Wu: The Story of the Wu-Tang Clan

by David JeffriesWhile the Wu-Tang Clan's fans are loyal, they do expect their underground heroes to be virtuous and are the first to point out unnecessary releases. They might want to let this one slip since the Legacy's label's 2008 release Wu: The Story of the Wu-Tang Clan is not only a fairly well chosen set but a soundtrack to the documentary of the same name, allowing viewers both a quick souvenir and primer before they explore further. Four mammoth classics kick off the release, sequenced in a brilliant way for maximum fist-pumping. Next, two B-list repeats from the 2004 comp Legend of the Wu-Tang Clan appear before the solo releases are explored, beginning with Raekwon's great "Incarcerated Scarfaces." From Ol' Dirty Bastard's party starter "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" to the closing jump track "Gravel Pit," the flow is rough, but the two excuses to choose from are the soundtrack one and the difficult, sprawling discography compilers have to deal with, especially when solo releases count. The disc barely even touches upon the group's long list of affiliates -- a smart move since this isn't a box set -- so instead of being a selling point, the word "Story" on the cover is only repeating the documentary's title. Even so, this disjointed set of tunes from the core members would sell anyone on the magic of the Wu. Hardcore fans will find it redundant and should go straight to the film.