Image via Complex Original
On the eve of the 20th anniversary of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), big things are happening. Wu-Tang Brand just put out a celebratory anniversary collection of clothing, and we're told there's even more gear on its way. Looking back, Wu-Tan Clan and its affiliates changed the entire genre of hip-hop two decades ago, but they also changed style. Their look was as hard as their sound, and, like the music, each member brought his signature flair to the table.
Friendly competition definitely spurred each member on to create doper shit, and the same must've been true of their style. The Polos, Wallabees, and overall East Coast look that they pioneered essentially gave rise to streetwear as we know it, and we bow down to the Wu in thanks. That being said, some members brought it harder than others. Just confining this list to the nine original founding members, we Ranked Wu-Tang Clan's Members By Their Style.
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9. Masta Killa
Never seen without: Headwear
Seriously, doe. Has anyone ever seen Masta Killa's actual head? Dude always has the dome covered up. His style may be in last place amonst the Wu, but if he started rocking more silk green paisley robes, he might crawl up the list.
8. Inspectah Deck
Never seen without: Wu Wear; Gear repping NYC; Wu-Tang chain
If this was a list of Wu-Tang's best names or hometown pride, Inspectah Deck would be near the top. And while repping your city and your squad deserves applause, his style could definitely get bumped up. Though we hope he never loses that Wu chain.
7. U-God
Never Seen Without: Moustache
It's Movember, and if you need inspiration just look to U-God. Even when it was the thinnest of lines, he still kept the 'stache alive. Plus, the U rocked Wu Wear like a pro. He may not have modeled on the catwalk, but appearing in an ad for "that banging shit" at Wu-Tang's Shaolin storefront instantly made kids want that new Wu.
6. GZA
Never seen without: Cozy boi loungewear
Before the cozy boi movement existed, GZA was the most relaxed member of Wu-Tang Clan. Dude was never seen outside hoodies, track jackets, or anything else that couldn't match perfectly with a comfy couch. Bonus points for lecturing at Harvard and playing chess. Being smart is always in vogue.
5. RZA
Never Seen Without: Something Asian inspired; Wild jewelry
All Asian-inspired everything. The best part about RZA's style is that he does not care what you think or what you like. He likes martial arts and if that means wearing a ninja outfit, he will. Also, his face also graced a Supreme tee.
4. Method Man
Never seen without: Du-rag; Cap; Blunt
Method Man once rapped, "You don't know me and you don't know my style," and he's probably right. The amount of style risks he takes is plenty, but his outsized personality almost always allows him to pull it off. It's not every rapper that has a bathrobe, fang grills, and batting gloves in their repertoire.
3. Ol' Dirty Bastard
Never Seen Without: THAT HAIR
Honestly, it doesn't even matter what ODB wore, one look at that epic hair and no one even notices anything else. Still, he didn't rely on just that one party trick. Dirt McGirt was doing the whole high-low thing before a lot of dudes. One day he'd be in wild streetwear, the next he'd be in a clean leather jacket and sophisticated hat.
2. Raekwon
Never seen without: American designers
Dude started out getting style tips from NYC drug lords, and ended up on a Supreme shirt. How could you not have him near the top? Don't even front like it wasn't Raekwon who cheffed up your interest in vintage Polo and Tommy Hilfiger. The Chef even walked down the Tommy runway, with one pant leg hiked up, of course.
1. Ghostface Killah
Never seen without: Enormous gold pieces; Ghost rings
As he made clear on "New God Flow," Ghostface Killah had the Jesus piece since '94, and has been killing it ever since. At this point, his lavish jewelry, robe game, and streetwear heaviness has made Ghost a veritable style icon. Like the Wu-Tang Clan itself, if Ghostface is gonna do something style-wise, he doesn't hesitate going all the way.