Masta Killa Talks Future Of Wu Tang Clan
It was this month in 1993 that the Enter The Wu Tang (36 Chambers) album was released catapulting the Staten Island based collective to the forefront of the hip hop world. This month, November 2016, sees a reissue of the disc on seven inch records that includes a ‘bloody version’ of Protect Ya Neck.
On October 2, 2016 The Roots sent a love letter to New York and backed Nile Rogers, David Byrne, and the indomitable Wu Tang Clan at Bryant Park as part of the first ever Roots Picnic NYC. For the first time in who knows how long; RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Cappadonna, and Master Killa appeared together on stage in New York City. It was the full complement of members with the exception of Ghostface Killah – who may be crucial if another album is to materialize – and of course, Ol’ Dirty Bastard who died in 2004. When I asked Masta Killa how long it had been since a full on Wu Tang Clan show like this had gone down in the five boroughs, he said “It’s been a minute!”
It was a memorable event and one that satisfied a certain jones for the Wu while at the same time whetting a collective appetite for more of the nine man crew. Will we get it? Well, it’s complicated…
Masta Killa was generous enough to sit down with me at The Log Cabin – the lovely recording studio in midtown Manhattan – and talk about the gig with The Roots and how he sees the future as well as flashing back to key moments that led to his joining Wu Tang Clan. He also spoke candidly about the last pair of albums: A Better Tomorrow and Once Upon A Time In Shaolin. The latter was partially released recently by a certain despicable individual after another despicable individual won an election. The latter bits are in the bonus video below which also includes him giving an explanation of his name. Masta Killa also promised his long awaited Loyalty Is Royalty album will be unleashed in early ’17.
