Wu-Tang Clan has officially announced their long-awaited return with Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman: From the Wu-Tang, the Saga Continues Collection, marking their first full-length album in almost 10 years. The project is set to drop on Record Store Day, April 12, and will feature all living members of the legendary rap group.
The 12-track LP is entirely produced by longtime Wu affiliate Mathematics, the mastermind behind the group’s 2017 album The Saga Continues. With Mathematics handling the beats, this will be a rare Wu-Tang album without production from RZA, though the Abbott still makes an appearance as an MC.
Speaking to Variety, Mathematics explained the inspiration behind the album’s title:
“Well, the album has a certain feel to it. It’s an homage to Blaxploitation movies. You have movies like Black Samson, Black Caesar, and Super Fly. Those are the type of movies that I was raised on in the 1970s.”
The second half of the title, The Bastard Swordsman, reflects the group’s deep-rooted love for martial arts cinema. “That’s what I grew up on as well. With me, as well as all of Wu-Tang, that’s something we had in common. We all loved the old karate flicks. Bastard Swordsman is one of my favorites.”
Mathematics also spoke on the recording process, saying, “It’s my brothers. When I need them, I call them. All praises due, they show up. I’m grateful for that.”
Method Man echoed the praise, highlighting the strength of Mathematics’ production: “Mathematics adds another chamber to the Saga Continues collection. I’m proud of him. Following his last solid outing, this one looks to be another banger for the history books.”
While the Wu-Tang Clan takes center stage, Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman boasts an impressive lineup of guest features. West Coast veteran Kurupt appears on the opening track, “Sucker Free City,” while hip-hop icon Kool G Rap joins RZA and U-God on “Roar of the Lion (Lion’s Pit).” Other guests include Benny The Butcher, 38 Spesh, KXNG Crooked, and more, adding layers of lyrical firepower to the project.
With its fusion of gritty lyricism, Blaxploitation influences, and Shaolin swordplay, Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman promises to be a cinematic and hard-hitting return for the Wu-Tang Clan—proving once again that Wu-Tang is forever.
Wu-Tang Clan — Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman (Tracklist):
1. Sucker Free City (Intro) (feat. Kurupt & Ralph McDaniels)
2. Mandingo (feat. Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, Method Man & Cappadonna)
3. Roar of the Lion (The Lion’s Pit) (feat. U-God, Kool G Rap & RZA)
4. Claudine (feat. Method Man, Ghostface Killah & Nicole Bus)
5. Shaolin vs. Lama (feat. Raekwon & Inspectah Deck)
6. Executioners From Shaolin (feat. Inspectah Deck, GZA & Cappadonna)
7. Cleopatra Jones (feat. Raekwon & Masta Killa)
8. Warriors Two, Cooley High (feat. Benny The Butcher & Method Man)
9. Let’s Do It Again (feat. RZA, RJ Payne, 38 Spesh & Willie The Kid)
10. Dolemite (feat. Cappadonna, U-God & Masta Killa)
11. Trouble Man (Outro) (feat. Kameron Corvet)
12. Charleston Blue, Legend of a Fighter (feat. KNXG Crooked, Cappadonna & Nicole Bus) [Vinyl Edition Bonus Track]
