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'{{featured article}} {{Infobox Album <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Albums --> |Name = Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) |Type = Studio |Artist = [[Wu-Tang Clan]] |Cover = Wu-TangClanEntertheWu-Tangalbumcover.jpg |Released = November 9, 1993 |Recorded = 1992–1993 <br />Firehouse Studio <br /><small>([[New York, New York]])</small> |Genre = [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]] |Length = 58:28 |Label = [[Loud Records|Loud]]/[[RCA Records|RCA]]/[[Bertelsmann Music Group|BMG Records]]<br /><small>07863-66336 (North America)<br>74321-20367 (international)<small/> |Producer = [[RZA|Prince Rakeem]] <small>(also [[executive producer|exec.]])</small>, [[Method Man]], [[Ol' Dirty Bastard]] |Reviews = * [[Allmusic]] {{rating|5|5}}<ref name="AllMusicGuide" /> * [[Robert Christgau]] (A-)<ref name="Christgau" /> * ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' (A)<ref name="EntWeek" /> * [[PopMatters]] (favorable)<ref name="pop">{{cite web |first=Lee |last=Henderson |title=Review: ''Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'' |url=http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/enwiki/w/wutangclan-enter.shtml |publisher=[[PopMatters]] |accessdate=13 June 2009}}</ref> * ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="Wu" /> * ''[[The Source (magazine)|The Source]]'' {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite journal |title=Review: ''Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'' |journal=[[The Source (magazine)|The Source]] |issue=February 1994 |page=73}}</ref> * ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]'' (8/10)<ref name="Marks">Marks, Craig. "[http://www.acclaimedmusic.net/Current/A890.htm Review: ''Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'']". ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]'': October 10, 1995.</ref> * [[Sputnikmusic]] {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |first=Jared W. |last=Dillon |title=Review: ''Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'' |url=http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?albumid=1760 |publisher=[[Sputnikmusic]] |accessdate=13 June 2009}}</ref> * ''[[XXL (magazine)|XXL]]'' {{Rating|5|5}} (XXL)<ref name="XXL">Columnist. "Retrospective: XXL Albums". ''[[XXL (magazine)|XXL]]'': December 2007.</ref> * [[Yahoo! Music]] (favorable)<ref>{{cite web |first=Rob |last=O'Connor |title=Review: ''Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'' |url=http://ca.music.yahoo.com/release/101912 |publisher=[[Yahoo! Music]] |accessdate=13 June 2009}}</ref> |Last album = |This album = '''''Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'''''<br />(1993) |Next album = ''[[Wu-Tang Forever]]''<br />(1997) | Misc = {{Extra chronology 2 |Artist = [[Wu-Tang_Clan#Members|Wu-Tang Clan solo]] <!-- see [[Template_talk:Infobox_Album#Enter_the_Wu-Tang_.2836_Chambers.29]] --> |Type = [[Album]] |Last album = |This album = '''''Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers'''''<br />(1993) |Next album = ''[[Tical (album)|Tical]]'' <br /><small>([[Method Man]])</small> <br />(1994) {{Singles |Name = Enter the Wu-Tang |Type = studio |single 1 = [[Protect Ya Neck]] |single 1 date = May 3, 1993 |single 2 = [[Method Man (song)|Method Man]] |single 2 date = November 9, 1993 |single 3 = [[C.R.E.A.M.]] |single 3 date = January 31, 1994 |single 4 = [[Can It Be All So Simple]] |single 4 date = 1994 }} }} }} '''''Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)''''' is the [[debut album]] of [[United States|American]] [[East Coast hip hop]] collective [[Wu-Tang Clan]], released November 9, 1993 on [[Loud Records]] and distributed through [[RCA Records]]. Recording sessions for the album took place at Firehouse Studio in [[New York City]] from 1992 to 1993, while it was mastered at [[The Hit Factory]]. The group's ''de facto'' leader [[RZA]], also known as Prince Rakeem, produced the album entirely with heavy, eerie [[beats (music)|beats]], largely based on martial-arts movie clips and soul music samples. The album title originates from the martial arts film ''[[The 36th Chamber of Shaolin]]'' (1978). The distinctive sound of ''Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'' created a blueprint for [[hardcore hip hop]] in the mid-1990s and helped return New York City hip hop to national prominence. The unique sound of the album also became hugely influential in modern hip hop production and inspired several subsequent producers. The album also marked the first appearances of a number of rappers, including [[Method Man]], [[Ol' Dirty Bastard]], [[Ghostface Killah]], and [[Raekwon]], who have collectively sold millions of solo records after the album's release. The lyrics of ''Enter the Wu-Tang'' are explicit, humorous, and [[Free association (psychology)|free-associative]], and served as a template for many subsequent hip hop records. The Wu-Tang Clan's debut album is notable for serving as a landmark record in the era of hip hop music known as the [[East_Coast_hip_hop#The_East_Coast_Renaissance_.28early_to_mid.E2.80.931990s.29e|East Coast Renaissance]]. ''Enter the Wu-Tang'' had surprising chart success, despite its raw, underground sound. It peaked at number 41 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart, with help from its highest-charting single "[[C.R.E.A.M.]]". By 1995, the album was certified [[platinum album|platinum]] in sales by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA). The album's style and success became influential as it helped lead the way for several other East Coast hip hop artists, including [[Nas]], [[The Notorious B.I.G.]], [[Mobb Deep]], and [[Jay-Z]]. Although it initially received some mixed criticism, several music writers have since considered ''Enter the Wu-Tang'' as one of the most significant albums of the 1990s, as well as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all-time. In 2003, the album was ranked number 386 on ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' magazine's list of [[The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time|the 500 greatest albums of all time]]. ==Conception== ===Background=== In the late 1980s, cousins [[RZA|Robert Diggs]], [[GZA|Gary Grice]], and [[Ol' Dirty Bastard|Russell Jones]] formed a group named Force of the Imperial Master, also known as the [[All in Together Now Crew]].<ref name="Exclaim">{{cite web | last = Cowie | first = Del F. | url = http://www.exclaim.ca/index.asp?layid=22&csid=1&csid1=914 | title = Days of the Wu at Exclaim.ca | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = November 6 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> Each member recorded under an alias: Grice as The Genius, Diggs as Prince Rakeem or The Scientist, and Jones as The Specialist. The group never signed to a major label, but caught the attention of the New York rap scene and was recognized by rapper [[Biz Markie]].