The legendary Wu-Tang Clan is back in full force, proving once again why they remain one of the most iconic collectives in hip-hop history. After years of focusing on television projects, documentaries, extensive touring, and a Las Vegas residency, the Clan has reunited for a brand-new album. Helmed by their longtime DJ and producer Mathematics, Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman: From The Wu-Tang, the Saga Continues Collection is set to drop as an exclusive release on April 12 for Record Store Day.
A Long-Awaited Return to the Studio
Fans have been eagerly anticipating new music from the Wu-Tang Clan since their last album, The Saga Continues, in 2017. This time around, the entire Wu collective—including Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Cappadonna, U-God, Masta Killa, Inspectah Deck, GZA, and the RZA—has aligned to deliver another sonic masterpiece.
Raekwon expressed his excitement about the upcoming album in an interview with Variety, stating, “You can be sure of a great body of work. Mathematics is a top-tier producer who makes music with his soul attached.”
The project stays true to Wu-Tang’s signature style while incorporating fresh elements that honor their roots in kung fu cinema and Blaxploitation film culture. Mathematics, who has been an integral part of the Wu-Tang Clan since the early ‘90s, curated the project with a deep appreciation for these influences.
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The Meaning Behind ‘Black Samson’
The title of the album, Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman, pays homage to two distinct genres that heavily influenced the group’s aesthetic—Blaxploitation films and classic martial arts movies.
“The album has a certain feel to it,” Mathematics explained. “It’s an homage to Blaxploitation movies like ‘Black Samson,’ ‘Black Caesar,’ and ‘Super Fly.’ ‘The Bastard Swordsman’ part is an ode to old-school kung fu flicks because that’s what I grew up on. Wu-Tang and I have always shared that passion for martial arts cinema.”
The Wu-Tang Clan’s deep admiration for kung fu philosophy is evident not just in their music but in their branding. Mathematics, a native of Southside Jamaica, Queens, famously designed the group’s globally recognized “W” logo while living in the 40 Projects housing development.
Wu-Tang’s Brotherhood and The Creative Process
Gathering the entire Wu-Tang Clan in one place is no easy feat. With individual careers spanning music, film, and business ventures, coordinating studio sessions can be challenging. However, Mathematics took on the monumental task of bringing the group back together for this project.
“It’s my brothers. When I need them, I call them. All praises due, they show up,” Mathematics said. “It definitely takes time. We’ve been doing residencies and tours, so to sit down and lock in is kind of hard. But when we do get in the studio, it makes the process smoother, and the vibe is better.”
The album’s standout tracks include “Roar of the Lion (The Lion’s Pit),” which features U-God, Queens legend Kool G. Rap, and the RZA, and “Claudine,” which brings together Method Man, Ghostface Killah, and singer Nicole Bus.
Inspectah Deck shared his dedication to ensuring his lyrical contributions were top-tier. “When I heard those rhymes from my brothers on ‘Mandingo,’ Math will tell you, I wrote three different verses to make sure I could sit in pocket and that I was up to par with my brothers. We all test each other’s swords.”
Hip-Hop Meets Exclusive Visual Art
Beyond the music, Black Samson is also delivering an innovative visual component that’s set to become a collector’s dream. Wu-Tang has partnered with entertainment and media company Macroverse to create a unique album experience. Macroverse, which specializes in digital comics and creative storytelling, has collaborated with Mixprint to produce one-of-a-kind album covers.
In a never-before-seen move, every Black Samson vinyl jacket will have a distinct, individualized design, making each copy a unique piece of hip-hop history. 5,000 two-LP vinyl editions will be available exclusively on Record Store Day, April 12.
Inspectah Deck shared his excitement about the exclusive vinyl design: “I heard about that, and I was like, ‘How you gonna pull that off?’ 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. It’s something that’s never been done before, and I’m all for that.”
Tracklist for ‘Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman’
- “Sucker Free City” (Intro) feat. Kurupt and Ralph McDaniels
- “Mandingo” feat. Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, Method Man, and Cappadonna
- “Roar of the Lion (The Lion’s Pit)” feat. U-God, Kool G. Rap, and RZA
- “Claudine” feat. Method Man, Ghostface Killah, and Nicole Bus
- “Shaolin Vs. Lama” (Bonus) feat. Raekwon and Inspectah Deck
- “Executioners From Shaolin” feat. Inspectah Deck, GZA, and Cappadonna
- “Cleopatra Jones” feat. Raekwon and Masta Killa
- “Warriors Two, Cooley High” feat. Benny The Butcher and Method Man
- “Let’s Do It Again” feat. R.J. Payne, 38 Spesh, Willie The Kid, and RZA
- “Dolemite” feat. Cappadonna, U-God, and Masta Killa
- “Trouble Man” (Outro) feat. Kameron Corvet
Bonus Vinyl-Only Track: 12. “Charleston Blue, Legend Of A Fighter” feat. Crooked I, Cappadonna, and Nicole Bus
A Historic Moment for Wu-Tang Fans
With Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman: From The Wu-Tang, the Saga Continues Collection, the Wu-Tang Clan is delivering a rare combination of classic hip-hop lyricism, cinematic storytelling, and groundbreaking artistry. The album pays tribute to the group’s musical legacy while pushing creative boundaries that hip-hop fans haven’t seen before.
Method Man summed up the excitement surrounding the project: “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!”
With an exclusive vinyl release and an innovative artistic twist, Black Samson is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated hip-hop projects of the year. Wu-Tang fans, mark your calendars—April 12 is set to be a historic day in rap history!
