If you are anywhere around the same age as me you remember the empire that was Wu-Tang. Nine emcees brought together under the “W”. They were a musical “supergroup” before the term became popular. Not only did the group have the hip hop game on lock with their unique record deals that allowed them to each be on different record labels and recieve money from each other’s solo albums, they had video games, clothes and even comic books. It’s not really like that anymore though.

These days Wu-Tang as a brand is kinda weak. The last few group albums have been somewhat commercial failures. Most of the members have moved on to other ventures and the interaction between the Wu members seems much more forced these days than it used to. The Wu Empire has crumbled and the Wu themselves see it.

To rebuild the Wu, John “Mook” Gibbons, founder of Wu-Tang Management is on a mission to find the “The Next 9 Generals”. In other words a “new Wu Tang Clan”. Applicants must “exemplify the Wu-Tang spirit through lyrics” and will be expected to record their best rhymes over instumentals of the classic Wu tracks “Protect Ya Neck” and “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F*** Wit”.

Winners of the contest will not only get “major recording deal(s), music videos, world wide exposure, international tours, and most importantly the right to bear the Wu-Tang ‘W’.”

Will this be what brings to Wu back to the forefront of hip hop? Probably not but if it gets a few more hungry emcees a couple of paying gigs then it can’t be all bad.

If you are interested in applying, head to this link before March 31st