The Enigmatic Journey of Wu-Tang Clan's $4 Million Masterpiece
In the serene mountains of Park City, Utah, a remarkable event unfolded at the Sundance Film Festival. The sole physical copy of Wu-Tang Clan's 31-track double album, "Once Upon a Time in Shaolin," was played for only the seventh time in its history. This album, recognized as the most expensive piece of recorded music globally, captivated an intimate audience of about 40 people during a unique listening party.
A Documentary Unveiling the Album's Controversial Past
The extraordinary saga of this album is the focus of the documentary "The Disciple," directed by Joanna Natasegara, which premiered at the festival. Recorded secretly between 2007 and 2013, "Shaolin" features contributions from nearly every member of the legendary hip-hop collective, along with surprising guests like Cher and FC Barcelona players.
Conceived by Wu-Tang's de facto leader RZA and Dutch-Moroccan rapper-producer Tarik "Cilvaringz" Azzougarh, the project was intended as an art piece. It aimed to critique the devaluation of music in the digital age, where piracy and streaming have diminished its perceived worth. RZA famously described the album as akin to "owning the scepter of an Egyptian king," emphasizing its rarity and artistic significance.
From Auction to Federal Seizure: A Turbulent Ownership History
The album's journey has been fraught with controversy. Initially sold at a 2015 auction for $2 million to Martin Shkreli, the convicted fraudster known as "Pharma Bro," it was later seized by the Justice Department following Shkreli's conviction for securities fraud. For years, the discs remained in a government storage vault until 2021, when an anonymous group of digital art collectors, PleasrDAO, purchased them for over $4 million in cryptocurrency.
PleasrDAO has committed to honoring an 88-year non-commercialization clause, preventing any commercial exploitation of the album until 2103. Despite this restriction, the collective facilitated the Sundance listening party, transporting the album under heavy security. Attendees were required to place their phones in Faraday bags to prevent any unauthorized recordings, underscoring the sacred nature of the music.
Internal Conflicts and Legendary Contributions
Despite its legendary status, "Once Upon a Time in Shaolin" has sparked division within the Wu-Tang Clan. Many members declined to participate in the documentary, with some expressing lingering resentment towards Cilvaringz. Method Man, in particular, has been vocal in his criticism, labeling the album "a gimmick" and expressing dissatisfaction with the creative process.
One of the album's most unexpected contributors is Cher, who recorded multiple takes for a track. Her involvement adds a layer of intrigue to the already mythologized project. However, the album remains most infamously linked to Shkreli, whose notoriety overshadowed its artistic intent. His subsequent legal troubles and the album's seizure have become a pivotal part of its narrative.
The Future of a Hip-Hop Artifact
PleasrDAO envisions a future where "Once Upon a Time in Shaolin" can be experienced by the public through museum exhibitions, aligning with RZA and Cilvaringz's original vision of a pilgrimage-worthy artifact. The collective's efforts to restore the album's sacred status include legal actions to reclaim any unauthorized copies.
As the documentary "The Disciple" highlights, this album is more than just music; it is a testament to the enduring power of art in the face of commercialization and controversy. Its story continues to evolve, captivating audiences and sparking discussions about value, ownership, and cultural legacy in the digital era.
