By Ismael AbduSalaam
De-facto Wu Tang Clan leader the RZA has announced today (September 10) a partnership with global digital music group The Orchard, which will market Wu’s extensive catalogue worldwide in digital and physical formats.
The deal encompasses new material and 13 previous Clan releases that have been unavailable digitally from the Wu Tang Clan, Killarmy, Wu-Syndicate, Shyheim, U-God, Black Knights, and West Coast Killa Beez.
With operations in 27 countries, The Orchard is one of the world’s largest music distribution organizations.
Globally the company disseminates over 1.3 million songs and over 5,000 video titles through hundreds of digital stores such as iTunes, eMusic, Google, Netflix, and V CAST.
RZA, aka The Abbott, explained that the pact was a natural progression necessary to ensure that fans will have continued access to Wu’s catalogue in the ever-changing music industry.
“The time is right to bring some older material to the masses digitally,” RZA told AllHipHop.com. “Our fans have been dedicated and patient, and they’re hungry to hear the music that has set us apart from so many others. Hip-hop is alive in Wu Music, and with The Orchard, we’ve got a solid partner that understands our audience and is committed to doing all they can to help us reach the fans. I’m definitely looking forward to working with them to see what else we all come up with. There’s much more to come.”
Also launching is the online video channel Wu Music Tube, a forum focused on allowing the artists to speak directly with their fans.
In the ensuing months, Wu’s music and video catalogue will also be featured by various brands and ad agencies in marketing and promotion programs around the world.
Wu Music Group’s catalogue will be available worldwide for downloads on September 23.