Wu-Tang Clan’s Rare Album Once Upon a Time in Shaolin at Australian Art Museum
A Rare Opportunity to Hear a Legendary Album
Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, the elusive Wu-Tang Clan album, will soon be available for public listening for the first time since its creation. The album, which gained notoriety after being purchased by pharmaceutical executive Martin Shkreli in 2015 and subsequently resold at auction, will be featured in a series of listening events next month.
The Australian Premiere: Where and When
Australia’s Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) will host these exclusive events as part of its Namedropping exhibition. Attendees will be able to listen to a 30-minute excerpt of the album. Alongside the listening sessions, the physical record, encased in its iconic silver box, will be displayed. This unique exhibition runs from June 15-24.
The Album’s Journey: From Shkreli to PleasrDAO
The album’s storied history adds to its mystique. After Martin Shkreli’s acquisition in 2015, the album changed hands following his legal troubles. It was later sold to PleasrDAO, a digital art collective, under a contract stipulating that it cannot be commercially exploited until 2109. However, this agreement allows for private listening events, such as those at MONA.
The Magic of Once Upon a Time in Shaolin
Jarrod Rawlins, MONA’s director of curatorial affairs, emphasized the album’s unique status in a press release: “Every once in a while, an object on this planet possesses mystical properties that transcend its material circumstances. Once Upon a Time in Shaolin is more than just an album, so when I was thinking about status and what a transcendent namedrop could be, I knew I had to get it into this exhibition.”
Background on Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan, the legendary hip-hop group from Staten Island, New York, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Known for their gritty beats and intricate lyricism, the group’s debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), revolutionized hip-hop in the early 1990s. For more information on the group and its members, check out our comprehensive guide to Wu-Tang Clan members.
Recommended Tracks
For those new to Wu-Tang Clan or looking to revisit their classics, here are two essential tracks:
- “C.R.E.A.M.” – This iconic track from Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) is a timeless anthem encapsulating the group’s raw and honest storytelling. Learn more about this classic track in our deep dive into “C.R.E.A.M.”.
- “Triumph” – Featuring all nine original members, this track from Wu-Tang Forever showcases their unparalleled lyrical prowess and distinctive style.
