Wu-Tang Clan Member Goes on Strike

With a unique, single-copy album release that reportedly yielded multi-million dollar offers, the Wu-Tang clan seemed on track to have a great year. With the unbelievable amount money on the table for one physical copy of Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, many people questioned whether the price tag fit the product. Well, one of Wu's group members doesn't think so, and chose to express his dissatisfaction with the group by going on strike. Wu member Raekwon admitted to being none too pleased about the group's direction and even says he absolutely hates their new single. He told Rolling Stone:

It’s the same as being an athlete. I don’t give a fuck if it’s Kobe Bryant or Kevin Durant. They will not touch the floor if their managers or lawyers are saying, “Listen, shit ain’t right.” So therefore, I’m in a limbo situation. So yeah, you’re right. I am on strike.

Wu-Tang announced plans to release two albums, so let's hope that Raekwon's temporary separation won't develop into the hitch that permanently derails the group's plans. Since the single-copy release, they've experienced their fair share of drama. Raekwon spoke out about not taking part in their upcoming album (ironically titled A Better Tomorrow), and a rapper who claimed to be affiliated with Wu-Tang recently attempted suicide by severing his penis.

It's likely that fans of Wu-Tang aren't exactly worried--at least, not yet. After all, the nine-member group has withstood plenty of internal controversy and strife over the past two decades, including being sued by one of its own members and the untimely death of Ol' Dirty Bastard.

Even though his stance has produced inner turmoil for the Clan, it appears that Raekwon's heart is in the right place, particularly in relation to what he says about Wu's current music:

We talkin ’bout a whole new generation is sitting here representin’ and making fiery shit and you telling me that we comin out with some mediocre shit? That ain’t part of our plan.

Whatever their plans are, it would be nice to see Wu-Tang clan resolve their differences and get back to producing music that knows no bounds, and more importantly music that features contributions by all of its members.