If you ever felt discouraged about not having the proper equipment to create, don’t let that shit hold you back!
In 1992 Wu-Tang clan released their debut single Protect Ya Neck which was featured in what some would say one of the most impactful sounds of its era. As explained by de facto leader RZA in a 2015 interview with The Boston Phoenix “Eastern philosophy picked up from kung fu movies, watered-down Nation of Islam preaching picked up on the New York streets, and comic books.”
Having a lack of funds allowed young producer RZA, create a pure rugged sound on Wu-Tang’s debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) which was released by Loud Records in 1993. Its title originates from the martial arts films Enter the Dragon (1973) and The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978).
Due to the limited equipment that funds provided, you can hear how the bass bites down on each track, coinciding with the aggressive and gritty sound that each individual member had. RZA’s choice of samples sounded chalky, and even the mix down had jagged quality. This was a recipe for perfection that went against the sounds that had divulged during this era.
West-Coast hip-hop was dominating the airwaves at the time, with releases from Dr Dre’s The Chronic (1992) and Doggystyle by Snoop Doggy Dogg (1993) that influences G-Funk as an emerging sub-genre.
RZA showed his impeccable innovation as a leader with what he was provided. In order to decide who would appear on each song he had to make an executive decision in forcing the Wu-Tang members to have miniature battles with each other. This was due to the limited space at the New York location, Firehouse Studio where the album was recored. Giving birth to Method Man - Meth vs. Chef feat. Raekwon The Chef which later appeared on Method Man’s debut album Tical in 1994.
“He always thought that was a little battle,” Raekwon said in a clip that premiered as a part of DX Daily in 2014.
“I wasn’t really battling him. Meth don’t wanna battle me, you know what I mean? And I don’t wanna battle him. He’s witty with words. He got his way of doing things and I definitely got my way of doing things. At the end of the day that’s my boy. I love him to death. It was a miniature battle. I was coming with mine, he was coming with his. It was fun. But you know I’m the greatest, man. You know who I am. I’m definitely a knock-out artist.”
29 years later and this is still one of the most talked about albums. Now imagine if this album would of been pushed back? Let this be your sign to get to it!