Wu Tang Clan Research Paper
Wu-Tang Clan vs. The Industry. Hip-hop is a form of expression mainly used in the African-American community to express feelings about topics that matter to everyday life and the situations these artists often found in. In late 1992, when the Wu-Tang Clan was formed, the group was no different than any other artists that had come before them. Now regarded as one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time because of their unorthodox style, the Wu-Tang Clan didn’t get very much respect from the major record companies early in their career. It wasn’t until they released an independent single titled “Protect Ya Neck.” The song contained a very interesting message, a message which is often overlooked. However, it is clear that with the
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Here one can clearly tell that he is trying to make his resentment toward the major record companies known. For example, in one line of his verse Method Man says “they putting shame in the game”. Here he is referring to the rappers that the major record labels were signing and putting into the mainstream hip-hop circuit, which is referred to as the “game” in this case. He felt that these other rappers were not as good as the Wu-Tang Clan, that they did not deserve to be signed to these deals, and were therefore bringing shame to the hip-hop industry. Another instance where Method Man’s displeasure for the major record labels is made clear is when he says, “And like Fame, my style'll live forever.” In this case Method Man is referring to the unorthodox style in which the Wu-Tang Clan rapped. It was because of their unorthodox style that the Wu-Tang Clan was unable to get a record deal early on in their career. By making this comment Method Man is telling the doubters, which implied to be the record labels, that the style of the Wu-Tang Clan was one that would be loved by their audience for generations. Method Man’s verse is the first verse to make the message of “Protect Ya Neck” apparent in the song, but there is another verse that builds an even stronger case for showing that “Protect Ya Neck” is a song that was meant to show the Wu-Tang Clan’s unhappiness with the major record
Here one can clearly tell that he is trying to make his resentment toward the major record companies known. For example, in one line of his verse Method Man says “they putting shame in the game”. Here he is referring to the rappers that the major record labels were signing and putting into the mainstream hip-hop circuit, which is referred to as the “game” in this case. He felt that these other rappers were not as good as the Wu-Tang Clan, that they did not deserve to be signed to these deals, and were therefore bringing shame to the hip-hop industry. Another instance where Method Man’s displeasure for the major record labels is made clear is when he says, “And like Fame, my style'll live forever.” In this case Method Man is referring to the unorthodox style in which the Wu-Tang Clan rapped. It was because of their unorthodox style that the Wu-Tang Clan was unable to get a record deal early on in their career. By making this comment Method Man is telling the doubters, which implied to be the record labels, that the style of the Wu-Tang Clan was one that would be loved by their audience for generations. Method Man’s verse is the first verse to make the message of “Protect Ya Neck” apparent in the song, but there is another verse that builds an even stronger case for showing that “Protect Ya Neck” is a song that was meant to show the Wu-Tang Clan’s unhappiness with the major record