Inspectah Deck Opens Up on Once Upon a Time in Shaolin and the Wu-Tang Clan’s Lasting Legacy
In an exclusive reflection marking three decades of hip-hop greatness, Inspectah Deck has offered rare insights into Once Upon a Time in Shaolin — the Wu-Tang Clan’s mysterious, one-of-a-kind album — while looking back on the group’s monumental legacy.
Since their explosive debut in 1993 with Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), the Staten Island collective has reshaped not just hip-hop but the entire music business. Known for their raw lyricism, kung-fu-inspired mystique, and innovative entrepreneurship, Wu-Tang remains one of the most influential groups in music history. For Inspectah Deck, this 30-year milestone is more than a celebration; it’s a moment of deep reflection.
Speaking candidly, Deck described Once Upon a Time in Shaolin as “a statement piece” — something far beyond a conventional album. “It wasn’t just about music,” he said. “It was about showing that hip-hop is art, just like a rare painting or sculpture. We wanted to remind people of its value.”
The album, recorded in secret and pressed as a single copy, has become one of the most talked-about projects in modern music. Sold originally for $2 million, it sparked debate around ownership, exclusivity, and the cultural worth of hip-hop. Deck noted that while the project stirred controversy, it also underscored Wu-Tang’s commitment to pushing boundaries. “We’ve always done things different. From the start, it was about being original — thinking on another level,” he explained.
Looking back, Deck also spoke on the enduring bond among Wu-Tang members, despite personal and creative challenges over the years. “Thirty years in, we’ve been through everything — loss, success, arguments, love. But the brotherhood remains. The Clan is forever.”
As the group continues to perform worldwide and inspire new generations, their story serves as a testament to endurance, creativity, and authenticity. Deck emphasized that the spirit of Wu-Tang is still alive and evolving: “The next generation is watching. We want them to know — protect your art, know your worth, and stay true.”
Three decades later, Wu-Tang Clan remains more than
