Housed in an ornate silver box, “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” stands as a unique testament to the artistry of the pioneering hip-hop group, Wu-Tang Clan. Recorded secretly over six years, this album was conceived as a piece of fine art, with only a single CD copy in existence.
The Most Expensive Album Ever Sold
The record, celebrated for its rarity and mystique, holds the title of the most expensive album ever sold. It is currently on loan to Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art (Mona), where it will be featured prominently.
Public Listening Sessions at Mona
In an exclusive offering, Mona will host small listening parties over ten days in June, where members of the public can experience a curated, 30-minute sample of the album. These sessions are part of the museum’s Namedropping exhibition, which explores themes of status, notoriety, and “the human pursuit.”
Curatorial Vision
“Every once in a while, an object on this planet possesses mystical properties that transcend its material circumstances,” said Mona Director of Curatorial Affairs Jarrod Rawlins. “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin is more than just an album, so… I knew I had to get it into this exhibition.”
Wu-Tang Clan’s Revolutionary Impact
Formed in Staten Island in the early ’90s, Wu-Tang Clan is credited with revolutionizing hip-hop. Known for their influential sound and controversial lyrics, the group’s impact on music is undeniable.
A Secretive Recording Process
The album was recorded in New York City and produced in Marrakesh between 2006 and 2013. It features the nine surviving members of the Wu-Tang Clan, along with notable guest appearances by pop artist Cher and “Game of Thrones” actress Carice Van Houten. The group aimed to counteract the devaluation of music due to online streaming and piracy by adopting a 400-year-old Renaissance-style approach, treating the album as a commissioned work of art.
A Work of Art and Legal Marvel
“Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” includes a hand-carved nickel box, a leather-bound manuscript containing lyrics, and a certificate of authenticity. Notably, it comes with a legal stipulation that prevents the release of its 31 tracks for 88 years. Producer RZA likened the album to a Picasso artwork or an ancient Egyptian artifact, emphasizing its unique status as an original piece rather than a mass-produced item.
Limited Exposure
Due to its rarity, only a select few have heard snippets of the album. A brief 13-minute section was played for potential buyers and media in 2015. The album was initially purchased for $2 million by Martin Shkreli, a disgraced pharmaceutical executive who streamed clips online to celebrate Donald Trump’s 2016 election victory. Following Shkreli’s conviction for investor fraud, the album was seized by US prosecutors and later acquired by the digital art collective Pleasr.
A New Chapter with Pleasr
Pleasr’s acquisition of the album marked a new chapter in its history. In a statement, the collective expressed that the Mona listening parties align with their vision of presenting the album as a fine art piece. The listening events, running from June 15 to June 24, will allow a broader audience to engage with this extraordinary work.
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Written By Doris Chinwe Omemgbeoji