Editing Wu-Tang Clan (section)

== History ==
=== Founding ===
In the late 1980s, cousins Robert Diggs, Gary Grice, and Russell Jones formed a group named Force of the Imperial Master, also known as the All in Together Now Crew.<ref name="Exclaim">{{cite web | last = Cowie | first = Del F. | url = http://www.exclaim.ca/index.asp?layid=22&csid=1&csid1=914 | title = Days of the Wu at Exclaim.ca | access-date = November 6, 2006 | url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050428102026/http://www.exclaim.ca/index.asp?layid=22&csid=1&csid1=914 | archive-date = April 28, 2005 }}</ref> Each member recorded under an alias: Diggs as Prince Rakeem or The Scientist, Grice as The Genius, and Jones as The Specialist.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} The group never signed to a major label, but caught the attention of the New York City rap scene and was recognized by rapper [[Biz Markie]].<ref name="RZAInterview">{{cite web | url = http://www.hiphopcore.net/interviews/rza_english.php3 | title = RZA Interview at HipHopCore.net | access-date = December 26, 2006 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060515072710/http://www.hiphopcore.net/interviews/rza_english.php3| archive-date = May 15, 2006}}</ref> By 1991, The Genius and Prince Rakeem were signed to separate record labels.<ref name="LarkinDM">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Virgin Encyclopedia of Dance Music]]|editor=[[Colin Larkin (writer)|Colin Larkin]]|publisher=[[Virgin Books]]|date=1998|edition=First|isbn=0-7535-0252-6|page=369}}</ref> The Genius released ''[[Words from the Genius]]'' (1991) on [[Cold Chillin' Records]] and Prince Rakeem released ''[[Ooh I Love You Rakeem]]'' (1991) on [[Tommy Boy Records]].<ref name="LarkinDM"/> Both were soon dropped by their labels. They then adopted new monikers; The Genius became GZA (pronounced "jizza"), and Prince Rakeem became RZA (pronounced "rizza").<ref name="FirstSingle">{{cite web | last = Pfeifle | first = Sam | url = http://www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/arts/books/documents/04646062.asp | title = Days of the Wu&nbsp;— The RZA looks inside the Clan | work = [[The Phoenix (newspaper)|The Boston Phoenix]] | publisher = Stephen M. Mindich | access-date = November 12, 2015 | url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151017180411/http://www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/arts/books/documents/04646062.asp | archive-date = October 17, 2015 }}</ref> The Specialist also took on a new name and became known as Ol' Dirty Bastard.

RZA began collaborating with Dennis Coles, later known as Ghostface Killah, another rapper from the [[Stapleton Houses]] in [[Staten Island]]. The duo decided to create a hip hop group whose ethos would be a blend of "[[Eastern philosophy]] picked up from [[Kung fu film|kung fu movies]], [[Five-Percent Nation]] teachings picked up on the New York streets, and comic books".<ref name="FirstSingle" /> Wu-Tang Clan assembled in late 1992, with RZA as the ''de facto'' leader and the group's producer.<ref name="all music" /> RZA and Ol' Dirty Bastard adopted the name for the group after the film ''[[Shaolin and Wu Tang]]''.<ref name="galaxy">{{cite web|title=The Wu-Tang Clan |url=http://www.hiphopgalaxy.com/Wu-Tang-Clan-hip-hop-2065.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061128095208/http://www.hiphopgalaxy.com/Wu-Tang-Clan-hip-hop-2065.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 28, 2006 |work=Hip Hop Galaxy |date=July 26, 2004 |access-date=March 14, 2008 }}</ref> The group developed [[backronym]]s for the name (as hip hop pioneers such as [[KRS-One]] and [[Big Daddy Kane]] did with their names), including "We Usually Take All Niggas' Garments", "Witty Unpredictable Talent And Natural Game", and "Wisdom of the Universe, and the Truth of Allah for the [[The Nation of Gods and Earths|Nation of the Gods]]".<ref name="galaxy" />

=== 1992–96: ''Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'' and solo albums ===
{{Listen
 |filename     = Wu-Tang Clan - C.R.E.A.M.ogg
 |title        = "C.R.E.A.M."
 |description  = "C.R.E.A.M." features two verses from [[Raekwon]] and [[Inspectah Deck]], who discuss their upbringings while living in New York City. It samples the Charmels' 1967 song "As Long As I've Got You".
}}
Wu-Tang Clan became known in 1993 following the release of the independent single "[[Protect Ya Neck]]", which helped gain the group a sizable underground following. Though there was some difficulty in finding a record label that would sign the Wu-Tang Clan while still allowing each member to record solo albums with other labels, [[Loud Records|Loud]]/[[RCA Records|RCA]] finally agreed, releasing their debut album, ''[[Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)]]'', in November 1993. The album loosely adopted a [[Shaolin kung fu|Shaolin]] vs. [[Wudang chuan|Wu-Tang]] theme, dividing the album into Shaolin and Wu-Tang sections.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Leckart|first=Steven|date=October 23, 2007|title=Wu-Tang Clan's RZA Breaks Down His Kung Fu Samples by Film and Song|magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]|url=https://www.wired.com/entertainment/music/magazine/15-11/pl_music|url-status=live|access-date=October 25, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080718080133/http://www.wired.com/entertainment/music/magazine/15-11/pl_music|archive-date=July 18, 2008}}</ref> The album received critical acclaim, and to date is regarded as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rap.about.com/od/toppicks/ss/Top100RapAlbums_10.htm |title=The Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of all Time&nbsp;– Top 100 Rap/Hip-Hop Albums |publisher=Rap.about.com |date=April 7, 2010 |access-date=April 27, 2010 |archive-date=April 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405151731/http://rap.about.com/od/toppicks/ss/Top100RapAlbums_10.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5938174/the_rs_500_greatest_albums_of_all_time/ |title=Rolling Stone's Music News, Reviews, Photos, Videos, Interviews and More |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=April 27, 2010 |archive-date=February 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202024033/https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5938174/the_rs_500_greatest_albums_of_all_time/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="rocklistmusic.co.uk">{{cite web |url=http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/source.htm |title=Rocklist.net... The Source 100 Best Rap Albums & Singles |publisher=Rocklistmusic.co.uk |access-date=April 27, 2010 |archive-date=August 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807103112/http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/source.htm |url-status=usurped }}</ref> The success of their debut album established the group as a creative and influential force in the 1990s, allowing individual members to negotiate solo contracts.<ref name="LarkinDM"/> RZA spoke on the Wu-Tang Clan's unorthodox business model:

{{blockquote|We reinvented the way hip hop was structured, and what I mean is, you have a group signed to a label, yet the infrastructure of our deal was like anyone else's [...] We still could negotiate with any label we wanted, like [[Method Man|Meth]] went with [[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam]], [[Raekwon|Rae]] stayed with [[Loud Records|Loud]], [[Ghostface Killah|Ghost]] went with [[Sony]], [[GZA]] went with [[Geffen Records]], feel me? [...] And all these labels still put "[[Razor Sharp Records]]" on the credits [...] Wu Tang was a financial movement. So what do you wanna diversify...? [...] Your assets?<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wuforever.com/index.php?name=Sections&req=viewarticle&artid=64&page=1 |title=2005/05 RZA&nbsp;– interview (WuTang Clan on the Rise) :: wuforever :: Daily dose of Wu-Tang News, OBCLII, MP3, Videos, Interviews for Wu Fanatics |publisher=Wuforever.com |access-date=January 6, 2009 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154016/http://wuforever.com/index.php?name=Sections&req=viewarticle&artid=64&page=1 |url-status=live }}</ref>|RZA}}

