Searchlights splash the yellow and black Wu-Tang logo across the balconies and high ceilings of New York City's Hammerstein Ballroom as if to send out a warning signal that something dangerously exciting was about to take place. Tonight is a celebration of the much-anticipated release of 'The W', the latest effort from Staten Island's Wu-Tang Clan.
The undeniable beats of the Wu-Tang began with members emerging from all corners of the dimly lit set. The first ten minutes saw new album tracks 'Protect Ya Neck (The Jump Off)', 'Careful (Click, Click)', and 'Chamber Music' come to life.
The assembled hip-hop crew of Method Man, RZA, Ghostface Killah, Cappadonna, Raekwon, Inspecta Deck, U-God, Masta Killah, and GZA were joined by several guest appearances throughout the night. Seemingly missing from the stage was fugitive Ol' Dirty Bastard, to whom 'The W' is dedicated.
Then time for a spot of crowd participation with a grinning RZA telling the audience: "We're five families that make one fist. We're one blood." A soulful rendition of 'One Blood Under W' followed, allowing Masta Killah and GZA to shine alongside reggae master Junior Reid.
Hinting as to what was to come next, RZA proclaimed that the Wu would now be "taking it back to some wild sh*t" before leading a chant of the crowd rapping 'Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthin' To Fuk Wit'. Taking centre stage for the first and only appearance of the night was "surprise guest" Ol' Dirty Bastard who seemed to lurking in the shadows as an observer up until that point.
Outfitted in a bright orange parka, black ski hat and glasses, the ever-fleeing Clan member announced, "You know, they had the O.D.B. locked down. You know, the whole fuckin' world is after me. Y'all know I'm still surrounded." He made references that he would be "like a bird and eat bird seed or whatever" if he had to. He concluded by saying, "I ain't got too much to say" apparently unaware that his presence on stage at the Hammerstein Ballroom that night had already said it all. O.D.B.'s brief time on stage was spent delivering killer versions of 'Shimmy Shimmy Ya' and 'Shame On A Nigga'.
As if to bring the stunned listeners out of their state of shock, RZA confirmed, "For the first time in three years, you see the whole Wu-Tang Clan on one stage tonight." Although nothing reached the frenzy of O.D.B.'s appearance, other highlights of the night included GZA's 'Liquid Swords' and Redman's contribution on 'Da Rockwilder' with Method Man.
In a moment of playfulness, the duo showed just how infectious their meshing of rapping styles can be. Raekwon captured the spotlight with his performance of 'C.R.E.A.M.' announcing, "This is for all the real niggaz." Rounding off the night was an energetic 'Can It Be All So Simple?' and Ghostface Killah's 'Chezchez La Ghost.'
Summing up the evening's events, RZA explained, "Most album release parties, you come, get free drinks and go the f**k home. I told these niggaz 'Now we got to at least get on stage and show them the whole Wu-Tang is together forever'. We have five families. Put your five fingers up for one second. We all came together for one cause, made one fist. Put that fist together! That's us right there, no matter what the f**k."
RZA ended the night with a warning that the Clan is still as raw as they ever were, "We still punch a nigga right in his motherf***in' face."
In just under an hour, the Wu-Tang Clan, in full force and tenancy, showed that they could do just that and still keep them begging for more.
