RZA
Birth Name – Robert F. Diggs
a.k.a. – Bobby Digital, Prince Rakeem, The Scientist
RZA is the mastermind behind the Wu Tang concept. His beats were revolutionary in the industry. He has made the successful move to Hollywood, performing music directorial duties for many films and acting in this year’s “American Gangster.”
GZA
Birth Name – Gary Grice
a.k.a. – Genius, Justice, Maximillion, the Head
Cousin of both RZA and ODB, GZA is considered to be one of the better rappers in the group. His “Liquid Swords” solo album is often mentioned as one of the best of the Wu Tang solo projects.
Ol’ Dirty Bastard
Birth Name – Russell Jones
a.k.a. – Dirt McGirt, the Professor, Dirt Dog, Big Baby Jesus
The man, the myth, the legend. The world still mourns the loss of ODB. He was certainly had the longest rap sheet of anybody in the group but his unique style gave the Wu Tang Clan something no other rap group had, or will ever have.
Method Man
Birth Name – Clifford Smith
a.k.a. – The Panty Raider, Johnny Blaze, Iron Lung
The first breakout star of the group (do mostly to his self titled track on “Enter the Wu Tang”) Method Man has translated his rap stardom to mainstream success. Starred in “How High” with Redman.
Raekwon
Birth Name – Corey Woods
a.k.a. – Raekwon the Chef, Lex Diamonds, Shallah
Fresh with the slang and clothes, Raekwon almost single-handedly started the Mafioso trend in hip-hop. His “Only Built for Cuban Linx” is one of the better Wu Tang solo albums. Known to fry a good fish.
Ghostface Killah
Birth Name – Dennis Coles
a.k.a. – Iron Man, Tony Starks, Pretty Toney
Known for his sick free styling ability, Ghostface Killah has recently gained a lot of respect with the release of “Fishscale.” Somewhat angered the rest of Wu Tang by releasing his newest album so close to “8 Diagrams.”
Inspectah Deck
Birth Name – Jason Hunter
a.k.a. – Rebel INS, Rollie Fingers, Ayatollah
One of the unsung heroes of the Wu Tang Clan, Inspectah Deck has always been one of the most consistent rappers in the group. His solo albums are less well known, but features some of the best flow of any Wu Tang solo works.
U-God
Birth Name – Lamont Hawkins
a.k.a. – Golden Arms, Baby Huey, Four-Bar Killer
The member of the group with the lowest voice, U-God barely made it onto their debut. He was released from prison just in time to lay down vocal tracks on two songs. He has been an essential member ever since.
Masta Killa
Birth Name – Elgin Turner
a.k.a. – Noodles High Chef, Jamal Iref
In some ways the first protégé of the group, Masta Killa joined the Wu Tang Clan before he had ever rapped. He learned and grew, eventually earning the moniker Masta Killa, Gordon Liu’s character from the Wu tang favorite “The Thirty-sixth Chamber.”