Wu-Tang is still for the children: The ultimate Wu-Tang Clan playlist

If there’s one song that beams with East Coast hip-hop elements from the '90s, “C.R.E.A.M.” would be high on the list. Raekwon and Inspectah Deck trade verses about hard times and wanting a better life, while Method Man takes the hook to stress how much “cash rules everything around me.”

Wu-Tang Clan released three singles from its sophomore album, "Wu-Tang Forever," one of them being "It's Yourz." Not only did the song inspire listeners to take life by the reins, but it also highlighted the group's lyricism and production that ultimately helped the album become a No. 1 hit. 

By the time Wu-Tang Clan decided to release its sixth album, "A Better Tomorrow," it was seven years in the making since the group's last project. The album's promotional single and one of the standout tracks, "Wu-Tang Reunion" was an ode to the group's longevity and dedicated fan base. 

Working with its longtime collaborator, DJ Mathematics, behind the boards, Wu-Tang Clan's first single from the "A Better Tomorrow" album was "Keep Watch." Method Man, Inspectah Deck, Cappadonna and GZA trade bars on the inspirational track to encourage listeners to always look after self and what matters most. 

2018 marked the 25^th anniversary of Wu-Tang’s debut album, “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers),” and the project’s leading single, “Protect Ya Neck,” put the hip-hop collective on the map. The single not only helped establish the tone of the album, but it also influenced other New York rappers to follow the group's lead. 

Although Method Man was venturing into his solo career, he still chose to work with his group member RZA as the producer of his debut album, "Tical." The album’s lead single, “Bring The Pain,” peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Dance chart.

On Ol’ Dirty Money’s second album, he decided to change his sound by working with other producers such as The Neptunes. The album’s hit single, “Got Your Money,” featuring songstress Kelis, became a top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

RZA is more widely known as the main producer for Wu-Tang Clan; however he released his solo debut album, “Bobby Digital in Stereo,” in 1998. He teamed up with Method Man on “N.Y.C. Everything,” which featured the classic RZA soulful samples but with an updated twist.

Masta Killa released his debut album, “No Said Date,” in 2004 and had heavy Wu-Tang collaboration on it. On “D.T.D. (Do The Dance)," Masta worked with Ghostface Killah and Raekwon to help round out his sound.

In 1995 Wu-Tang founding member GZA released his second studio album, “Liquid Swords.” His fellow member RZA produced the majority of the album including the third single, “Cold World,” that also featured Inspectah Deck.

Like his fellow Wu-Tang members, Raekwon’s debut solo album was produced by RZA. The album’s fourth single, “Rainy Dayz,” featured RZA's signature sound of ol' school samples. 

Group member Method Man was the first MC to have a successful solo career. It was evident on the “36 Chambers” second single, “Method Man,” that he was able to showcase his storytelling skills and bars before officially breaking off on his own.

Of the entire Wu-Tang Clan crew, Ghostface Killah has the most extensive discography of solo albums. On his second album, “Supreme Clientele,” he released the single “Cherchez LaGhost” that peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart.

On “Triumph” fans hear verses from nearly every Wu-Tang Clan member, including a feature from honorary-turned-official member Cappadonna. He collaborated with Wu-Tang throughout the '90s and eventually became a member in the 2000s. 

On Inspectah Deck’s debut album, “Uncontrolled Substance,” he worked with a number of producers including RZA, DJ Mathematics and Pete Rock. On “R.E.C. Room," Deck worked with longtime Wu-Tang collaborator True Master.

U-God released his debut album, “Golden Arms Redemption,” in 1999. Although not a single, “Rumble” was produced by Inspectah Deck and sounds like the perfect track for a fighting match.

Wu-Tang Clan released its third studio album, “The W,” in 2000 with one of the lead singles being “Gravel Pit.” The single featured most of the group members trading verses, but it also showed the growth of RZA’s production over the years. The music video also highlighted an enticing concept as the members thriving in the Stone Age era with a modern club twist.

Since Wu-Tang Clan consisted of nine members, there were songs where listeners would hear verses from at least half of the group. On “Reunited,” the third single from the group’s sophomore project, “Wu-Tang Forever,” fans heard verses from GZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, RZA and Method Man.

Just a year after Wu-Tang’s debut album, Method Man chose to sign a solo deal and his fellow group members eventually followed his lead. He teamed up with Mary J. Blige on his second single, "I'll Be There For You/You're All I Need To Get By," which earned the two a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.

An evident theme on Wu-Tang Clan songs was a skit or intro before the song started. “Little Ghetto Boys” was no different, as the piece begins with a police altercation before Raekwon and Cappadonna trade verses about inner-city life.

Ol’ Dirty Bastard dropped his debut solo album, “Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version,” in 1995. Fellow Wu-Tang mastermind RZA produced the majority of the album, including the second single “Shimmy Shimmy Ya,” a song that was a top 10 smash on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart.

"Protect Ya Neck (The Jump Off)" was a sequel to the previous single of the same name on the group’s debut album. It featured verses from all members of the group.

On GZA’s fourth album, “Legend of the Liquid Sword,” he decided to elevate his sound with production from a number of producers. He worked with Jay Waxx Garfield on “Knock, Knock,” a song in which he focuses on the issues of dealing with industry woes.

On the group’s fourth album, “Iron Flag,” group member Ol’ Dirty Bastard wasn’t featured at all. However, one of the project’s standout tracks is “Uzi (Pinky Ring),” which featured every other member.

Raekwon released his debut album, “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…” in 1995. One of the album’s leading singles “Ice Cream” featured Method Man, Cappadonna and Ghostface Killah. The song became a top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

It was another six years until Wu-Tang decided to release its fifth studio album, “8 Diagrams.” One of its standout singles is “The Heart Gently Weeps” due to its somber sound and sweet vocals from Erykah Badu.

Not only was Method Man taking on a solo career, but he also formed another group alongside friend and fellow rapper Redman. On the duo's debut album, “Blackout!,” the second single, “Da Rockwilder,” helped give Method Man a different type of party sound.

Ghostface Killah released his solo debut album, “Ironman,” in 1996. Although it’s his first solo effort, it seems like a true Wu-Tang album due to the numerous features from his fellow group members. The album’s third single, “Motherless Child,” holds a verse from Raekwon.

On Inspectah Deck’s second album, “The Movement,” the rapper wanted to take the project’s sound into more of his own hands. He didn’t have as many features and typical Wu-Tang involvement as previously. The song “City High” sounds like an ode to his New York hometown.

One of the lead singles from U-God’s debut album was “Bizarre.” It was produced by Bink, who is known for making hit songs for other artists including Freeway, Nate Dogg, Eve and Jay Z.