Hulu's 'Wu-Tang: An American Saga' on the legendary hip-hop group's beginnings is a treat for longtime fans and new ones alike
Hulu's 'Wu-Tang: An American Saga' provides a fictional account of the origins of one of the greatest groups that came from Staten Island — which, by virtue of the group's success, came to be known as Shaolin. The series provides a gritty look at what led to The RZA aka Bobby Diggs forming the group, with the first episode picking up right from the middle of a drug-turf shooting.
At the onset, Hulu's show could be a treat for longtime fans and devotees of the group who want to understand more about the character dynamics between the original members. The show could also be a great way for first-time Wu-Tang Clan listeners to know what all the fuss is all about.
Early fan reactions to the first three episodes which dropped on Hulu on September 4 are positive, with many praising the casting and actors portraying the members of the Wu-Tang Clan.
Longtime fans are already discovering that they get to learn more about the members, especially stories regarding their early days. For example, before Raekwon and Ghostface Killah were in the group together, the two were on opposing sides of the drug turf-war that '90s Staten Island was embroiled in.
One Twitter user stated that the show "is taking me back. I wasn’t ready". Many viewers loved the depiction of rivals turning into brothers.
Meanwhile, high praises are flowing in for the actors portraying the young members of the group. One fan tweeted, "Dude they got playing Ol' Dirty on that Wu Tang Hulu special is SPOT ON! Sounds just like him!!!" TJ Atoms plays the role of Ol' Dirty Bastard on the series.
Ashton Sanders (who rose to fame for his role in Academy award-winning movie, 'Moonlight') is also being praised for his performance of The RZA, aka Bobby Diggs. Many viewers commended Julian Elijah Martinez's role as The RZA's elder brother, Divine Diggs. One fan said, "omg I love this show its got some good parts that is really funny method man was a hilarious person and odb man he knew how to talk to a lady lol man I'm 32 I remember them but I really enjoy watching the come up".
The show is proving to be a treat for longtime followers of the group who get to learn the initial relationships between members of the Wu-Tang Clan. As the episodes progress, thanks to the intense involvement of The RZA in the development of the show, viewers will gain a new understanding of what led to the formation of the group and how they succeeded in reinvigorating the East Coast hip-hop scene.
