It's a bold statement but for many, hip-hop lost the plot in the early '90s - until multi-affiliated rappers' convention Wu-Tang Clan elbowed their way to the podium to rightfully claim an unofficial top spot. Like Public Enemy's incredible 'It Takes a Nation of Millions', NWA's controversial 'Straight Outta Compton' or BDP's 'Criminal Minded', Wu-Tang Clan's 'Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)' set a new landmark precedent by encompassing sharp raps, kick-ass beats and neck-snapping bass. Add in glorious samples of dialogue and music extracted from kung-fu, sword-technique and martial arts films and you suddenly had something worth listening to.

1993 then, was rounded off perfectly by a crew who drove hip-hop firmly away from the 'typical sexist misogynist' West Coast movement and 'mindless' thug-rap and parked it in a spot tagged East Coast - Staten Island, New York, to be exact. With up to nine members strong, including Method Man, GZA, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard, you weren't about to pick a beef with them and for the most part, their hardcore albums consistently delivered the same quality again and again (certainly during the '90s). Check out the Clan's aforementioned debut, second set 'Wu-Tang Forever' and 'The W', or many of the members' solo efforts such as GZA's 'Liquid Swords' or Method Man's 'Tical'.

In later years, Wu-Tang Clan have suffered numerous wranglings, both internal and external, but have at least kept the concept going, if only under assorted names and pseudonyms. Now another moniker has been devised - the Wu Legends. The banner encompasses four of the key Wu-Tang Clan members - Method Man, Raekwon, GZA and Ghostface Killah - and will involve several collective live shows both in the US and the UK.

Our shows kick off in Glasgow on 12th July, followed by London, Manchester and Birmingham. We will have tickets available from Wednesday morning priced from £25 (£27.50 for London). These are very rare Wu shows so don't hold back - grab those tickets as soon as poss.