If there’s one word to describe Wu-Tang Clan’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Shaolin,’ it’s “controversial.” From creation to purchase, it has seemingly been nothing but trouble.
Wu-Tang leader RZA, and affiliate producer, Cilvaringz were unhappy with how streaming services devalue music. The pair embarked on making a single copy album that can’t be publicly released for 88 years to maintain its true value. Throughout six years, they brought in Wu-Tang members to record songs and verses, without revealing the true purpose.
The music is only part of the value. The only copy of this album is in a high-security silver and jeweled case, complete with liner notes. By the time RZA and Cilvaringz decided to sell it for $2 million, their Wu-Tang brothers were unhappy.
Method Man, in particular, was upset about the waiting time, among other things. Despite RZA’s explanation that the album legally can’t be touched by any marketing to devalue the art, the rest of the Clan still feels betrayed. However, the biggest controversy of all is who’s hands the album ended up in.
And then came Shkreli…
After an exclusive listening party, the $2 million auction for ‘Once Upon a Time in Shaolin’ was won by none other than the villainous Martin Shkreli. Though sold before his large pharma controversy, fans and Clan members alike reviled at the notion that Shkreli is the one person with access to such a valuable piece. Unsurprisingly, Shkreli attempted to sell the album for over $7 million, as well as threatening to destroy it.
With RZA and Cilvaringz learning of Shkreli’s wrongdoings after the fact, they reacted as well as possible. The Clan agreed to give a significant portion of the money to charity. Wu-Tang is for the children, after all!
Following Shkreli’s arrest, the album was seized by the US government. As of today, it now belongs to an anonymous buyer for an undisclosed price. This seemingly puts a pause on one of the most interesting music release stories ever. 6 years down, 82 more until we get to hear it!