<ref name="RZAInterview">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.hiphopcore.net/interviews/rza_english.php3 | title = RZA Interview at HipHopCore.net | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = December 26 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> By 1991, The Genius and Prince Rakeem were signed to separate record labels. The Genius released ''[[Words from the Genius]]'' (1991) on [[Cold Chillin' Records]] and Prince Rakeem released ''[[Ooh I Love You Rakeem]]'' (1991) on [[Tommy Boy Records]]. Both were soon dropped by their labels. Embittered but unbowed, they took on new monikers (The Genius became [[GZA]] while Prince Rakeem became [[RZA]]) and refocused their efforts. RZA discussed the matter in their release ''[[The Wu-Tang Manual]]'' (2005), stating "[Tommy Boy] made the decision to sign [[House of Pain]] over us. When they dropped me, I was thinking, 'Damn, they chose a bunch of whiteboy shit over me.'"<ref name="FirstSingle">{{cite web | last = Pfeifle | first = Sam | url = http://www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/arts/books/documents/04646062.asp | title = Days of the Wu - The RZA looks inside the Clan at BostonPhoenix.com | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = October 16 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> RZA began collaborating with Dennis Coles, better known as [[Ghostface Killah]], another rapper from the [[Stapleton Projects]] apartment complex in [[Staten Island]]. The duo decided to create a hip hop group whose ethos would be a blend of "[[Eastern philosophy]] picked up from [[kung fu movies]], watered-down [[Nation of Islam]] preaching picked up on the New York streets, and comic books."<ref name = "FirstSingle"/> In 1992, RZA and Ghostface joined forces with [[GZA]], Russell Jones (newly christened [[Ol' Dirty Bastard]]), and five other New York [[Master of Ceremonies#Adoption in popular culture|MC]]s to form Wu-Tang Clan. RZA assumed leadership of the group and was largely responsible for its artistic direction. After some of the members' past experiences, Wu-Tang Clan was initially hesitant to accept a contract offer and demanded that each member retain solo recording rights. On the strength of the "Protect Ya Neck/Method Man" single, [[Loud Records]] and [[RCA]] acceded to their demands, paving the way for Wu-Tang Clan to release ''36 Chambers'' on those labels. ===Recording=== ''Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'' was recorded at Firehouse Studio in [[New York City]] from 1992 to 1993. The album was produced, mixed, arranged, and programmed by [[RZA]], and was [[Master recording|mastered]] at [[The Hit Factory]] in New York City by Chris Gehringer.<ref name="Discogs">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.discogs.com/artist/Wu-Tang+Clan | title = Wu-Tang Clan Entry at Discogs.com | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = October 12 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> Because of an extremely limited budget, the group was only able to record in a small, inexpensive studio; with up to eight Wu-Tang members in the studio at once, the quarters were frequently crowded.<ref name="Exclaim">{{cite web | last = Cowie | first = Del F. | url = http://www.exclaim.ca/index.asp?layid=22&csid=1&csid1=914 | title = Days of the Wu at Exclaim.ca | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = November 6 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> To decide who appeared on each song, RZA forced the Wu-Tang rappers to [[Freestyle battle|battle]] with each other. This competition led to the track "Meth Vs. Chef", a battle between [[Method Man]] and [[Raekwon]] over the rights to rap over RZA's beat; this track was left off the Wu-Tang Clan's debut album but surfaced on Method Man's debut, ''[[Tical (album)|Tical]]'' (1994).<ref name="Exclaim">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.exclaim.ca/index.asp?layid=22&csid=1&csid1=914 | title = Days of the Wu | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = November 6 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> [[Image:WuTang.jpg|thumb|right|217px|Promotional photo of the Wu-Tang Clan for ''Enter the Wu-Tang'', 1993]] ===Title significance=== The true meaning of the album's title is not well known or understood. According to a [[The Nation of Gods and Earths|Five Percent]] philosophy, known as the Supreme Mathematics, the number 9 means “to bring into existence,” and this meant everything to the group’s debut album. The group being made of 9 members, each having 4 chambers of the heart, which are 2 [[atria]], and 2 [[ventricles]]. All of this is the root for "36 Chambers", being that 9 x 4 = 36. In reference to the 1978 [[kung fu]] film ''[[The 36th Chamber of Shaolin]]'' that the group enjoyed watching, the Clan considered themselves as lyrical masters of the 36 chambers, and arrived onto the rap scene while appearing to be ahead, and more advanced over others with "''knowledge of 36 chambers of hip hop music when everyone else in hip hop was striving to attain the knowledge of 35 lessons''." Also, while the human body has 108 [[pressure points]] (1 + 0 + 8 = 9), only the Wu-Tang martial artists learned and understood that 36 of those pressure points are deadly (9 + 36 = 45) (4 + 5 = 9) The lyrics and rhymes of the 9 members are to be considered as 36 deadly lyrical techniques for pressure points. All of this is the basis for the album title, Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers, being that 9 members x 4 chambers = 36. Although this is just a theory and the truth is unknown.<ref>Perkins, Brandon. [http://www.urb.com/features/246/WuTangWiddlingDownInfinity.php?PageId=1 Wu-Tang: Widdling Down Infinity]. ''[[URB (magazine)|URB]]''. Retrieved on 2009-07-02.</ref> ==Music== ===Production=== Group leader RZA produced ''Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'' by creating sonic collages from classic soul [[music sampling|sample]]s and clips from [[martial arts]] movies such as ''[[Shaolin and Wu Tang]]'' (1981). He complemented the rappers' performances with "lean, menacing beats that evoked their gritty, urban surroundings more effectively than their words", according to Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic.<ref name="AMG">{{cite web | last = Erlewine | first = Stephen Thomas | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:knx1z82a2yvj | title = Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (Japan) at Allmusic | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = October 7 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> The use of soul samples and various esoteric clips, and the technique by which RZA employed them in his beats, was unique and largely unprecedented in hip hop.<ref name = "Alchemist"/> The gritty sound of ''Enter the Wu-Tang'' is due, at least in part, to the use of cheap equipment to produce the album.<ref name="RapReviews">{{cite web | last = Juon | first = Steve | url = http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/BTTL_36chambers.html | title = Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) at Rapreviews.com | work = | publisher = | accessdate = October 8 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> Many critics argue that the minimalist means of production plays directly into the appealing "street" quality that makes the album a classic, including Ben Yew, who stated, "Because [RZA] didn’t have the best mixing or recording equipment, the album is wrought with a 'dirty' quality – the drums have more bass and are more hard-hitting than they are crisp and clean; the samples have an eerie, almost haunting type of echo; and the vocals, because each member's voice is already aggressive and gritty, perfectly match the production."