Wu-Tang is forever — and so is Mathematics’ energy. Only hours after hopping off a tour bus, fresh from the road on Wu-Tang Clan “Final Chamber” tour, DJ, producer, and hip-hop visual architect Mathematics hopped on a call with me like time zones, tour fatigue, and 30 years of rap legacy were just background noise. He pulled back the curtain on the now and teased what’s waiting in the wings. As Wu-Tang’s sound and influence remains timeless Mathematics is working to build a new cultural imprint. His latest project? An innovative collaboration with SoundCloud called the “Warriors Two, Cooley High” Open Verse Challenge. And this isn’t just another internet contest, it’s a lyrical cipher with the power to crack open the gate for the next generation.
“Let’s See What Else Somebody Can Do With This”
The spark for the open verse challenge came from the new track “Warriors Two, Cooley High,” featuring Method Man and Benny the Butcher. Mathematics shared that the beat inspired him: “Let’s see what else somebody can do with this.”
Here’s how it works: Aspiring MCs can download the exclusive instrumental, co-produced by Mathematics and his son, Wise Beatz, for free on SoundCloud. Then, they’ll record their best 16-bar verse and upload it as a remix on SoundCloud using the hashtag #WarriorsTwoOpenVerse. The contest runs until August 15, 2025. If your verse shines? You could land a spot on Wu-Tang’s official SoundCloud playlist. So, what are Mathematics and The Clan looking for? It’s more than just good lyrics, it’s about presence. The challenge is open to everyone, regardless of age or style, but this goes beyond just rhyming. It’s about crafting something that feels real. Something that resonates.
“You gotta have lyricism, style, cadence, and weight,” he notes. “If you don’t deliver it right, it won’t connect. That verse has to compete with anyone else’s. Meth keeps his cadence tight. Benny kills his. You gotta find that pocket.”
“I just want to see people breathe life into this track,” Mathematics says. “As a creative, that’s what it’s all about — watching your work evolve.”
The Final Chamber Tour: Heavy Name, Heavier Legacy
Naturally, I had to ask Mathematics about the tour that’s got Wu fans nervously looking up retirement rumors: “Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber.” So… is this really the last tour?
“Look,” he chuckled, “I’m a fan too. So all I can say is, if you can get tickets, grab them. Come enjoy the show.”
For him and Wu-Tang, the tour has been a full-circle moment. Playing classics dating back to their first drop, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) to crowds filled with thousands of original fans and their kids has felt surreal. For Mathematics, it’s a time of gratitude, a celebration of perseverance, and a reminder that hip-hop doesn’t age, it evolves, adapts, and grows.
The Man Behind the Wu Tang ‘W’
If you didn’t know, now you know: Mathematics is the creative genius behind the iconic Wu-Tang “W.”” And when I asked him what was going through his head when he created it?
“Honestly?” he says. “I had to go to work the next morning. I just wanted to knock it out.” Yes. That’s right. The most recognized symbol in hip-hop, the inspiration for countless tattoos, graphic tees, video game cameos, and even TV moments, came to life the night before a shift. When I asked if he ever envisioned it becoming so influential, he smiled and replied, “Nope. I didn’t. I’m glad it did. But nah… I didn’t see that coming.” That blend of humility and creative instinct really captures Mathematics. He doesn’t chase trends or overthink legacy. He simply creates, letting the culture speak for itself.
Evolution Without Compromise: From Wu-Tang to the Future
Over the years, Mathematics has broadened his production sound, diving deeper into live instrumentation while stepping away from sampling, all without losing that classic Wu-Tang Clan grit. “You start to understand music in a new way,” he explained. “But I always come back to that raw, rugged hip-hop. That’s the essence of it. That’s Wu.”
His latest pride and joy? The newest Wu-Tang Clan release, “Black Samurai: The Bass Warsman.” Not just because it’s fresh, but because it signifies his growth, working closely with his son, and pushing the sonic limits of what Wu-Tang can still represent. “Every project, I’m looking to evolve. But I always want to keep that spirit alive. I need it to hit.
And what’s on the horizon? “Rest first,” he joked. “But you’ll see some things before the year wraps up. I don’t like to talk too much until it’s all set. I’ll show you better than I can tell you.”
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Brittany Belizor | IG @Brittieb_ | Twitter @BBelizor
