In this short interview done for VLAD TV, Raekwon suggests that solo careers hurt the Wu-Tang Clan. Essentially, he claims that the solo albums bred jealously and competitiveness which ultimately damaged group productivity. This is strange because I always felt that Wu-Tang’s structure, which facilitated solo moves, was part of the reason they collectively and individually made dope music for so long. A more rigid group structure would have lead to even more intense frustration and competitiveness.

Furthermore, the solo albums only made them better MCs. I think the jump, emceeing wise, from 36 Chambers to Wu-Tang Forever was in-part due to the solos. It gave them a comfortable space to build their identity and sharpen their skills.

Anyways, Raekwon offers an interesting take that I’ve never heard before. Check it out…