Enclosed within a meticulously crafted silver case displayed in an Australian museum resides the most exclusive, valuable, and perhaps notorious album on the planet. Recently, a select few had the rare opportunity to experience it firsthand.
The Legendary Album: Once Upon a Time in Shaolin
“Once Upon a Time in Shaolin,” an album recorded in secrecy over six years by the iconic hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, was conceived as a unique art piece. Only a single physical copy exists, bound by a legal stipulation prohibiting public release until 2103. This one-of-a-kind record, featuring all nine surviving members of the group, is currently housed in Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) – a gallery famed for its provocative and unconventional exhibits, earning it the moniker Australia’s “Temple of Weird.”
The Exhibition: Namedropping
The Namedropping exhibition at Mona, conceived during the pandemic, explores the human fascination with status symbols and notoriety. Curator Jarrad Rawlins had one ambitious goal for the exhibition: securing the elusive Wu-Tang album. “Honestly, it began as a whimsical idea. During a meeting, I casually suggested, ‘We should get that Wu-Tang CD,’ and everyone laughed it off,” Rawlins recounts.
The Negotiation and Anticipation
Years of negotiation finally bore fruit, drawing fans from around the globe to Mona for a 36-minute listening session of the album, curated by Wu-Tang Clan producer Cilvaringz. What can the fortunate few expect from these exclusive listening parties? Rawlins hints at a surprise Cher cameo, his personal highlight, but remains otherwise secretive. “The less we reveal about this album, the more magical it remains,” he insists. “Fans seem as thrilled by the mystery of not being able to hear it as they are by the chance to hear it.”
The Legal and Historical Context
As Namedropping opens, news surfaces that the company loaning the album is suing its previous owner, the infamous “pharma bro” Martin Shkreli, for allegedly making unauthorized digital copies. Shkreli, who bought the album in 2015, was forced to relinquish it to US prosecutors in 2018 after his conviction for defrauding investors. The album was later acquired by the digital art collective PleasrDAO for a rumored $4 million. They are now seeking to preserve its exclusivity by demanding Shkreli destroy any bootleg copies.
Since its creation, fans have caught only fleeting glimpses of the music – from a 13-minute snippet for potential buyers to brief clips Shkreli streamed online, and now a five-minute segment available for a dollar. However, the Mona exhibit offers an unprecedented opportunity to hear a substantial portion of the album.
The Listening Session: A Unique Experience
Attendees at Mona’s Frying Pan Studio must sign a contract forbidding any recording of the session. “Your obligations under this agreement begin upon entering Once Upon a Time in Shaolin and continue for your lifetime or until 2103, whichever comes first,” the contract stipulates. Guests face stringent security measures, including metal detectors and personal searches.
In the studio’s center, under a spotlight, sits a PlayStation One on a round yellow table. As the session begins, a staff member carefully inserts the CD into the PlayStation and presses play, heightening the room’s anticipation.
The Music: An Intricate Soundscape
The album opens with ethereal choir-like vocals, transitioning into sounds of seagulls and sirens. The music features a rich tapestry of gunshots, synth piano, dramatic strings, and a striking brass riff. True to Wu-Tang Clan’s legacy, the lyrics delve into themes of sex, marijuana, money, hardship, youth, and crime.
The Experience: A Multi-Sensory Journey
Behind the glass control deck, technicians mix the music live, adjusting the sound levels for each track. Some listeners close their eyes in reverence, while others tap fingers on their cups of cold tea. At the session’s end, a gloved staff member secures the CD in a safe, concluding the unique listening experience.
Reflection: Overwhelming and Thought-Provoking
The session leaves attendees with many lingering questions. Was that a flute in a rap track? What were the lyrics conveying? Who contributed each vocal part? The promised Cher cameo remains an enigma, sparking speculation about whether it was a playful misdirection.
The Fans: Emotional Reactions
Wu-Tang Clan devotees, including Al Maguire and superfan Jenna Willson, express profound emotional connections to the music. Maguire, clad in Wu-Tang merchandise, describes feeling overwhelmed with emotion during the first three minutes. Willson proudly displays her Wu-Tang tattoos and memorabilia, including Wu-Tang Clan Crocs worn at her wedding.
Conclusion: A Rare and Enigmatic Experience
The listening session for “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” at Mona offers a rare and enigmatic experience, blending art, music, and a profound sense of exclusivity. As attendees exit the studio, they carry with them the memory of a once-in-a-lifetime event, reflecting on the album’s mystique and significance. This unique experience underscores the power and allure of this singular piece of musical history.