<ref name = "ProudFlesh"/> Although [[Ol' Dirty Bastard]] is given co-production credit on "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'" and [[Method Man]] is co-credited for "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing ta F' Wit", critics and admirers universally credit RZA with developing a "dusty yet digital production style [that] helped legitimize the use of more diverse sample sources to the hardcore New York rap massive, breaking away from [[James Brown]] based beats and embracing a style that turned the Underdog theme into the menacing coda for a group of underground terrorists."<ref name="Pitchfork">{{cite web | last = Pemberton | first = Rolie | url = http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/feature/36737/Staff_List_Top_100_Albums_of_the_1990s/page_7 | title = Pitchfork Feature: Top 100 Albums of the 1990s | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = December 14th | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> ===Lyricism=== ''Enter the Wu Tang'' ushered in a new standard for hip hop at a time when hip hop music was dominated by the [[jazz rap|jazz-influenced]] styles of [[A Tribe Called Quest]], the [[Afrocentrism|Afrocentric]] viewpoints of [[Public Enemy (band)|Public Enemy]], and the rising popularity of [[West Coast hip hop|West Coast]] [[gangsta rap]]. The album's explicit, humorous and [[Free association (psychology)|free-associative]] lyrics have been credited for serving as a template for many subsequent hip hop records.<ref name="heimlich" /> ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' described the album as possessing an aesthetic that was "low on hype and production values [and] high on the idea that indigence is a central part of blackness." While the lyrical content on ''Enter the Wu-Tang'' generally varies from rapper to rapper, the basic themes are the same — urban life, martial arts movies, comic book references, and [[cannabis (drug)|marijuana]] — and the setting is invariably the harsh environment of [[New York City]]. The lyrics have a universally dark tone and seem at times to be simply aggressive cries. [[Allmusic]] contributor Steve Huey praises the lyricists for their originality and [[caustic humour|caustic humor]], stating "Some were outsized, theatrical personalities, others were cerebral storytellers and lyrical technicians, but each had his own distinctive style...Every track on ''Enter the Wu-Tang'' is packed with fresh, inventive rhymes, which are filled with martial arts metaphors, pop culture references (everything from Voltron to Lucky Charms cereal commercials to Barbra Streisand's "The Way We Were"), bizarre threats of violence, and a truly twisted sense of humor."<ref name="AllMusicGuide"/> With the exception of "Method Man" and [[GZA]]'s "Clan in da Front", every song features multiple rappers contributing verses of varying lengths.<ref name = "Wu"/> The verses are essentially battle rhymes, mixed with humor and outsized tales of urban violence and drug use. There is some debate about whether the lyrics on ''36 Chambers'' are properly classified as [[gangsta rap]] or something else entirely.<ref name="ProudFlesh">{{cite web | last = Yew | first = Ben | url = http://www.proudfleshjournal.com/issue3/yew.htm | title = Retrospect for Hip-Hop: A Golden Age on Record? at ProudFleshJournal.com | work = | publisher = | accessdate = October 21 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> In a [[Stylus Magazine]] review, writer Gavin Mueller evokes the bleakness of the Wu-Tang [[world view]]: {{quote|[T]he lyrics reach back to New York’s own [[Rakim]]: dense battle rhymes potent with metaphors. Each Wu MC links his rhymes to crime and violence, allowing his preoccupations to surface subtly and indirectly, rather than spouting off overt gangsta-isms designed to shock...The hood imagery of the lyrics is utterly pervasive and uncompromising, immersing the listener in a foreign land smack in the middle of New York. There is no celebration here, and little hope.<ref name="Stylus">{{cite web | last = Mueller | first = Gavin | url = http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/weekly_article/the-wu-tang-clan-story-part-one.htm | title = The Wu-Tang Clan Story: Part One from Stylus Magazine | work = | publisher = | accessdate = October 21 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref>|Gavin Mueller}} All nine original Wu-Tang Clan members contribute vocals on ''Enter the Wu-Tang''. [[Masta Killa]] only appears on one track, contributing the last verse of "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'", but all the other rappers appear on at least two songs. Method Man and Raekwon are the most prolific of the group, featured on eight tracks. Though the performers have widely differing techniques, the chemistry between them is a key ingredient of the album's success.<ref name="RapReviews">{{cite web | last = Juon | first = Steve | url = http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/BTTL_36chambers.html | title = Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) Review at RapReviews.com | work = | publisher = | accessdate = November 25 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> [[Pitchfork Media]] asserts that "Half the charm is in the cast's idiosyncrasies: ODB's hovering sing-song, Raekwon's fake stutter, Ghostface's verbal tics, Method Man's hazy, dusted voice."<ref name="Pitchfork">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/feature/36737/Staff_List_Top_100_Albums_of_the_1990s/page_7 | title = Pitchfork Feature: Top 100 Albums of the 1990s at PitchforkMedia.com | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = December 14th | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> ===Singles=== {| style="font-size:100%" align="right" border="0" color="black" width=130px | {{Listen |filename = Protectyaneck.ogg |title = "Protect Ya Neck" |description = The debut single is a posse cut produced by RZA, and features eight of the original Wu-Tang members; sample of first two verses by Inspectah Deck and Raekwon. }} |} "[[Protect Ya Neck]]" and "Tearz" were the first tracks recorded by the Wu-Tang Clan. "Protect Ya Neck" is a free-associative and braggadocious [[battle rap]] featuring eight of the nine Wu-Tang members, and "Tearz" tells stories of a man getting shot, and another one who contracts [[HIV]] after having unprotected sex. They were independently released as the "Protect Ya Neck"/"After Laughter Comes Tears" single, which [[RZA]] financed by demanding $100 ([[USD]]) from each rapper who wanted a verse on the [[A-side and B-side|A-side]].<ref name="Exclaim">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.exclaim.ca/index.asp?layid=22&csid=1&csid1=914 | title = Days of the Wu | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = October 21 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref><ref name="FirstSingle">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/arts/books/documents/04646062.asp | title = Days of the Wu - The RZA looks inside the Clan | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = October 16 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> The single was re-released in a much larger pressing, with "Method Man" as the [[A-side and B-side|B-side]].