History stood nonetheless over the weekend. The Wu-Tang Clan, one of many best hip-hop collectives music has ever seen, rocked the Wells Fargo Center in Philly for what was promoted as their closing tour on U.S. soil. I used to be lucky sufficient to be there. This wasn’t only a live performance, it was a cultural communion. A second of utmost reverence. A time capsule. A victory lap of the surreal type. And, for many people, it was a full-circle expertise.

What unfolded was an unreal, masterfully orchestrated show of greatness. Wu-Tang Clan proved, as soon as once more, that they’re not simply icons of Hip-Hop—they’re the embodiment of all issues Hip-Hop. LL COOL J was there. Lauryn Hill was there. Philly’s personal Freeway was embraced like a hometown mayor. We, the followers, confirmed up in full pressure. It was a smorgasbord of humanity. Fans from each stroll of life co-existing in peace. Every race, age, and background—Black, white, Asian, South Asian, Latino and extra. Teenagers who weren’t born when Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) dropped had been standing subsequent to OGs from the ’70s. RZA requested the gang after they had been born and each period was represented—loud and proud.

It wasn’t misplaced on me that the present caught strictly to Wu-Tang group materials. There had been no solo album joints carried out. There had been 9 (10 if you happen to embody Cappadonna) distinct voices, 9 philosophies, 9 flows converging to type one thing otherworldly. RZA, the conductor, led the night time like the overall he’s confirmed to be. A pair instances he poured champagne on the gang, but it surely wasn’t offensive. It felt like a symbolic toast to a 30-year championship run by a proud coach.

The present flowed so fluidly. Meth performed hype man for LL, Rae and Ghost shared the stage with Lauryn Hill and ODB’s son Young Dirty Bastard introduced his father’s spirit again to life in probably the most uncanny manner. But one misstep bothered me. Every member acquired a metropolis proclamation…besides Ol’ Dirty Bastard. That stung. If any spirit deserved formal acknowledgment, it was his. The essence of Wu isn’t entire with out ODB. His son deserved to just accept that honor on his behalf. In the past, I was blessed to meet and briefly interview him. He was so particular.

Still, Wu’s legacy was on full show. From the ocean of W logos on shirts, hoodies and jackets. This was a congregation and we had been in church.

I assumed again to my DJ days, spinning “Protect Ya Neck” on group radio, feeling like I used to be a part of one thing seismic. Back then, Wu was focusing on campuses and indie radio, constructing a grassroots base. Now, many years later, I’m taking part in The Emperor’s New Clothes, Raekwon’s new album, en path to see them in what could also be their final collective stand. That’s wild.

This present additionally reminded us of how Hip-Hop can age gracefully. Not neutered and never overly clear. Stylish. Confident. Raekwon got here out wanting like a style week ambassador, but it surely was a reminder that that elder statesmen in Hip-Hop don’t must put on fits to be dignified.

They additionally reminded us of duty and what being grown seems like after 50. RZA used his platform to talk on group violence, selling unity and peace. He name-checked Biggie, Pac, Nip and others. Warriors are sometimes meant to evolve into smart males.

I noticed the brotherhood. When one MC faltered even barely, one other jumped in seamlessly. That’s actual love: the very basis Hip-Hop was constructed on.

They left nothing behind. They handed the torch and supplied the blueprint. It’s as much as us now to hold on the tradition, to guard it, to honor the usual they set.

Wu-Tang taught us that being fly, being good, being radical and being uncooked aren’t contradictions. They exist in the identical cipher. Family is greater than blood. It’s additionally the crew that goes to battle with you, assist you and the people who rally behind you whenever you want it probably the most.

Salute to the Wu-Tang Clan. Thank you. For the music. For the message. For the reminiscences. You could by no means tour once more, however the legacy will proceed on.

Wu-Tang without end.

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