The Wu-Tang Clan is a New York City-based hip-hop group, which consists of: RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. They are also frequently joined by fellow childhood friend Cappadonna, whose status as an official member is in dispute (see below). They were formed in (and are generally associated with) the New York City borough of Staten Island (referred to by members as "Shaolin"), though some of its members originate from Brooklyn.
One of the most critically and commercially successful hip hop groups of all time, Wu-Tang Clan rose to fame with their uncompromising brand of hardcore hip hop music, and their success enabled all of its members to pursue solo careers, with varying degrees of success. They have introduced and launched the careers of numerous other affiliated artists and groups, often collectively known as the Wu-Tang Killa Bees. In 2007, MTV ranked Wu-Tang the 5th greatest Hip-hop group of all time.


