Rare and unseen photos of Wu-Tang Clan to appear in new zine

A series of rare and previously unseen snaps of Wu-Tang Clan in their heyday are to be displayed in a brand new zine.

Arriving later this month, the 36 page photozine Wu-Tang Clan: 1994-2004 documents the hip-hop collective during their stints in London and LA, providing rare snapshots ranging from PlayStation sessions to smoking blunts and listening to records together. 

Hip-hop photographer Otchere explains some of the moments he captured on camera over two decades ago: “I’d say off the bat it’s [bandmember] Ol' Dirty Bastard, asking me to destroy the negatives, that will never leave me. [Method Man] showing me his new trick with eye and cap. U-God with a plaster on his face. The RZA in a bath tub at the Met hotel,” Otchere said in press material.

“Watching the entire Wu-Tang Clan getting passport pictures at Earl Court station. The shows. The distinct smell of blunts and weed that hung in the air. Papa Wu inviting me on the coach and traveling from Putney to Kentish Town with a pit stop in Earls Court,” he adds.

Otchere continues: “The first time I met the Wu-Tang was in 1994, they were meant to be in a soundcheck, and were instead throwing rocks at passing trains. It was a hallmark of every encounter, a wild ride. The concert was scheduled for the Kentish Town Forum and word had gone around they were in London.

“In my hunt for them I went to the record company and my first encounter with the Wu-Tang began as they were coming out of the building on their way to Kentish Town to do their soundcheck. I heard them before I saw them, so my camera was ready. I managed to get on the coach and rolled with them while they listened to deep soul music. Their passion for the life of hip hop is undeniable and our hook ups were built on the premise that I was documenting hip hop through my photography.”

Concluding his thoughts on the project, Otchere explains: “What you have here a rarified glimpse at the lead images and contact sheets of seeking out members of the Wu-Tang Clan and putting their mythos on blast.

The legendary hip-hop group are set to celebrate the 30th birthday of their debut release 'Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)' at Serbia's EXIT Festival this summer.

You can pre-order Wu-Tang Clan: 1994-2004 here.

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