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.

First Ever Roots Picnic NYC Is Happening 10-1 & 10-2

This upcoming weekend’s festivities also involve many stars but will not allow non-musicians on stage. The Roots were in wicked form in July at one of my fave annual events – the Lowdown Hudson Music Festival.
 ROOTS PICNIC: NYC AT BRYANT PARK
Line up below subject to change.
OCTOBER 1
The Roots
D’Angelo
John Mayer
X Ambassadors
Kevin Gates
Jeremih
Stretch & Bobbitto
Everyday People feat DJ Moma
Comedy Set from Jerrod Carmichael
DJ Questlove
Lady Leshurr
Emily Wells
Chargaux
SMSHNG HRTS
Chill Moody

OCTOBER 2
The Roots
Wu Tang Clan
David Byrne
Nile Rodgers
Trombone Shorty
Swizz Beatz
Deerhoof
EPMD
Black Thought Live Mixtape featuring Styles P x Royce da 5 x Freddie Gibbs and DJ J Period
Echosmith
Lil Uzi Vert
Daniel Bambatta Marley
Yuna
Comedy Set from Neal Brennan
DJ Jazzy Jeff
Grits & Biscuits
Bibi Bourelly

The Roots Got Lowdown Last Night; Free Festival Continues Tonight July 13, 2016

A genius double bill last night at The Lowdown Hudson Blues Festival with Antibalas and The Roots. Tonight, the free fest continues with Rayland Baxter, Valerie June, and Drive-By Truckers!

…you know, the ones I saw!

1 Dinosaur Jr; Irving Plaza
2 Metallica; Apollo
3 Robert Plant; Prospect Park
4 Erykah Badu; BAM
5 Elvis Costello & The Roots; Brooklyn Bowl
6 The Hives; Irving Plaza
7 Tom Morello; Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Allen Room
8 Television; Rough Trade NYC
9 Charles Bradley; Apollo
10 Gary Clark Jr; Apollo

1 Nick Cave; Push The Sky Away
2 Smith Westerns; Soft Will
3 The White Buffalo; Shadows, Greys & Evil Ways
4 Queens of The Stone Age; Like Clockwork
5 Clairy Browne & The Bangin’ Rackettes; Baby Caught the Bus
6 Elvis Costello & The Roots; Wise Up Ghost
7 David Bowie; The Next Day
8 Richard Thompson; Electric
9 Foxygen; We Are The 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic
10 Palma Violets; 180

Elvis Costello & The Roots celebrated the release of their collaborative album Wise Up Ghost with a show at the 600 person capacity Brooklyn Bowl. Audio of entire performance at WFUV.org.

The Swedish House Mafia took over New York for a few days and even the Empire State Building gave the trio a nod. Plus…D’angelo plays Brooklyn Bowl and Prince Tribute show preview.