In 1994, RZA founded the group [[Gravediggaz]] with [[Prince Paul (producer)|Prince Paul]], Frukwan (both of [[Stetsasonic]]) and [[Poetic (hip hop)|Poetic]].<ref name="LarkinDM"/> In August of the same year, the group released ''[[6 Feet Deep]]'', which became one of the best known works to emerge from the [[horrorcore]] subgenre.<ref name="all music" />

RZA held the role of primary producer for the first wave of the group members' solo albums, producing out of his basement studio in Staten Island.{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}} In November 1994, Method Man's debut album, ''[[Tical (Album)|Tical]]'', was released. RZA's hands-on approach to ''Tical'' extended beyond his merely creating the beats to devising song concepts and structures.<ref name="all music" /> The track "[[I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By|All I Need]]" from ''Tical'' was the winner of the "Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group" at the [[37th Annual Grammy Awards|1995 Grammy Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/method-man-mn0000451483/awards|title=Method Man – Awards – AllMusic|author=Steve Huey|work=AllMusic|access-date=January 9, 2015|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154015/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/method-man-mn0000451483/awards|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Ol' Dirty Bastard]]'s debut album, ''[[Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version]]'', was released in March 1995, and is considered a hip hop classic.<ref name="rocklistmusic.co.uk" /> Raekwon's debut studio album, ''[[Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...]]'', was released in August 1995. It featured all but one member of the Wu-Tang Clan, and featured the debut of [[Cappadonna]], who later joined the group.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Fred |title=Cappadonna |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/cappadonna-mn0000944384 |website=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref> The album is also credited with reviving the [[mafioso rap]] subgenre.<ref>Ma, David. [http://www.waxpoetics.com/2009/07/cuban-linx-revisited-interview-with-raekwon/ ''Cuban Linx'' Revisited (page 1)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206005821/http://www.waxpoetics.com/2009/07/cuban-linx-revisited-interview-with-raekwon/|date=December 6, 2010}}. ''[[Wax Poetics]]''. Retrieved 3 September 2023</ref> GZA's debut album, ''[[Liquid Swords]]'', was released in November 1995. ''Liquid Swords'' features guest appearances from every Wu-Tang Clan member, and is linked together by excerpts from the 1980 movie ''[[Shogun Assassin]]''.{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}} Ghostface Killah released his first solo album, ''[[Ironman (Ghostface Killah album)|Ironman]]'', in October 1996.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/ironman-mw0000182086|title=Ironman – Ghostface Killah &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=June 30, 2021|archive-date=February 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201234403/https://www.allmusic.com/album/ironman-mw0000182086|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Ironman'' was critically acclaimed and is widely considered to be one of the best of Wu-Tang solo albums.<ref>{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Stephen |url=https://www.avclub.com/ghostface-killah-ironman-1798194022 |title=Ghostface Killah: Ironman |newspaper=The A.V. Club |access-date=April 27, 2010 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154016/https://music.avclub.com/ghostface-killah-ironman-1798194022 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 1997–2000: ''Wu-Tang Forever'', diversification and second string of solo albums ===
{{more citations needed|section|date=July 2021}}
Wu-Tang Clan re-assembled and released their second studio album, ''[[Wu-Tang Forever]]'', in June 1997; it debuted at number one on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]. The album's lead single, "[[Triumph (Wu-Tang Clan song)|Triumph]]", is over five minutes long, features nine verses (one from each member plus Cappadonna and excluding Ol' Dirty Bastard who appeared on the intro and bridge), and no hook or a repeated phrase. The album was produced by RZA and his protégés [[True Master]] and [[4th Disciple]]. The group's lyrics differed significantly from those of ''36 Chambers'', with many verses written in a dense [[stream of consciousness (narrative mode)|stream of consciousness]] form heavily influenced by the teachings of the [[Five-Percent Nation]]. ''Wu-Tang Forever'' was nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Rap Album|Best Rap Album]] at the [[40th Grammy Awards|1998 Grammy Awards]], losing to [[Puff Daddy]]; Ol' Dirty Bastard infamously protested the loss by interrupting [[Shawn Colvin]]'s acceptance speech for [[Grammy Award for Song of the Year|Song of the Year]].<ref>{{cite web|title=40th Annual Grammy Awards|url=http://www.grammy.com/awards/40th-annual-grammy-awards|access-date=March 27, 2015|archive-date=March 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320015056/http://www.grammy.com/awards/40th-annual-grammy-awards|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Killah Priest]], a close associate of the group, released ''[[Heavy Mental]]'' in March 1998.<ref>{{Citation|title=Killah Priest – Heavy Mental (1998, CD)|url=https://www.discogs.com/Killah-Priest-Heavy-Mental/release/356409|language=en|access-date=March 16, 2021|archive-date=February 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219092226/https://www.discogs.com/Killah-Priest-Heavy-Mental/release/356409|url-status=live}}</ref> That same month, Cappadonna released his debut album ''[[The Pillage]]''. Affiliated groups [[Sunz of Man]] and [[Killarmy]] also released well-received albums, followed by ''[[Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm]]''—a compilation album released in 1998, showcasing these and more Wu-affiliated artists, and including new solo tracks from the group members themselves. ''The Swarm'' sold well and was certified [[RIAA certification|gold]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS |title=RIAA |publisher=Riaa.com |access-date=January 6, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225031458/http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS |archive-date=February 25, 2013 }}</ref> There was also a long line of releases from secondary affiliates such as [[Popa Wu]], [[Shyheim]], [[GP Wu]], and [[Wu-Syndicate]]. Second albums from Gravediggaz and Killarmy, as well as a greatest hits album and a b-sides compilation, were also released.

The second round of solo albums from Wu-Tang Clan members included second albums from the five members who had already released albums, as well as debuts from all the remaining members, with the exception of Masta Killa. In the space of two years, RZA's ''[[Bobby Digital In Stereo]]'', Method Man's ''[[Tical 2000: Judgement Day]]'' and ''[[Blackout! (Method Man & Redman album)|Blackout!]]'' (with [[Redman (rapper)|Redman]]), GZA's ''[[Beneath the Surface (GZA album)|Beneath the Surface]]'', Ol' Dirty Bastard's ''[[Nigga Please]]'', U-God's ''[[Golden Arms Redemption]]'', Raekwon's ''[[Immobilarity]]'', Ghostface Killah's ''[[Supreme Clientele]]'' and Inspectah Deck's ''[[Uncontrolled Substance]]'' were all released (seven of them being released in the space of seven months between June 1999 and January 2000). RZA also composed the [[film score|score]] for the film ''[[Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai]]'', directed by [[Jim Jarmusch]], while he and other Wu-Tang members contributed music to a companion "music inspired by the film" album.

