The Wu-Tang Manual - Softcover

RZA, The

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0859653676 ISBN 13: 9780859653671

Publisher: Plexus Publishing Ltd, 2005

Synopsis

The RZA's first written introduction to the philosophy and history of Hip-Hop's original Dynasty, the Wu- Tang Clan. After a decade of dark beats and mysterious lyrics hinting at a larger whole, the RZA, the abbot to the legendary Staten Island hip-hop collective, fully reveals, for the first time, the complex, multilayered Wu-Tang Universe in The Wu-Tang Manual. The Manual unravels the intricate web of personalities, warrior codes, numerological systems, and Eastern spiritual ethics that define the Wu-Tang dynasty.

About this title

Synopsis

Since the release of the revolutionary Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) over the course of four seminal group albums and a multitude of ambitious side projects the Wu-Tang Clan has constantly redefined what hip hop can do and where hip hop can go. Now, after a decade of dark beats and mysterious lyrics hinting at a larger whole, the RZA, the abbot of the legendary Staten Island hip hop collective, fully reveals, for the first time, the complex, multi-layered Wu-Tang Universe in The Wu-Tang Manual. Written in a style that is at once personal and philosophical, The Wu-Tang Manual unravels the intricate web of personalities (and alter egos), warrior codes, numerological systems, and Eastern spiritual ethics that define the Wu-Tang dynasty. Packed with information that reflects the breadth and depth of the RZA's and rest of the Clan's intellectual interests and passions, The Wu-Tang Manual is divided into four books of nine chambers each, for a total of 36 chambers.

All together, the book provides the breakdown of essential Wu-Tang components, from basic information about each of the nine core members of Wu-Tang Clan to deeper explorations of the key themes of the Wu-Tang universe, a dictionary-like Wu-Slang lexicon, and an entire section of lyrics with densely annotated explanations of what they mean. Elegantly laid-out and richly printed, the book is designed to reflect the Asian influence on the Wu-Tang universe, which, as the book explains, began with a fascination with kung-fu movies but quickly led to serious study of martial arts and Eastern philosophy and spirituality. The book also includes a map of Shaolin; a trove of never-before-seen photos of the Wu-Tang Clan, including shots of the RZA's trip to China with Sifu Shi Yan-Ming, live shots, and portraits by Michael Lavine, Craig Wetherby, Sophia Chang, and Frank151; and original illustrations of many of the guiding lights of the Wu-Tang universe. For the hardcore Wu-Tang disciple and the recent initiate alike, The Wu-Tang Manual is the definitive guide to the essence of Wu, one of the most innovative hip hop groups of all time.

About the Author

The RZA is "the Abbott" of The Wu-Tang Clan, the platinum-selling hip hop group, whose nine members have also released a number of platinum-selling solo albums. RZA is famous as a producer, rapper, and lyricist, and also for his recent work in scoring movies-notably Kill Bill.

Edition details

• Publisher: Plexus Publishing Ltd
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0859653676
• ISBN 13: 9780859653671
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 256