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The Wu-Tang Manual: Enter the 36 Chambers, Volume One
by
The RZA,
Chris Norris
The first book, the definitive book from HIP-HOP'S ORIGINAL DYNASTY
Since the release of the revolutionary Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), the Wu-Tang Clan has been hip-hop's leading creative force. Over the course of four seminal group albums and a multitude of ambitious side projects, they have constantly redefined the outer edge of what hip-hop can do and where hip-ho...more
Since the release of the revolutionary Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), the Wu-Tang Clan has been hip-hop's leading creative force. Over the course of four seminal group albums and a multitude of ambitious side projects, they have constantly redefined the outer edge of what hip-hop can do and where hip-ho...more
Paperback, 256 pages
Published
October 1st 2004
by Riverhead Trade
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A surprisingly interesting read, and the organization was perfect. The first two "books" basically introduce the people, lifestyle and concepts that they were into around the time that they created their first two albums.
And then they get into the lyrics (book three)! RZA breaks down the more complicated raps and gives you background on what was the intention behind the words... I was and still am AMAZED how most of their lyrics have double, even triple meaning behind them, ...more
And then they get into the lyrics (book three)! RZA breaks down the more complicated raps and gives you background on what was the intention behind the words... I was and still am AMAZED how most of their lyrics have double, even triple meaning behind them, ...more
The whole package (text, images, content, photos, comics, organization) of the Wu-Tang Manual is designed to present The RZA's world view. This reminds me of my architectural training where I was taught that in good architecture everything down to the smallest detail relates to the project as a whole.
The Wu-Tang spirituality is a combination of Islam, Kung Fu, Christian, and street spirituality. It has drawn from both pop culture and New York culture to create a spirituality that i...more
The Wu-Tang spirituality is a combination of Islam, Kung Fu, Christian, and street spirituality. It has drawn from both pop culture and New York culture to create a spirituality that i...more
This book was a sort of surprise to me. I'd flipped through and seen a pretty wide range of topics, and was definitely excited, but I didn't figure on learning as much as I did, and in such a short time. It's a funny read because RZA gets into really dense topics, but writes about them exactly how you'd imagine he'd talk about them: riddled in slang, humor, and short sentences that rely mostly on curses. But, because of that, it made it so real and easy to learn from. I not only know a lot more ...more
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The RZA, hip-hop super group The Wu-Tang Clan's founding member and charismatic frontman, has clearly written "The Wu-Tang Manual" for the legions of ever-loyal fans, but anyone not readily familiar with Wu-Tang's music will still find much to enjoy here. The RZA is a music industry mogul, brilliant, obsessive tech geek, and wildly successful entrepreneur, but the one thing that comes across more clearly than anything about him is his gleeful, almost childlike enthusiasm in discussing ...more
Synopsis – The RZA gives the history of the Wu Tang Clan, the story of their success, and illuminates various Wu Tang trivia. Also included are in depth discussions of philosophical influences including chess, cinema, and kung fu movies, a lexicon of slang terms, and lyrics of some popular Wu Tang songs with annotations.
Reaction – I enjoyed this book because it helped me see hip hop music in a new way. RZA is a very talented individual, in music, business, and life. I will admit tha...more
Reaction – I enjoyed this book because it helped me see hip hop music in a new way. RZA is a very talented individual, in music, business, and life. I will admit tha...more
Raw I'm gonna give it to you, with no trivia
like cocaine straight from Bolivia
My hip-hop will rock and shock the nation
like the Emancipation Proclamation
Weak MC's approach with slang that's dead
you might as well run into the wall and bang your head
I'm pushin' force, my force your doubtin'
I'm makin' devils cower to the Caucus Mountains
like cocaine straight from Bolivia
My hip-hop will rock and shock the nation
like the Emancipation Proclamation
Weak MC's approach with slang that's dead
you might as well run into the wall and bang your head
I'm pushin' force, my force your doubtin'
I'm makin' devils cower to the Caucus Mountains
view 2 comments
When The Wu-Tang Clan dropped in the early 90's, they turned the hip hop world on it's ear and added a whole new bag of tricks to the way up and coming artists do business. The Wu-Tang Manual sums up the group's history and explores their influences from Kung-Fu flicks to comic books to technology to Allah. The ever present bragging about past misdeeds and lawbreaking are pretty tired. Eating a bunch of acid and firing off your gun in a club is never cool, no matter what anybody says. All th...more
The story of the RZA's 'five year plan' for Wu Tang taking over hip hop in the 1990's is incredible, and it is always a pleasure to read about someone's love of Chess. The numerology and religious shit, however, is embarrassing.
