Wu-Tang Clan didn't invent hip-hop, but they've been a serious catalyst in its continued relevance into the 21st century. As far as rap groups go, one could argue that they're the most important of the 1990's. The 1990's are long gone though, and Wu-Tang Clan are no longer the most relevant hip-hop group around. Despite the pain involved, Ol' Dirty Bastard is dead, and the legacy of Wu-Tang exists mostly in records which are more than a decade old. However, the individual performers have not lost any of their fire and recent albums (Ghostface Killah's "Fishcale," being the most notable of those) have brought Wu-Tang back to the prominence they deserve.

Wu-Tang's headlining performance at Bumbershoot continued the path to bringing Wu-Tang back as one of hip-hop's most important current groups. They opened their show with the classic "Wu Tang Clan Aint Nuthing ta F' Wit," a song which is as recognizable to hip-hop fans as "Hey Jude," is to baby boomers. From there Wu-Tang excited the crowd, trading off verses like wildfire and playing legendary song after legendary song.

When Wu-Tang asked the audience for a response, the crowd reacted accordingly. When Wu asked for fists to be pumped, the entire packed ground of Memorial Stadium obliged. When Wu-Tang asked for the crowd to hold their hands in the shape of a "W," the sight looked like a Wu-Tang bat call.

On record, RZA is the undisputed leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. He is the one who brought all the group members together and sparked the fire which they're still burning. Live however, Method Man took the lead, acting as the ambassador between the Wu and their adoring fans. He had to put his host role aside however, for his big performance during the song which has a title bearing his name. During the song the crowd jumped and screamed to the opening and chorus which repeat "M-E-T-H-O-D Man!"

Much of Wu-Tang's performance was a tribute to the fallen soldier: ODB. Wu-Tang paid particular tribute to his legend by playing his solo songs and letting his verses play recorded over songs they rapped live, including his amazing verse on "Da Mystery of Chessboxin.'" At other times, Wu members recited his verses as if they were already folk stories which had been passed from generation to generation, even though he only passed but three years ago.

To close the show Wu-Tang performed the song "Gravel Pit," one of their newer smash hits. It was a bittersweet moment for Wu fans. It was new enough that it allowed listeners to look forward to their upcoming album which drops in October, but also a song which so obviously misses ODB that one realizes Wu-Tang will never be the same without him.

Tristan Pelton