The Wu-Tang Clan is a legendary hip-hop collective from Staten Island, New York. They’ve released classic albums such as Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) and have been credited with reshaping the sound of hip-hop in the 1990s. But behind all that success lies the real names of each of the nine members. From RZA to GZA, these are the Wu-Tang Clan members’ real names.
Who are the Wu-Tang Clan?
The Wu-Tang Clan is an iconic and influential hip-hop collective formed in Staten Island, New York, in the early 1990s. The original members of the group were RZA, GZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Method Man, U-God, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Raekwon the Chef and Masta Killa. Together they released classic albums such as Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) and helped reshape the sound of hip-hop in the 1990s.
Why are their real names significant?
The real names of the Wu-Tang Clan members are significant because they represent their personal and cultural histories. The group is named after a Shaolin martial arts movie, so it’s reflective of the group’s commitment to rapping about their life experiences and struggles in New York City. Each member has a distinct style and flow that reflects their unique backgrounds. For example, R ZA’s real name is Robert Diggs, GZA’s is Gary Grice, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s is Russell Tyrone Jones.
The RZA (Robert Fitzgerald Diggs)
Early life and musical career
The RZA, born Robert Fitzgerald Diggs on July 5th 1969 in Brownsville, Brooklyn is the de facto leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. Before his musical career took off, RZA spent most of his youth living with his father in North Carolina, where he began playing piano and writing music. As a teenager, he moved back to New York and became involved with hip-hop culture. He adopted the stage name “The RZA” and began to produce tracks for Wu-Tang Clan members. His production style is characterized by a gritty, minimalist aesthetic that helped define the sound of 1990s hip-hop.
Wu-Tang Clan contributions
The Wu-Tang Clan has been credited with revolutionizing the sound of hip hop in the 1990s. They combined elements of hardcore rap with samples from classic kung-fu movies to create a unique and influential sound. The group’s debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), is considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. RZA was the group’s de facto leader and leading producer, creating the raw and gritty sound that defined the Clan’s music. He also wrote many of their songs, such as “C.R.E.A.M.”
GZA/Genius (Gary Grice)
Early life and musical career
GZA, born Gary Grice on August 22nd 1966 in Brooklyn, New York, is the oldest member of the Wu-Tang Clan. As a teenager he was heavily involved in hip-hop culture and began rapping under the name “The Genius”. He met RZA through their mutual friend Ol’ Dirty Bastard and became a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan. GZA’s style is characterized by his intricate and complex lyrical structures, which have earned him the title “The Genius”.
Wu-Tang Clan contributions
The Wu-Tang Clan has had an immense impact on hip-hop culture since their formation in the early 1990s. They released classic albums such as Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) and have been credited with reshaping the sound of hip-hop. The group developed a unique style that combined hardcore rap with samples from classic kung-fu movies, and their lyrics often focused on topics such as violence, poverty, and morality. GZA’s style is characterized by his intricate and complex lyrical structures, which have earned him the title “The Genius”. He wrote many of the group’s songs, including “Protect Ya Neck” and “C.R.E.A.M.”
Ol’ Dirty Bastard (Russell Tyrone Jones)
Early life and musical career
Ol’ Dirty Bastard, born Russell Tyrone Jones on November 15th 1968 in Brooklyn, New York, was a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan. He adopted the stage name “Ol’ Dirty Bastard” and became known for his eccentric style and wild antics. Before his musical career took off, ODB spent most of his youth living in poverty and struggling with substance abuse. Despite his troubles, ODB’s career was successful and he released several solo albums, such as Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version and Nigga Please.
Wu-Tang Clan contributions
The Wu-Tang Clan has had an immense impact on hip-hop culture since their formation in the early 1990s. They released classic albums such as Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) and have been credited with reshaping the sound of hip-hop. The group developed a unique style that combined hardcore rap with samples from classic kung-fu movies, and their lyrics often focused on topics such as violence, poverty, and morality. Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s style was characterized by his eccentric flow and wild antics, making him one of the most recognizable members of the group. He wrote songs such as “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” and “Got Your Money”.
Method Man (Clifford Smith)
Early life and musical career
Method Man, born Clifford Smith on April 1st 1971 in Hempstead, New York is a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan. As a teenager he was heavily involved in hip-hop culture and adopted the stage name “Method Man” after watching the 1979 kung fu movie The Mystery of Chessboxing. He met RZA through their mutual friend Ol’ Dirty Bastard and became a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan. Method Man’s style is characterized by his smooth flow and witty lyrics, which have earned him the nickname “Ticallion Stallion.”
Wu-Tang Clan contributions
The Wu-Tang Clan has had an immense impact on hip-hop culture since their formation in the early 1990s. They released classic albums such as Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) and have been credited with reshaping the sound of hip-hop. The group developed a unique style that combined hardcore rap with samples from classic kung-fu movies, and their lyrics often focused on topics such as violence, poverty, and morality. Method Man’s style was characterized by his smooth flow and witty lyrics, making him one of the most recognizable members of the group. He wrote songs such as “Bring The Pain” and “Release Yo Delf”.