The frequent release of Wu-Tang Clan content between 1997 and 2000 was considered by some critics{{Who|date=February 2021}} to have resulted in an oversaturation that was responsible for the group's decline in popularity.<ref>{{cite web|last=Thomas |first=Stephen |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p143661|pure_url=yes}} |title=Wu-Tang Clan Biography |website=Allmusic.com |access-date=January 6, 2009}}</ref>

=== 2000–01: ''The W'' and ''Iron Flag'' ===
The group reconvened again for their third album, ''[[The W]]''. Despite his incarceration in California for violating the terms of his [[probation]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ol' Dirty Bastard Sentenced To Drug Treatment |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/574sur/ol-dirty-bastard-sentenced-to-drug-treatment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422202711/https://www.mtv.com/news/574sur/ol-dirty-bastard-sentenced-to-drug-treatment |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 22, 2024 |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=MTV |language=en}}</ref> Ol' Dirty Bastard was on the song "Conditioner", featuring [[Snoop Dogg]]. Ol' Dirty Bastard's vocals were recorded via prison telephones.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-20 |title=The 50 Worst Songs By Otherwise Great Artists |url=https://www.spin.com/2022/07/the-50-worst-songs-by-otherwise-great-artists/ |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=Spin}}</ref>''The W'' was released in November 2000, and was mostly well received by critics,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/wutangclan/w |title=Wu-Tang Clan: The "W" (2000): Reviews |publisher=Metacritic.com |date=November 21, 2000 |access-date=January 6, 2009 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154019/https://www.metacritic.com/music/the-w/wu-tang-clan |url-status=live }}</ref> and included the single "[[Gravel Pit]]".<ref>{{Citation |title=The W by Wu-Tang Clan on Apple Music |date=2000-11-21 |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-w/457508066 |access-date=2024-04-22 |language=en-US}}</ref> The album reached  [[RIAA certification|platinum]] status.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-12-14 |title=Throwback: Wu-Tang's "The W" Gets Certified Platinum |url=https://rapstation.comhttps//rapstation.com/news/wu-tang-clan-certified-platinum |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=Rapstation |language=en}}</ref>

In 2001, Wu-Tang Clan released their fourth album, ''[[Iron Flag]]''. While originally featured on the cover of ''Iron Flag'', Cappadonna was airbrushed out of the artwork and largely absent from the album entirely.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Potato |first=A. Winged |date=2019-05-20 |title=Artist Spotlight: Wu-Tang Clan (Part 7 – Iron Flag) |url=https://the-avocado.org/2019/05/20/artist-spotlight-wu-tang-clan-part-7-iron-flag/ |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=The Avocado |language=en-US}}</ref> This may be related to tension that arose within the group when it was revealed that Cappadonna's manager was, or had been, a police informant, a revelation that also brought on the manager's subsequent firing.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/_/id/5922868|title=Wu-Tang Clan Fires Manager After Village Voice Expose|author=Jennifer Vineyard|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=May 26, 2000|access-date=February 23, 2007|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154022/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Cappadonna continued collaborating and touring with the group in the following years.

=== 2004: Issues and resurgence ===
In early 2004, U-God allegedly{{by whom|date=July 2021}} left the group.{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}} A DVD titled ''Rise of a Fallen Soldier'' was released detailing his problems, which were mostly with his treatment by RZA, who he claimed had hindered his success as a solo artist.{{citation needed|date=January 2019}} U-God formed a group of young protegés called the Hillside Scramblers with whom he released the album ''[[U-Godzilla Presents the Hillside Scramblers]]'' in March 2004.{{citation needed|date=January 2019}} The dispute culminated in a heated phone conversation between RZA and U-God on live radio, which ultimately saw the two reconcile.{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}} He has since returned to the group.{{citation needed|date=January 2019}}

In 2004, the group embarked on a short European tour before coming together as a complete group for the first time in several years to headline the [[Rock the Bells]] festival in California.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Music |first=I. G. N. |date=2004-06-11 |title=Wu-Tang Rock The Bells |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/06/11/wu-tang-rock-the-bells |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> The concert was released on CD under the name ''[[Disciples of the 36 Chambers: Chapter 1]]''. On October 26, 2004, the group released a greatest hits album, ''[[Legend of the Wu-Tang: Wu-Tang Clan's Greatest Hits]]''.{{citation needed|date=January 2019}}

==== Death of Ol' Dirty Bastard ====
Ol' Dirty Bastard's career was tumultuous. His run-ins with the law were well publicized—he was arrested several times for offenses including assault, [[shoplifting]], wearing [[body armor]] after being convicted of a [[felony]], and possession of [[cocaine]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://crime.about.com/od/famousdiduno/ig/mugshots_rap_hip_rb/odb.htm |title=Ol Dirty Bastard Russell Jones Mugshot and Criminal History (Part 2) |publisher=Crime.about.com |date=November 13, 2004 |access-date=January 6, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907041256/http://crime.about.com/od/famousdiduno/ig/mugshots_rap_hip_rb/odb.htm |archive-date=September 7, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and he missed multiple court dates. In April 2001, he was sentenced to two to four years in prison.<ref>{{cite news|last=Strong|first=Nolan|title=Ol' Dirty Bastard Dead|url=http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=3738|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070219105937/http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=3738|archive-date=February 19, 2007|work=AllHipHop.com|date=November 14, 2004}}</ref> Once released from prison, he signed a million-dollar contract with [[Roc-A-Fella Records]].{{citation needed|date=August 2014}}

On November 13, 2004, Ol' Dirty Bastard collapsed at Wu-Tang's recording studio in New York City, and was pronounced dead later that night.<ref>{{cite news |last=Moss |first=Corey |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1493725/20041113/ol_dirty_bastard.jhtml?headlines=false |title=Rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard Dies |publisher=MTV |date=November 13, 2004 |access-date=January 6, 2009 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154018/http://www.mtv.com/news/1493725/rapper-ol-dirty-bastard-dies/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Wu-Tang Clan paid him homage a number of times: in August 2006, one of his sons came out at a Wu-Tang concert at Webster Hall and rapped "[[Brooklyn Zoo (song)|Brooklyn Zoo]]", along with his mother, and during a concert at the Hammerstein Ballroom the Clan brought his mother out on stage for a sing-along to "Shimmy Shimmy Ya".{{citation needed|date=August 2014}}

=== 2005–10: Solo albums and ''8 Diagrams'' ===
{{More citations needed section|date=September 2020}}
In 2005, RZA released a book titled ''[[The Wu-Tang Manual]]''. In the same year, U-God's second album, ''[[Mr. Xcitement]]'' and a collaboration between GZA and producer [[DJ Muggs]], entitled ''[[Grandmasters (album)|Grandmasters]]'' were also released.

