New York honors the Wu-Tang Clan with their own district
The Wu-Tang Clan has never been anything “to fuck with (Tiger Style).” Now with the recognition by the City of New York, one can now change that to “nothing to be forgotten.” Their home borough of Staten Island officially named the intersection of Vanderbilt Ave. and Targee St. the Wu-Tang Clan District.
The collective of East Coast rappers is regarded as one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time. Since 1993 the Wu-Tang Clan embodied and built the hardcore hip-hop sound that represented and reflected the streets where their legacy was born. Now 25 years later they’ve got a street sign to mark that origin.
Regardless of weather Ghostface Killah and Raekwon were present at the sign’s unveiling ceremony along with Staten Island residents and Wu-Tang fans. Ghostface posted the moment of the unveiling on Instagram evoking comments of respect from Immortal Technique, members of De La Soul, Cypress Hill and more.
“It’s like a dream right now: Twenty-five years later to come back and to have district, a block named after your crew,” Ghostface Killah said. “First of all, people don’t get to make it 25 years later. To come from Staten Island, I wanna tell y’all anything is possible. I never saw this day coming. I knew that we were some ill MCs, but I didn’t know it would take it this far.”
Their legacy is one shrouded by a mist of activity. Each member has their own legacy and influence (even after life.) They’ve graced the silver screen, they’re activists, they’re still making music that has spanned across genres, and spreading the word. Even in subtle ways, they continue to change the face of music; Childish Gambino wouldn’t have his name if not for a Wu-Tang name generator.
Coming this May 10 some of the details of their truth, their influence, and their lives will come to light through the Showtime documentary series, Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men.
H/T: Complex
Photo credit: Jonathan Weiner
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