Raekwon (Corey Woods)
Early life and musical career
Raekwon, born Corey Woods on January 12th 1970 in Brooklyn, New York is a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan. Raekwon’s style is characterized by his signature “slang” flow and vivid story telling, which have earned him the nickname “The Chef”. He was heavily influenced by hip-hop culture at an early age and developed his own style by combining hardcore rap with samples from classic kung-fu movies.
Wu-Tang Clan contributions
The Wu-Tang Clan has had an immense impact on hip-hop culture since their formation in the early 1990s. They released classic albums such as Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) and have been credited with reshaping the sound of hip-hop. The group developed a unique style that combined hardcore rap with samples from classic kung-fu movies, and their lyrics often focused on topics such as violence, poverty, and morality. Raekwon’s style was characterized by his signature “slang” flow and vivid story telling, making him one of the most recognizable members of the group. He wrote songs such as “Ice Cream” and “Heaven & Hell”.
Ghostface Killah (Dennis Coles)
Early life and musical career
Ghostface Killah, born Dennis Coles on May 9th 1970 in Brooklyn, New York is a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan. As a teenager he was heavily involved in hip-hop culture and adopted the stage name “Ghostface Killah” after watching the 1979 kung fu movie The Mystery of Chessboxing. He met RZA through their mutual friend Ol’ Dirty Bastard and became a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan. Ghostface Killah’s style is characterized by his lyrical complexity, which has earned him the nickname “Ironman.”
Wu-Tang Clan contributions
The Wu-Tang Clan has had an immense impact on hip-hop culture since their formation in the early 1990s. They released classic albums such as Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) and have been credited with reshaping the sound of hip-hop. The group developed a unique style that combined hardcore rap with samples from classic kung-fu movies, and their lyrics often focused on topics such as violence, poverty, and morality. Ghostface Killah’s style was characterized by his lyrical complexity, making him one of the most recognizable members of the group. He wrote songs such as “Criminology” and “All That I Got Is You.”
Inspectah Deck (Jason Hunter)
Early life and musical career
Inspectah Deck, born Jason Hunter on July 6th 1970 in Brooklyn, New York is a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan. He was one of the first members to join RZA’s crew and adopted the stage name “Inspectah Deck” as a tribute to his martial arts movies. As a young adult, Inspectah Deck developed an interest in producing and engineering hip-hop music.
Wu-Tang Clan contributions
The Wu-Tang Clan has had an immense impact on hip-hop culture since their formation in the early 1990s. They released classic albums such as Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) and have been credited with reshaping the sound of hip-hop. The group developed a unique style that combined hardcore rap with samples from classic kung-fu movies, and their lyrics often focused on topics such as violence, poverty, and morality. Inspectah Deck’s style was characterized by his aggressive delivery and intricate rhyme schemes, making him one of the most recognizable members of the group. He wrote songs such as “Triumph” and “Protect Ya Neck”.
U-God (Lamont Hawkins)
Early life and musical career
U-God, born Lamont Hawkins on November 10th 1970 in Brooklyn, New York is a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan. He was one of the first members to join RZA’s crew and adopted the stage name “U-God” after watching kung fu movies as a child. U-God developed an interest in rap music at an early age and was heavily influenced by artists such as The Sugarhill Gang.
Wu-Tang Clan contributions
The Wu-Tang Clan has had an immense impact on hip-hop culture since their formation in the early 1990s. They released classic albums such as Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) and have been credited with reshaping the sound of hip-hop. The group developed a unique style that combined hardcore rap with samples from classic kung-fu movies, and their lyrics often focused on topics such as violence, poverty, and morality. U-God’s style was characterized by his laid-back delivery and political conscious lyrics, making him one of the most recognizable members of the group. He wrote songs such as “Bizarre” and “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing Ta F’ Wit”.
Masta Killa (Elgin Turner)
Early life and musical career
Masta Killa, born Elgin Turner on August 18th 1969 in Brooklyn, New York is a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan. He was one of the last members to join RZA’s crew and adopted the stage name “Masta Killa” due to his love for martial arts films. Masta Killa developed an interest in rap music at an early age and was heavily influenced by artists such as Rakim and Big Daddy Kane.
Wu-Tang Clan contributions
The Wu-Tang Clan has had an immense impact on hip-hop culture since their formation in the early 1990s. They released classic albums such as Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) and have been credited with reshaping the sound of hip-hop. The group developed a unique style that combined hardcore rap with samples from classic kung-fu movies, and their lyrics often focused on topics such as violence, poverty, and morality. Masta Killa’s style was characterized by his mellow delivery and intelligent wordplay, making him one of the most recognizable members of the group. He wrote songs such as “Mystery of Chessboxin” and “Duel of the Iron Mic”.
Conclusion
The Wu-Tang Clan is an iconic hip-hop group that has had a huge influence on the sound of rap music. The founding members include Inspectah Deck (Jason Hunter), U-God (Lamont Hawkins), and Masta Killa (Elgin Turner). Each member has their own unique style that contributes to the group’s signature sound.
Inspectah Deck is known for his aggressive delivery and intricate rhyme schemes, U-God is known for his laid-back delivery and political conscious lyrics, and Masta Killa is known for his mellow delivery and intelligent wordplay. Together, these three members have created some of the most memorable rap songs of all time.
