Wu-Tang at SXSW
Following an energetic Yelawolf performance, a wild Fishbone set, and a brutal wait, some incarnation of the Wu-Tang Clan finally took the stage around 1:20 a.m. Despite an announcement that the entire clan was in the building, only five made it to Austin: U-God, Inspectah Deck, Cappadonna, GZA, and Ghostface Killah. Missing in action were Raekwon, Method Man and clan leader RZA, who’s in China shooting a movie.
Wu-Tang is a posse of inventive lyricists each with a distinct personal style. You don’t necessarily need all members to fully appreciate the greatest hip-hop group of all time. After all, cult classics like “C.R.E.A.M.” and “Ain’t Nothin’ ta Fuck Wit” don't feature every member. But those who caught them live when ODB was still walking the earth will tell you that it’s just not the same with all members present. It’s akin to listening to a great album that’s missing a few songs.
The ones present made the best of their time onstage. And, frankly, it was a delight to see the three oft underappreciated--U-God, Cappadonna, and Inspectah Deck--get some shine. With resident DJ and creator of the Wu logo Mathematics on the 1s and 2s, the Shaolin crew rocked out to timeless Wu cuts with schoolboy enthusiasm. They've probably performed "Ice Cream" 20 million times but they still seemed to enjoy every bit of the song.
The crowd reaction ranged from wild enthusiastic cheers to outright belligerence. At some point, people starting throwing stuff at them. Mathematics paused the music and the group addressed the crowd.
“That better be your f--king demo you’re throwing,” cautioned Cappadonna. But the disrespect continued, as more stuff came flying on stage. “OK. We get it. We get it,” said one of the members.
The items onstage were mostly towels and CDs. Nothing crazy. Not like that time Method Man got attacked by rabid Juggalos. It definitely wasn’t as bad as the 2007 incident when some heckler decided to interrupt an ODB tribute. Wu stopped the music and threw water bottles at the douchebag.
Back at the music hall, the group looked around trying to find the perpetrators. “Why don’t you throw that shit now while I’m looking,” barked one of them. The throwing stopped and the party continued without any further hiccups.
All in all, it was a solid set, capped by Erykah Badu’s surprise appearance during “Cherchez La Ghost.” Her nimble and melodic voice alongside Ghost’s hypermasculine rhymes made for a beautiful contrast. Some Wu members returned the favor by sticking around for Badu’s DJ set. Not us. After nine hours on our feet, a cozy bed couldn't seem more enticing.
Concert Date: March 19, 2011