On March 28, 2006, Ghostface Killah released ''[[Fishscale]]'', to much critical acclaim and some commercial success.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/ghostface/fishscale |title=Ghostface Killah: Fishscale (2006): Reviews |publisher=Metacritic.com |date=March 28, 2006 |access-date=January 6, 2009 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154020/https://www.metacritic.com/music/fishscale/ghostface-killah |url-status=live }}</ref> The entire group, including Cappadonna and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard, appeared on the track "9 Milli Bros".  The same year, Ghostface Killah released ''[[More Fish]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ghostface Killah Warms Up Leftover 'Fish' For Second 2006 Album |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/abdyxe/ghostface-killah-warms-up-leftover-fish-for-second-2006-album |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215134223/https://www.mtv.com/news/abdyxe/ghostface-killah-warms-up-leftover-fish-for-second-2006-album |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 15, 2023 |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=MTV |language=en}}</ref>

On June 25, 2006, Inspectah Deck released a street album{{clarify|date=September 2020}} entitled ''[[The Resident Patient (album)|The Resident Patient]]'', a prelude to his upcoming album, titled ''The Rebellion'', which is said to be his final solo album.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hiphopgame.com/index2.php3?page=inspectahdeck3 |title=Exclusive Hip Hop News, Audio, Lyrics, Videos, Honeys, Wear, Sneakers, Download Mixtapes |publisher=Hiphopgame.com |date=December 14, 2007 |access-date=April 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090310195219/http://www.hiphopgame.com/index2.php3?page=inspectahdeck3 |archive-date=March 10, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Also released in 2006 were [[Masta Killa]]'s second studio album, ''[[Made in Brooklyn]]'', to lukewarm reviews, and [[Method Man]]'s ''[[4:21... the Day After]].''{{citation needed|date=January 2019}} Ghostface Killah released his seventh full-length album, ''[[The Big Doe Rehab]]'', in December 2007.

In 2007, Wu-Tang Clan released their fifth album, ''[[8 Diagrams]],''<ref>Kaufman, Gil.[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1566877/20070810/west_kanye.jhtml 50 Cent, Kanye Lead Fall Album Rush&nbsp;— Mariah, Chris Brown, Lupe Fiasco, Alicia Keys Follow] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100916094941/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1566877/20070810/west_kanye.jhtml |date=September 16, 2010 }} MTV: August 13, 2007.</ref> on Steve Rifkind's new label [[SRC Records]].<ref>[http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/10516]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616012928/http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/10516|date=June 16, 2008}}</ref> This album marked the inclusion of Cappadonna as an official member of the group.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.30967/title.rza-reveals-cappadonna-s-status-in-wu-tang-clan|title=RZA Reveals Cappadonna's Status In Wu-Tang Clan|date=October 7, 2014|publisher=Hiphopdx.com|access-date=January 9, 2015|archive-date=May 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501143822/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.30967/title.rza-reveals-cappadonna-s-status-in-wu-tang-clan/|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview with [[MTV|MTV.com]], Ghostface Killah stated that he was upset with RZA for starting the ''8 Diagrams'' project while he was in the middle of writing and recording ''The Big Doe Rehab'',<ref>[http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/page/news/46416-ghostface-upset-about-wu-tang-release-date]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511181850/http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/page/news/46416-ghostface-upset-about-wu-tang-release-date|date=May 11, 2008}}</ref> as well as giving ''8 Diagrams'' the same release date as ''The Big Doe Rehab'', for which RZA rescheduled a release date one week later.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/mixtape_monday/102207/ |title=Mixtape Monday: Nas Talks About 'Crazy Joint' With Jay-Z; Wu-Tang Delay LP For Ghostface's Sake |publisher=MTV |date=March 9, 2006 |access-date=January 13, 2012 |archive-date=November 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115072623/http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/mixtape_monday/102207/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The outcome of ''8 Diagrams'' received mixed views from both fans and critics, and is regarded as being RZA's most experimental work to date.<ref>{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1268426|pure_url=yes}} |title=((( 8 Diagrams [16 Tracks&#93; > Review ))) |website=allmusic |date=December 11, 2007 |access-date=April 27, 2010}}</ref> Raekwon and Ghostface Killah were unhappy with the album, and proposed recording a group album titled ''Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tan'' without RZA production.<ref>{{cite web |author=Alvin "Aqua" Blanco |url=http://allhiphop.com/blogs/features/archive/2007/12/04/18959440.aspx |title=Features: Ghostface Killah: Iron Manual |publisher=Allhiphop.com |access-date=January 6, 2009 |archive-date=November 20, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120212824/http://allhiphop.com/blogs/features/archive/2007/12/04/18959440.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> That album would eventually become Raekwon's fifth solo album ''[[Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang]]''.

In 2008, RZA released ''[[Digi Snacks]],'' under the name Bobby Digital. The album included lesser-known [[Wu-Tang Clan affiliates]] such as Freemurder, Killa Sin, Black Knights, and others. In the same year, GZA released the album ''[[Pro Tools (album)|Pro Tools]]''. In September 2008, RZA announced that he had signed a deal with digital music company [[The Orchard (music label)|The Orchard]] to release the Wu-Tang Clan's back catalogue worldwide digitally, for the first time. In addition to forthcoming material, the Wu-Tang Clan's catalogue includes 13 previous releases that have been previously unavailable digitally, including recordings by the group as a whole, U-God, Wu-Syndicate, Killarmy, Shyheim, [[West Coast Killa Beez]], Black Knights and others, and would be available online beginning September 23.{{clarify|date=September 2020}} RZA said: "The time is right to bring some older Wu material to the masses digitally. Our fans have been dedicated and patient and they're hungry to hear the music that has set us apart from so many others. Hip-hop is alive in Wu Music, and with The Orchard, we've got a solid partner that understands our audience and is committed to doing all they can to help us reach the fans. I'm definitely looking forward to working with them to see what else we all come up with. There's much more to come".<ref>[http://www.ballerstatus.com/article/news/2008/09/5445/]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918025417/http://www.ballerstatus.com/article/news/2008/09/5445/|date=September 18, 2008}}</ref>

In 2009, U-God released his third solo album, ''[[Dopium]]'', which features guest appearances from several Wu-Tang Clan members, and affiliates, among others, and was met with mostly lukewarm reviews. ''[[Wu-Tang Chamber Music]]'' was released in the same year, a side project executively produced by RZA, featuring live instrumentation from a Brooklyn soul band The Revelations. The album features appearances from five Wu-Tang Clan members, along with [[AZ (rapper)|AZ]], [[Kool G Rap]], [[Cormega]], [[Havoc (Mobb Deep)|Havoc]], [[Sean Price]], and [[M.O.P.]] Its first single, "Harbor Masters" featured Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, and AZ.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://fatlacemagazine.uproxx.com/2009/06/new-wu-tang-clan-harbor-masters-taken-from-new-album-chamber-music/ |title=New Wu Tang Clan "Harbor Masters" taken from new album "Chamber Music" &#124; Fat Lace Magazine |publisher=Fatlacemagazine.uproxx.com |access-date=April 27, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612030427/http://fatlacemagazine.uproxx.com/2009/06/new-wu-tang-clan-harbor-masters-taken-from-new-album-chamber-music/ |archive-date=June 12, 2009  }}</ref> RZA spoke about the album to Billboard.com: "I think the ''Chamber Music'' title is very fitting. This music is totally in the chamber, or in the mind-frame of Wu-Tang like in the [''Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)''] days. But it's not a Wu-Tang album. The whole Clan's not on this album. But it couldn't be in any other category but Wu-Tang".<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.9388/title.news-bits-wu-tang-eve-travis-mccoy |title=DX News Bits: Wu-Tang Clan, Eve, Travis McCoy |magazine=HipHopDX |date=June 25, 2009 |access-date=April 27, 2010 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154024/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.9388/title.dx-news-bits-wu-tang-clan-eve-travis-mccoy |url-status=live }}</ref>

