Shaolin’s very own Wu-Tang Clan is one of the best rap crews to ever do it, but not without the guidance of a little something called kung-fu.
The nine-member clan was built off principles of brotherhood that were prevalent in kung-fu, and their constant association to the magic of the Shaolin Temple that they called home (Staten Island). For this reason and more, the members of the Wu would reach levels of stardom unknown to many in their genre at the time.
STORY: RZA’s “The Man With The Iron Fists” Soundtrack
Now, Wu-Tang’s front man RZA is seeing his dreams come full circle with the release of his own kung-fu film, The Man With The Iron Fists.
Next year marks the 20-year anniversary of Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers, Wu-Tang Clan’s iconic debut album.
We combed through the entire album, walked through all 36 Chambers, and selected seven kung-fu references.
VIDEO: RZA Explains The Origin Of The Wu-Tang Clan
Check them out below:
Bring Da Rukus:
“Shaolin shadowboxing, and the Wu-Tang sword style. If what you say is true, the Shaolin and the Wu-Tang could be dangerous. Do you think your Wu-Tang sword can defeat me?”
Shadowboxing is an exercise used in the training for combat sports like kung-fu. Bruce Lee can be seen practicing his moves in movies without an opponent.
Shame on a N*gga: (Opens with a sample from a kung-fu movie)
“Murder, taste the flame of the Wu-Tang RAHH! Here comes the Tiger verse Crane! Ow, be like wild with my style.”
Tiger Vs. Crane is a reference to a 1976 kung-fu movie, starring ’70s Hong Kong star Jimmy Wang Yu. The footage was later used in the comedy movie Kung Pow! Enter the Fist.
Clan In Da Front:
“Twelve O’Clock, Sixty Second Assassin, the 4th Disciple, The Brand White…. Thirty-six chambers of death. Three-hundred and sixty degrees of perfected styles”
Wu references the members that inspired the Clan, while dropping names of kung-fu movies that also played a part in the banding of the Clan’s 60 Second Assassin (aka My Life Is on the Line), a 1979 Taiwan martial arts film directed by Chung Wang.
Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber
“Are you Explain, uh, ah, uh. Are you a warrior? Killer? Slicing shit like a samurai. The Ol’ Dirty Bastard VUNDABAH!”
ODB pulls out his samurai sword to slice a brand of cold cut meat. Samurai warriors fought the battles of the Japanese.
Da Mystery Of Chessboxin’
[Wu-Tang movie dialogue]
“The game of chess, is like a swordfight. You must think first, before you move Toad style is immensely strong, and immune to nearly any weapon When it’s properly used, it’s almost invincible.”
Toad style is a reference from Five Deadly Venoms, a cult 1978 Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Chang Cheh, starring the Venom Mob.
Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F*ck Wit
“Fatal Flying Guillotine chops off your f*cking head MZA who was that? Ayo, the Wu is back!”
OK, not so much of a kung-fu reference, but we’re sure the only reason Method Man is referencing a guillotine is because his traditional kung-fu methods failed.
Method Man Torture:
“Straight from the slums of Shaolin, Wu-Tang Killa B’z on a swarm (Your soul has just been taken through the 36 chambers of death, kid)”
RZA closes off Method Man’s “Torture” track with a reference to his original kung-fu learning that led him to the creation of the 36 chambers of the 9 hearts that made up Wu-Tang.
