Wu-Tang Name Generator

The Wu-Tang Clan’s Origin Story Although the Wu-Tang Clan didn’t officially come together until the 1990s, its beginnings go back to the ‘80s. On Staten Island, Robert Diggs, Gary Grice, and Russell Jones (all cousins) started rapping together, and it wasn’t long before their talent attracted the attention of both record labels and other, more established rappers. Thus, the three spent time on their own before reuniting, and in 1992, they formed the Wu-Tang Clan.

Although the three cousins have always been the core of the group, they went on to add an additional 7 members over time. The Wu-Tang Clan made its name creating and performing gangster rap known for its exceptional lyrics and music.

Members of the Wu-Tang Clan (Past & Present)

• RZA - Robert Fitzgerald Diggs : RZA (pronounced “Rizza”) is the group’s leader and one of its founders; he’s both a vocalist and affiliated with production.
• GZA - Gary Grice : GZA (pronounced “Gizza”) is the group’s oldest member, and thus often treated as its wisest, most seasoned member as well.
• Ol’ Dirty Bastard - Russell Tyrone James (until his death in 2004) - Ol’ Dirty Bastard, or Russell Jones, was a founding member of the group who was often involved in legal troubles; he passed away due to a drug overdose in 2004. The Wu-Tang Clan has paid their respects to Jones in their performances several times.
• Method Man - Clifford Smith : Method Man is a rapper in the Wu-Tang Clan, but he’s also known for his successful solo acting career.
• Raekwon - Corey Woods : Raekwon is widely recognized as a highly talented lyricist, not only within the Wu-Tang Clan but also in the world of rap as a whole.
• Ghostface Killah - Dennis Coles : Ghostface Killah is the founding member who originally came up with the idea to start a rap group inspired by their love of kung fu.
• Inspectah Deck - Jason Hunter : Inspectah Deck is known for both his intricate lyricism and laid-back persona within the group.
• U-God - Lamont Jody Hawkins : U-God is known for his deep voice and ability to switch back and forth between a gruff and smooth rhythmic flow.
• Masta Killa - Elgin Turner : Masta Killa is one of the lesser-known members of the Wu-Tang Clan, but nevertheless is often featured in Clan group albums.
• Cappadonna - Darryl Hill : Cappadonna is the most recent addition to the group, effectively replacing Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Along with Ghostface Killah, he’s also a member of the Theodore Unit hip hop group.
  
  

Where did the name “Wu Tang Clan” come from?
The rap collective’s name was inspired by their love of kung-fu movies! Specifically, they got the idea from the 1983 Hong Kong martial arts film Shaolin and the Wu Tang . The movie is all about an ongoing rivalry between two martial arts schools (Shaolin and Wu-Tang). Ol’ Dirty Bastard and RZA saw the movie at a grindhouse theater and quickly decided to name their rap group the Wu-Tang Clan, particularly after noticing the similarities between kung fu and rap battles.