Secret Look Into Wu-Tang's "The Wu — Once Upon A Time In Shaolin" Album

In March, FORBES broke news that the Wu-Tang Clan was planning to release just one copy of an album recorded in secret over the past six years. So we went to Morocco to get the full story -- and came back with a snippet of the mysterious record.

Once Upon A Time In Marrakech: The Wu-Tang Saga Continues

The Wu — Once Upon A Time In Shaolin's exclusive & exquisite "one-of'-a-kind" W-insignia
engraved case; meticulously handcrafted silver-and-nickel — created by
British-Moroccan renowned artist Yahya

In late March, FORBES broke the story that the Wu-Tang Clan had recorded an album in secret over the past six years, a project separate from their long awaited 20th anniversary album, A Better Tomorrow.

More surprising, however, was Wu-Tang’s distribution plan, spearheaded by the record’s producer, Tarik “Cilvaringz” Azzougarh. Rather than committing to a traditional major label rollout, the group will only release one copy of The Wu – Once Upon A Time In Shaolin. Reportedly, there’s already an offer on the table for $5 million.

There will be no flimsy jewel case for such an album. Instead, the group commissioned British-Moroccan artist Yahya to hand-carve a glimmering silver-and-nickel box—a fitting container for a record RZA likened to “the scepter of an Egyptian king.”

So when Cilvaringz invited FORBES to his hometown of Marrakech, Morocco—the album’s current resting place—it was too intriguing to say no. In late April, yours truly set out for North Africa with video producer Dikenta Dike. Watch the preview above for more.

Then, on Tuesday, May 6th at 11am Eastern Standard Time, direct your browser to www.forbes.com/wu-tang for full coverage of our Moroccan excursion—and a rare surprise. Once upon a time in Marrakech, you might just get to hear a snippet of Once Upon A Time In Shaolin. The saga continues... — Zack O'Malley Greenburg | Forbes.com

Shaolin / Staten Island — Wu-Tang Clan have collaborated with Cher on their album 'The Wu — Once Upon A Time In Shaolin', it has been confirmed. 

A representative for the singer has told Rolling Stone that she has recorded vocals for two tracks on the album. It has also been revealed that, on one song, she sings "Wu-Tang, baby. They rock the world".

Although the singer herself did not comment on the collaboration, her representative said: "She recorded her parts separately, so I don't believe there was direct interaction."

Earlier today, meanwhile, a preview of 'The Wu — Once Upon A Time In Shaolin' was posted online. The hip-hop collective recently revealed that they have made just one copy of the new album and plan to auction it off to the highest bidder. RZA has said that the group have already been offered $5 million (£3,006,070) for their one-off album release. 

The new double album will be sold in an engraved silver-and-nickel box created by British-Moroccan artist Yahya and bear the group's W insignia.

Forbes recently visited Marrakesh to meet the album's main producer Tarik 'Cilvaringz' Azzougarh, who put the album together. One unnamed song featuring a single Ghostface verse from the album is audible on the YouTube clip below. 

The group also plan to take the album on a "tour" of museums, galleries and festivals, where they will charge between $30-$50 (£18 to £30) to view and listen to the album. The listening sessions will take place behind heavy security and will use headphones provided by the venue, to prevent the album leaking. 

Cilvaringz says the Wu-Tang have discussed London's Tate Modern as a possible venue for the exhibition.