Fourth studio album by East Coast hip hop collective. Originally released in 2001 & now reissued on double black 140gm vinyl with download code insert.

Wu-Tang’s reputation as one of the most vital hip-hop groups to ever rock the mic is hardly undeserved. Since its inception, the prolific collective has churned out no less than three platinum albums, one gold, more than 20 solo records and a flurry of hit singles. Along the way, Wu-Tang has concocted its own mythology inspired by the mysticism depicted in kung-fu flicks, the pro-black man teachings of the Five Percent Nation (an offshoot of the Nation of Islam) and a rugged street-oriented aesthetic. But it’s the entertainment, not ideology, that’s put Wu-Tang on the charts and kept them there.

In 1993, the group’s debut, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), exploded nationwide, yielding a cavalcade of instant classics. In 1997, they released their second album, brazenly titled Wu-Tang Forever, which capitalized on hip-hop’s then newfound fascination with double LPs. The W came in 2000 which yielded “Protect Ya Neck (The Jump Off),” a skillful adaptation of the group’s first single. Departing from the dark world-weariness of The W, RZA’s production is electric throughout 2001’s Iron Flag, their fourth album. He aimed all of his tracks, particularly the single, “Uzi (Pinky Ring,” at the dancefloor with killer beats and mood-setting samples galore.