Looking back on Wu-Tang clan’s Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)

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On Nov. 9, 1993, the entire rap world changed. Wu-Tang Clan dropped their iconic debut album: “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).” The album has been universally acclaimed and has reason to be the single best rap album of all time. It not only helped break the West Coast’s hold on Hip-Hop along with fellow East Coast counterparts Notorious B.I.G. and Nas, but it also helped reinvigorate the kung-fu genre within constants mentioned and skits regarding classic movies. However, over 27 years later, how does the album stand against the test of time? 

I’m not going to add any pomp and circumstance over the quality of this album in modern times, but the album is still immaculate. What helps the album stay current is the fact that almost every single rapper in the collective is an all-time best. RZA, Raekwon, GZA, Inspectah Deck, Method Man, the late-great Ol’ Dirty Bastard and Ghostface Killah all have classic albums to their name and are masters at their craft. There could be a masterclass on the history of their work both as a group and as individuals, as well as their significance in hip-hop history. 

Regarding the music itself, it remains relevant. Tracks like “C.R.E.A.M.,” “Protect Ya Neck” and “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing to F’ Wit” are all tracks that still get used in movie and TV show soundtracks such as Netflix and Marvel’s “The Defenders” and “Luke Cage” series. RZA’s production is timeless, and the rhymes cut deep, even 20-plus years later. 

The skits on tracks such as “Tearz” and ‘Protect Ya Neck” also shine a light on the environment the group comes from, which helps reach the audience. The skits show the rough, gritty and dangerous life of trying to survive in Staten Island, where the rappers grew up in. For those who can’t understand the struggle the group went through in their lyrics, the skits truly set the scene and create a tone that keeps listeners intrigued. When you relate this album with their biopic series on Hulu, it truly creates a new dimension and respect for the group. 

This album is so amazing because it accomplishes everything a rap fan can want in an album. It slaps, it’s gritty, has classic bars, and it’s a vibe. Even more, it’s vulnerable. From reading the stories and accounts of all members as well as watching the biopic, this album was it for all the artists involved. GZA and RZA had already tried and failed at the time of the album’s release, making a name for themselves as artists who were selling drugs and gangbanging to survive. This album was make-or-break for everyone involved, and you can hear that. The passion, effort and desperation make this arguably the most complete album in hip-hop history. This reason might also be why the group, despite still pushing out quality work as a collective, hasn’t been able to surpass this album since. 

During the passing of Ol’ Dirty Bastard, this album was the last chance for everyone to make it out and the collective accomplished that. 

Remove the legendary production RZA has continued to push out since this album, as well as the legendary solo albums such as “Liquid Swords,” “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx,” “Ironman” and “Uncontrolled Substance” only keep their debut. This album is the peak of rap and represents for so many people – an escape, an opportunity, passion and history. 

“Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” gets a Perfect 10. 

Teren Kowatsch can be reached at [email protected]. 

About the Author

Teren Kowatsch Senior at the University of Idaho, majoring in Journalism with a Music Emphasis. Writer for the LIFE section and KUOI station manager.

3 replies

  1. steven

    ruined this mans whole career

  2. Chris Banuelos

    Teren, I appreciate your enthusiasm for Enter the 36 Chambers, but since you may not have even been alive during the time that this album came out, I am not sure you quite understand the history of the Wu-Tang. I mean, I know you watched the documentary or the dramatic re-telling show, but from someone who was actually alive and a fan of the Wu at the time, I feel that you have some of your facts wrong. For example, The RZA didn't have a solo album until 1998 (5 years AFTER the release of Enter the 36 Chambers) with his Bobby Digital album. You also failed to mention his offshoot death rap group, The Gravediggaz. He did release an EP in 1991 under the name Prince Rakeem where the video for the track "Ooh, I Love You, Rakeem" received heavy airplay. The GZA's first LP, Words from the Genius, was also released in 1991 under the moniker The Genius (rather than The GZA) and did not do well. Next, I don't know what you mean about The Wu-Tang not having a chance to "make it out" after ODB died. Dirt McGirt died in 2004. The Wu-Tang, as a collective, released 4 albums by 2001 (not including the solo efforts). In fact, their second album as a collective group, 1997's Wu-Tang Forever, was a double LP that sold 4,000,000 copies (a full 1,000,000 MORE than it's predecessor). They then released The W in 2000 and Iron Flag in 2001. Anyway, I'm not trying to rain on your article or anything. Like I said, I appreciate that a White guy from Idaho who wasn't even born when Enter the 36 Chambers was released finds so much value in the music. I just wanted to offer some constructive criticisms that might help you to write a more factual and accurate article.

    1. steven

      Ruined this mans whole career

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