Soundtracks from the Shaolin Temple cover

Soundtracks from the Shaolin Temple

Wu-Tang Clan · 2008

79 min · 21 tracks · gangsta rap · hardcore hip-hop · East Coast hip-hop

A gritty blend of cinematic samples and sharp lyricism, evoking the raw energy of classic hip-hop.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with peaks
  • gritty cinematic soundscapes
  • engaging lyrical storytelling
  • immersive headphone listening experience
  • for reflective moments

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer instant gratification
  • avoid lengthy track collections

Where this album fits

Themes
Shaolin heritage· gritty street life· cultural identity
Career context
Released in 2008, 'Soundtracks from the Shaolin Temple' came during a period of resurgence for Wu-Tang Clan after their earlier works. This album followed their 2007 release, '8 Diagrams', and showcased the group's commitment to their roots while experimenting with new sounds and collaborations.
Stylistic neighbors
Nas· Mobb Deep· GZA
Sounds like this from elsewhere
The Infamous by Mobb Deep — Shares gritty street narratives and cinematic production, reflecting harsh urban realities.
Illmatic by Nas — Equally sharp lyricism and vivid storytelling rooted in cultural identity and East Coast hip-hop.
Supreme Clientele by Ghostface Killah — Combines intricate lyricism with soulful samples and a cinematic feel, echoing Wu-Tang's essence.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Darkness (intro) 1:35
  • 2 Killa Bee Swarm 4:15
  • 3 Lyrical Swords 3:28
  • 4 More Than Gold 4:12
  • 5 On the Eve of War (Julio Caesar Chavez mix) 4:02
  • 6 Iconclasts 4:54
  • 7 My Piano 4:09
  • 8 Biochemical Equation 3:59
  • 9 Pencil 4:00
  • 10 Josephine 4:12
  • 11 The Obituary (E.B.G.G.) 4:15
  • 12 Chi 0:34
  • 13 Deep Space 4:28
  • 14 Alphabets 2:44
  • 15 Original Man 5:34
  • 16 The Bronzeman 3:53
  • 17 God’s Creatures (interlude) 2:00
  • 18 Animal 3:49
  • 19 Still Grimey 4:18
  • 20 The Ocean 3:41
  • 21 Street Corners (Fam Members Only rmx) 5:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata