Wu-Tang Clan’s Final Chamber tour concludes in Philly

It’s the end of an amazing era for the Wu-Tang Clan, who completed their Final Chamber Tour in Philadelphia on Friday, giving fans a heavy dose of nostalgia, historical performances, and star-studded guest appearances for their last show as a group. The group that started out on Staten Island 30 years ago showed Philly an unforgettable night celebrating their legacy as one of the most influential groups in hip-hop.

Joining them on this tour was Run The Jewels, who as a group are known for a new style and sound, but just like the Wu-Tang, have deep roots. Both MCs, Killer Mike and El-P, have individually had skin in the underground hip-hop scene for decades, making them a perfect fit to open. The duo played about 45 minutes of some of their classics, from “Legend Has It” to “Ooh La La,” and closing with “Angel Duster,” all delivered with RTJ’s signature intensity.

For the final show of their final tour, Wu-Tang Clan put together a show for the true fans. Looking around the crowd, you could see people from all ages and backgrounds adorned in Wu Wear, some fresh and some vintage, while members of the group sported custom Flyers jerseys that were gifted to them by the Wells Fargo Center. The set was broken up into four acts, with the first being the punchiest, starting off with classics from Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) including “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing Ta F’ Wit” and “Bring Da Ruckus,” as well as “Protect Your Neck.” It was so packed with hits that it felt like an encore to start the night.

After a roaring first act, the night reached a new level when R&B icon Lauryn Hill came out to perform “Killing Me Softly,” and share her love for the band. She explained to the audience how much 36 Chambers inspired her and paved the road for The Ms. Education of Lauryn Hill. She then brought out her son Zion to sing “To Zion,” which pivoted into Wu-Tang’s “Can It All Be So Simple,” the perfect segue into the classic “Criminology” from Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx with Raekwon and Ghostface exchanging sharp lyrics over the horn-heavy instrumental. 

Philadelphia’s own Freeway and Peedi Crakk then came out to show their hometown love and support for fellow hip hop legends by performing the boisterous “Flipside” and “What We Do” from Freeway’s 2003 album, Philadelphia Freeway. While The Roots might be a closer version of Philly’s Wu-Tang, seeing State Property and Wu-Tang sharing the stage together was a treat for the locals. It was at that moment when a new chant was born: “Wu-Tang! Wu-Tang! E-A-G-L-E-S!” Method Man took a moment after an enthusiastic “Bring The Pain” to stare straight into the crowd and just soak in the moment. Then, to the surprise of the room, LL Cool J leaped on stage to perform “4,3,2,1” a collab with Meth from LL’s 1997 album, Phenomenon.

The two went back and fourth in true 90s hip-hop style with LL sounding fierce and lively as ever. As the show started to come to an end, the RZA came out to speak to the crowd, directly giving his condolences to all the artists that are no longer with us, referencing Biggie, Tupac, Nipsy Hussle, DMX, Biz Markie, and especially ODB. He shared how much ODB loved Philadelphia and how, before he died, he was going to start a record label specifically for Philly artists. He also brought up the infamous story of when ODB got arrested at the McDonalds on 29th and Gray’s Ferry Avenue. It was right then that YDB (Young Dirty Bastard), the son of ODB who has filled in for his deceased father on the tour, came out to do one last “Shimmy Shimmy Ya’ll” and “Got Your Money” by ODB. 

The show concluded with the timeless hits “C.R.E.A.M.” and “Triumph” with a violin section and the entire group on stage together. Once the music ended, city councilmen Kenyatta Johnson came out and gave each member a certificate from the city and gave thanks for their impact on the hip-hop culture. The audience showed their gratitude with a standing ovation while RZA left everyone with his final words, “We came in peace and we leave in peace.”