Wu-Tang Clan have announced that they are reuniting for new album called Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman: From the Wu-Tang, the Saga Continues Collection, their first in almost a decade.
The project will be released on Record Store Day (April 12) and feature contributions from all living members of the legendary rap group.
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The 12-track LP is entirety produced by Mathematics, who was behind the boards on the Wu’s last full-length effort, 2017’s The Saga Continues, which means there are no RZA beats on the album.
Speaking to Variety, Mathematics detailed the thinking behind the unique title: “Well, the album has a certain feel to it. It’s an homage to Blaxploitation movies. You have movies like Black Samson, Black Caesar and Super Fly. Those are the type of movies that I was raised on in the 1970s.
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“The Bastard Swordsman part of [the title] is an ode to the old karate flicks because that’s what I grew up on as well. With me, as well as all of Wu-Tang, that’s something we had in common. We all loved the old karate flicks. Bastard Swordsman is one of my favorites.”
He also talked about the process of putting the album together, saying: “It’s my brothers. When I need them, I call them. All praises due, they show up. I’m grateful for that.
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“It definitely takes time. We’ve been doing residencies and tours, so to sit down and lock in is kind of hard. But we’re around each other so much, when we do get in the studio, it makes it easier and the vibe is better.”
Method Man also offered a statement, praising the production on the project: “Mathematics adds another chamber to the Saga Continues collection. I’m proud of him. Following his last solid outing, this one looks to be another banger for the history books!”
While the Wu do most of the heavy lifting, they are also joined by a number of guest stars on Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman.
Kurupt features on the opening song “Sucker Free City,” while Kool G Rap joins RZA and U-God on “Roar of the Lion (Lion’s Pit).”
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Fans can also expect verses from Benny The Butcher, 38 Spesh and KXNG Crooked, among others.
Check out the artwork and tracklist below.
Wu-Tang Clan — Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman (Tracklist):
1. Sucker Free City (Intro) (feat. Kurupt & Ralph McDaniels)
2. Mandingo (feat. Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, Method Man & Cappadonna)
3. Roar of the Lion (The Lion’s Pit) (feat. U-God, Kool G Rap & RZA)
4. Claudine (feat. Method Man, Ghostface Killah & Nicole Bus)
5. Shaolin vs. Lama (feat. Raekwon & Inspectah Deck)
6. Executioners From Shaolin (feat. Inspectah Deck, GZA & Cappadonna)
7. Cleopatra Jones (feat. Raekwon & Masta Killa)
8. Warriors Two, Cooley High (feat. Benny The Butcher & Method Man)
9. Let’s Do It Again (feat. RZA, RJ Payne, 38 Spesh & Willie The Kid)
10. Dolemite (feat. Cappadonna, U-God & Masta Killa)
11. Trouble Man (Outro) (feat. Kameron Corvet)
12. Charleston Blue, Legend of a Fighter (feat. KNXG Crooked, Cappadonna & Nicole Bus) [Vinyl Edition Bonus Track]
