Like a sprawling ancient dynasty, the Wu-Tang Clan has lived a long, storied existence (by hip-hop standards, anyway). Here's a look at where the Wu hierarchy puts each member in 2006.
Like a sprawling ancient dynasty, the Wu-Tang Clan has lived a long, storied existence (by hip-hop standards, anyway). Here's a look at where the Wu hierarchy puts each member in 2006.
THE WU SUMMITRZA: Wu Leader and production maestro; he now works on film scores as often as rap albums.
Ghostface Killah: The most consistent member; his albums (like this year's "FishScale") are also the most anticipated.
SMOKE MOUNTAINMethod Man: The hazy MC hasn't released a great album since 1994, but stays in the public eye with movie and TV roles (and mediocre albums).
THE DIRTIEST SHRINEOl' Dirty Bastard: The wild, enigmatic rap jester was a talent like none other, but his wayward ways eventually led to a drug overdose in 2004.
RISING AGAINRaekwon: Hoping to reclaim the glory of his 1995 classic, "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx," he invited RZA back to co-pilot next year's sequel.
Masta Killa: The last member to release a solo album, he dropped the fantastic "No Said Date" in 2004 and the even-better "Made in Brooklyn" this summer.
HOLDING PATTERN PLATEAUGZA: Touted as the Wu's sharpest lyricist, he's still chasing the mastery of his 1994 release, "Liquid Swords."
Inspectah Deck: A standout on group albums, his solo works never broke out themselves.
VILLAGE OF THE DAMNEDU-God: Good on the group albums; terrible on solo CDs.
Cappadonna: Once a reserve member of the Clan, now lost in oblivion.
PRODUCER'S PALACEBronze Nazareth: The Wu's new favorite producer. Just released a solo album, "The Great Migration," on which he raps and produces.
Also: Mathematics, True Master, 4th Disciple
SOLDIER BARRACKSKillah Priest, Dreddy Kruger, Trife da God, Killarmy, Sunz of Man, Gravediggaz: Solo artists and groups closely affiliated with the Clan.
TOM HORGEN
