2018 marks a special year for the Wu-Tang Clan, as not only is it the 25th anniversary of their debut album, Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), but they will also be releasing a brand new album together as a group.
According to an interview with Billboard, the recording for the new album is currently underway, with an unexpected twist. Rather than having RZA pilot the ship, as is tradition for a Wu-Tang album, Ghostface Killah will be the one to decide which direction to take the new album.
"He's putting that together as we speak," says Masta Killa. "There will be another Wu-Tang Clan album. We're working on that right now, and hopefully it's ready right with the 25th anniversary."
RZA isn't being cut out of the creative process entirely, of course. He's reportedly still there supervising the operation, but the leadership is coming from Ghostface this time. This isn't entirely surprising considering how badly the concept for their Once Upon A Time In Shaolin album went, having been purchased by Martin Shkreli and confiscated by federal authorities.
"He just gives it a new outlook and a fresh coat of eyes and ears," according to Inspectah Deck. "Ghost has taken it upon himself to say, 'I want to get the beats, I want to hear some things that's happening here,' so we're trusting him the same we trusted RZA in the beginning. Why not, man? Ghost has been successful in his solo endeavors. It's a change of pace. Hopefully we get another banger, another Wu classic out of this project as well, in the 25th anniversary."
The 25th anniversary of 36 Chambers will be on November 9, 2018.