<ref name="Protect">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.buy.com/prod/Enter_The_Wu_Tang_36_Chambers_Explicit_Version/q/loc/109/60132453.html | title = Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers (Explicit Version) at Buy.com | work = | publisher = | accessdate = October 6 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> "Method Man" reached number 69 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] and number 17 on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot Rap Tracks]] chart. "Method Man" gained significant airplay partly for its catchy refrain, which copies the refrain of [[Hall & Oates]]' "Method of Modern Love" ("The M-E-T-H-O-D...Man"). "[[C.R.E.A.M.]]", featuring [[Raekwon]] and [[Inspectah Deck]], was the second single from the album and the first new A-side to be released after the group signed with Loud/RCA. Its lyrics deal with the struggle of poverty and the desire to earn money by any means. It was the Wu-Tang Clan's most successful single, reaching number 60 on the ''Billboard Hot 100'' and number 8 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart. The single topped the [[Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales]] chart. ''[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]]'' describes "C.R.E.A.M." as the standout track on ''36 Chambers''.<ref name="Blender">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?id=126 | title = 500 CDs You Must Own: Hip-Hop at Blender.com | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = October 2 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> "Can It Be All So Simple", featuring [[Ghostface Killah]] and Raekwon, was the album's third single. The single failed to chart on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, but reached number 24 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart in 1994. A [[remix]] of the song was included on Raekwon's debut solo album ''[[Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…]]'' (1995). The group made music videos for the three A-sides and for "Method Man", "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'", and "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing ta Fuck Wit". As the group's profile increased, the quality of their videos improved; though the "Protect Ya Neck" video resembled a home movie, later videos were directed by rising hip hop music video director [[Hype Williams]]. The videos received almost no airplay on [[MTV]], but were extremely popular on video-by-request channels such as [[The Box (TV Channel)|The Box]].<ref name="TheBox">{{cite web | last = Ward | first = Jacob | url = http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/6.02/newmedia.html?pg=7 | title = Where MTV Fears to Tread at Wired.com | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = December 27 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> [[Touré]] wrote in his 1993 ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' review that "in Brooklyn, N.Y., right now and extending back a few months, the reigning fave is the Wu-Tang Clan, who are to the channel what [[Guns N' Roses]] are to MTV."<ref name = "Wu"/> ==Release and reception== ===Initial reaction=== ''Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'' initially received a mixed response from critics upon its release. In an article for [[The Source (magazine)|The Source]], The Ghetto Communicator wrote "This record is harsh, but so is the world that we live in. For B-boys n'girls who come from the core of the hard, this is the hip-hop album you've been waiting for".<ref name=TheSource/> ''Rolling Stone'''s review was decidedly ambivalent, praising the album's sound, but noting that "Wu-Tang...are more ciphers than masterful creations. In refusing to commodify themselves, they leave blank the ultimate canvas – the self."<ref name = "Wu"/> ''Entertainment Weekly'' was more enthusiastic, giving the album an A, and writing that "With its rumble jumble of drumbeats, peppered with occasional piano plunking, ''Enter'' has a raw, pass-the-mike flavor we haven't heard since rap was pop's best-kept secret."<ref name="EntWeek">{{cite web | last = Bernard | first = James | url = http://www.ew.com/ew/article/review/music/0,6115,308969_4%7C16405%7C%7C0_0_,00.html | title = Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) from Entertainment Weekly | work = | publisher = | accessdate = December 16 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> Despite general critical favor of the album, [[Robert Christgau]]'s review warned listeners of ''Enter the Wu-Tang''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s critical hype and expectations, stating "Expect the masterwork this album's reputation suggests and you'll probably be disappointed--it will speak directly only to indigenous hip hoppers. Expect a glorious human mess...."<ref name="Christgau">{{cite web | last = Christgau | first = Robert | url = http://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?name=wu+tang+clan | title = Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) Review at RobertChristgau.com | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = December 16 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> Music journalist [[Touré]] declared of the album, that "This is hip-hop you won't find creeping up the ''Billboard'' charts but you will hear booming out of Jeep stereos in all the right neighborhoods." However, it had surprising chart success, despite its raw, underground sound.<ref name="Wu"/> ''Enter the Wu-Tang'' peaked at number 41 on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart and reached number 8 on ''Billboard'''s Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart.<ref name="Wu">[[Touré]]. [http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/wutangclan/albums/album/129082/review/6209929/enter_the_wutang_36_chambers Review: ''Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'']. ''[[Rolling Stone]]''. Accessed on October 7, 2006.</ref><ref name="AMGChart1">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:54jiea114x07~T3 | title = Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers): Billboard Albums | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = October 12 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> The album continued to sell steadily and was eventually certified [[platinum album|platinum]] in sales by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] on May 15, 1995.<ref name="RIAA">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.riaa.com/gp/database/search_results.asp | title = Gold and Platinum Database Search | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = October 15 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> ===Retrospect=== Since its release, ''Enter the Wu-Tang'' has risen in stature to become one of the most highly-regarded albums in hip hop.<ref name="IGN">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://movies.ign.com/articles/514/514214p1.html | title = An Interview with the RZA at IGN.com | work = | publisher = | accessdate = December 26 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> The album was originally given a rating of 4.5 mics out of 5 in [[The Source (magazine)|The Source]] in 1994,<ref name=TheSource>Ghetto Communicator (February 1994) [http://ifihavent.wordpress.com/2007/02/19/classic-review-enter-the-wu-tang-in-the-source/ The Source Album Review]. The Source.