Wu-Tang Clan Bio: Age, Songs, Albums, Members, Net Worth, Movies, Real Names

Biography

The Wu-Tang Clan is a legendary hip-hop collective that emerged from Staten Island, New York, in 1992.

Founded by RZA, GZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, and Masta Killa, the group redefined rap with their raw lyricism, innovative production, and martial arts-inspired philosophy.

Their groundbreaking debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993), remains a cornerstone of hip-hop, shaping the genre with its gritty sound and cinematic storytelling.

Beyond music, Wu-Tang‘s influence extends into fashion, film, and business, solidifying their status as one of the most impactful and enduring acts in hip-hop history.

Hip hop group
Wu-Tang Clan
Wiki Facts & About Data
Members Real Name(s):	RZA (Robert Fitzgerald Diggs), GZA (Gary Grice), Ol’ Dirty Bastard (Russell Tyrone Jones), Method Man (Clifford Smith, Jr.), Raekwon (Corey Woods), Ghostface Killah (Dennis Coles), Inspectah Deck (Jason Hunter), U-God (Lamont Hawkins), Masta Killa (Elgin Turner), Cappadonna (Darryl Hill)
Stage Name:	Wu-Tang Clan
Founded:	1991
Place of Birth:	Staten Island, New York, United States
Nationality:	American
Occupation:	Rappers • Musicians
Net Worth:	$130 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

The Wu-Tang Clan is not an individual but a legendary hip-hop collective that emerged from Staten Island, New York, in 1992.

Founded by RZA (Robert Fitzgerald Diggs), the group initially included GZA (Gary Grice), Ol’ Dirty Bastard (Russell Tyrone Jones), Method Man (Clifford Smith, Jr.), Raekwon (Corey Woods), Ghostface Killah (Dennis Coles), Inspectah Deck (Jason Hunter), U-God (Lamont Hawkins), and Masta Killa (Elgin Turner).

Later, Cappadonna (Darryl Hill) officially joined the lineup. Each member brought a unique background and style, converging to form one of the most influential forces in hip-hop.

Origins

The Wu-Tang Clan was born out of the rough environments of Staten Island and Brooklyn, where many members grew up in public housing projects like Park Hill and Stapleton.

In the late 1980s, cousins RZA, GZA, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard performed together as the Force of the Imperial Master (later known as the All in Together Now Crew), honing their skills in New York’s underground rap scene.

Influenced by urban struggles, martial arts films, and a passion for lyricism, RZA led in uniting local MCs under a shared vision, officially forming the Wu-Tang Clan by 1992.

Birthdates

While the group itself has no single birthdate, its members were born between the mid-1960s and early 1970s:

• RZA – July 5, 1969 (Brooklyn, NY)
• GZA – August 22, 1966 (Brooklyn, NY)
• Ol’ Dirty Bastard – November 15, 1968 (Brooklyn, NY; passed away in 2004)
• Method Man – March 2, 1971 (Hempstead, NY; later moved to Staten Island)
• Raekwon – January 12, 1970 (Staten Island, NY)
• Ghostface Killah – May 9, 1970 (Staten Island, NY)
• Inspectah Deck – July 6, 1970 (Staten Island, NY)
• U-God – October 11, 1970 (Staten Island, NY)
• Masta Killa – August 18, 1969 (Brooklyn, NY)
• Cappadonna – September 18, 1969 (Staten Island, NY)

Cultural Background

The Wu-Tang Clan members are African American, deeply connected to the cultural roots of hip-hop, which emerged from Black and Latino communities in New York City. Their music and philosophy are also heavily shaped by the teachings of the Five Percent Nation, an offshoot of the Nation of Islam, which emphasizes self-knowledge, empowerment, and spirituality.

RZA, GZA, and other members incorporated these beliefs into their lyrics, blending them with Eastern philosophies drawn from classic martial arts films like Shaolin and Wu Tang, which inspired the group’s name and aesthetic.

Family and Upbringing

While details about each member’s family life are limited, some key connections played a role in the group’s formation:

• RZA, GZA, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard were cousins, creating a strong familial bond that helped shape the Clan’s early days.
• RZA’s parents divorced when he was young, leading him to live with his mother in Staten Island and later with an uncle in North Carolina.
• Other members largely grew up in working-class or single-parent households, facing the challenges of inner-city life, which influenced their raw, unfiltered storytelling.

Education

Formal education was not a defining factor in the Wu-Tang Clan’s rise. Many members dropped out of high school or had limited academic experiences, instead learning life lessons from the streets. RZA has described them as “street kids” and “felons,” emphasizing their survival instincts and hustle. However, GZA, often called “The Genius,” was known for his intellectual approach to rap, making him the group’s most studious lyricist.

