voice, and his style of blaxploitation rap.

Cappadonna (born Darryl Hill, 1969) – After growing up as friends with many of the Clan members, Cappadonna made his debut as an affiliate of the Wu-Tang Clan on Raekwon's hit single "Ice Cream". He was also a guest star, along with Raekwon, on Ghostface Killah's solo debut album, ''Ironman''. He made his first appearance on a Wu-Tang Clan album in 1997 on ''Wu-Tang Forever'' on the single "Triumph". Following his appearance on ''Forever'', he contributed significantly to the group's third studio album, ''The W'', at which point his appearances were no longer marked with "Feat. Cappadonna", as they had been on ''Forever''. After a falling out with RZA the next year over royalties, he did not appear at all on the group's subsequent album ''Iron Flag''. He eventually reunited with the group for their concert at 2004's Rock the Bells, and appeared on 2007's ''8 Diagrams''.

Cappadonna's current status as an official member is unclear. While long referred to by both the group and fans as the "Unofficial Tenth Member", there is no confirmation on whether he actually became the official tenth member following the death of Ol' Dirty Bastard. While MTV.com's biographies of both him and the group claim that he is an official member, their subsequent bios on the group's official website do not list him as such. Also, while his vocals on ''8 Diagrams'' were not marked with "Feat. Cappadonna", much like ''The W'', he does not appear on the front cover with the original eight living members, and is not featured in the album's booklet with a picture, although he is included in the group's shout-out's sections. A 2007 interview about the Clan before the release of ''8 Diagrams'' also claims that RZA officially added him as a member, but there are no quotations or statements to back up this claim within the article.

Discography

''Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'' (1993)

''Wu-Tang Forever'' (1997)

''The W'' (2000)

''Iron Flag'' (2001)

''8 Diagrams'' (2007)

''Wu-Tang Clan's sixth studio album'' (2012)

References

External links

Official Wu-Tang Clan website

* Category:American hip hop groups Category:American dance musicians Category:East Coast hip hop groups Category:Hip hop collectives Category:Members of the Nation of Gods and Earths Category:Musical groups established in 1992 Category:Musical groups from New York City Category:Musical octets Category:People from Staten Island Category:Rappers from New York City Category:Supergroups

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