A new Netflix documentary titled *The Disciple: A Wu-Tang Fable* delves into the dramatic story behind Wu-Tang Clan’s infamous album, *Once Upon a Time in Shaolin*, which was sold as a unique piece of art for a staggering £2 million. The film, produced by RZA and directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Joanna Natasegara, chronicles the inspiring journey of Dutch-Moroccan producer Cilvaringz, who evolved from a fervent fan into a collaborator with the legendary hip-hop group.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Tarik-Azzougarh-The-RZA-the-disciple-101526-2-9257ce547aba459c86ce7cc98902d3bc.jpg)
The documentary presents a nuanced view of the controversial businessman Martin Shkreli, who purchased the album and subsequently became infamous for initiating a 5,000% price increase on a life-saving drug. RZA acknowledges that the decision to sell the album to Shkreli was made before his notorious actions captured public attention. “The deal was done with Martin before he was identified as the evilest man in America,” he explained, reflecting on how his perception of Shkreli shifted drastically as news of his price hikes emerged.
RZA’s connection with Shkreli has become a significant chapter in the Wu-Tang Clan’s narrative. While initially he felt a sense of pride working with a self-made millionaire, the public backlash against Shkreli’s actions fundamentally altered the landscape surrounding the album. RZA recalls a moment of panic when he realised the extent of Shkreli’s notoriety, saying, “I’m telling my wife, I’m like, ‘Yo, wait, that’s that motherf—er that’s buying the album. I panicked.’”
Despite the notoriety of Shkreli’s actions, RZA is eager to shift the focus back to the album’s artistic intentions. The collaboration with Cilvaringz emerged from a heartfelt story of perseverance; RZA’s mother advocated for Cilvaringz when he initially approached the Wu-Tang frontman. RZA recognised Cilvaringz’s determination, emphasising his relentless pursuit to work with the group, which laid the groundwork for their creative bond.
The unique concept behind *Once Upon a Time in Shaolin* encapsulated a challenge to contemporary music valuation. RZA intended for the album to provoke discussions on the ownership and appreciation of music in a digital age that often sees art devalued. He even explored innovative ways to enhance the relationship between artists and fans, such as a wearable device that would allow listeners to carry music with them.
However, following Shkreli’s legal troubles, which culminated in his arrest and the seizure of his assets due to fraud, the album’s trajectory veered sharply into the realm of the extraordinary. The *Department of Justice*, having taken possession of *Once Upon a Time in Shaolin*, became an unexpected new player in this saga. RZA recounted, “I was on the phone with [them]. What are the Wu doing on the phone with the Department of Justice, right?”
Ultimately, the album was sold by the *Department of Justice* to WTC Endeavours Limited, a company based in Hong Kong, for approximately £2.23 million. This entity then resold it for £4 million to PleasrDAO, a decentralised cryptocurrency organisation that retains ownership today.
With the most controversial bits of the album’s existence behind him, RZA hopes that the music will return to its initial purpose: stimulating conversations on the value of music and what constitutes art. The documentary serves as a reminder that many people are aware of the album’s controversy yet may not have encountered the music itself.
In envisioning the future, RZA dreams of a day when *Once Upon a Time in Shaolin* might be displayed in a museum, fulfilling his original aspiration of elevating the work to a status comparable to that of fine art. “The artist has to be protected,” he asserts, highlighting the importance of safeguarding the artists’ rights and creations.
As RZA reflects on the creation of *The Disciple: A Wu-Tang Fable*, he expresses gratitude for the opportunity to explore this complex narrative of aspiration, fame, and art. He considers it “living proof of a dream coming to a reality,” encapsulating a remarkable journey filled with both triumphs and challenges. The documentary is now available for streaming on Netflix, inviting audiences to engage with this unique chapter of music history.