U-God On Wu-Tang’s Origins, Making ’36 Chambers,’ ODB Memories, Method Man, RZA | People's Party

In this episode of People's Party, filmed live on tour, Talib Kweli sits down with U-God of the Wu-Tang Clan to discuss the formation of the group and making "36 Chambers," RZA's genius, Method Man's talent, memories of ODB, and much more.
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PEOPLE'S PARTY WITH TALIB KWELI
People's Party is a weekly interview show hosted by Talib Kweli. Guests range from the biggest names in hip-hop to global entertainers to the most progressive minds moving our culture forward. The audio podcast is available on Apple and Spotify.

[@stemid85]

Best U-God interview ever. You can tell he actually wants to be there. A lot of U-God interviews he shows very clear contempt for the interviewer.

[@rooseveltdarbey9493]

Exactly 💯

[@SparkyTakedown]

VLAD!

[@snoopy4749]

Blood sucker Vlad

[@hunterthompson7584]

I think the reason U-God is engaged with the interview might be because he's finally being interviewed by someone who can understand him & that he can respect as a person.

[@randalllakeworth3134]

Ugod was bout to whip dj vlad

[@countfrankleton]

This was beautiful, what a genuine conversation. It felt like I was in the room. U-god has a refreshing energy.

[@TheAlkebulanTrust]

It's actually amazing how much top tier lyricists are in Wu-Tang and of course U-God is one of them. Him and Inspectah Deck don't get mentioned enough. Wu-Tang really are The Avengers of Hip Hop Culture 👐🏿

[@drdread9896]

Facts

[@williemakeit2346]

Deck gets mentioned quite often actually. His opening Triumph verse has long been discussed as one of hip hop’s most iconic verses. To your point tho, Wu is filled with top tier lyricsists and U-God deserves much more flowers than he’s received.

[@williemakeit2346]

I’ve always said that Wu-Tang had no weak links at all. Every last member his his share of iconic verses and most of them have at least one song where that particular member had the best verse.

[@timy9197]

Deck and Ghostface were my favorite lyricists

[@erichill665]

U-God is the king of Wu-Tang Clan hooks. His voice over any hook on any Wu song is gold.

[@mb-pc3zn]

His verse on black Jesus is one of the illest verses ever spit from any Wu Tang member 🔥🔥💪💪

[@anthonystevens5294]

I was just about to comment that, but I think its even crazy cause rae and ghost spit one of their best verses and u god still outshine them

[@nene71286]

Facts! Tell em!

[@Lee-ic2yn]

No cap

[@hatorihanzo803]

Yes indeed, 1 of the craziest rhymes ever.

[@dkscott331]

Was just gonna say this

[@mikeselling6862]

The only Wu member I ever met in real life… a true original on the mic Big up U-God!

[@uproxx]

big up for sure!

[@lsvlogs_]

I met him and GZA . AND TALIB!

[@MOLICIOUS69]

​@@lsvlogs_i saw GZA on 14th st 6th Ave in 2002 at night in a hoodie.i 💬 i was the only person who noticed him..he gave me a head nod when we caught eye...love my guy

[@twocents6951]

Yup. Met him back in the day at the Wu-Wear store. Cool dude!!!!!

[@lsvlogs_]

@@MOLICIOUS69 I met him in carnival London walking through the crowd in opposite directions I think we shook hands I felt bad because I asked him where rza was he was like I don't know lol he might have swore but it was all smiles . I still feel bad bout that shit to this day I love u god

[@theforceq]

I was 11 years old in 1993 when Wu-Tang 36 Chambers was released. Their "30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY" of the album was a few weeks ago on 11/9/2023 and I'm proud to say that at 41 years old, I still listen to them. Their original work never gets old! 20 years from now - if ME & the World are here. I'll still be listening to them. I'm now starting to understand what Wu-Tang Forever means. All 9 of them flowing with perfection is the illest shit I ever saw in rap (even to this day).

[@jamaaldavis7907]

Only 1 killa bees..

[@boris_toejoe]

WORD UP!!!! 4 EVER!!!!

[@pranc236]

Me too op and 36 chambers was my intro to hip hop.

[@sassyone82]

Same!!!!

[@MegaVern1]

I love to hear everyone’s Wutang experience! That’s dope bro! Wutang FOREVER 👐🏾👐🏾👐🏾👐🏾

[@ChanceMinus]

U-God's bars are phenomenal. Olympic torch flaming, we burn so sweet The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat We crush slow, flaming deluxe slow for Judgment Day cometh, conquer, it's war...

[@uproxx]

Speak on it!