Raekwon's ''[[Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II]]'' was released in September 2009, which features guest appearances from several big-name artists, and Clan members, with Ghostface being the most prominent, and also production from RZA, [[Dr. Dre]], [[Pete Rock]], and [[J Dilla]], among others. The album was initially intended to be released on Dr. Dre's [[Aftermath Records]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Cuban Linx II coming Summer 2007 :: news articles at Wu-Tang Corp.&nbsp;– The Official Site of the Wu-Tang Clan|url=http://www.wutang-corp.com/news/article.php?id=742|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090314021324/http://www.wutang-corp.com/news/article.php?id=742|archive-date=March 14, 2009|access-date=January 6, 2009|publisher=Wutang-corp.com}}</ref> The album debuted at number 4 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and at number 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and has been praised by most music critics. Several weeks later, Ghostface Killah released ''[[Ghostdini: Wizard of Poetry in Emerald City]]''.

Talk of the album ''Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang'' re-surfaced in July 2009;<ref name=":2">{{cite web |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1616673/20090721/50_cent.jhtml |title=50 Cent Would 'Love' To Make A Joint Album With Eminem |publisher=MTV |date=July 22, 2009 |access-date=April 27, 2010 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154019/http://www.mtv.com/news/1616673/50-cent-would-love-to-make-a-joint-album-with-eminem/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> originally planned as a Wu-Tang album without RZA's input. The project evolved to include RZA only vocally, with no contribution to production.{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}} Raekwon stated "[It'll] be alter egos challenging each other, really allowing RZA to fall back on the production and allowing us to give him a flashback memory to the things we know we need from the abbot [RZA]. We want him to be involved [with the album as an MC], but the concept was for him not to be involved production-wise".<ref name=":2" /> Speaking to MTV.com, Method Man revealed his, Ghostface Killah's and Raekwon's plans to record a separate album as a trio: "I don't want to say it's written in stone, but it's in discussion. I want some feedback from the fans to see how they would take that. RZA produced tracks, some other outside producers, of course, and we gonna have Wu-Tang members on the album, but it'll be a Rae, Ghost and Meth album".<ref>{{cite web |last=Rodriguez |first=Jayson |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1616797/20090723/method_man.jhtml |title=Method Man Wants To Hook Up With Ghostface, Raekwon For Joint LP |publisher=MTV |date=July 23, 2009 |access-date=April 27, 2010 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154026/http://www.mtv.com/news/1616797/method-man-wants-to-hook-up-with-ghostface-raekwon-for-joint-lp/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Soon after, Ghostface Killah cemented the details: the record, featuring other Wu-Tang Clan members, was to consist primarily of him, Method Man, and Raekwon. The title, as announced in three separate trailers (directed by [[Rik Cordero]]) promoting the upcoming release, is ''[[Wu-Massacre]]''.{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}} Speaking on their willingness to complete the album, Ghostface Killah estimated the release date of the album to be the end of 2009 or January 2010.<ref>{{cite web |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1618535/20090811/ghostface_killah.jhtml |title=Ghostface Expects Group Album With Raekwon And Method Man This Year |publisher=MTV |date=August 12, 2009 |access-date=April 27, 2010 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154020/http://www.mtv.com/news/1618535/ghostface-expects-group-album-with-raekwon-and-method-man-this-year/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> It was then announced{{when|date=September 2020}} that the album would be pushed back from December to March 30, 2010;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://illrideamotorbike.com/?cat=19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713010348/http://illrideamotorbike.com/?cat=19|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 13, 2011|title=illrideamotorbike.com|publisher=Illrideamotorbike.com|access-date=January 9, 2015}}</ref> the single, "Meth vs. Chef Part II", was released after the announcement. Produced by [[Mathematics (producer)|Mathematics]], it is an update of the song "Meth vs. Chef" from Method Man's first solo album, ''[[Tical (album)|Tical]]'', featuring verses by only Method Man and Raekwon. It had been confirmed by Raekwon that ''Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang'' would in fact be his next solo album<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Vozick |first=Simon |url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2010/02/19/raekwon-cuban-linx-wu-massacre/ |title=Raekwon on 'Wu-Massacre,' the future of the Wu-Tang Clan, his label dreams, and more: The Music Mix Q&A &#124; EW.com |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=April 27, 2010 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154021/https://ew.com/article/2010/02/19/raekwon-cuban-linx-wu-massacre/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and that ''Wu-Massacre'' is a separate album, while the rapper{{who|date=September 2020}} stated that he himself had petitioned to have ''Wu-Massacre''{{'}}s release date postponed in order to yield more studio time.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/v/JH7LYgNjkm0&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs= |title=Raekwon Speaks on Dr. Dre, New Wu Album |publisher=Youtube.com |access-date=April 17, 2013 |archive-date=July 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726090524/http://www.youtube.com/v/JH7LYgNjkm0%26color1%3D0xb1b1b1%26color2%3D0xcfcfcf%26hl%3Den_US%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded%26fs%3D |url-status=live }}</ref>

On February 25, 2011, ''Wu Tang Live At The Palladium NYC'' was released through the group's official Facebook page as a collectors digital download. This included exclusive, unreleased freestyles. It was limited to 100 downloads before the page was disabled after this figure was reached.

=== 2011–present: ''A Better Tomorrow'', and ''Once Upon a Time in Shaolin'' ===
==== ''A Better Tomorrow'' ====
{{Main|A Better Tomorrow (album)}}
On June 29, 2011, Raekwon announced that the group were working on a new studio album, still in early stages.<ref>{{cite web |last=Horowitz |first=Steven J. |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.15768/title.raekwon-reveals-wu-tang-clan-is-working-on-a-new-album/ |title=Raekwon Reveals Wu-Tang Clan Is Working On A New Album |publisher=Hiphopdx.com |date=June 29, 2011 |access-date=January 13, 2012 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154031/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.15768/title.raekwon-reveals-wu-tang-clan-is-working-on-a-new-album |url-status=live }}</ref> Ghostface Killah later said that the album would be released in May 2012.<ref name="hiphopdx.com">{{cite web |last=Vasquez |first=Andres |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.15986/title.ghostface-killah-promises-wu-block-lp-new-wu-tang-lp-more/ |title=Ghostface Killah Promises Wu-Block LP, New Wu-Tang LP & More |publisher=Hiphopdx.com |date=July 15, 2011 |access-date=January 13, 2012 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154031/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.15986/title.ghostface-killah-promises-wu-block-lp-new-wu-tang-lp-more |url-status=live }}</ref>

