Fans gathered at Moody Center on Sunday, experiencing a potent mix of nostalgia and hope as they watched Wu-Tang Clan perform on what is touted as their farewell tour, aptly named “The Final Chapter.” Given the emotional resonance of the evening, many attendees couldn’t help but wonder if this truly was the last time they would see all nine surviving members of the iconic hip-hop collective, plus Young Dirty Bastard (YDB), who stepped in for his late father, ODB.
The two-hour set proved to be a celebration rather than a lament for the group’s legacy, kicking off with a dynamic array of tracks from their groundbreaking 1993 debut album, *Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).* Each founding member was introduced one by one, starting with RZA, who launched the performance with the high-energy “Bring Da Ruckus,” followed by Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, and GZA as they delivered their respective verses.
The crowd erupted as U-God, Cappadonna, YDB, and Masta Killa joined in for “Da Mystery of Chessboxin’,” culminating in Method Man’s spirited solo track, further amplifying the audience’s excitement.
Act II took the audience deep into the Wu-Tang universe with standout tracks from the Clan’s various solo projects. Raekwon’s celebrated 1995 album *Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…* provided three powerhouse songs, including “Rainy Dayz” and “Ice Cream.” The excitement continued with Inspectah Deck’s tribute to late MC Guru through his impressive verse on “Above the Clouds” before transitioning to Method Man’s hits from *Tical,* particularly the crowd-pleasing “All I Need,” which had fans singing along with fervor.
The third act spotlighted late Nineties classics and drew heavily from GZA’s seminal 1995 album *Liquid Swords.* Masta Killa and Cappadonna brought back fan favorites, showcasing the breadth of the Wu-Tang’s impact during their heydays.
As the evening reached its crescendo, Act IV featured iconic tracks like YDB’s rendition of “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” and the universally recognized hit “C.R.E.A.M.” The performance culminated in the finale with “Triumph,” featuring each member’s lyrics that affirmed their music’s enduring legacy, underscored by ODB’s famous line that “Wu-Tang is here forever.”
Reflecting on the group’s journey, RZA addressed the audience, saying, “As they say, all good things come to an end, that’s just true nature. But hip-hop has represented the culture for 50 years, so everyone put your Ws up!” His sentiment echoed strongly with fans, considering Wu-Tang’s preeminence in hip-hop history overshadows even part of that half-century milestone.
While this may signify the end of performance eras with the full Clan, the evening hinted that the spirit of Wu-Tang would continue, as evidenced by interludes featuring upcoming projects including a film directed by RZA, *One Spoonful of Chocolate,* a Wu-themed video game, and a documentary on *Cuban Linx.*
Opening for Wu-Tang, the modern dynamic duo Run the Jewels provided a stirring performance that felt like a passing of the torch. MCs Killer Mike and El-P showcased high-energy songs from their four self-titled albums, captivating the crowd and inciting wild singalongs with hits like “ooh la la” and “Lie, Cheat, Steal.”
However, a moment of somber reflection pierced through the excitement at the end of their set. Prior to their final song, “a few words for the firing squad (radiation),” El-P shared that it was his first Father’s Day without his dad, who had passed away just months earlier. This heartfelt dedication served as a poignant reminder of life’s fleeting nature, juxtaposed against the exuberance of the evening.
As legends in the genre fade and new talents emerge, this concert embodied a significant moment—showcasing the resilience of legacy within hip-hop culture, where the spirits of artists endure beyond their physical presence, reminiscent of the powerful, lasting mark that Wu-Tang Clan has left on music and culture for decades.
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