A TV series, a documentary, tours, a Las Vegas residency — Wu-Tang Clan have undoubtedly been busy the past eight years. The one thing missing? A new LP. But the group’s longtime friend, Wu affiliate and show DJ Mathematics, has wrangled the entire Clan for a brand new project, as he did with their 2017 album, “The Saga Continues.”
Upcoming Album “Black Samson” by Wu-Tang Clan
Due in April, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Cappadonna, U-God, Masta Killa, Inspectah Deck, GZA and of course the RZA all aligned and dropped verses for “Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman From The, Wu-Tang, The Saga Continues Collection.” Just like the original “Saga Continues,” the project is produced entirely by Mathematics and is labeled as a joint effort with him and the acclaimed collective.
Raekwon’s Insight on the Album
“You can be sure of a great body work,” Raekwon tells Variety of the new album. “Mathematics is a top tier producer who makes music with his soul attached.”
Inspiration Behind the Title
As for the title, “Well, the album has a certain feel to it,” says Math, who also designed the world famous Wu-Tang Clan logo. “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. ‘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.”
Mathematics: The Man Behind the Music
Mathematics, a native of Southside Jamaica Queens, started off DJing for GZA in 1990 and later became the official DJ for the entire Wu-Tang Clan. He began producing in mid-1995 and has been an integral part of the group ever since. With his roots deeply intertwined with the Clan, Mathematics took the initiative to gather them again for “Black Samson.”
A Labor of Love
Math describes completing the project as a “long and tedious” process, but rewarding nonetheless.
Collaboration and Camaraderie
“It’s my brothers, when I need them, I call them,” he says. “All praises due, they show up. I’m grateful for that. 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.”
Track Highlights and Collaborations
“Roar Of the Lion” (The Lions Pit) has bars from U-God, Queens legend Kool G. Rap and the RZA.
“Claudine” named after the 1974 romantic comedy starring Diahann Carroll, James Earl Jones and Lawrence Hilton Jacob, features Method Man, Ghostface Killah and singer Nicole Bus. Meth shows up again on “Mandingo” alongside Raekwon, Inspectah Deck and Cappadonna.
“When I heard those rhymes from my brothers on ‘Mandingo,’ Math will tell you, I wrote three different rhymes to that track to make sure I could sit in pocket and that I was up to par with my brothers,” Deck said of the record. “We all test each other’s swords. It’s a pleasure rocking with my brothers. Anytime I get to perform or rhyme in the studio with my brothers, it’s a beautiful thing.”
Acclaim for Mathematics and the Album
The Clan also trumpets Math as being a Jedi producer who’s beats they enjoy marauding with their lyrics.
Method Man says of the new album, “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!”
Praise for “Black Samson”
“I think ‘Black Sampson’ is some of Math’s best work,” says Masta Killa who appears on “Cleopatra Jones” and “Dolemite.” “It displays his growth and development as a producer with the selection of music that he has arranged.”
Visual Artistry and Limited Edition Vinyl
Besides the artistry sonically, Black Samson… is giving fans visual art that will serve as collector’s items as well. Wu and Math have enlisted the entertainment and media company Macroverse who specialize in designing and printing comics as well vinyl covers. There will be 5,000 two LP Vinyl edition of the project issued on April 12 to coincide with Record Store Day. Macroverse will use the printing technology through their sub company Mixprint to make each Black Samson… album jacket a unique 1-of-1 cover design.
Innovative Fan Engagement
“I heard about that, and I was like ‘how you gonna pull that off?” Deck says. “I’m anxious to see [the covers] just like you are. Having something like that will probably attract kids and a whole new crowd of [fans]. That’s something that’s never been done before. I’m all for that. We’re in a digital age, so it’s time to be creative and innovative again.”
Track Listing
“Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman From The, Wu-Tang, The Saga Continues Collection” Track Listing
Tracklist:
1. “Sucker Free City” (Intro) feat. Kurupt and Ralph McDaniels
2. “Mandingo” feat. Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, Method Man and Cappadonna
3. “Roar Of The Lion” (the lions pit) feat. U-God, Kool G. Rap and RZA
4. “Claudine” feat. Method Man, Ghostface Killah and Nicole Bus
5. “Shaolin Vs. Lama” (bonus) feat. Raekwon and Inspectah Deck
6. “Executioners From Shaolin” feat. Inspectah Deck, The GZA and Cappadonna
7. “Cleopatra Jones” feat. Raekwon and Masta Killa
8. “Warriors Two, Cooley High” feat. Benny The Butcher and Method Man
9. “Let’s Do It Again” feat. R.J. Payne, 38 Spesh, Willie The Kid and The RZA
10. Dolemite feat. Cappadonna, U-God & Masta Killa
11. “Trouble Man” (Outro) feat. Kameron Corvet
Bonus Track for Vinyl only:
12. “Charleston Blue, Legend Of A Fighter“ feat. Crooked I, Cappadonna and Nicole Bus
