What Is Wu-Tang: An American Saga About?

The Hulu series follows the members of the Wu-Tang Clan as they come together to create their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). The group's members, including:

• Bobby Diggs (RZA)
  
  
• GZA
  
  
• U-God
  
  
• Raekwon
  
  
• Inspectah Deck
  
  
• Method Man
  
  
• and Ghostface Killah are portrayed in the show alongside ODB.
  
  

The series also delves into the real-life struggles and challenges faced by the Wu-Tang Clan, including poverty, crime, and drug addiction. It also explores the group's influence on the Hip-Hop genre and its impact on popular culture.

Who Plays Ol’ Dirty Bastard in Wu-Tang: An American Saga?

Who Is TJ Atoms?

TJ Atoms is an American actor who portrays the legendary rapper Ason Unique/Ol' Dirty Bastard (ODB) in the Hulu series Wu-Tang: An American Saga. The show is a biopic of the iconic Hip-Hop group Wu-Tang Clan, chronicling their rise to fame and struggles in 1990s New York City.

The show premiered in 2019 and is now in its final season. In addition to Atoms, the series stars:

• Shameik Moore as Raekwon
  
  
• Ashton Sanders as RZA
  
  
• Siddiq Saunderson as Ghostface Killah
  
  
• Dave East as Method Man
  
  
• And many more 

The show has received critical acclaim for portraying the Hip-Hop group, and TJ Atoms' performance as ODB has been particularly praised. The series has garnered praise for its attention to detail and its commitment to accurately portraying the group's history and legacy.

Atoms, the North-Philly native, had his first acting gig with August Burns Red’s “Fault Line” music video, a metal band. Transitioning into the TV show following the notorious rap group was a switch-up for Atoms. Still, working alongside talents such as Alex Tse, Johnell Young, Uyoata Udi, and Zolee Griggs on An American Saga made for a captivating experience.

Who Was Ol’ Dirty Bastard?

Ol' Dirty Bastard, whose real name was Russell Tyrone Jones, was a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan. He was known for his unorthodox rhymes, wild personality, and distinctive voice. Atoms capture ODB's unique persona on the show, portraying him as a complex and troubled individual.

He died on November 13, 2004, at the age of 35. He passed away from a drug overdose of cocaine and the prescription painkiller Tramadol.

Understanding ODB’s Legacy

ODB's contributions to the Wu-Tang Clan and his solo work helped expand Hip-Hop boundaries and incorporate new sounds and styles. His influence can be heard in the music of Tyler, the Creator, who blends hip-hop with jazz, funk, and soul, and Travis Scott, who incorporates elements of trap, rock, and electronic music into his work.

Kendrick Lamar paid homage to the late artist with his SNL performance in 2014 — rocking half-braided hair, all-black contact lenses, and exaggerated movements. In response, RZA remarked, “I looked at it and said, 'Wow, that looks [like] respect to me too.'"