Movies

Wu-Tang Clan’s hip-hop legacy gets unleashed during one last victory lap at Crypto.com Arena

BBG News

On Sunday evening at the Crypto.com Arena in downtown L.A., when Wu-Tang Clan and Run the Jewels performed, it wasn’t merely a concert; it was a seismic cultural event. Bursting with rap icons, the crowd stood shoulder to shoulder, resembling links in a “36” Chain, as they enthusiastically celebrated hip-hop’s enduring influence.

On this incredible journey, I’ve been privileged to be a part of the emotional goodbye tour by my beloved group, Wu-Tang Clan – the Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber Farewell Tour. Kicking off on June 6 in Baltimore and wrapping up on July 18 in Philadelphia, this tour spans an impressive 27 shows across these dates. It’s been a remarkable ride!

This tour showcases the remaining members of Wu-Tang Clan: RZA, GZA, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna, as well as Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s son, Young Dirty Bastard, and DJ Mathematics.

The lineup for this tour includes RZA, GZA, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna from Wu-Tang Clan. Also performing are Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s son, Young Dirty Bastard, and DJ Mathematics.

The night got off to a thrilling start with Run the Jewels delivering a powerful show, their infectious energy and charm setting the stage’s mood. Killer Mike and El-P, who refer to themselves as the modern-day PB&J, ruled the stage effortlessly, blazing through their song list, opening with “Legend Has It” and seguing into classic tracks like “Gold,” “Lie, Cheat, Steal,” “Ooh La La,” and “Close Your Eyes.” The audience was pulsating with energy, echoing every lyric in harmony while waving hand gestures symbolizing unity. Their intelligent rhymes, unyielding rhythm, and boundless enthusiasm made their performance an indelible moment of the night, one that stood out among many others.

9 p.m. marked the start of Wu-Tang Clan’s time to create a stir, and they certainly did, showcasing the passionate intensity that made them a defining force in hip-hop. Considered one of the most impactful groups in music history, Wu’s performance was both nostalgic and electrifying. Each member’s distinct style and mastery of lyrics were on full display as hits like “C.R.E.A.M.,” “Protect Ya Neck,” “Method Man,” “Can It All Be So Simple” and “Triumph” filled the arena, sparking a surge of energy among the crowd. The deep basslines and raw, untouched sound served as a reminder of why Wu-Tang Clan continues to be one of the most influential acts in hip-hop.

In every strike Wu delivered, it was as if they were stepping into a temporal vessel, transporting the audience on a journey spanning decades filled with impact, creativity, and gritty verse from the streets. The chamber members didn’t merely perform; instead, they celebrated their triumphs in the presence of an audience that echoed every lyric back to them. The air was thick with reverence and the burden of history in each passing moment.

As a movie enthusiast, I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection during the event as I stepped up to pay tribute to my late father, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, by performing some of his iconic hits like “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” and “Got Your Money”. The crowd joined in passionately, creating a powerful collective tribute. What made this night even more intriguing was the addition of unexpected interludes promoting RZA’s latest action thriller, “One Spoon of Chocolate”, as well as the “Purple Tape Files” documentary he produced with Raekwon. It was a clever blend of entertainment and strategic promotion, though it did feel slightly out of place in the middle of the show.

On Sunday at Crypto.com, it was far more than just two renowned groups performing together. It was a monumental event that illuminated Los Angeles with the raw power of hip-hop’s grandeur. The booming rhythms and electrifying atmosphere created by the audience made every second a vivid demonstration of how music molds, motivates, and connects us all. The performances themselves were a tangible embodiment of hip-hop’s lasting influence on our culture, leaving spectators invigorated by the lingering reverberations of greatness that permeated the entire venue — long live Wu-Tang!

Read More

2025-06-24 00:31

Previous post Elden Ring Nightreign: The Raider Without Armor Looks Like Andre from Dark Souls
Next post X-Men ’97: Behind-the-Scenes Look at Season 1’s Abandoned Kitty Pryde & Colossus Ending