Wu-Tang Clan Back This Summer

All of the original Wu-Tang Clan members (except Ol’ Dirty Bastard R.I.P.), RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspektah Deck, Masta Killa and U-God, announced 8 Diagrams (out this summer on SRC records), the group’s first album in 6 years. In classic Wu-Tang style, the title of the LP comes straight from an oldschool kung-fu movie directed by Lau Kar Leung. Spokesman RZA promises the content will also be as innovative as their previous works Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993), Wu-Tang Forever (1997), and Iron Flag (2001), commenting, "this is the perfect time for us to come back, the stars are aligned. It’s like when we first started with Steve [Rifkind, owner of SRC]. We put out real hip-hop at a time when it was turning into pop or R&B. We brought the focus back to the music in its rawest form, without studio polish or radio hooks. We’re here to revive the spirit and the economics and bring in a wave of energy that has lately dissipated."

8 Diagrams is said to contain all new and original music in addition to a live unreleased performance by Ol’ Dirty Bastard, serving as a testament to his crown as “one of the illest MCs ever.” Following the release, the group plans to tour and will announce dates in the months to come. If you’re aching for Wu-Tang now, get your hands on Wu-Tang Clan & Friends – Unreleased (out Feb. 6 on Nature Sounds), a collection of productions and remixes compiled by their DJ, Allah Mathematics.