The copy of a rare Wu-Tang Clan album to go on display
An album that is so valuable and uncommon that very few people have ever heard it will be on exhibit at an Australian gallery, providing the general public with a preview of the ultra-exclusive tracks.
Once Upon a Time in Shaolin was intended to be a work of fine art and was secretly recorded over a period of six years by the Wu-Tang Clan. It is housed in an elaborate silver box. There is only one copy on CD.
A carefully selected 30-minute clip of the album will be played at small listening parties hosted by Mona over the course of ten days in June. The Namedropping exhibition features the album, exploring themes of status, notoriety, and “the human pursuit.”
“Every once in a while, an object on this planet possesses mystical properties that transcend its material circumstances,” said Mona Director of Curatorial Affairs Jarrod Rawlins.
“Once Upon a Time in Shaolin is more than just an album, so… I knew I had to get it into this exhibition.”
Wu-Tang Clan, formed in Staten Island in the early ’90s, is credited with revolutionizing hip-hop forever, although they are also known for their violent and sexually explicit lyrics. Between 2006 and 2013, they recorded “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” in New York City and produced it in Marrakesh. This album includes the nine surviving members of the group and features pop artist Cher and Game of Thrones actress Carice Van Houten.