Members went back and forth on the issue. While GZA hinted that a new album was unlikely,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/46035-wanna-rap-on-a-gza-album/ |title=Wanna Rap on a GZA Album? &#124; News |website=Pitchfork |date=April 4, 2012 |access-date=April 30, 2012 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154032/https://pitchfork.com/news/46035-wanna-rap-on-a-gza-album/ |url-status=live  }}</ref> the RZA said a new Wu-Tang Clan album might happen after all, on the occasion of the group's 20th anniversary,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.21489/title.rza-hints-at-wu-tang-clan-dropping-a-final-album-on-the-20th-anniversary-of-enter-the-wu-tang-36-chambers |title=RZA Hints At Wu-Tang Clan Dropping A Final Album On The 20th Anniversary Of "Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" |publisher=Hiphopdx.com |date=October 10, 2012 |access-date=October 10, 2012 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154114/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.21489/title.rza-hints-at-wu-tang-clan-dropping-a-final-album-on-the-20th-anniversary-of-enter-the-wu-tang-36-chambers |url-status=live }}</ref> though Raekwon doubted it.<ref name="www.hiphopdx.com">{{cite web | title = Raekwon Says Wu-Tang Clan Reunion May Not Happen | date = November 15, 2012 | url = http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.21897/title.raekwon-says-wu-tang-clan-reunion-may-not-happen/ | access-date = November 16, 2012 | archive-date = November 15, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154039/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.21897/title.raekwon-says-wu-tang-clan-reunion-may-not-happen | url-status = live }}</ref>

On January 9, 2013, work on the sixth Wu-Tang Clan album was announced via the group's official Facebook page.<ref>{{cite web | title = Wu Tang Album is in the works. Hold on tight. | url = https://www.facebook.com/OfficialWuTang/posts/10151346753314695 | publisher = Facebook | date = January 9, 2013 | access-date = January 9, 2013 | archive-date = November 15, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154031/https://www.facebook.com/OfficialWuTang/posts/10151346753314695 | url-status = live }}</ref> In early March 2013 Method Man announced that the Clan was working on a sixth studio album and it would be released during 2013 in celebration of their 20-year anniversary since ''36 Chambers''.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/03/video-method-man-says-new-wu-tang-clan-album-will-drop-in-2013 |title=Video: Method Man Says New Wu-Tang Clan Album Will Drop in 2013 |magazine=Complex |access-date=April 17, 2013 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154030/https://www.complex.com/music/2013/03/video-method-man-says-new-wu-tang-clan-album-will-drop-in-2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Cappadonna has said the album is in recording process taking place in New York, Los Angeles and the Wu mansion in New Jersey.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/10/new-wu-tang-clan-cappadona-anniversary-music_n_2848509.html |title=New Wu-Tang Clan: Cappadonna Says The Group Will Celebrate Its Anniversary With New Music |publisher=Huffingtonpost.com |date=March 10, 2013 |access-date=April 17, 2013 |first=Madeline |last=Boardman |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154041/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/new-wu-tang-clan-cappadona-anniversary-music_n_2848509 |url-status=live }}</ref> RZA has also said he had talked to [[Adrian Younge]] about working on a song for the album.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/04/the-making-of-ghostface-killah-and-adrian-younge-twelve-reasons-to-die/8/ |title=The Making of Ghostface Killah and Adrian Younge's "Twelve Reasons to Die" – Page 8 of 8 – XXL |date=April 16, 2013 |publisher=Xxlmag.com |access-date=April 17, 2013 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154040/https://www.xxlmag.com/the-making-of-ghostface-killah-and-adrian-younge-twelve-reasons-to-die/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On April 11, 2013, it was announced via a press release that their upcoming sixth studio album would be titled, ''A Better Tomorrow'' and was set to be released in July 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/wu-tang-clan-announce-reunion-album-title-news.5221.html/|title=Wu-Tang Clan Announce Reunion Album Title|author=Rose Lilah|work=HotNewHipHop|date=April 11, 2013|access-date=January 9, 2015|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154036/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/wu-tang-clan-announce-reunion-album-title-news.5221.html/|url-status=live}}</ref> During late April 2013, the Clan performed at the 2013 [[Coachella (festival)|Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Harling |first=Danielle |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.23594/title.wu-tang-clan-reunite-at-coachella-r-kelly-performs-with-phoenix |title=Wu-Tang Clan Reunite At Coachella, R. Kelly Performs With Phoenix |date=April 15, 2013 |publisher=HipHop DX |access-date=April 17, 2013 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154104/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.23594/title.wu-tang-clan-reunite-at-coachella-r-kelly-performs-with-phoenix |url-status=live }}</ref> On May 17, an unreleased Wu-Tang song titled "Execution in Autumn" was released for purchase through RZA's record label [[Soul Temple Records]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/bangers/2013/05/listen-to-wu-tang-clans-execution-in-autumn-produced-by-frank-dukes/ |title=Listen To Wu-Tang Clan's "Execution in Autumn" (Produced By Frank Dukes) – XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date=May 17, 2013 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154101/https://www.xxlmag.com/listen-to-wu-tang-clans-execution-in-autumn-produced-by-frank-dukes/ |url-status=live }}</ref> They performed at the 2013 [[Summer Jam (festival)|HOT 97 Summer Jam]] at [[MetLife Stadium]] in New Jersey, twenty years after they performed at the first annual Summer Jam concert.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hot97.com/new-on-hot97/2013/05/02/announcing-the-summer-jam-xx-artist-line-up |title=Announcing The Summer Jam XX Artist Line-Up |publisher=HOT 97 |date=April 2, 2013 |access-date=April 2, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507054408/http://www.hot97.com/new-on-hot97/2013/05/02/announcing-the-summer-jam-xx-artist-line-up |archive-date=May 7, 2013 }}</ref> On June 5, 2013, the first promotional single "Family Reunion" featuring Masta Killah, Method Man, Ghostface Killah and RZA was released via the Soul Temple Records website.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://soultemplemusic.bandcamp.com/album/family-reunion |title=Family Reunion &#124; Soul Temple Music |publisher=Soultemplemusic.bandcamp.com |date=June 5, 2013 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154104/https://soultemplemusic.bandcamp.com/album/family-reunion |url-status=live }}</ref>

