"(page 231) The universe is chaotic, yet it does follow a mathematical plan. So it only seems like chaos until you figure out the equation. I knew Wu-Tang was definitely chaotic according to everybody else, but to me it was organized. At least I knew the direction it was going. It’s like water. Water is chaotic really, but if you cut a path for it, it will flow."
In a chapter on Chess RZA says he used to be the best chess player, but he's been both a teacher and a student since instructing the other members of the band on the basic structures of the game.
"I learned chess when I was eleven years old, from a girl. The same girl who took my virginity, she also taught me how to play chess. I started to love the game as a game - it's fun, it's a thinking game. … It's a strategic game that helps to calculate life, business, power moves. A good chess player can think three to four moves ahead. If you can do that, you can really manipulate a situation so that you're winning."
Next time you're in NY and see a group of black men walking toward you - it could be the Wu-Tang Clan. Carry a chess board and try and stay ahead. It's all much more than a battlefield of black and white.
My personal site is TempleStark.com
Article comments
1 - MRBenning
The only album I have is Wu-Tang Forever. I found it to be pretty interesting, but never really got into it too much. I think, after reading your review, that I may not need to know too much about the group to get into RZA's philosophy. Nice work.
2 - Temple Stark
>>subdue your aggression down
That was my non-confrontational way od saying "Kick their ass."
Thanks Michael.
3 - Phillip Winn
The Wu is pretty incredible, and mind-bogglingly prolific. RZA is crazy, but in a good way. The dude knows kung-fu, hardcore.
Great review!
4 - windwalker
Check out wuforever.com
for latest daily wu-tang news
5 - Aaman
Tommy was good, and Who's Next - kinda downhill for the rest.
6 - sonja valentine
good review -
their kung-fu is definitely tight
especially (the underrated) Inspectah Deck
7 - HW Saxton
To make a long post short: Great review.
8 - Temple Stark
This is one I stressed mightily over. There is so much going on and its sometihng that people who aren't fans, I felt, would be if not fascinated by, pretty interested to read - the book that is.
I held on to this one too long too try and find the right words, and as most writers, I'm still not quite happy.
Thanks though.
9 - HW Saxton
I picked this up friday and I finished
it today. Great read.It made my weekend.
Thanx for the recomendation.I'd have to
say it's a great read whether you are
into Hip-Hop or not.If you are though it
makes it that much better.Funny, but now
I want to go watch "Mad Monkey Kung Fu"
and break out my old 12' hip hop singles
for some odd reason.
10 - L. Cue
what do you think TS? Let's make this a Wu summer!
11 - Temple Stark
I'm all about the Wu. Seriously, this book confirmed so much about my impressions - and todl me much more aobut their backgrond and outlook than I knew. So glad HW liked it too.
Post your own review man.
And I did listen to ODB's solo release again. "Shimmy ..." is really the only song I like - the others are way to "in the gutter" for my tastes. It was more controlled and together than I remembered, however.
12 - wuforever.com
dont forget
wuforever.com
largest wu-tang community
3000+ photos
200+ wu-tang wallpapers
13 - jonny blaze
the wu-tang is the ultimate rap group. The only bad thing about the wu-tang now is that wenever i listen to ne of their new stuff i just want to hear the fatherless rythem of ODB. Method man is still their, but the clan just ain't the same without dirt mcgirt.
14 - alex@rap français
Wu-Tang was my favorite band when I was younger