Once Upon a Time in Shaolin
Wu-Tang Clan · 2014
110 min · 26 tracks · gangsta rap · hardcore hip-hop · East Coast hip-hop
A bold artistic statement layered with immersive narratives and experimental soundscapes reflecting Wu-Tang's legacy.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- atmospheric background focus
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — A unique single-copy release, it departs from traditional distribution and sound.
- Themes
- art as artifact· nostalgic storytelling
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2014, 'Once Upon a Time in Shaolin' marked Wu-Tang Clan's first album since '8 Diagrams' in 2007. This unique project was created as a single-copy album, positioned thematically amidst the group's exploration of art as both a commercial and cultural artifact, highlighting their innovative approach to music distribution.
- If this clicks, go next to
- The Saga Continues (Wu-Tang Clan album) — Continues the experimental vibe with fresh collaborations and modern production.
- Sounds like this from elsewhere
-
The Money Store by Death Grips — Shares an experimental soundscape and bold narrative approach, blending chaos with artful commentary.Good Kid, M.A.A.D City by Kendrick Lamar — Explores similar themes of storytelling and nostalgia within a richly layered hip-hop framework.Atrocity Exhibition by Danny Brown — Utilizes immersive narratives and innovative production to reflect on personal and cultural complexities.
Tracklist
New here? Start with "Rivals".
Disc 1
- 1 Entrance (intro) 1:57
- 2 Rivals Start here 4:12
- 3 Staple Town Pt. 1 (interlude) 0:44
- 4 Ethiopia 7:55
- 5 Handkerchief 0:49
- 6 Staple Town Pt. 2 (interlude) 1:10
- 7 The Pillage of ’88 6:52
- 8 Centipedes 7:14
- 9 The Widow’s Tear 3:55
- 10 Sorrow 5:45
Disc 2
- 1 Sustenance (intro) 0:43
- 2 Lions 6:08
- 3 Since Time Immemorial 2:32
- 4 The Slaughter Mill 6:31
- 5 The Brute 3:24
- 6 Iqra 7:23
- 7 Flowers 5:49
- 8 Poisoned Earth 4:34
- 9 Shaolin 6:14
- 10 Freedom (interlude) 2:25
- 11 The Sword Chamber 4:05
- 12 Unique 2:32
- 13 The Bloody Page 5:09
- 14 The Saga Continuous 6:58
- 15 Salaam (outro) 1:31
- 16 Shaolin Soul (Exit) 3:41
What to play next
This album is considered a Experimental in Wu-Tang Clan's catalog. A unique single-copy release, it departs from traditional distribution and sound.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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