In June 2013 RZA said so far every member of the Clan except Raekwon and GZA had put in work on the ''A Better Tomorrow'' album and that recording was being done at the Wu-Mansion, and the Wu-Mansion West. Unreleased verses from Ol' Dirty Bastard will also be featured on the album.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/07/previously-unreleased-ol-dirty-bastard-verses-to-be-unearthed-for-new-wu-tang-clan-album/ |title=Previously Unreleased Ol' Dirty Bastard Verses To Be Unearthed For New Wu-Tang Clan Album – XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date=July 25, 2013 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154050/https://www.xxlmag.com/previously-unreleased-ol-dirty-bastard-verses-to-be-unearthed-for-new-wu-tang-clan-album/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He also stated he was hoping to release the album in November 2013.<ref>{{cite web |last=Paine |first=Jake |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.24469/title.rza-explains-the-cure-delay-wu-tang-clan-s-a-better-tomorrow-progress |title=RZA Explains "The Cure" Delay, Wu-Tang Clan's "A Better Tomorrow" Progress |publisher=HipHop DX |date=June 27, 2013 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154247/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.24469/title.rza-explains-the-cure-delay-wu-tang-clans-a-better-tomorrow-progress |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2013 Cappadonna indicated the album was half way finished.<ref>{{cite web |last=Baker |first=Soren |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.24580/title.cappadonna-clamoring-for-swizz-beatz-diddy-production-on-new-wu-tang-clan-lp |title=Cappadonna Clamoring For Swizz Beatz, Diddy Production On New Wu-Tang Clan LP |publisher=HipHop DX |date=July 7, 2013 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154114/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.24580/title.cappadonna-clamoring-for-swizz-beatz-diddy-production-on-new-wu-tang-clan-lp |url-status=live }}</ref> Once November 2013 arrived, RZA gave an update on the album, saying that not every member had been significantly working on the album. He gave credit to Method Man, Cappadonna, U-God and Masta Killa for working hard on the album, while saying he needed more effort from Ghostface, Raekwon and GZA.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grantland.com/blog/hollywood-prospectus/post/_/id/92009/the-rza-on-enter-the-wu-tang-20-years-later-and-whos-holding-up-the-wus-reunion-album |title=Wu&A: The RZA on Enter the Wu-Tang 20 Years Later and Who's Holding Up the Wu's Reunion Album – Hollywood Prospectus Blog |publisher=Grantland |date=October 17, 2012 |access-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154051/http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/the-rza-on-enter-the-wu-tang-20-years-later-and-whos-holding-up-the-wus-reunion-album/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Shortly after Method Man stated that Raekwon had not worked on the album at all, and Ghostface had only recorded two songs for the album so far.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rys |first=Dan |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/11/method-man-on-wu-tangs-new-album-chris-brown-and-why-hes-not-a-rapper/3/ |title=Method Man On Wu-Tang's New Album, Chris Brown And Why He's Not A Rapper – Page 3 of 3 – XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date=November 12, 2013 |access-date=April 24, 2014 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154058/https://www.xxlmag.com/method-man-on-wu-tangs-new-album-chris-brown-and-why-hes-not-a-rapper/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In late November, RZA suggested that the album was approximately six weeks from completion.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/21/rza-wu-tang-a-better-tomorrow-six-weeks_n_4317787.html |title=RZA: Wu-Tang's 'A Better Tomorrow' Album Still 'Six Weeks Out' |first=Chris |last=Talbott |work=[[HuffPost|The Huffington Post]] |date=November 21, 2013 |access-date=January 11, 2014 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154139/https://www.huffpost.com/?err_code=404&err_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.huffingtonpost.com%2F2013%2F11%2F21%2Frza-wu-tang-a-better-tomorrow-six-weeks_n_4317787.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2014, the group posted a message on their Facebook page, saying: "The new Wu album 'A Better Tomorrow' coming soon."<ref name="Spin Jan 2014">{{cite web |url=https://www.spin.com/2014/01/wu-tang-clan-a-better-tomorrow-new-album/ |title=Wu-Tang Clan's 'A Better Tomorrow' Is Coming Soon (Again) |first=Chris |last=Martins |work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |date=January 6, 2014 |access-date=January 11, 2014 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154053/https://www.spin.com/2014/01/wu-tang-clan-a-better-tomorrow-new-album/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After several disputes between Raekwon and RZA about the direction of the group and album, they reconciled, with the latter agreeing to record verses for ''A Better Tomorrow''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.28717/title.wu-tang-clan-announces-rza-raekwon-truce|title=Wu-Tang Clan Announces RZA & Raekwon Truce|date=May 12, 2014|publisher=Hiphopdx.com|access-date=January 9, 2015|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154110/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.28717/title.wu-tang-clan-announces-rza-raekwon-truce|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 3, 2014, it was announced that the album will arrive December 2, 2014, courtesy of a new deal with [[Warner Records|Warner Bros. Records]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-wu-tang-clan-warner-bros-release-date-new-album-20141003-story.html|title=Wu-Tang Clan ink deal with Warner Bros., will release album Dec. 2|first=Gerrick D.|last=Kennedy|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=October 4, 2014|access-date=July 6, 2019|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154056/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-wu-tang-clan-warner-bros-release-date-new-album-20141003-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The album was released late 2014.

==== ''Once Upon a Time in Shaolin'' ====
{{Main|Once Upon a Time in Shaolin}}
[[File:Wu-Tang Clan at Budapest Park - 2015.07.07 (1).JPG|thumb|Wu-Tang Clan performing in [[Budapest]] in 2015]]
In March 2014 it was reported that in addition to work on ''A Better Tomorrow'', a Wu-Tang Clan compilation album entitled ''The Wu – Once Upon A Time In Shaolin'' had been recorded, with Wu-Tang-affiliated producer [[Cilvaringz]] as the primary producer instead of RZA.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/mar/27/wu-tang-clan-one-copy-new-album-once-upon-a-time-in-shaolin|title=Wu-Tang Clan producing one copy of new album Once Upon A Time In Shaolin|first=Sean|last=Michaels|newspaper=The Guardian |date=March 27, 2014|via=www.theguardian.com|access-date=December 18, 2016|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154057/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/mar/27/wu-tang-clan-one-copy-new-album-once-upon-a-time-in-shaolin|url-status=live}}</ref> The album, a double album consisting of 31 tracks, was not given a conventional commercial release and only one copy has been produced; the copy toured in museums, art galleries and music festivals before being sold at a high price to a single individual. In August 2014, a reporter from ''[[Forbes]]'' traveled to [[Marrakech]] to meet Cilvaringz and hear a 51-second snippet of a song from the album, which featured [[Cher]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2014/05/06/unlocking-the-wu-tang-clans-secret-album-in-morocco/|title=Unlocking The Wu-Tang Clan's Secret Album In Morocco|first=Zack O'Malley|last=Greenburg|website=Forbes|access-date=August 22, 2017|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154141/https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2014/05/06/unlocking-the-wu-tang-clans-secret-album-in-morocco/|url-status=live}}</ref> The snippet was subsequently put on their website. The album is encased in a handcrafted silver-and-nickel box made by British-Moroccan artist Yahya and features never-before-heard music recorded over years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2014/03/26/why-wu-tang-will-release-just-one-copy-of-its-secret-album/|title=Why Wu-Tang Will Release Just One Copy Of Its Secret Album|author=Zack O'Malley Greenburg|date=March 26, 2014|work=Forbes|access-date=January 9, 2015|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154110/https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2014/03/26/why-wu-tang-will-release-just-one-copy-of-its-secret-album/|url-status=live}}</ref> RZA stated he has been receiving multiple million dollar offers for the album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.28151/title.rza-says-he-has-5-million-offer-for-one-copy-of-wu-tang-clan-s-the-wu-once-upon-a-time-in-shaolin-album|title=RZA Says He Has $5 Million Offer For One Copy Of Wu-Tang Clan's "The Wu – Once Upon A Time In Shaolin" Album|date=April 2, 2014|publisher=Hiphopdx.com|access-date=January 9, 2015|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154107/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.28151/title.rza-says-he-has-5-million-offer-for-one-copy-of-wu-tang-clans-the-wu-once-upon-a-time-in-shaolin-album|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite the album's exclusivity it made an appearance in electronic dance music producer [[Skrillex]]'s music video for his song "Fuck That" even though he did not purchase the project.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.31599/title.cilvaringz-skrillex-did-not-buy-wu-tang-clans-5-million-album|title=Skrillex Did Not Buy Wu Tang Clan's $5 Million Album|publisher=Hiphopdx.com|access-date=January 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202040629/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.31599/title.cilvaringz-skrillex-did-not-buy-wu-tang-clans-5-million-album|archive-date=December 2, 2014|url-status=dead|date=2014|author=Soren Baker}}</ref> The album was sold through Paddle8, an online auction house, for $2 million to [[Martin Shkreli]]. When the [[FBI]] arrested Martin Shkreli on December 17, 2015, they did not seize the Wu-Tang Clan album.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Plante |title=FBI: We don't have the Wu-Tang album, leave us alone |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/12/17/10448766/martin-shkreli-fbi-wu-tang-album-seized |work=[[The Verge]] |date=December 17, 2015 |access-date=December 18, 2015 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154132/https://www.theverge.com/2015/12/17/10448766/martin-shkreli-fbi-wu-tang-album-seized |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the victory of [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] candidate [[Donald Trump]] in the [[2016 United States presidential election|2016 U.S. presidential election]], Shkreli broadcast excerpts from the album on streaming platforms [[Periscope (app)|Periscope]] and [[Hitbox.tv]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/nov/09/martin-shkreli-wu-tang-clan-album-donald-trump |title=Martin Shkreli leaks Wu-Tang Clan album in celebration of Trump victory |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=November 9, 2016 |access-date=November 30, 2016 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115154107/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/nov/09/martin-shkreli-wu-tang-clan-album-donald-trump |url-status=live }}</ref>

