Wu-Tang Clan

Wu: The Story of the Wu-Tang Clan (BET/Gee-Bee Productions)

Once holding court as the rawest, tightest crew in hip-hop, Wu-Tang Clan has fizzled into a commercial outlet from MC and in-house producer RZA. The Abbot even admits it here before the Staten Island collective embarks on its 2006 reunion tour, announcing, “On this mission right here, we come to get some motherfucking money.” Touted as the “Official Authorized Story,” Wu is an unfortunate excuse for an inside reveal. Director Gerald Barclay relies almost exclusively on contributions from fringe players and Wu hangers-on, seeing as RZA and Raekwon are the only clansmen interviewed. Barclay, a longtime Wu ally, offsets the other seven members’ absence by throwing in shoddy concert footage and inconsequential candid shots. Bonus features, including an interview with ODB’s widow and the “Protect Ya Neck” video, will serve as reminders to how charismatic and essential Wu-Tang Clan once was.

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This article appears in December 26 • 2008.

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