Rather than traditional schooling, Wu-Tang’s education came from freestyle battles, hip-hop culture, kung fu films, and the philosophies they embraced. These influences shaped their music, creating a unique blend of street wisdom, spiritual insight, and cinematic storytelling that continues to resonate across generations.

Career

The Wu-Tang Clan’s journey is one of innovation, resilience, and lasting cultural influence, solidifying their place as one of hip-hop’s most legendary groups. Formed in Staten Island, New York, in 1992, the collective—RZA, GZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and later Cappadonna—revolutionized the genre with their raw lyricism, cinematic production, and business savvy.

Their breakout came with the 1992 independent release of Protect Ya Neck, a track that introduced their gritty sound and relentless energy. The underground buzz led to a deal with Loud Records, and on November 9, 1993, they dropped Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)—a game-changing debut that blended lo-fi beats, kung fu samples, and aggressive rhymes. With hits like C.R.E.A.M. and Can It Be All So Simple, the album went platinum and established Wu-Tang as a dominant force in East Coast hip-hop during a West Coast-heavy era.

RZA’s groundbreaking business strategy allowed individual members to sign solo deals with different labels while keeping the Wu-Tang brand intact. Between 1994 and 1996, this led to a string of critically acclaimed solo projects, including Method Man’s Tical (1994), Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version (1995), Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… (1995), GZA’s Liquid Swords (1995), and Ghostface Killah’s Ironman (1996). These albums further cemented Wu-Tang’s dominance, blending street narratives, mafioso themes, and their signature mystique.

In 1997, the group reunited for their double album, Wu-Tang Forever, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and went quadruple platinum. Led by the anthem Triumph, the album showcased a more polished sound and deeper lyricism but also hinted at internal tensions as solo careers flourished.

The late ‘90s and early 2000s brought challenges. Legal troubles, shifting industry trends, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s increasingly erratic behavior, including a 2001 prison stint, impacted the group’s momentum. Still, they released The W (2000), featuring the hit Gravel Pit, and followed with Iron Flag (2001). Tragedy struck in 2004 when Ol’ Dirty Bastard passed away from a drug overdose, a heartbreaking loss for the group.

Despite setbacks, Wu-Tang persevered. 8 Diagrams (2007), their first album without ODB, experimented with a new sound, sparking debate but still performing well on the charts. In 2014, A Better Tomorrow reflected their veteran status in the rap game.

The group made headlines in 2015 with Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, a one-of-a-kind album sold for $2 million to Martin Shkreli before being seized by the U.S. government—a move that reinforced their reputation for unpredictability and innovation.

Beyond music, Wu-Tang expanded into business, film, and culture. Their Wu Wear clothing line, launched in 1995, was a trailblazer in rap merchandising. Members explored acting—Method Man in How High, Ghostface in The Witches of Eastwick—while RZA composed scores for films like Kill Bill. Their influence remains undeniable, shaping artists from A$AP Rocky to Kendrick Lamar.

Wu-Tang Clan continues to tour, release occasional projects, and leave an indelible mark on hip-hop. With over 40 million records sold, their legacy extends far beyond music—they represent a philosophy of unity, creativity, and hustle that has endured for decades.

Social Media

• Wikipedia: Wu-Tang Clan
• Instagram: Wu Tang Clan (@wutangclan)
• Facebook: Wu-Tang Clan
• YouTube: Wu-Tang Clan

Personal Life

The Wu-Tang Clan is a legendary hip-hop collective formed in 1992 in Staten Island, New York, consisting of nine original members—RZA, GZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, and Masta Killa—with Cappadonna later joining as an official member.

Below is an overview of their ages, marital statuses, children, heights, and dating histories based on available public information. Some members’ personal details are less documented due to their preference for privacy or limited media coverage.

RZA (Robert Fitzgerald Diggs)  

• Age: Born July 5, 1969— 55 years old.  
• Marriages: Married Eboni Mills in 2007 after a long relationship; they divorced in 2015. Previously married to Talani Rabb from 1993 to 2000.  
• Children: Has eight children across relationships, including sons Shaheim Diggs, Ameen Diggs, and Rakeem Diggs from his marriage to Eboni, and others from prior relationships whose names are less public.  He also has a daughter named Prana Supreme Diggs.
• Height: Approximately 6’2” (188 cm).  

