Today in Hip-Hop History: Wu-Tang Clan Dropped “C.R.E.A.M.” Single 31 Years Ago

Wu Tang Clan C

On this day in 1994, the legendary Staten Island collective, Wu-Tang Clan, released one of their most memorable tracks: “C.R.E.A.M. (Cash Rules Everything Around Me)” from their groundbreaking debut album, Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).

Recorded at Firehouse Studios in New York City, the track features a soulful sample from The Charmels’ 1967 hit, “As Long As I’ve Got You,” courtesy of Wu-Tang’s leader and primary producer, The RZA. The song’s iconic chorus — “C.R.E.A.M.” — quickly became synonymous with money, a term now widely used in urban communities around the U.S. and eventually the world.

Fifteen years after its release, on January 29, 2009, “C.R.E.A.M.” was certified Gold by the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000 units.

Regarded as one of the greatest rap songs of all time, C.R.E.A.M. earned critical acclaim from renowned publications like Time Magazine and Rolling Stone, solidifying its place in hip-hop history.