</ref> however, it was given a classic 5 mic rating in a later issue of the magazine.<ref>[http://www.listsofbests.com/list/12875 The Source's 5 Mic Albums on Lists of Bests]. Robot Co-op. Retrieved on December 15.</ref> In 2003, ''Rolling Stone'' named the album among the "[[Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time|500 Greatest Albums of All Time]]", asserting that "East-coast hip-hop made a return in 1993."<ref name="RS500">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/6626211/386_enter_the_wutang_36_chambers | title = Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Albums of All Time at RollingStone.com | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = December 15 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> The magazine later listed it as one of the "Essential Albums of the 90's."<ref name="RS90s">{{cite web | last = Otto | first = Jeff | url = http://www.rocklist.net/rstone.html#Recordings%20of%20the%20%E2%80%9890s | title = Rolling Stone Essential Albums of the 90s at Rocklist.net | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = December 15 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> The Source magazine cited ''Enter the Wu-Tang'' as one of the "100 Best Rap Albums", while also naming "Protect Ya Neck/Method Man" and "C.R.E.A.M." among the "100 Best Rap Singles".<ref name="TheSource">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.rocklist.net/source.htm | title = The Source's 100 Best Rap Albums at Rocklist.net | work = | publisher = | accessdate = December 12 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> MTV declared it among "The Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of All Time."<ref name="MTV">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.mtv.com/bands/h/hip_hop_week/2005/greatest_albums_0505/index13.jhtml | title = MTV.com Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of All Time | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = December 15 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> ''Blender'' named the album among the "500 CDs You Must Own", calling it a "spare, stunning debut of space-age lo-fi funk."<ref name="Blender">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?id=126 | title = Blender: 500 CDs You Must Own | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = December 15 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> Publications based outside of the United States have also acclaimed ''36 Chambers'' as well; Australia's ''Juice'' magazine placed it at number 40 on its list of "100 Greatest Albums of the '90s",<ref name="Juice">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.rocklist.net/juice.html | title = Juice's ''100 Greatest Albums of the '90s'' at Rocklist.net | work = | publisher = | accessdate = November 21 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> and ''[[Les Inrockuptibles]]'' ranked it number 59 on a list of "The 100 Best Albums 1986–1996".<ref name="Inrockuptibles">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://disques.de.l.annee.free.fr/inrocks.html#best100 | title = ''Les 100 albums des années 1986–1996'' from Les Inrockuptibles | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = November 21 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> In naming ''Enter the Wu-Tang'' one of the 50 best albums of the 1990s, [[Pitchfork Media]] staff member Rollie Pemberton summed up the album's critical recognition by writing: {{quote|This is the sound of accidental fame. Something as unique and unusual as this record isn't supposed to find itself at the height of commercial viability; it's supposed to smolder underground, hidden from the view of mainstream America, who surely would not be ready for such a challenge. But America was ready, in part because this one challenged convention, not listeners. Sure, its sloppy drum programming, bizarre song structures, and unpolished sound quality disturbed commercial rap purists, but the talent was so inherent and obvious, and the charisma so undeniable, that it propelled the Wu-Tang Clan to the height of the rap game, and today stands not just as the hip-hop classic that introduced the concept of obscure thematic characters (each member's name references old kung-fu movies), but also bridged the gap between traditional old-school sensibilities and the technical lyricism of today.<ref name="Pitchfork">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/feature/36737/Staff_List_Top_100_Albums_of_the_1990s/page_7 | title = Pitchfork Feature: Top 100 Albums of the 1990s | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = December 14th | accessyear = 2006}}</ref>|Rollie Pemberton}} ==Influence== ===East Coast hip hop=== ''Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'' is one of the most celebrated and influential albums in [[History of hip hop music|hip hop history]].<ref name="ProudFlesh"/> Adam Heimlich of the ''[[New York Press]]'' considers the album a touchstone of [[hardcore hip-hop]], a gritty, stripped-down, dark and violent sub-genre of hip hop and the signature sound of [[New York City]]'s rap scene during the mid-1990s. He writes that, "the Wu-Tang Clan...all but invented 90s New York rap, back when the notion of an East Coast gangsta still meant [[Schoolly D]] or [[Kool G. Rap]]....[They] designed the manner and style in which New York artists would address what [[Snoop Dogg|Snoop]] and [[Dr. Dre|Dre]] had made rap’s hottest topics: drugs and violence."<ref name="heimlich">{{cite web| last = Heimlich | first = Adam | url = http://www.nypress.com/15/4/news&columns/feature.cfm | title = 2002, Hiphop's Year One: Nas, Mobb Deep and Wu-Tang Clan Face 9/11 | format = Online Article Column | work = The [[New York Press]]: Volume 15, Issue 4 | publisher = | accessdate = April 1 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> As the album helped return New York City hip hop to national prominence, a new generation of New York rappers, many of them inspired by the Wu-Tang Clan's example, released a flurry of classic albums that later became known as the [[East Coast hip hop#The East Coast Renaissance|East Coast Renaissance]].<ref name="AllMusicGuide" /> ''Enter the Wu-Tang'' has been recognized by critics as a landmark album in the movement.<ref name = "ProudFlesh"/> [[Allmusic]] indicates that [[Nas]]'s ''[[Illmatic]]'' (1994), [[The Notorious B.I.G.]]'s ''[[Ready to Die]]'' (1994), [[Mobb Deep]]'s ''[[The Infamous]]'' (1995), and [[Jay-Z]]'s ''[[Reasonable Doubt]]'' (1996) are among the records of this era that reflected the Wu-Tang Clan's influence.