The one copy idea behind the Wu-Tang Clan's Once Upon A Time In Shaolin seemed insane at first, but the more recent development that it could not be shared for at least 88 years brought it to a whole new level.
Not only were fans not pleased that they would not be ale to hear the LP in their lifetime, Method Man actually spoke out about the decision, denouncing it as "stupid," and insisting that the music would be "played out" by then.
RZA expressed on Twitter that the concept of the release was being misconstrued, and now the Wu Tang have released an official statement on the release, in which they attempt to clear things up (though they still seem a bit confusing). According to the Wu, the album can be shared for free once it's purchased, it simply can not be sold as a "conventional album" until 2103, at which point it is the decision of the LPs owner whether or not they will copy and distribute it.
Read the statement below.
"Only one single copy of Once Upon A Time In Shaolin was ever to be made. This has been the case since the very first announcement. A commercial release was never planned. The right to commercialize it, meaning the right to sell it en mass to the public in any form is not allowed until 88 years from now.
If the public rights were handed over now, then this would be a record deal like any other. Not the sale of a single copy. It can be exhibited publically and it can be given away for free. But it cannot be commercialized as a conventional album release until 2103. Even then, it will be the owner's decision to release it or keep it as a single unit, not the Wu-Tang."
[via]