Enter the Wu-Tang

Enter the Wu-Tang

The Clan first became known to hip hop fans, and to major record labels, in 1993 (see [[1993 in music]]) following the release of the independent single "[[Protect Ya Neck]]", which immediately gave the group a sizable underground following. Though there was some difficulty in finding a record label that would sign Wu-Tang Clan while still allowing each member to record solo albums with other labels, Loud/[[RCA]] finally agreed, releasing their debut album, ''[[Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)]]'', in late 1993. This album was popular and critically-acclaimed, though it took some time to gain momentum. The success of ''Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers'' established the group as a creative and influential force in early 1990s hip hop, allowing Ol' Dirty Bastard, GZA, RZA, Raekwon, Method Man and Ghostface Killah to negotiate solo contracts.