<ref name="AllMusicGuide">{{cite web | last = Huey | first = Steve | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:ogd2vwdta9rk | title = Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) Review at Allmusic | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = October 1 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> At the time of the album's release, mainstream hip hop was dominated by [[West Coast hip hop]]. ''Enter the Wu Tang'' (along with the critically acclaimed ''Illmatic'' and the commercial success of ''Ready to Die'') was able to shift the emphasis away from the melodious, [[synthesizer]]-driven [[G-funk]] and restore interest into the East Coast hip hop scene. According to one columnist, "When ''Enter the Wu-Tang: The 36 Chambers'' first graced the pages of rap lore in 1993, [[Dr. Dre]]'s funk-filled, West Coast gangster rap dominated the business. Though this initial dominance was difficult to overcome, Wu-Tang still managed to carve out a piece of rap history."<ref name="ProudFlesh">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.proudfleshjournal.com/issue3/yew.htm | title = Retrospect for Hip-Hop: A Golden Age on Record? | work = | publisher = | accessdate = October 21 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> ===Hip hop production=== [[RZA]]'s production on Wu-Tang Clan's debut album had a profound and significant influence on subsequent hip hop producers.<ref name = "BlackFilm"/> The distinctive sound of ''Enter the Wu-Tang'' has been credited for creating a blueprint for [[hardcore hip hop]] in the mid-1990s.<ref name="AllMusicGuide" /> Blackfilm.com asserts that ''Enter the Wu-Tang'''s production formula "transformed the sound of underground rap into mainstream formula, and virtually changed the face of contemporary music as popsters once knew it."<ref name="BlackFilm">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.blackfilm.com/20040514/features/rza.shtml | title = Coffee and Cigarettes: An Interview with RZA at Blackfilm.com | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = November 17 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> Many successful rap producers have admitted to the influence of RZA's beats on their own production efforts. [[9th Wonder]], a producer and former member of [[Little Brother]], is one of many whose vocal sampling styles are inspired by RZA.<ref name="9thWonder">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://remixmag.com/artists/remix_little_feat/ | title = Little Feat: An Interview With 9th Wonder at RemixMag.com | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = November 7 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> The album's reliance on soul music samples was novel at the time, but 21st century producers such as [[The Alchemist (producer)|The Alchemist]], [[Kanye West]] and [[Just Blaze]] now rely on this technique.<ref name="Alchemist">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.superswell.com/samplelaw/quotes.html | title = Sampling Quotes at Superswell.com | work = | publisher = | accessdate = November 7 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> According to Allmusic, the production on two [[Mobb Deep]] albums, ''[[The Infamous]]'' and ''[[Hell on Earth (album)|Hell on Earth]]'' (1996), are "indebted" to RZA's early production with Wu-Tang Clan.<ref name="Theinfamous">{{cite web | last = Huey | first = Steve | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:1c821vkozzua | title = The Infamous at Allmusic | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = January 1 | accessyear = 2007}}</ref><ref name="Hellonearth">{{cite web | last = Huey | first = Steve | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=&sql=10:3n881vaozzua | title = Hell on Earth at Allmusic | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = January 1 | accessyear = 2007}}</ref> The vocals from tracks on ''36 Chambers'' have been extensively sampled by other artists and producers. [[Raekwon]] and [[Inspectah Deck]]'s vocals from "C.R.E.A.M." have been sampled on [[Masta Ace]]'s "Maintain" and [[Reflection Eternal]]'s "Good Mourning", respectively. [[Common (rapper)|Common]]'s "Nuthin' to Do" samples vocals from [[Ol' Dirty Bastard]] on "Protect Ya Neck". [[The Pharcyde]]'s "Devil Music" samples vocals from [[U-God]] on "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'". ===Subsequent Wu-Tang work=== Following ''Enter the Wu-Tang''{{'}}s success, the individual members of the group negotiated and signed solo contracts with a variety of different labels: [[Method Man]] signed with [[Def Jam]], Ol' Dirty Bastard with [[Elektra Records|Elektra]], [[GZA]] with [[Geffen Records]], and [[Ghostface Killah]] with [[Epic Records]]. This expansion across the music industry was an element of RZA's plan for industry-wide domination, wherein "All Wu releases are deemed to be 50 percent partnerships with Wu-Tang Productions and each Wu member with solo deal must contribute 20 percent of their earnings back to Wu-Tang Productions, a fund for all Wu members."<ref name="Exclaim">{{cite web | last = Cowie | first = Del | url = http://www.exclaim.ca/index.asp?layid=22&csid=1&csid1=914 | title = Days of the Wu at Exclaim.ca | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = November 6 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> On ''Enter the Wu-Tang''{{'}}s effect on the group and the music industry, the ''[[Milwaukee Journal]]''{{'}}s Aaron Justin-Szopinski wrote "The Wu showed us that a hip-hop group can control its own destiny in the tangled web of the industry. It owns publishing rights, controls its samples and has 90% influence over its career. And that control, that outlook for the future, is what makes it the best."<ref name="Milwaukee">Justin-Szopinski, Justin. [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4207/is_19950112/ai_n10180882/ Review: ''Enter the Wu-Tang'']. ''[[Milwaukee Journal]]'': January 12, 1995.</ref> Wu-Tang Clan have produced four subsequent group albums since ''Enter the Wu-Tang'', including ''[[Wu-Tang Forever]]'' (1997), which is certified as a quadruple platinum record.<ref name="RIAA">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.riaa.com/gp/database/search_results.asp | title = Gold and Platinum Database Search at RIAA.com | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = October 15 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> None of the subsequent Wu-Tang Clan albums have garnered the critical accolades that their debut was accorded.<ref name="UWire">{{cite web| last = Kurtz | first = Mike | url = http://www.uwire.com/content/topae012402002.html | title = Nas, Wu-Tang Clan show growth, change with new albums at UWIRE.com | work = | publisher = | accessdate = December 12 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> ==Track listing== ===CD/cassette=== :Tracks 1–5 are on the Shaolin Sword side of the album and tracks 6–12 are on the Wu-Tang Sword side. The international version contains an additional track on the latter (Conclusion). <!--this section is for album credits only--> {| class="wikitable" |- !