\”4 hours agoBy Tiffanie Turnbull, in Hobart, AustraliaMona/Jesse HunnifordOnce Upon a Time in Shaolin is housed in a delicately hand-carved silver box on display in an Australian museum. This exclusive, valuable, and infamous album, recorded in secret over six years by the Wu-Tang Clan, is considered a piece of fine art with only a single CD copy in existence. The legal stipulation attached to the album prevents its public release until 2103. Currently on loan to Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art (Mona), the album is part of the gallery’s Namedropping exhibition, exploring the pursuit of status and notoriety by humans. Lead curator Jarrad Rawlins had long dreamed of showcasing the album in the exhibition, and after years of negotiation, fans from around the world have gathered at Mona for an exclusive listening experience curated by Wu-Tang Clan producer Cilvaringz. The album, featuring the nine surviving members of the group, has garnered significant attention due to its unique history and legal restrictions. With news of the album’s previous owner, Martin Shkreli, being sued for making digital copies, the intrigue surrounding Once Upon a Time in Shaolin has only increased. As I attend the listening session at Mona, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation and security measures are strict to protect the album’s integrity. The music is a blend of soothing melodies and intense instrumentals, staying true to Wu-Tang Clan’s signature style of hip-hop. The lyrical content is explicit and thought-provoking, with references to various cultural icons and themes. After the session, fans express their emotions and reactions, with some feeling overwhelmed by the experience and others eager to delve deeper into the album’s intricacies. Despite the legal and ethical complexities surrounding the album, the opportunity to listen to Once Upon a Time in Shaolin remains a rare and unforgettable moment for those fortunate enough to be in attendance.\”
