The Essential Wu-Tang Clan cover

The Essential Wu-Tang Clan

Wu-Tang Clan · 2013

119 min · 29 tracks · gangsta rap · hardcore hip-hop · East Coast hip-hop

A powerful retrospective that melds gritty narratives and innovative beats, encapsulating the Wu-Tang ethos.

Why this album works

This album serves as a crucial document of the Wu-Tang Clan's influence on hip-hop, showcasing seminal tracks like 'C.R.E.A.M.' which has been recognized as one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time. It not only encapsulated their cultural significance but also reinforced their status as pioneers in the genre, earning critical acclaim and maintaining a strong presence in pop culture.
Best for
dynamic flow with varied intensity gritty narratives that engage deeply powerful retrospective for long drives
Context
Released in 2013, 'The Essential Wu-Tang Clan' arrived during a time when the group was celebrating their two-decade legacy. This compilation followed their last studio album, 'A Better Tomorrow' (2014), and sought to remind listeners of their profound impact on hip-hop culture. The collection highlights both their commercial success and artistic innovations over the years.
Stylistic neighbors
Nas· DMX· Fat Joe

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Da Mystery of Chessboxin’ 4:48
  • 2 As High as Wu‐Tang Get 2:39
  • 3 C.R.E.A.M. Standout 4:07
  • 4 Cash Still Rules/Scary Hours (Still Don’t Nothing Move but the Money) 3:02
  • 5 Rules (dirty) 3:53
  • 6 I Can’t Go to Sleep 3:35
  • 7 Uzi (Pinky Ring) (dirty) 5:18
  • 8 America 5:34
  • 9 Gravel Pit 4:14
  • 10 The Projects 3:18
  • 11 Back in the Game 4:29
  • 12 What You in Fo’ 3:08
  • 13 The Monument 2:38
  • 14 Can It Be All So Simple 4:12
  • 15 The W 3:41

Disc 2

  • 1 Protect Ya Neck Standout 4:32
  • 2 Reunited 5:22
  • 3 Shame on a Nigga 2:54
  • 4 Hollow Bones 3:54
  • 5 Triumph Standout 5:38
  • 6 Redbull 3:55
  • 7 Method Man 5:00
  • 8 It’s Yourz 4:14
  • 9 Put Your Hammer Down 2:04
  • 10 One Blood Under W 4:12
  • 11 Diesel 5:30
  • 12 Careful (Click, Click) 4:25
  • 13 Protect Ya Neck (The Jump Off) 3:38
  • 14 Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber, Part II 5:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata