It was simply a hand-drawn image of what appeared to be a holy book with their then-unknown W logo at the center with the words "Wu-tang Clan: going through the center. The title "Protect Ya Neck" was underneath, and beneath that was a sword.

Sonically the release sounded like a bedroom demo. It wasn't that the music was recorded poorly, but it had a very deliberately gritty, analog quality, that when done properly in Hip-Hop serves as an artistic statement that sounds incredible. And it did.

"Protect Ya' Neck" sounded like an underground posse cut, but the plethora of personalities on the song all belonged to the same group. The piano loop and "noise" in the background was reminiscent of the best elements of ATCQ (who dropped Midnight Marauders on the same day as Enter The Wu-Tang was released) and the Bomb Squad production camp, a testament to RZA'a versatility as a producer.

"Method Man" with its infectious Hall & Oates-inspired hook and piano loop was equally as gritty and dope as "Protect", but only featured one of the MCs. The mostly black & white video for "Protect" was equally as gritty as the audio. We had no idea that we were actually witnessing not just a new rap group, but a movement.

On November 9, 1993, The Wu-Tang Clan released Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) and provided context to the original single. The sword, the W, and holy book now made sense. The album cover which appeared to be shadowy figures conducting a sneak attack was actually what we were witnessing with this opus.

The first selection, "Bring The Ruckus" with its Kung Fu flick intro and dirty piano samples scattered throughout the track further cemented the fact that new sheriffs were indeed in town. Ghostface jumps off the track: "Ghostface, catch the blast of a hype verse, my glock bursts, leave in a hearse, I did worse I come rough, tough like an elephant tusk ya head rush, fly like Egyptian musk". This was fight music.

At a time when we didn't consume our music a la carte, the sequencing of an album was still important and the upbeat "Shame On A Nigga" with Old Dirty Bastard and his drunken style on the first verse was a great contrast to the darkness on "Bring The Ruckus".

As we continued to hear the dynamics and idiosyncrasies of each MC, fans were beginning to pick their favorites, and the Kung Fu references and snippets are clearly not random to those who are listening. It becomes obvious that Meth possesses a crazy cadence, Raekwon is a master of unorthodox delivery and ODB's previously mentioned drunken style is the stitching that holds it all together on "Shame On A Nigga".

"C.R.E.A.M." is not only an incredible song, but it's one of Hip-Hop's flyest acronyms. while "Tearz" and "Can It All Be So Simple" were reminders of the fact that while the Clan featured prolific lyricists, they also came from environments where illegal activities and street life were very much a part of survival.

"Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing Ta F Wit" served as both a Clan anthem and a warning, while "The Mystery of Chessboxin'" showcased each MC as skilled wordsmiths. "Enter The Wu-Tang" felt more like an immersive experience than a traditional album. The classic "Killah Tape" and "Torture" skits became a part of popular culture.

The album was an incredible glimpse of what was about to soon become Hip-Hop's most revered and storied supergroups.