In an effort to continue and preserve the legacy of Hip-hop music, and more specifically, one of the music industry’s giants, limited copies of The Wu-Tang Clan: LEGACY were released late last month in New York.
With a hefty price tag of $36,000, the new 300-page coffee table book is encased in a 400-pound steel chamber with only 36 copies up for grabs. The book is being released to commemorate and highlight the 30th anniversary of Wu-Tang and, among other things, contains more than 300 color photographs of never-before scene photos of all ten members of the group. Each copy is bound in leather and signed and dated.
In a recent interview with NJ Urban News, John “Mook” Gibbons, Founder, CEO, and long-time manager of Wu-Tang, said the valuable keepsake pays tribute to the best Hip-hop group of all time. Gibbons said the book is an extension of the group’s first album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), released in 1993. “This book, this keep sake, this artifact book tells the whole Wu-Tang story,” Gibbons said.” We still have a lot to offer the world and want to show the world who Wu-Tang is and will be for years to come.”
The Wu-Tang Clan was formed in 1992 in Staten Island, NY. Wu-Tang, aka Bobby Diggs, aka RZA. The popular yet controversial group hit its musical stride in 1998 when it was nominated for the Best Rap Album Grammy. Best known for its hardcore lyrics and solid messages of life in the ‘hood, Wu-Tang members are credited with fostering and uniting young black men into productive lives through music. Members include RZA, GZA, O” Dirty Bastard, and Raekwon.
Gibbons said he initially rejected requests from some original Wu-Tang members to manage the group 30 years ago. “They approached me twice to manage the group, and I said no,” he said. Gibbons said as personal situations changed and the popularity of Wu-Tang’s music and in-your-face lyrics grew; he agreed to manage the group. In addition to setting the standard for Hip-hop music, a successful television series—Wu-Tang: An American Saga, wrapped up filming season 3 late last year, with episodes scheduled to air in February on the Hulu streaming and on-demand network. Many of the scenes were filmed at various locations in New Jersey, including Newark and Union. “My character really steps up and takes control in the new season,” Gibbons said.
As for the future, Gibbons said early interest in the Legacy book, as well as the final season of the series, have been tremendous. “Everyone in the street is talking about it, {the book and the series},” he said. “From conception to the present day, this is the story of the undisputed greatest Hip Hop group of all time.” For more information on how to obtain a copy of the Wu-Tang Legacy Book and details about the Hulu series visit