# !Title !Time !Producer(s) !Performer(s) !Samples |- |1 |"Bring da Ruckus" |4:10 |[[RZA]] | *Chorus: RZA *First verse: [[Ghostface Killah]] *Second verse: [[Raekwon]] *Third verse: [[Inspectah Deck]] *Fourth verse: [[GZA]] | * "Synthetic Substitution" as performed by Melvin Bliss * Dialogue from the motion picture ''[[Shaolin & Wu Tang]]'' * Dialogue from the motion picture ''[[Ten Tigers from Kwangtung]]'' |- |2 |"Shame on a Nigga" |2:57 |RZA | *Intro: Raekwon *Chorus: [[Ol' Dirty Bastard]] *First verse: Ol' Dirty Bastard *Second verse: [[Method Man]] *Third verse: Raekwon *Fourth verse: Ol' Dirty Bastard | *"Different Strokes" as performed by [[Syl Johnson]]; written by Johnny Cameron and John Zachary *"Black and Tan Fantasy" as performed by [[Thelonious Monk]]; written by [[Duke Ellington]] and [[Bubber Miley]] |- |3 |"Clan In Da Front" |4:33 |RZA | *Intro: RZA *Chorus: GZA *First verse: GZA *Second verse: GZA | *"Synthetic Substitution" as performed by Melvin Bliss *"Honey Bee" as performed by [[New Birth|New Birth (band)]], written by Anne Bogan, Doug Edwards, [[Harvey Fuqua]] and Dennis Walker |- |4 |"Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber" |6:05 |RZA | *Intro Skit: Raekwon, Method Man, Ghostface Killah, U-God, Inspectah Deck *First verse: Raekwon *Second verse: Method Man *Third verse: [[Inspectah Deck]] *Fourth verse: Ghostface Killah *Fifth verse: RZA *Sixth verse: Ol' Dirty Bastard *Seventh verse: GZA | *"[[Spinning Wheel (song)|Spinning Wheel]]" as performed by [[Dr. Lonnie Smith]] |- |5 |"[[Can It Be All So Simple]]" |6:53 |RZA | *Intro: RZA & Raekwon *Chorus: Raekwon & Ghostface Killah *First verse: Raekwon *Second verse: Ghostface Killah | *"[[The Way We Were (song)|The Way We Were]]" as performed by [[Gladys Knight & the Pips]]; written by [[Marilyn Bergman]], [[Alan Bergman]] and [[Marvin Hamlisch]] *"I Got The" as performed by [[Labi Siffre]]; written by Labi Siffre |- |6 |"Da Mystery of Chessboxin' " |4:48 |RZA<br />Ol' Dirty Bastard (co-producer) | *Chorus: Method Man *First verse: [[U-God]] *Second verse: Inspectah Deck *Third verse: Raekwon *Fourth verse: Ol' Dirty Bastard *Fifth verse: Ghostface Killah *Sixth verse: [[Masta Killa]] | * Dialogue from the motion picture ''Shaolin & Wu Tang'' * Dialogue from the motion picture ''[[Five Deadly Venoms]]'' |- |7 |"Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing ta F' Wit" |3:36 |RZA<br />Method Man (co-producer) | *Intro: RZA *Chorus: RZA *First verse: RZA *Second verse: Inspectah Deck *Third verse: Method Man *Outro: RZA | *"Impeach the President" as performed by The Honey Drippers; written by Roy C. Hammond *"Hihache" as performed by [[Lafayette Afro Rock Band]]; written by Leroy Gomes *"''[[Underdog (TV series)|Underdog]]'' Theme" as written by [[W. Watts Biggers]] |- |8 |"[[C.R.E.A.M.]]" |4:12 |RZA | *Intro: Method Man & Raekwon *Chorus: Method Man *First verse: Raekwon *Second verse: Inspectah Deck | *"As Long as I've Got You" as performed by The Charmels; written by [[Isaac Hayes]] and [[David Porter (musician)|David Porter]] |- |9 |"[[Method Man (song)|Method Man]]" |5:50 |RZA | *Pre-song dialogue: Method Man & Raekwon *Intro: GZA *First verse: Method Man *Second verse: Method Man *Outro: RZA | *"Synthetic Substitution" as performed by Melvin Bliss *"Sport" as performed by [[Lightnin' Rod]]; written by [[Kool & The Gang]] and Lightnin' Rod *"[[More Bounce to the Ounce]]" as performed by [[Zapp (band)|Zapp]]; written by [[Roger Troutman]] *"[[Method of Modern Love]]" as performed by [[Hall & Oates]]; written by [[Janna Allen]] and [[Daryl Hall]] *"Sundown" as performed by [[Gordon Lightfoot]] |- |10 |"[[Protect Ya Neck]]" |4:52 |RZA | *Intro: RZA *First verse: Inspectah Deck *Second verse: Raekwon *Third verse: Method Man *Bridge: U-God *Fourth verse: Ol' Dirty Bastard *Fifth verse: Ghostface Killah *Sixth verse: RZA *Seventh verse: GZA | *"Tramp" as performed by [[Lowell Fulson]] *"The Grunt" as performed by [[The J.B.'s]] *"[[Sing a Simple Song]]" as performed by [[Sly & the Family Stone]] *"Cold Feet" as performed by [[Albert King]] |- |11 |"Tearz" |4:17 |RZA | *First verse: RZA *Second verse: Ghostface Killah | *"After Laughter (Comes Tears)" as performed by [[Wendy Rene]]; written by Marianne Brittenum, Johnny Frierson, [[Mary Frierson]] and Jackson |- |12 |"Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber—Part II" |6:10 |RZA | *Intro: GZA *First verse: Raekwon *Second verse: Method Man *Third verse: Inspectah Deck *Fourth verse: Ghostface Killah *Fifth verse: RZA *Sixth verse: Ol' Dirty Bastard *Seventh verse: GZA |- |13* |"Method Man" (Skunk Mix) |3:12 |RZA | | |} An asterisk (*) indicates international version bonus track The information on music that is [[music sampling|sampled]] is extracted from the-breaks.com.<ref name="Breaks">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.the-breaks.com/search.php?term=Wu+Tang+Clan&type=6 | title = Wu-Tang Clan Entry at The-Breaks.com | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = September 30 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> ===Vinyl LP=== The vinyl LP has a different track order than that of the CD and cassette:<br /> '''Shaolin Sword (Side 1)''' * Bring Da Ruckus * Shame On A Nigga * Clan In Da Front * Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber * Can It Be All So Simple * Protect Ya Neck * Intermission '''Wu-Tang Sword (Side 2)''' * Da Mystery of Chessboxin' * Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing Ta F' Wit * C.R.E.A.M. * Method Man * Tearz * Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber - Part II * Conclusion ==Accolades== The information regarding accolades attributed to ''Enter the Wu-Tang'' is taken from AcclaimedMusic.net.<ref name="Acclaim">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.acclaimedmusic.net/061024/A890.htm | title = Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) at AcclaimedMusic.net | work = | publisher = | accessdate = October 19 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> {|class="wikitable" |- !Publication !Country !Accolade !Year !align="center"|Rank |- |''[[About.com]]'' |[[USA]] |''100 greatest Hip-Hop albums'' <ref>[http://rap.about.com/od/toppicks/ss/Top100RapAlbums_10.htm]. About.com. Retrieved on 2009-9-17.</ref> |2008 |align="center"|4 |- |rowspan=2|''[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]]'' |rowspan=3|[[USA]] |''500 CDs You Must Own Before You Die'' |2003 |align="center"|* |- |''The 100 Greatest American Albums of All Time'' |2002 |align="center"|59 |- |[[CDNOW]] |''Hip Hop's 25 Greatest Albums by Year 1980–98'' |1999 |align="center"|1 |- |''Dance de Lux'' |Spain |''The 25 Best Hip-Hop Records'' |2001 |align="center"|5 |- |''[[DJMag]]'' |UK |''The Top 50 Most Influential Dance Albums Since 1991'' |2006 |align="center"|38 |- |''[[Ego trip (magazine)|Ego Trip]]'' |USA |''Hip Hop's 25 Greatest Albums by Year 1980–98'' |1999 |align="center"|1 |- |''[[GQ]]'' |UK |''The 100 Coolest Albums in the World Right Now!'' |2005 |align="center"|35 |- |''[[Helsingin Sanomat]]'' |[[Finland]] |''50th Anniversary of Rock'' |2004 |align="center"|* |- |''Juice'' |Australia |''100 Greatest Albums of the '90s'' |1999 |align="center"|40 |- |rowspan=2|''[[Les Inrockuptibles]]'' |rowspan=2|France |''50 Years of Rock'n'Roll'' |2004 |align="center"|* |- |''The 100 Best Albums 1986–1996'' |1996 |align="center"|59 |- |rowspan=3|''[[Mojo (magazine)|Mojo]]'' |rowspan=3|UK |''The 100 Greatest Albums of Our Lifetime 1993–2006'' |2006 |align="center"|62 |- |''Mojo 1000, the Ultimate CD Buyers Guide'' |2001 |align="center"|* |- |''The Mojo Collection, Third Edition'' |2003 |align="center"|* |- |''Mucchio Selvaggio'' |Italy |''100 Best Albums by Decade'' |2002 |align="center"|Top 20 |- |''[[New Musical Express]]'' |UK |''Top 100 Albums of All Time'' |2003 |align="center"|82 |- |''Nude as the News'' |USA |''The 100 Most Compelling Albums of the 90s'' |1999 |align="center"|61 |- |Paul