GZA (Gary Grice)  

• Age: Born August 22, 1966— 58 years old.  
• Marriages: Limited public info; believed to have been married once, though details are scarce.  
• Children: Has at least one son, though specifics are not widely shared.  
• Height: Around 6’0” (183 cm).  

Ol’ Dirty Bastard (Russell Tyrone Jones)  

• Age: Born November 15, 1968; died November 13, 2004—35 years old.  
• Marriages: Married Icelene Jones in 1991; they remained together until his death.  
• Children: Fathered at least seven children, including sons Bar-Sun Unique Jones (Young Dirty Bastard), Wisdom Jones, and Shaq Jones, and daughters like Taniqua Jones and Ashana Jones, though exact numbers vary in reports.  
• Height: Approximately 6’2” (188 cm).  
• Dating History: Known for a wild persona, ODB had relationships before Icelene, but specifics are anecdotal rather than well-recorded.

Method Man (Clifford Smith, Jr.)  

• Age: Born March 2, 1971— 54 years old.  
• Marriages: Married Tamika Smith in 2001 after dating since 1997; they’re still together.  
• Children: Three children—sons Shakuan Smith and Raekwon Smith, and daughter Cheyenne Smith—born between 1997 and 2002.  
• Height: 6’3” (191 cm).  

Raekwon (Corey Woods)  

• Age: Born January 12, 1970— 55 years old.  
• Marriages: Long-term relationship with Danielle (last name not public); unclear if they formally married.  
• Children: Two children—a daughter, Cori Andrea Woods, and a son, Jabairi Woods—born in the late ’90s/early 2000s.  
• Height: About 5’8” (173 cm).  

Ghostface Killah (Dennis Coles)  

• Age: Born May 9, 1970— 54 years old.  
• Marriages: Never married but has had significant long-term relationships.  
• Children: Four children, including sons Dennis (Infinite Coles), Sun God, and Supreme, and a daughter, from various relationships.  
• Height: Around 6’1” (185 cm).  
• Dating History: He dated Kelsey Nykole in the early 2010s and briefly linked to others like Sophia Body, but he keeps most details private.

Inspectah Deck (Jason Hunter)  

• Age: Born July 6, 1970— 54 years old.  
• Marriages: Married, though his wife’s name and wedding date are not public.  
• Children: At least three children, including a daughter, Ciara Hunter, born in the early 2000s; details are minimal.  
• Height: Approximately 5’10” (178 cm).  

U-God (Lamont Jody Hawkins)  

• Age: Born October 11, 1970— 54 years old.  
• Marriages: Married to Mimi Jones; timeline unclear but long-term.  
• Children: Has a son, Dontae Hawkins, injured in a 1994 shooting, and at least one other child; exact count is uncertain.  
• Height: Around 6’1” (185 cm).  

Masta Killa (Elgin Turner, aka Jamel Irief)  

• Age: Born August 18, 1969— 55 years old.  
• Marriages: Believed to be unmarried; no confirmed spouse.  
• Children: Has children, though specifics (names, number) are not public.  
• Height: Approximately 5’11” (180 cm).  

Cappadonna (Darryl Hill)  

• Age: Born September 18, 1969— 55 years old.  
• Marriages: Married to Tina Hill; exact date unknown but long-standing.  
• Children: Multiple children, possibly up to eight, including daughters Destiny Hill and Amina Hill; exact details vary.  
• Height: About 6’0” (183 cm).

Net Worth

The Wu-Tang Clan, formed in 1992 in Staten Island, New York, has built a substantial financial legacy through its groundbreaking music and entrepreneurial ventures. The collective net worth of its members—RZA, GZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard (deceased), Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna—is estimated to exceed $130 million.

RZA is the wealthiest, with a net worth around $30 million, driven by his production, acting, and business endeavors like Wu-Tang Productions. Other standouts include Method Man, at $14 million, bolstered by music, acting, and his cannabis company, and Ghostface Killah, at roughly $10 million from solo projects.

The group’s innovative deal allowing solo contracts, ventures like Wu Wear, and the $2 million sale of Once Upon a Time in Shaolin have fueled their wealth, reflecting their enduring influence in hip-hop and beyond.