[@musiqologist]

Thank you! I say this all the time. His biggest weakness is he was surrounded by so many other dope lyricists. I fuck with Golden Arms.

[@nikolaimyhre1187]

2nd best verse on Triumph after Decks. Thats why it comes after ODBs 2nd intermission.

[@musiqologist]

@RonScuggeri-et7od I understand why someone would. Rebel INS gets all the love for that song. Why not point out that Ugod went hard too. He snapped Impossible too but Ghost gets all the love for his verse. Rightfully so, he blacked out on that jawn. I feel like Ugod goes hardest whenever another member has a standout verse. Cappa shines on Winter Warz but damn if Ugod wasn't sharp with his sword too. I'll never understand why Ugod doesn't get as much love as other Wu. He goes in. I'm talmbout It's Yourz, Black Shampoo, Uzi, Black Jesus, His Dopium album and every one of his verses on Wu 8 Diagrams

[@caseycameron5370]

​@RonScuggeri-et7oddidn't know being a fan was a competitive sport

[@villekyyny]

A legendary career doesn't come out of nowhere! Big appreciation to U-God for his work in hip-hop. P.S. His autobiography was great! I highly recommend it to all Wu-Tang Clan fans.

[@uproxx]

We loved the book too!

[@jamaaldavis7907]

​@@uproxxyup

[@I974.UK.LONDON]

Every album by U-God is amazing, his voice & flow is so unique & his song writing is second to none. Ive got all his albums, got his book, I cant get enough of U-God, massive respect to Golden Arms from the UK

[@Rossboe1]

U-God is the funniest rapper out there. His Vlad interview still cracks me up.

[@Phillybloodline]

Realrap 😂

[@adamgordon2572]

He let Vlad know he wasn’t with the bull 💩💯

[@MOLICIOUS69]

​@@adamgordon2572did he check VLAD?

[@MegaVern1]

He kept saying VLOD😂😂😂

[@adamgordon2572]

@@MOLICIOUS69 : Yup watch it

[@neilforbes819]

Love U-God, and Talib is probably the best interviewer out there right now.

[@AndreiBerezin]

UGod deserves praise for just one song called Pleasure and Pain. And he's done hundreds more

[@uproxx]

He's an icon for sure!

[@SHOGUNS85]

That was dope. Talib is the only one who can bring out the best from these interviews.

[@adamgordon2572]

U-God’s verse on “ Heaterz “ is dope AF 🔥

[@ultramag0343]

Oh yes🔥🎤🎶

[@MOLICIOUS69]

I'll be checking that out just based on what y'all saying

[@adamgordon2572]

@@MOLICIOUS69 : I’m not being funny but you do know Wu-Tang Forever came out in 1997 don’t you ?? That was 26 years ago. Have you never listened to the double album ??

[@williemakeit2346]

@@adamgordon2572if he said he’ll check it out then most likely he didn’t hear it before. It’s not a crime that he didn’t, let him go ahead and enjoy his first listen.

[@kurziieee]

@@adamgordon2572 are you the hiphop police?

[@mavcase]

U-Gods pen game went over a lot off peoples heads. Black Jesus, Black champoo still one of my favorites. His ability to convert abstract wordplay and lyrics into paintings is incredible

[@riritheedon8967]

I love U God so much he needs his flowers now 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@uproxx]

We're here to give them!

[@MOLICIOUS69]

Facts!!!!!

[@be4stable]

Saw U-God live in Brooklyn NY at the Barclay center with the rest of the God's in the building, Best experience ever hands down Wu-Tang forever...The Saga Continues

[@MOLICIOUS69]

I was at their Sept 27th BARCLAYS CENTER with NAS..saw them Aug 10th at KNOCKTOWN CENTER in QUEENS...i love WU!!!

[@flboy85]

His verse in Chessboxin mate me a fan for life!

[@uproxx]

right? That's in the episode!

[@MrIncognito2020]

The joint Bizarre was straight fire.

[@jnaut6059]

🔥🔥🔥

[@mannygonzalez8358]

That’s a nice joint

[@mychaldudleyii2039]

Great convo here. Really good to hear from this brother and see him doing well. Edit: And big shoutout to his mom for managing the strength to make the decision she did. It's unfortunate that she had to experience that kind of hate, but the way she cultivated the seed on her own is amazing.

[@lnapjr76]

BOOM. Exactly correct. Much love and respect to her for creating love out of hate.

[@michaelrafales2782]

This a beautiful interview, conversation! So happy to see the God healthy, happy and continuing his success and creativity!

[@AgentLemmon]

Raw, imma give it to ya, with no trivia, raw like cocaine straight from Bolivia, My hiphop will rock and shock the nation, like the emancipation proclamation. One of the best kick offs in hiphop!!! Salute

[@musiqologist]

This was the very first verse I ever heard from Wu. Legendary.

