Wu-Tang Clan has revealed that they are reuniting for a new album titled Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman: From the Wu-Tang, the Saga Continues Collection, marking their first release in almost a decade.
The album will drop on Record Store Day (April 12) and include contributions from all the surviving members of the iconic rap group.
This 12-track project is entirely produced by Mathematics, who also worked on the group’s previous album, The Saga Continues in 2017, meaning there will be no beats from RZA on this one.
In an interview with Variety, Mathematics shared his thoughts behind the album’s distinct title: “Well, the album has a certain feel to it. It’s an homage to Blaxploitation movies. You have movies like Black Samson, Black Caesar and Super Fly. Those are the type of movies that I was raised on in the 1970s.”
“The Bastard Swordsman part of [the title] is an ode to the old karate flicks because that’s what I grew up on as well. With me, as well as all of Wu-Tang, that’s something we had in common. We all loved the old karate flicks. Bastard Swordsman is one of my favorites.”
He also spoke about the album-making process: “It’s my brothers. When I need them, I call them. All praises due, they show up. I’m grateful for that.
“It definitely takes time. We’ve been doing residencies and tours, so to sit down and lock in is kind of hard. But we’re around each other so much, when we do get in the studio, it makes it easier and the vibe is better.”
Method Man also gave his thoughts, praising the album’s production: “Mathematics adds another chamber to the Saga Continues collection. I’m proud of him. Following his last solid outing, this one looks to be another banger for the history books!”
While the group handles most of the work, there are several guest artists on Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman.
Kurupt appears on the first track “Sucker Free City,” while Kool G Rap teams up with RZA and U-God on “Roar of the Lion (Lion’s Pit).”
Fans can also expect guest verses from Benny The Butcher, 38 Spesh, and KXNG Crooked, among others.
Check out the artwork and tracklist below.
Wu-Tang Clan — Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman (Tracklist):
1. Sucker Free City (Intro) (feat. Kurupt & Ralph McDaniels)
2. Mandingo (feat. Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, Method Man & Cappadonna)
3. Roar of the Lion (The Lion’s Pit) (feat. U-God, Kool G Rap & RZA)
4. Claudine (feat. Method Man, Ghostface Killah & Nicole Bus)
5. Shaolin vs. Lama (feat. Raekwon & Inspectah Deck)
6. Executioners From Shaolin (feat. Inspectah Deck, GZA & Cappadonna)
7. Cleopatra Jones (feat. Raekwon & Masta Killa)
8. Warriors Two, Cooley High (feat. Benny The Butcher & Method Man)
9. Let’s Do It Again (feat. RZA, RJ Payne, 38 Spesh & Willie The Kid)
10. Dolemite (feat. Cappadonna, U-God & Masta Killa)
11. Trouble Man (Outro) (feat. Kameron Corvet)
12. Charleston Blue, Legend of a Fighter (feat. KNXG Crooked, Cappadonna & Nicole Bus) [Vinyl Edition Bonus Track]
