Wu-Tang Clan's Once Upon A Time in Shaolin Album Snippets Released
The exclusive one-of-one record finally becomes audible through a new podcast collaboration.
1Rare Album Access Granted
The elusive Wu-Tang Clan album, Once Upon A Time in Shaolin, is finally accessible to the public in limited form. Two snippets from the record were featured on the podcast Pablo Torre Finds Out. This marks a significant shift for an album previously locked away from the general listening audience for years.
2Complex Ownership History
The album has a turbulent history involving high-profile figures and government intervention. Martin Shkreli purchased the sole copy at auction in 2015. Following legal issues, the US government seized the asset. It was eventually sold in 2021 to the crypto art collective PleasrDAO, which currently holds the rights to the unique record.
3Commercial Release Restrictions
The album remains under strict commercial release limitations until the year 2103. This unique contractual constraint was established by the Wu-Tang Clan to maintain the record's status as a singular piece of art. Consequently, the album cannot be sold or distributed through traditional streaming platforms, forcing owners to find creative exhibition methods.
4Podcast Listening Event
The podcast team collaborated with PleasrDAO to host an exclusive listening session. During this event, they played the album for Method Man, a member of the Wu-Tang Clan who had never heard the final product. The production team recorded his genuine reaction and included two specific audio snippets within the episode broadcast.
5Method Man's Reaction
Method Man provided his first public assessment of the project after hearing the music during the podcast session. His reaction was measured, stating simply that he does not hate the album. This moment serves as a rare validation of the project from a core member of the group that originally created it.
6Strategic Audio Snippets
Listeners can access the audio clips at the 32:30 and 39:02 marks of the podcast episode. These snippets represent the first time the public has heard actual content from the album since its creation. This distribution method highlights how niche media can leverage exclusive assets to drive significant engagement and listener interest.
7Crypto Collective Influence
PleasrDAO has utilized the album as a centerpiece for their crypto art collective identity. By allowing special exhibitions and podcast features, they manage the asset's visibility while respecting the original commercial restrictions. This approach demonstrates how decentralized organizations can act as custodians for high-value cultural artifacts in the digital age.
8Future Cultural Impact
The release of these snippets underscores the evolving nature of music ownership and exclusivity in the modern era. As the album remains locked until 2103, these rare glimpses serve as the primary way for fans to engage with the work. The project continues to challenge traditional notions of music distribution and accessibility.
Original article: The Verge — Wu-Tang Clan's Once Upon A Time in Shaolin Album Snippets Released