[@MrSpilledge]

Shootouts, suicide car chases Pulling loot out, bulletproof Scarfaces Sharp fades, black Clark Gabe Welcome to dark ages, hanging in dark places With dark faces, escaped on bail My souls in the street, police on the coat tails Oh well, got a bitch named Gail She look so good, her tail is for sale Before L's fell, she scrambled the reefer My foot so far in her ass, she can taste my sneaker

[@Secondhandsam-j5i]

​@@musiqologistall lov

[@harlowjademermaid1882]

The most memorable & baddest verse in hip hop - Hands down.

[@Black_2_Def]

His story about that female named Hope was deep and interesting. Her calling 📞 U-God and putting him under pressure to handle that broken jaw situation is the very reason why so many of our black men, brothers, fathers, and sons are dead or are in prison now! If U-God had emotionally responded to that peer pressure, he wouldn't have been here to share this story! Wu-Tang is FOREVER 🙌🏾

[@gollygee2385]

U-God crazy, his name was Jesus he sold me some wack shit. 😂😂😂

[@meekmozart5216]

That took me out ….he didn’t hold bk one bit🤣🤣🤣

[@YouCorny]

Raw I'm gonna give it to ya!!! Legendary.

[@OfficialJalenHemphill]

This Entire Interview Is Dope AF!!! Kept Me Glued In. I Love His Realness & Honesty. I Love Hearing About Their Days Growing Up Too. I Just Love Learning About Their Backgrounds & How Far They've Come. Salute!!! #REALHIPHOP

[@MegaVern1]

U-God was mad open to this conversation.

[@OfficialJalenHemphill]

@@MegaVern1 Facts! I Hate All That Pretty, Superstar, Superficial Bullshit. Gimme The REAL!!! 💯💯💯

[@Stephen-lt1tp]

It was good, except talib supports the Hamas terrorists. At least U-God was smart enough to tell ODB’s son to dead that noise

[@OGGOAT23]

Amazing interview..90s all day

[@ADyani6]

I’ve always liked UGod. This is made me understand him better

[@Jzarecta]

Love that new song, Claudine, is just that Shaolin Soul.

[@omegahtv6779]

Excellent interview! I NEVER seen a interview where U-God laughed and smiled so much. Talib’s podcast was a perfect fit.

[@dtbredhalf5823]

Dam that was a nice introduction !!💪🏾✊🏾

[@uproxx]

We are here for the flowers!

[@1SUNGODELBASIR]

U-GOD IS ONE OF THE BEST EXAMPLES OF CLASSICS.

[@michaelrafales2782]

So excited for another wu interview. Love you God and everything he has done and continues to do. The book he wrote was also fantastic.

[@uproxx]

We have a WHOLE LOTTA WU COMING! Be ready! Stay tuned!

[@kincamell]

"Representin'... how much gold can one man claim? Over horizon, recognize him, it's candy rain Flusty, lookin' out of dusty old window pane With nothin' to lose, but everythin' to gain"- U God "You can’t hack the tactics Of a semi-automatic full rap fanatic"- U God

[@shawnlisbon]

Thanks for having him on. U God is one of my favorite rapper hands down

[@mrmagnetic927]

Salute to the legendary Golden Arms U-God! Great stories

[@be28ans]

Best Group EVER, there will never be another

[@MOLICIOUS69]

F-A-C-T-S

[@lnapjr76]

Dope interview. Salute to U and Kweli.

[@uproxx]

Gratitude for that energy!

[@seancagney8897]

I agree with U GOD on the production saying we all wanted that Grimy production not the direction Rza was going..... I feel the fans feel the same way, that sound just fits the WU.

[@KingMason1980]

Facts, all change isn’t always good or the best things, that sound turned me off and I was forced to go back to early Wu

[@Antonio-t5c3j]

U GOD.....one of the greatest Superheroes.....This is Golden Arms......he deserves much more Flowers then he got, i think!!!!

[@freddyv.8016]

From an old Hip-Hop head...one of the best podcast interviews I've listened to...❤🙏

[@TRex-TNeal]

Ill.

[@malakahmath4567]

Much blessings to both of these brothers and the whole Wu!!! This is and always was one of my favorites out of WuTang!!!

[@kicknowledgesmith8608]

UGod was low key the MVP of Wu tang forever

[@oskamadison]

Him and Deck....