In July 2021, it was announced that the album had been again sold by the US government for an undisclosed amount (later revealed as $4 million USD), following Shkreli handing it over to the FBI in 2018 after being convicted of defrauding investors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-57992807 |title=Wu-Tang Clan album bought by Martin Shkreli sold by US government |website=bbc.co.uk/news |publisher=BBC News |date=July 27, 2021 |access-date=July 28, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210728115321/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-57992807 |archive-date=July 28, 2021}}</ref> The new owner of the album is the PleasrDAO group.

==== ''The Saga Continues'' ====
{{Main|The Saga Continues (Wu-Tang Clan album)}}
On August 25, 2017, Wu-Tang Clan released the song, "People Say", which featured Redman.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yoo |first=Noah |date=2017-08-25 |title=Wu-Tang Clan Share New Song "People Say": Listen |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/wu-tang-clan-share-new-song-people-say-listen/ |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}</ref> RZA announced that the song would be part of an upcoming album, titled ''[[The Saga Continues (Wu-Tang Clan album)|The Saga Continues]]''.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Penrose |first=Nerisha |date=2017-08-25 |title=Wu-Tang Clan Returns With New Song 'People Say,' Announces 'The Saga Continues' Album |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/wu-tang-clan-new-song-people-say-redman-saga-continues-album-7942000/ |access-date=2024-03-19 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> The album was released on October 13 under the name "Wu-Tang", as U-God was absent from it.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khanna |first=Vish |date=2017-10-17 |title=Mathematics Explains Why Wu-Tang Dropped the "Clan" for 'The Saga Continues' and How He Appreciates Martin Shkreli {{!}} Exclaim! |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/wu-tangs_mathematics_appreciates_martin_shkreli_laments_u-gods_absence_from_wu-tang_the_saga_continues |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=Mathematics Explains Why Wu-Tang Dropped the "Clan" for 'The Saga Continues' and How He Appreciates Martin Shkreli {{!}} Exclaim! |language=en}}</ref> The Saga Continues was primarily produced by [[Mathematics (producer)|Mathematics]],<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Saponara |first=Michael |date=2017-10-31 |title=RZA & DJ Mathematics Talk 'The Saga Continues', Politics, & Wu-Tang's Evolution |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/rza-dj-mathematics-interview-the-saga-continues-wu-tang-clan-8022004/ |access-date=2024-03-19 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> and debuted at number 15 on the Billboard 200.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last= |first= |date=2017-11-04 |title=Billboard 200™ |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2017-11-04/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101025852/http://www.billboard.com:80/charts/billboard-200/2017-11-04 |archive-date=2017-11-01 |access-date=2024-03-19 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Las Vegas residency and ''Black Samson, the Bastard Swordsman'' ====
In December 2023, it was announced that Wu-Tang Clan would host "Wu-Tang Clan: The Saga Continues… The Las Vegas Residency" at [[The Theater at Virgin Hotels]] in [[Paradise, Nevada]]; in the process, they became the first hip-hop act to ever receive an [[artist residency]].<ref>{{cite news |date=13 December 2023 |title=Wu-Tang Clan becomes first hip-hop act to land Las Vegas residency |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-12-13/wu-tang-clan-first-hip-hop-act-las-vegas-residency-february |access-date=5 June 2024 |work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> The collective started performing at the residency in February 2024.<ref>{{cite news |date=27 February 2024 |title=Wu-Tang Clan hopes to leave legacy as they embrace Las Vegas residency |url=https://abc7chicago.com/wu-tang-clan-las-vegas-residency-hip-hop/14472915/ |access-date=5 June 2024 |work=ABC7Chicago |publisher=ABC}}</ref>

On February 6, 2025, Wu-Tang Clan announced that they would release a new joint project with producer Mathematics, titled ''[[Black Samson, the Bastard Swordsman]]'', on April 12 of the same year, in coincidence with [[Record Store Day]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |date=6 February 2025 |title=Wu-Tang Clan and Mathematics Team Up for New Album, ‘Black Samson’ (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2025/music/news/wu-tang-clan-mathematics-team-new-lp-black-samson-1236299414/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=Variety}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Fu |first=Eddie |date=6 February 2025 |title=Wu-Tang Clan releasing new album Black Samson, the Bastard Swordsman for Record Store Day |url=https://consequence.net/2025/02/wu-tang-clan-black-samson-bastard-swordsman-record-store-day/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=Consequence}}</ref> The distribution of the album, which was inspired by [[Blaxploitation]] movies<ref name=":3" /> and marked the first release to feature the entire formation of the collective since 2014,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harrison |first=Scoop |date=6 February 2024 |title=Record Store Day 2025: The 27 Must-Have Releases |url=https://consequence.net/2025/02/record-store-day-2025-vinyl-releases/ |access-date=6 February 2024 |website=Consequence}}</ref> would be initially limited to 5,000 [[LP record|2xLP]] copies sold at participating Record Store Day retailers.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />

==== Final Tour ====
On February 24, 2025 the group announced their final tour, "[[Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber]]" with performance dates across North America from June through July of 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Corcoran |first=Nina |date=2025-02-24 |title=Wu-Tang Clan Announce Final Tour |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/wu-tang-clan-announce-final-tour/ |access-date=2025-02-25 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}</ref>