The most legendary of rap outfits have always understood the power of mythology; the Wu-Tang Clan being one of the prime examples of this relationship. With a mixture of kung fu, superhero alter egos, and borough wisdom, the ever-changing clan has created not only one of the most distinguishable sounds in hip-hop over the last twenty years, but also has invented an entire universe, a world where we know the players, the callouts, the hand gestures, and when you need to bounce to the beat. Last night at the Town Ballroom, a sold-out show of Buffalonians got to witness the ritual that is Wu-Tang.
How essential the Wu’s aura is to their performance was clear before they even manned the stage. Both opening mic sets had the tools—baggy sweats, an anthem to marijuana, ending all banter with, ‘naw what I mean’—but there was a lack of energy, regardless of whatever familiar beat buzzed through the speakers. We wanted the Wu, but the Wu was late. There were already stall-room rumors; a large-set, white boy informed me at a urinal that Ghost was not coming, despite him being his boy. Part of the thrill (and often disappointment) of seeing the Wu is the wonderment of who will show. Who of the original crew will make the day after Christmas show?
Soon enough it was revealed: the RZA, Method Man, Ghostface Killa, U-God, Inspectah Deck, and Capadonna. The audience immediately did the math—no GZA and no Raekwon. And then RZA drenched the audience in champagne. From the beginning it was clear Meth was going to be the spark. He paced the stage, end-to-end, making sure audience jumped while accepting their blunts of gratitude. His familiar face and hype-man presence continued to remind the audience that the Wu-Tang Clan ain't nothing to fuck with. Playing three tracks immediately from 36 Chambers (including person favorite "Shame on a Nigga"), they quickly brought the crowd back to their legendary past as underground forefronters.
Then came a surprise--a montage of songs from the GZA’s album Liquid Swords, including tracks "The 4th Chamber" and "Shadowboxing". Despite GZA not even being present, the Clan’s dynasty is such where any verse can be plucked for retelling. This was followed by a few more hits, a toast to ODB with a sing-along Shimmy Shimmy Ya, and we ended in the Gravel Pit. We all got to witness the story of the Wu and be part of their mythology for a night. Was there a moral to their tale? Meth said we should still show the Bills some love for the season they gave us.
No Ghostface , no Reakwon and no GZA ,