Wu-Tang Clan, business, and the similarities between the two.

A brief Intro: For those of you who only know me professionally and not personally, I would like to start by sharing my affinity for hip hop, especially old school 90s. Music in general is one of my passions but this post is going to concentrate on one genre, one group, one clan: The Wu-Tang Clan.

Enter scene- The Wu-Tang Clan. They were a gateway artist for many that opened up the music scene for what the 90's are best known for in terms of hip hop/rap- hard hitting beats, lyrics that tell a story, and a brand that is responsible for multiple, multi-platinum records as the Wu-Tang Clan and also on their own individual solo projects. Some of the music today lacks the depth and layers that started with the earlier roots of hip hop. The 90's are truly unique in the way the music speaks to the listener and takes that listener on a journey through the lives of the artist through that unique lens.

Historical Background: The Wu-Tang Clan is one of the most popular and vibrant hip-hop groups to come out of the rap scene and were/are a cultural phenomenon for the genre of hip-hop/rap. Comprised of 10 individuals: RZA, GZA (cousins), Method-Man, U-God, Raekwon, Masta Killa, Cappadonna, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck and ODB (R.I.P.).

But how are there similarities between a rap group, business and even those who lead?

There are actually several- leadership, passion, setting expectations, praising individual expression and branding.

Catalyst for Article: My wife and I recently watched The Wu-Tang documentary (rating: 100% rotten tomatoes) called, Of Mics and Men. I found it interesting because of my passion for hip hop but also with what it provided from a leadership standpoint. Below are the 3 lessons learned

Lesson 1: Every team needs a passionate leader.

Enter scene- RZA. RZA is one of the members of Wu-Tang Clan, and arguably, the most essential. The group as a whole grew up in Staten Island, New York and life was an everyday struggle. Many were selling drugs and hustling on the streets to make ends meet. The significance of RZA as a leader was pairing his passion of music and producing with the knowledge of what each of the individuals he knew could do together. In essence, bringing a group of people together to do more than they could on their own. His goal was to create a team of artists, unite them, and create an atmosphere where their musical expression and talents could be highlighted.

Lesson 2: Setting Clear and Defined Expectations.

RZA asked each of the members to put a pause on their life as it was and dedicate exactly one year to the passion of music to see if there was a future path to success. His ask was clear and it had a defined outcome- either make it in the music industry within that year or fail and go back to life as it was. His passion made people want to follow him and take a risk.

Turns out he was on to something bigger than his goal of creating music; That is the knowledge to understand that people are more powerful in numbers, than as individuals. He provided a culture where the freedom for each of the members to voice their individual lyrical expression was praised which resulted in awards and platinum records (both as a group and for their individual solo projects).

To summarize: The Wu-Tang Clan came to fruition by a leader setting a clear expectation, timeline, and praising individual expression to benefit the whole.

Lesson 3: Brands are more powerful than products.

The Brand: Successful companies make products, sell services, and have great customer service. However, lasting companies create a brand and attract customer loyalty. RZA recognized this and created a brand for the Wu-Tang that they are still profiting from today. If you look at Wu Tang’s 1st album: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), you will notice many samples at the beginning of several songs are taken from old Kung-Fu movies. These samples are noted throughout several of the groups albums as well as those of the individual projects and created a unique image that differentiated them from anyone in the Industry. The Wu-Tang, their clothing brand, and musical image are a big part of hip hop and pop culture. The Wu-Tang also hold the record for the most expensive album (Once Upon a Time in Shaolin) to ever be sold for $2M to controversial Pharmaceutical CEO, Martin Shkreli. One word, branding.

Most people reading this post are likely apart of a team. All teams interact differently and the outcome is a function of the leader. Everyone has a unique perspective and can provide wisdom and knowledge when they hold the mic. It’s up to the leaders to provide an open environment where the team feels free to have a voice, an impact, and role in the common goal of building and maintaining the brand (what you achieve for your customer(s), how it is different/distinguishable, and the feeling individuals have when doing business with the "you" that creates loyalty).

2 Questions for conversation:

What makes your favorite brand unique?

What are some other unique brands that have made an impact on you in business?