Warning: this book does not make the Bobby Digital records more listenable.
Warning: this book does not make the Bobby Digital records more listenable.
I read this text on recommendation. In total, this was an excellent expose on the Wu-Tang Clan (and much more). As a fan/fanatic, I would recommend this to anyone with a similar affinity for the music, the artists (most specifically, the RZA), and all else that can be most effectively termed "Wu." Furthermore, I recommend this to those interested in exploring the concept of the alter ego, New York urbanity and urban interaction, planning, philosophical disputes, issues of identity, and...more
The story of the rise of the Wu-Tang clan from out of the slums of Shaolin Land is EPIC. The Rza, the Gza, Old Dirty Bastard, Inspecta Deck, U-God, Ghostface Killa AND METHOD Man. Konichi Wa Bitches.
Enlightening. A great accompaniment to anyone interested in the Wu-Tang Mythos given up through their works.
The honesty of how RZA perceives Wu-Tang as a business was refreshing as well.
The honesty of how RZA perceives Wu-Tang as a business was refreshing as well.
This book was a very interesting, definitive chronicle of Wu-Tang, its dynasty and everything surrounding it and the idea of it. So glad I ordered this book, I'll never regret it.
Dope. If you love hip/hop, especially 90's hip/hop, if you love the Wu-Tang Clan, Kung-Fu, Chess and The Rza, get the Wu-Tang Manual.
If you read this book, you'll understand why people think the RZA is a goddamn genius. It's because he is.
Not exactly Shakespeare, but if you're a fan of the Wu, you'll love the insights.
It was fascinating to read how The Wu-Tang group formed, with Rza at the center of it all. I also enjoyed the chapter where he broke down each lyric in a song.
Classic. All lovers of Hip-Hop and of the Wu need to read this Gem by RZA
This book shed interesting insight on the development of the Clan. I never would have thought RZA was such a spiritual and deep individual.
If you are a fan of the Wu, read it. Hilarious.
A must have for any Wu-Tang Fan!
Copped a signed copy. Love it. 5 starz.
RZA is an enlightened man
I put it down and didnt pick it up again when He said women are second to men and it is sacred to keep it that way. Just another bigot of a different color telling someone they are a second class citizen from birth. nothing to be proud of.
Douglas
marked it as to-read
new bible?
can i get a SUUUUU
The Wu-Tang sword has been dicing up my room for weeks. In this razor sharp book, the RZA has elucidated some of the Shaolin's most tightly held secrets. i now possess a deep and profound knowledge of how best to protect ya neck, shadowbox, cut fishscale, deftly navigate the 7-10 pseudonyms attributed to each soldier in the Clan and attain enlightenment through the spitting of the ruggedest battle rhymes known to man. Read this, and you will be truly prepared to enter the 36 chambers.
Shaolin.
Interesting mumbo jumbo! A must read for hip hop heads!
This book won't teach you anything new for those already in the know, but this is an essential possession to any true fan of the WU!! Wu Tang and their music were the soundtrack of my mid-twenties - so many true memories, "Can It All Be So Simple". This book is great for breaking down some of the lyrics, giving readers another window into the group and its members. Must have for any true fan of hip hop!
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