The essence of New York hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan’s debut record Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) is something that’s fleeting but beautiful, a unique sound, attitude and atmosphere that many artists have tried and failed to replicate, even the Clan themselves. The album’s ripples can be felt across the entire 90’s hip hop landscape and even among current hip hop artists, especially hip hop groups of a similar nature. Wu Tang was hardly the first group of hip hop artists to collaborate under one name, with groups like A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul and NWA paving the way ahead of them, but they’re easily one of the most iconic and influential groups of all time. Almost every hip hop artist who’s come after them has wanted to be them, but almost no one has recaptured that magic, even Wu Tang themselves.

One of the main appeals held by this record is how much chemistry the different members of the Clan have with each other. They’re all accomplished artists in their own right (nearly every single member launched solo careers after 36 Chambers) and nearly every single verse on the album is excellent, with all of them playing off each others’ specialties and styles very well. The more hyped, explosive rappers in the Clan like Ghostface Killah and RZA blend perfectly into the more chill members like the Raekwon the Chef and the sing-songy Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

The meshing of styles on 36 Chambers are assisted perfectly by RZA’s production, with the dark laid back style beats allowing the different members to take off with their own styles and verses while providing some backbone that can really hype you up. The various skits also provide a break from the madness that makes it even more satisfying when the action picks up again, additionally giving the album a strong identity and providing some humorous and iconic lines.

All these separate aspects are amazing on their own, but they all come together to make a roller coaster of hype and excitement. It’s nearly impossible to listen to this album and not get hyped by the sheer madness and excellence of it all. The standout tracks for me are Bring Da Ruckus, Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing Ta F’ Wit, and Da Mystery Of Chessboxin’, but every single track is chock full of energy and personality. Easily one of the most iconic rap records of all time, 36 Chambers continues to amaze and awaken fans around the world.