On the Record: Wu-Tang Clan - Once Upon a Time in Shaolin

The History:

"Once Upon a Time in Shaolin" is a truly unique album in the history of music, both for its content and its story. Created by the Wu-Tang Clan, this album was designed as a statement on the value of music in the digital age, being released as a single, physical copy—an edition of one—housed in an encrusted nickel box. Packaged in an engraved metal slipcase, the album comes with a leather-bound folio insert containing lyrics, adding to its rarity and allure.

The album was recorded in New York City and produced in secrecy over six years, from 2006 to 2013, in Marrakech, Morocco. It was pressed in 2014 and stored in a vault at the Royal Mansour Hotel in Marrakech. The album includes contributions from artists such as Cher and "Game of Thrones" actress Carice van Houten, further enhancing its cultural significance.

"Once Upon a Time in Shaolin" was originally sold in 2015 through the Paddle8 auction house to Martin Shkreli, a controversial American entrepreneur and former hedge fund manager, for $2 million. The sale included a legal agreement prohibiting any commercial release or usage of the album until 88 years from its release (the year 2103), but allowing for free release of the music and live broadcast at listening parties. However, following Shkreli's arrest and conviction, the U.S. government seized the album and sold it at a public auction in 2021. The album was purchased by PleasrDAO, a decentralized autonomous organization, using crowd-sourced cryptocurrency funds. PleasrDAO acquired the album with two payments over the years totaling $4.75 million.

The Rarity:

The rarity of "Once Upon a Time in Shaolin" is unparalleled. With only one copy ever made, this album is more than just music; it’s a piece of art. The encrusted nickel box, engraved metal slipcase, and leather-bound folio containing the lyrics elevate this album into the realm of fine art and high-end collectibles. Its singularity makes it one of the most valuable pieces of music memorabilia ever created.

Collectability:

As the only known copy, "Once Upon a Time in Shaolin" is the ultimate collectible for music and art enthusiasts. The album's original sale price of $2 million, later eclipsed by PleasrDAO's $4.75 million acquisition, reflects its immense value. However, the story doesn't end there. Recently, the album has been at the center of controversy again, with PleasrDAO accusing Shkreli of retaining copies of the album after its sale and allegedly sharing them publicly, raising questions about the true exclusivity of the work.

Cultural Impact:

"Once Upon a Time in Shaolin" has sparked widespread debate about the value of music in the digital era. By creating an album released as a single, physical copy, the Wu-Tang Clan challenged the traditional music distribution models and questioned the commodification of art. The album's creation, sale, and subsequent controversies highlight the intersection of music, art, and commerce, making it a significant cultural artifact. The legal agreement tied to the album, which prohibits its commercial release until 2103, ensures that it will remain a subject of fascination for decades to come.

Why It Matters:

"Once Upon a Time in Shaolin" is more than just an album; it’s a cultural artifact that explores the intersection of art, music, and commerce. Its journey—from secretive creation and high-profile sale to government seizure and eventual acquisition by PleasrDAO—reflects the evolving landscape of the music industry. The album’s story is a bold statement on the value of creativity in an age of digital reproduction, encapsulating the spirit of Wu-Tang Clan’s innovation and their lasting impact on both music and art.

The ongoing discussions surrounding the album, particularly the recent accusations against Shkreli, continue to add layers of intrigue to its legacy. "Once Upon a Time in Shaolin" remains one of the most fascinating chapters in modern music history, embodying the Wu-Tang Clan’s ethos and their revolutionary approach to art and ownership.