[@ronnieturner3110]

I had no big brothers my dad and i never seen eye to eye back in day had no real role models WU-TANG WAS LIKE MY BIG BROTHERS TO ME ESPECIALLY RZA like u god said GREAT MINDS SPARK ME TO LOVE THEM LIKE THEY WAS MY BIG BROTHERS AS YEARS CONTINUED PEACE TO THE GODS WU-TANG WU-TANG WU-TANG WU-TANG WU-TANG WU-TANG WU-TANG WU-TANG WU-TANG WU-TANG WU-TANG WU-TANG WU-TANG

[@MegaVern1]

What an amazing interview!!! Salute to Talib and U-God!!!!

[@usernickname6710]

U-God golden arms 👍🏿✊🏿

[@HashanSpivey]

U-GOD IS DOPENESS PERSONIFIED!!!

[@MrSpilledge]

Hence his album title " Dopium".

[@popsmaples400]

Nice to see the God being interviewed by someone he likes and respects. Great vibes, and really good questions. Salute!

[@Damidas]

Talib did a great job interviewing him

[@BumpJ1]

Best interviews and introduction in the game💯👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@HeartBreakInGotham]

I’ve been listening to his verses lately. The compilations of his verses on KZbin is great for people to really see what he is.

[@AI-Hallucination]

Pleasure and plan is one of my favourite songs. Halle Berry Kendrick, you stole that. U-God is a fucking legend

[@jnaut6059]

Pleasure and pain is super 🔥

[@xDTHECHEMISTx]

The accuracy on the wild stray dogs was serious here in NY. For me being from BK going back n forth between the Stuy. East NY and Bushwick For sure you was definitely running from dogs periodically while trying to avoid the wrong goon block to not get robbed. It was pretty fuckin barbaric. This was the days where you could literally run into a rapper out of the blue just regular. That late 80s early 90s Crack era was something else smh

[@MrWARBUCKS24]

Bushwick and the East was the worst with those strays

[@ackvig]

It's just impossible to be any fake in U-God's funk. He's one of those street dudes who don't even have to explain or show out that he's a street dude. You just know it after five minutes.

[@bloodshot6]

Great episode. Salute to U-God. Salute to Talib for his show.

[@nelly4482]

Really great interview and I have always said U-God is one of the more under appreciated and under rated members of the Wu. His solo discography from Golden Arms Redemption to The Keynote Speaker and his most recent one, Venom, for the most part is actually pretty solid too. His voice is definitely one of the most unique and standout of the group as well. Plus he’s actually a really cool and solid person too. Who I got a chance to interview and meet a little over five year’s ago. That is still among my favorite interviews I have had the chance to do too. I been meaning to, but still need to purchase and checkout his autobiography, Raw. I’m sure it’s great. If it’s anything like Rae’s autobiography, which I’ve been reading lately too.

[@MegaVern1]

I too still have to read Raw. I have the Raekwon book but haven’t read it yet. U-God is very under appreciated

[@UniqueG24]

I love Uey! Fantastic interview. And thanks for finally clearing up (for me at least) why he's never on his son's records. And I get it. But I still feel that after all these years, he should start blessing his tracks, same way as his uncle does. Because Intell is mad nice - and as Kweli said, he gotta let go and support your seeds no matter what

[@SdkProject_Vital-inc]

Enhorabuena!! Gracias por compartir esta entrevista.

[@RebornThaRebizzle]

U-god is a real Brother yoo, uncut and raw. 32:11 don't mess with his family nor mess with his money, that's it. U-god is about taking care his own as any Man should be. I Respect that Brother right there. That's Real Talk.

[@mannystylz7954]

Classic interview.. U-God is a legend!! I got beats for Scotty Wotty's whole album💯%🔥

[@MrSpilledge]

Scotty Wotty is one of the dopest emcees I've ever heard!

[@oni1kenobi61]

Lots of love for ugod got to see him live in London energy on stage is amazing

[@KYSE3]

Great to see UGod thank you for this interview bro!! Peace to Wu-Tang

[@uproxx]

love this energy!!

[@WordLife89]

There’s a stark contrast in his mood here compared to the Vlad interview 😂

[@Black_2_Def]

Universal God!! He is one of the most underrated lyricists in hip-hop. I love how unapologetic U-God is when he does interviews.

[@uproxx]

Same. Just truly awesome energy!

[@MarvinMarbles]

I love that you got U-God here! Peace!

[@jcraig1848]

Golden Arms in tha house! NICE!!! 👏

[@NeechOne]

This is definitely one of the top tier interviews.

[@uproxx]

salute + gratitude!

[@Dontae.Hawkins]

This was a great conversation 👐🏾

[@papajake3]

His verse on temple of boom, cyprus hill best verse in historybof hipbhop

[@thaxtonwaters8561]

U-God doesnt smile much or with anybody. Its a testament to the respect unlike Glad.

