Wu-Tang Clan calls Play-Action on Download Misappropriation

Once Upon A Time In Shaolin might just have afforded Wu-Tang Clan the accolade of best title for a debut rap album ever. As it was, their debut was of course the universally deemed classic, Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) way back in 1993. So now their story from Shaolin will mark their final act after 22 years, 8 albums (including Once Upon A Time), countless singles, EP's, compilations, and the untimely demise of 'Ol Dirty Bastard; they will exit the recording studios of Staten Island, and take their place in rap history.  

The Clan never really was a body that cared for conforming though. Be it their running through Fred Flintstones neighbourhood for the Gravel Pit video, their voluminous audio cuts from the 1981 movie Shaolin vs Wu-Tang, from which they would derive their name or The RZA's writings of The Tao of Wu; a book which patiently sits on my desk, soon to monopolise my thoughts. 

So in keeping with this tradition of breaking tradition, they have just one copy of the new album. No digital back-ups, just a regular disc similar to those most of us have. Just as susceptible to scratches, and the resultant broken up audio, as any other. Although perhaps not so at this current time as it's sits locked away in what RZA calls the "illest album cover ever". Also known as a very fancy looking box to you and I, by British-Morocan artist, Yahya. The same box which was held for three hours at JFK airport because somebody lost the key and could not confirm what was inside..

Think of it like this. The Denver Broncos are down in the Super Bowl. 4th quarter with a buck 12 to go, and in need of 88 yards to hit a touchdown. Peyton Manning in his final season steps up, not liking what he sees on the defensive set, only instead of yelling his signature audible, Omaha, to the rest of his team he initiates the play. Going for the hand off to his running back as planned, he instead holds onto the ball, creates a play-action situation and tosses up an 88 yard Hail Mary to one lucky & unsuspecting receiver for the win. 

RZA is your hip-hop Peyton. The smartest man on the field, split-second-analysing intricacies you have no idea exist. Thinking he was going to hand off the album to the fans, but throwing it up to one, with 88 years of copyright.

As the auction is still going ahead, one assumes they found the key. But whilst the physical existence of the 31-track LP which is said to feature Redman, Cher and even members of FC Barcelona, and which is shrouded in mystery and a grade of secrecy which is nothing short of monumental in a world full of internet leaks, the reasoning behind this move is no less shrouded in befuddlement. 

With online outlaws illegally downloading every minute, it's been justified as an attempt to bring back value to music. If you win the bid, (RZA has already been offered $5mill so don't go raiding that piggy just yet) you own the album, yes, but it is subject to Wu-Tang's copyright which won't run out for 88 years so one can't simply copy it and sell it to two...or 7...billon. 

You could however share it for free, and this is where befuddlement meets contradiction. The successful bidder will of course be buying into imminent pressure to share. But to share it for free, would that not stand in conflict with the original reason for such a stunt? To add value. Unless there is a preempting of a sense of profound blessing which will consume each being who hears the album. This being induced due to the sharing of the album for free in defiance of the odds which currently are being built against its release.

Perhaps we are simply not wise enough to understand the wisest man in hip-hop. Perhaps once I've consumed, digested and embodied the Tao of Wu I will be enlightened to an understanding. As an opinion devoid of the specific circumstantial activity of this case, it's certainly refreshing to see some artists innovating. Be it RZA and the Wu, Beyoncé, J.Cole & Drake releasing albums without telling a sole or Macklemore and the two Ryan's (Lewis and Leslie) repping for the independent hustler. Where downloading outlaws are concerned, the pinstriped suit adorned boardmembers of the record labels are plainly failing to deal, and so to the artist experimentation I salute.

To the Shaolin story, it is mine to opine that perhaps Wu-Tang will just sell the most expensive record in history. And in doing so, will accumulate the same revenue as they would have accumulated had they sold the album the old fashioned way. And the album will be shared, free of charge. And the owner will be a hero to Wu and Hip-Hop fans everywhere. And the Wu-Tang Clan will have a final album that will, like themselves, be remembered in history, as conforming to their own tradition of breaking tradition. 

Just one final word. Please nobody inform Dr. Dre of this concept of an 88 year copyright, because I'm still trying to get to hear Detox. We don't want him getting ideas...