Discography

Wu-Tang Clan Studio Albums

1. Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) – November 9, 1993  
2. Wu-Tang Forever – June 3, 1997  
3. The W – November 21, 2000  
4. Iron Flag – December 18, 2001  
5. 8 Diagrams – December 11, 2007  
6. A Better Tomorrow – December 2, 2014  
7. Once Upon a Time in Shaolin – 2015 (single-copy album, not commercially released)

Wu-Tang Clan Compilation Albums

• The Wu-Tang Manual: Enter the 36 Chambers – 2000 (soundtrack/book companion)  
• Legend of the Wu-Tang: Wu-Tang Clan’s Greatest Hits – October 26, 2004  
• Disciples of the 36 Chambers: Chapter 1 – September 28, 2004 (live album)  
• Wu-Tang Meets the Indie Culture – October 18, 2005 (collaboration with indie artists)  
• Soundtracks from the Shaolin School – 2017 (compilation of rarities)

Solo Studio Albums by Members

RZA (as RZA or Bobby Digital)

1. Bobby Digital in Stereo – November 24, 1998  
2. Digital Bullet – August 28, 2001  
3. Birth of a Prince – October 7, 2003  
4. Digi Snacks – June 24, 2008  
5. The Man with the Iron Fists (Soundtrack) – October 23, 2012 (RZA-led, features Wu members)

GZA

1. Words from the Genius – 1991 (pre-Wu-Tang, re-released 2006)  
2. Liquid Swords – November 7, 1995  
3. Beneath the Surface – June 29, 1999  
4. Legend of the Liquid Sword – December 10, 2002  
5. Grandmasters (with DJ Muggs) – October 25, 2005  
6. Pro Tools – August 19, 2008

Ol’ Dirty Bastard

1. Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version – March 28, 1995  
2. Nigga Please – September 14, 1999  
3. The Trials and Tribulations of Russell Jones – March 19, 2002 (posthumous compilation)  
4. A Son Unique – 2005 (posthumous, limited release)

Method Man

1. Tical – November 15, 1994  
2. Tical 2000: Judgement Day – November 17, 1998  
3. Tical 0: The Prequel – May 18, 2004  
4. 4:21… The Day After – August 29, 2006  
5. The Meth Lab – August 21, 2015  
6. Meth Lab Season 2: The Lithium – December 11, 2018  
7. Meth Lab Season 3: The Rehab – May 6, 2022

• Collaborations: Blackout! (with Redman) – 1999; Blackout! 2 – 2009; How High (Soundtrack) – 2001

Raekwon

1. Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… – August 1, 1995  
2. Immobilarity – November 16, 1999  
3. The Lex Diamond Story – December 16, 2003  
4. Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Pt. II – September 8, 2009  
5. Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang – March 8, 2011  
6. Fly International Luxurious Art – April 28, 2015  
7. The Wild – March 24, 2017

Ghostface Killah

1. Ironman – October 29, 1996  
2. Supreme Clientele – February 8, 2000  
3. Bulletproof Wallets – November 13, 2001  
4. The Pretty Toney Album – April 20, 2004  
5. Fishscale – March 28, 2006  
6. More Fish – December 12, 2006  
7. The Big Doe Rehab – December 4, 2007  
8. Ghostdini: Wizard of Poetry in Emerald City – September 29, 2009  
9. Apollo Kids – December 21, 2010  
10. Twelve Reasons to Die (with Adrian Younge) – April 16, 2013  
11. 36 Seasons – December 9, 2014  
12. Sour Soul (with BADBADNOTGOOD) – February 24, 2015  
13. Twelve Reasons to Die II – July 10, 2015  
14. Ghostface Killahs – September 13, 2019

Inspectah Deck

1. Uncontrolled Substance – October 5, 1999  
2. The Movement – October 7, 2003  
3. Manifesto – March 23, 2010  
4. Chamber No. 9 – July 12, 2019

• Collaboration: Czarface (with 7L & Esoteric) – 2013; multiple sequels through 2023

U-God

1. Golden Arms Redemption – October 5, 1999  
2. Mr. Xcitement – September 13, 2005  
3. Dopium – June 23, 2009  
4. The Keynote Speaker – July 23, 2013  
5. Venom – March 30, 2018

Masta Killa

1. No Said Date – June 1, 2004  
2. Made in Brooklyn – August 8, 2006  
3. Selling My Soul – December 11, 2012  
4. Loyalty Is Royalty – September 29, 2017

Cappadonna

1. The Pillage – March 24, 1998  
2. The Yin and the Yang – April 3, 2001  
3. The Struggle – October 7, 2003  
4. The Cappatilize Project – July 22, 2008  
5. Slang Prostitution – January 27, 2009  
6. The Pilgrimage – November 15, 2011  
7. Eyrth, Wynd and Fyre – February 26, 2013  
8. Hook Off – December 13, 2014  
9. The 5 Percent Album – June 16, 2017  
10. Ear Candy – August 2, 2018  
11. Black Is Beautiful – November 22, 2020