[@Killah-AJANI]

U-God talking about fear was some Batman psychology shit

[@InTheGranite617]

U-GOD So Underrated! Give this Man His Flowers👊🏼💯👐🏼👐🏼👐🏼♾️Respect from SouthWest Quincy\Boston Taxachusetts…

[@MOLICIOUS69]

Taxachusetts😂😂😂

[@InTheGranite617]

@@MOLICIOUS69 Fact’s… lol 😆 😁💯

[@meekmozart5216]

I still have hope that uwey, deck & masta killa will put a project out…at least a EP 🙏🏾🗣️🔥🎙️👐🏾

[@harlowjademermaid1882]

The best lyricist in Wu-Tang Clan - Hands Down! I've always said that U-God was mad overlooked & super underappreciated. Even with two lines in that first song, the shortest verse on Protect Ya Neck, I knew my man had mad talent. Its hard to shine when you surrounded by diamonds, and my mans came shining through like the sun. I can't wait to hear his new shit, and I'm so glad they're all still touring. I love me some Nas, as well. This tour is gonna be sick. ☮💜☯️

[@williemakeit2346]

I love U God but he is far from the best lyricist in the Wu, let’s be real! But he is ill and has plenty shining moments!

[@MOESKEENZ]

Damn the ending bout his mom's put tears in my eyes. Salute U-God

[@MetalGearEeezus]

Uey’s that dude, period.

[@bankzfotha9423]

Killa hill Niggaz from cypress hill feat U God and Rza and U God kill it

[@GTD9002]

Yo U God I always Love Your Verse In Triumph that complex abstract verse IS fire !

[@leekyoverhere]

Another great interview I like U God a lot man dude is very thoughtful and intelligent. A very fitting guest for the Peoples Party as always. Love!

[@mikeychainsaw9760]

Universal God lost weight my brother getting in shape

[@komptozegee6795]

Uey iz one of my favs out of the Wu! Take back still get banged hard. Easy Mo Bee did that beat.

[@SamMcKinley]

Beautiful interview

[@gman3958]

I absolutely love Wu Tang and Golden arms forever

[@Absolukely]

For years the media said rappers are a bad influence on young people etc. Yet from my own experience a lot of rappers have been so humble and introspective in interviews. Provided some solid advice on life and stuff without feeling like they preaching and forcing it on you like so often the case.

[@АлександрКазачёнок-м3ю]

WU 👐

[@detachedone392]

I’m a 70’s baby from Hartford ct. not far from ny. The drugs in the community definitely was a dark cloud and the Movie scarface was the instructional manual and more inspiration for some of us. So it was absolutely a set up.

[@MOLICIOUS69]

860 holla!!!

[@MichaelHoward-gu5bk]

Another great interview !!! U - God is " R.A.W " !!! Peace to the G.O.D !!!

[@Bison-id5mo]

Luv the god 🙌🏿

[@flow-techpublishing1933]

I wanted to hear U God talk about the verse he spit on "One Of These Days" off the Iron Flag album. That's one of my all time favorites from Baby U. "This verbal intercourse, fueled by exhaust, The bread winner head spinner cold as winter frost" "I see my reflection in the chrome Mack 10 Ask the pastor who's faster with the pin" Peace @theodoremichaelwu

[@forty456]

Much respect to the Wu-Tang Family! Big up U-God! Living Legends! Rip Osirus

[@multitalentedbrother]

Actually, it was The Dells who were the singers in the movie the five heartbeats

[@uproxx]

NOTED!

[@simonzuniga5077]

51:13 grown talk right there. Thanks for sharing this!

[@seeitoldu1]

He so much happier on here than when he was on Vlod 😆

[@uproxx]

speak on it!

[@Kappadon1226]

Shout to Talib for bringing up Scotty wotty

[@palaciosmia]

U GOD and Rebel INS deliver my two fav verses in hip hop history. U-God opening Chess-Boxing and INS opening Triumph

[@warnutztheloser]

dope interview especially how ya clarified how the music industry is dying

[@2Exile0]

What he said in how drugs destroyed kids hopes and dreams really hit hard.

[@PFanat-xj6mi]

U-God is my dude

[@exf20]

I personally think that, "Campfire" is the best track off of 8 Diagram. The production on, "Take It Back" was missing more elements in it.

[@TheGanZztaLyfestyle]

Great conversation U-God talking a lot of Parkhill shit, lol them packs of wild dogs was crazy back in the days, but U-God y'all was coming up the block to Steuben Street stealing them bikes from us and making whole different bikes out of them

[@Vague1801]

Love this