Wu-Tang Clan celebrates hip-hop history in historic NYC ‘takeover'

Masta Killa, Method Man, U-God, the GZA, RZA, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck and Ghostface Killah — no one could get iller — The Wu-Tang Clan, from the affectionately known “Shaolin Land” of Staten Island returned to their homebase New York for a citywide celebration on their farewell tour called "Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber with openers, “Run the Jewels.”

- By JOHNNY KNOLLWOOD

The landmark celebration included a popup shop at Irving Plaza featuring exclusive merch and artist signings, after-parties with member appearances at Brooklyn Chop House and Hill Country BBQ, and an interactive map of Wu-Tang sites centered around the group's historic performance at Madison Square Garden on July 17. The remaining eight founding members were joined by Cappadonna and Young Dirty Bastard, son of original member Ol’ Dirty Bastard, who passed away in 2004. The evening was as much a celebration of hip-hop's vibrant history in its NYC birthplace as it was a commemoration of Wu-Tang's body of work - featuring a career-spanning set of hits, fan favorites, and special guest appearances by genre progenitors including Lil’ Kim, Slick Rick, and Big Daddy Kane.