The legendary hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan is known for their gritty lyrics intricate flows, and masterful production. However, behind the scenes the group has been plagued by long-running internal conflicts and beefs almost since its inception in the early 1990s.
The Origins of Beef Within the Clan
Many of the tensions within Wu-Tang Clan stemmed from contrasting creative visions and business disputes. As the group’s de facto leader, producer RZA wanted to maintain tight control over the group’s direction. This caused clashes with members like Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, who wished to have more individual creative freedom and financial transparency regarding royalties and payments.
Egos also played a role. As the group’s popularity grew in the 1990s Method Man complained about RZA’s dictatorial approach “One minute, you my brother one minute we doing business…And that’s the problem.” The polarized dynamics between RZA’s centralized control versus members seeking autonomy created an unstable foundation for future conflicts.
Frequent Absenteeism and Infighting During the Late 90s
By the late 1990s during their tour with Rage Against the Machine, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Method Man, and ODB became increasingly absent from shows. This was symptomatic of growing interpersonal tensions and rivalries between members.
For the album The W in 2000, RZA intentionally pitted members against each other battle-style to earn appearances on songs. While initially helping channel conflict creatively, this approach ultimately backfired. Arguments frequently disrupted recording sessions for 2001’s Iron Flag, hampering productivity.
Accusing RZA of shady accounting practices regarding royalties, U-God left the group in 2004 and released a diss track video accusing RZA of being “the devil.” Such incidents showcased how business disputes stemming from the group’s early days began metastasizing.
Bitter Rivalry Between Raekwon and RZA in the Late 2000s
In the late 2000s, the relationship between RZA and Raekwon ruptured completely. Beefs about creative direction and compensation reached a boiling point during the making of the album 8 Diagrams in 2007. Raekwon was incensed about RZA’s musical direction for the album, stating: “Rza ain’t listening. He wanted to make [8 Diagrams] how he wanted it and it ain’t come out right.”
Rae went as far as to announce another group album without RZA’s involvement called Wu-Tang vs. Shaolin. This epitomized the bitter rivalry between the two heads of the Clan, with RZA retorting: “I would not want to put out a Wu-Tang album without every live member available.” This clash left 8 Diagrams shrouded in controversy upon its release.
RZA Calls Out Raekwon and Ghostface in the Early 2010s
In the early 2010s during work on the 20th anniversary album A Better Tomorrow, RZA again singled out Raekwon and Ghostface for lack of contribution. He stated bluntly in interviews that Rae hadn’t worked on the album at all, while Ghostface only gave 20% effort compared to the rest of the Clan.
In response, Raekwon replied on Twitter: “I love u rza, u know what it really is.” But it was becoming clear these two pivotal members were increasingly disinterested in RZA’s stewardship over Clan projects. Disillusionment from unresolved past conflicts hampered collaboration.
Recent Signs of Persistent Tension
In 2021, RZA conceded the Clan had probably lost their “synergy” due to past beefs. Raekwon also admitted mutual trust had eroded over time.
Ghostface has periodically rebuffed RZA’s idea for a joint album called Goldie and Ghost for years. In 2022 U-God sold an NFT diss track aimed at RZA, showing lingering grudges.
While the Clan continues to tour and talk of future albums occasionally surfaces, over three decades of recurring conflict have compromised the group’s chemistry. Unresolved financial and creative differences continue to plague the legacy crew. However, their immense cultural influence remains undiminished despite these internal trials and tribulations.
Sign In To Continue Reading
Password must be at least 8 characters and contain:
- Lower case letters (a-z)
- Upper case letters (A-Z)
- Numbers (0-9)
- Special Characters (!@#$%^&*)
This password will be used to sign into all
As part of your account, you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from New York, which you can opt out of anytime.
Latest News from Vulture
This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us. Enter your email:
50 Cent Vs Wu Tang Clan – What Happened?
FAQ
Did Tupac get along with Wu-Tang?
Tupac Shakur reportedly admired the Wu-Tang Clan for their raw talent, unique style, and authenticity, and he allegedly wanted them to join Death Row East, Suge Knight’s initiative to expand Death Row Records to the East Coast.
Did the NWA and Wu-Tang Clan have beef?
Wu-Tang Clan, from left to right: Raekwon, Masta Killa, Method Man, Ghostface, ODB, GZA (kneeling), Inspectah Deck, U-God, and RZA. FOR ALL OF N.W. A’s ANTAGONISM, egotism, and rage, the only rappers they ever feuded with were themselves.
What did Martin Shkreli do to Wu-Tang Clan?
… all copies of what was supposed to be a multi-million-dollar, one-of-a-kind Wu-Tang Clan album and is barred from selling or distributing the album …Aug 27, 2024
Why did the Wu-Tang Clan break up?
Over time, creative differences and clashes of egos have arisen, leading to tension within the group. Business Disputes: Financial matters and disputes over royalties and contracts have been known to cause disagreements within Wu-Tang Clan.
Does the Wu-Tang Clan have beef with the FBI?
Every self-respecting famous artist has an enemy or two, but leave it to the Wu-Tang Clan to have beef with none other than the FBI. As Vice tells us, said beef was largely a one-sided thing nursed by the Bureau.
Can a Wu-Tang Clan stand each other?
A Wu-Tang Clan cannot seem to stand each other, as evidenced by the recent revelation that RZA and Raekwon have not been speaking. Raekwon, who thought they had been communicating, announced that he was ‘on strike’.
Who are the members of the Wu-Tang Clan?
Wu-Tang Clan is an American hip hop collective formed in Staten Island, New York City, in 1992. Its members include RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and, until his death in 2004, Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Close affiliate Cappadonna later became an official member.
Did Raekwon become friends with other Wu-Tang members?
Raekwon later became friends with future Wu-Tang members Method Man, Remedy, and Inspectah Deck at New Dorp High School. And it is only because of Raekwon and Ghostface Killah that RZA could form the group as they brought other members under one roof.
Did Ghostface Killah & Raekwon start up as enemies in Wu-Tang Clan?
Ghostface Killah and Raekwon did start off as enemies in the Wu-Tang Clan. Interestingly, the two went to the same middle school together in Staten Island. Wu-Tang Clan had several controversies over the years as hip-hop fans witnessed beef amongst the members.
Did a woman meet the Wu-Tang Clan after a show?
Yes, the entire Wu-Tang Clan. In the interest of accurate reporting, The Daily Beast noted that the woman said she’d indeed met the Wu-Tang Clan after a show, and ended up in their hotel room where they partied — or, as she put it, “talked about politics” — until morning.