Morley |UK |''Words and Music, 5 x 100 Greatest Albums of All Time'' |rowspan=2|2003 |align="center"|* |- |[[Pitchfork Media]] |USA |''Top 100 Favorite Records of the 1990s'' |align="center"|36 |- |''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]'' |UK |''90 Best Albums of the 1990s'' |1999 |align="center"|* |- |rowspan=3|[[Rate Your Music]] |rowspan=3|USA |''All-Time Top 500 Albums'' |2003 |align="center"|51 |- |''All-Time Top 500 Albums'' |2005 |align="center"|45 |- |''All-Time Top 500 Albums'' |2007 |align="center"|20 |- |''Record Collector'' |UK |''10 Classic Albums from 21 Genres for the 21st Century'' |2000 |align="center"|* |- |Robert Dimery |USA |''1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die'' |2005 |align="center"|* |- |''Rock & Folk Magazine'' |France |''The Best Albums from 1963 to 1999'' |1999 |align="center"|* |- |rowspan=2|''Rock de Lux'' |rowspan=2|Spain |''The 150 Best Albums from the 90s'' |2000 |align="center"|25 |- |''The 200 Best Albums of All Time'' |2002 |align="center"|178 |- |rowspan=3|''[[Rolling Stone]]'' |rowspan=2|USA |''[[The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time]]'' |2003 |align="center"|386 |- |''The Essential Recordings of the 90s'' |1999 |align="center"|* |- |Germany |''The 500 Best Albums of All Time'' |2004 |align="center"|453 |- |''[[Select (magazine)|Select]]'' |UK |''The 100 Best Albums of the 90s'' |1996 |align="center"|21 |- |rowspan=2|''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]'' |rowspan=2|USA |''Top 90 Albums of the 90's'' |rowspan=2|2005 |align="center"|22 |- |''Top 100 Albums of the Last 20 Years'' |align="center"|20 |- |''Technikart'' |France |''50 Albums from the Last 10 Years'' |1997 |align="center"|* |- |''[[The Source (magazine)|The Source]]'' |USA |''The Source Magazine's 100 Best Rap Albums'' |1998 |align="center"|* |- |''[[The Sun (magazine)|The Sun]]'' |Canada |''The Best Albums from 1971 to 2000'' |2001 |align="center"|* |- |rowspan=2|''[[VIBE]]'' |rowspan=2|USA |''100 Essential Albums of the 20th Century'' |1999 |align="center"|* |- |''51 Albums Representing a Generation, a Sound and a Movement'' |2004 |align="center"|* |- |''Visions Magazine'' |Germany |''The Most Important Albums of the 90s'' |1999 |align="center"|67 |- |} <small>( * ) designates lists that are unordered.</small> ==Chart history== ;Album {| class="wikitable" !align="left"|Chart (1993)<ref name="AMGChart1"/> !align="center"|Peak<br />position |- |align="left"|U.S. [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] |align="center"|#41 |- |align="left"|U.S. [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums]] |align="center"|#8 |- |} ;Singles {| class="wikitable" !align="left"|Song !align="left"|Chart (1993)<ref name="AMGChart2">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:5ckcu32gan5k~T31 | title = Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers): Billboard Singles at Allmusic | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = October 12 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> !align="center"|Peak<br />position |- |align="left" rowspan=4|"Method Man" |align="left"|U.S. [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] |align="center"|69 |- |align="left"|U.S. [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks]] |align="center"|40 |- |align="left"|U.S. [[Hot Rap Tracks|Hot Rap Singles]] |align="center"|17 |- |align="left"|U.S. [[Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales]] |align="center"|42 |- !align="left"|Song !align="left"|Chart (1994) !align="center"|Peak<br />position |- |align="left" rowspan=4|"C.R.E.A.M." |align="left"|U.S. ''Billboard'' Hot 100 |align="center"|60 |- |align="left"|U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks |align="center"|32 |- |align="left"|U.S. Hot Rap Singles |align="center"|8 |- |align="left"|U.S. Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales |align="center"|1 |- |align="left" rowspan=3|"Can It Be All So Simple" |align="left"|U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks |align="center"|82 |- |align="left"|U.S. Hot Rap Singles |align="center"|24 |- |align="left"|U.S. Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales |align="center"|9 |} ==Personnel== Information taken from [[Allmusic]].<ref name="Credits">{{cite web | last = | first = | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:2c5uak5kgm3c~T20AC | title = Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers): Credits at Allmusic | format = | work = | publisher = | accessdate = October 28 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} ;Musicians *[[Inspectah Deck]] - vocals, lyrics *[[4th Disciple]] - scratching *[[Ghostface Killah]] - executive producer, vocals, lyrics *[[GZA|GZA/Genius]] - vocals, lyrics *[[Masta Killa]] - vocals, lyrics *[[Method Man]] - vocals, producer, lyrics *[[Ol' Dirty Bastard]] - vocals, producer, lyrics *[[RZA|Prince Rakeem]] - arranger, executive producer, mixing, producer, programming, vocals, lyrics *[[Raekwon]] - vocals, lyrics *[[U-God]] - vocals, lyrics {{col-2}} ;Additional personnel *Carlos Bess - engineer *Richard Bravo - set design, design *Mitchell Diggs - executive producer, supervisor, production supervisor *Chris Gehringer - mastering *John Gibbons - supervisor, production supervisor *Oli Grant - executive producer, supervisor, production supervisor *Daniel Hastings - photography *Michael McDonald - supervisor, production supervisor *Jacqueline Murphy - artwork, art direction *Ethan Ryman - engineer *Mike Theodore - supervisor, production supervisor *Tracey Waples - executive producer *Amy Wenzler - design {{col-end}} ==Notes== {{reflist}} ==References== * {{cite book| author = Nathan Brackett, Christian Hoard | title = The New Rolling Stone Album Guide: Completely Revised and Updated 4th Edition | publisher = Simon and Schuster | date = 2004 | location = | isbn = 0-74320-169-8}} * {{cite book | last= Weisbard | first= Eric | coauthors= Craig Marks | title= Spin Alternative Record Guide |publisher= Vintage Books |year= 1995 |isbn= 0679755748}} ==External links== * ''[http://www.discogs.com/Wu-Tang-Clan-Enter-The-Wu-Tang-36-Chambers/master/25303 Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)]'' at [[Discogs]] * [http://ca.music.yahoo.com/release/101912 Lyrics and audio samples] at [[Yahoo! Music]] * [http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/BTTL_36chambers.html RapReviews: Back to the Lab] — by Steve Juon {{Wu-TangClan}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)}} [[Category:1993 albums]] [[Category:Wu-Tang Clan albums]] [[Category:Loud Records albums]] [[Category:RCA Records albums]] [[Category:Debut albums]] [[Category:Albums produced by RZA]] [[de:Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)]] [[es:Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)]] [[fr:Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)]] [[it:Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)]] [[nl:Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)]] [[no:Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)]] [[pl:Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)]] [[ru:Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)]] [[fi:Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)]] [[sv:Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)]]'