Method Man’s Discomfort with Once Upon a Time In Shaolin Recording

The saga of the Wu-Tang Clan’s Once Upon a Time In Shaolin album continues to unfold, with Method Man shedding light on the controversial project in a recent interview with Vanity Fair. The album, which was recorded over six years and features every living member of the iconic hip-hop group, was sold for a staggering $2 million in 2015. However, the catch is that only one copy exists, and it cannot be played in public until 2103.

Method Man revealed that he was never fully on board with the concept of the album, calling it a “circus spectacle.” He expressed discomfort with the way the album was made, stating that the group, aside from RZA, was not informed of the rollout plan. According to Method Man, they were under the impression they were making a standard Wu-Tang album for release.

The veteran rapper criticized the single copy rollout, calling the 88-year commercial ban against the album “stupid.” He urged RZA to release the album for free so that Wu-Tang fans could enjoy it in their lifetime. However, RZA defended the decision, stating that the commercial ban was necessary to maintain the “integrity” of the album and prevent it from being seen as a gimmick.

The Once Upon a Time In Shaolin album, once considered a rare piece of hip-hop history, has now become a polarizing release within the Wu-Tang Clan. Method Man’s revelations have added a new layer of complexity to the story, highlighting the tensions and disagreements surrounding the project.