Wu-Tang Clan's Exclusive Album 'Once Upon A Time in Shaolin' Heard at Last in Snippets

Image: Illustrative image · Photos are by the United States federal government, original album design by the Wu-Tang Clan and album designers · Public domain · Source

Two snippets of Wu-Tang Clan's rare album 'Once Upon A Time in Shaolin' were recently made available via a podcast, marking a rare opportunity to listen to the album restricted from public release until 2103.

Wu-Tang Clan’s album 'Once Upon A Time in Shaolin' has been notoriously difficult to access since its unique release strategy restricted public hearing. The album exists as a single physical copy with an agreement banning commercial release until the year 2103. This exclusivity has kept the album out of the public ear for over a decade, fueling intrigue and mystery around its content.

The album was originally purchased in 2015 by former pharmaceutical executive Martin Shkreli at auction. After Shkreli was compelled to forfeit the album, the US government sold it in 2021 to PleasrDAO, a crypto art collective. Since acquiring it, PleasrDAO has permitted playback only during special exhibitions.

In a recent development, the podcast 'Pablo Torre Finds Out' collaborated with PleasrDAO to host a listening event for the album. This event featured Wu-Tang Clan member Method Man, who reportedly had never previously heard the album. The podcast recorded the session, sharing two audio snippets in an episode dedicated to the album’s history and reception.

Method Man's response to hearing the album was notably positive. When asked for his opinion, he stated, “I do not hate this album,” providing a rare and firsthand reaction from an original group member.

The podcast episode offers not only these exclusive samples but also an in-depth overview of the album’s complex history, ownership changes, and the cultural conversation it has sparked. While 'Once Upon A Time in Shaolin' remains largely inaccessible, these recent audio snippets serve as a unique glimpse into the controversial and enigmatic record, bridging a significant gap between the album and its fans.