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Music

05th May 2019

Wu-Tang Clan get a district named after them in New York

Wil Jones

Up from the 36 Chambers

You don’t need us to tell you that the Wu-Tang Clan are one of the greatest and most influential hip-hop groups of all time. Possibly the greatest.

With their mixture of kung-fu iconography, street-level realness, raw production and free-roaming lyrics, they defined the sound of classic early 90s East Coast rap as much as anyone you care to mention.

They have been immortalised in comic books, video games and their own streetwear brand – but now Wu-Tang Clan have actually had a street sign erected in their honour.

The corner of Vanderbilt Avenue and Targee Street in their home borough of Staten Island has now been renamed Wu-Tang Clan District.

City lawmakers unveiled the sign in a ceremony on Saturday.

New York City Debi Rose said she was “proud to commemorate their story and their contributions with the highest honor the City Council can give.”

She continued on social media, adding that the Wu-Tang Clan’s music “resonates with people all over the world, with young people who live in urban settings, young people whose neighborhoods are underserved, young people who face economic and social challenges.”

Fans braved the rain to turn out for the unveiling and cheered as the sign was revealed. There was a party atmosphere and even bouncy castles, rock climbing, face painting and games, because, as we all know, Wu-Tang is for the children.