Rare Wu-Tang Clan Album Draws Continued Interest

The documentary The Disciple, premiering at Sundance, weaves together two narratives: the story of Dutch Moroccan rapper-producer Tarik Azzougarh, known as Cilvaringz, and the saga of the Wu Tang Clan’s singular album, “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin.” Filmmaker Joanna Natasegara explores Cilvaringz’s journey within the Wu Tang community and his pivotal role in the creation of the highly unusual and controversial album.

Cilvaringz’s Ascent and the “Shaolin” Project

Cilvaringz’s early life in the Netherlands, marked by bullying and discrimination, led him to find solace in hip-hop, initially through artists like MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice, before discovering the Wu Tang Clan. He persistently pursued opportunities to connect with the group, eventually finding himself on stage with them and later reconnecting with the RZA. Cilvaringz became a tour promoter and record producer associated with various Wu Tang members. His most significant production was the six-year effort to assemble “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin,” initially not intended as an official Wu Tang album. Just before the RZA approved the album’s association with the group, Cilvaringz proposed positioning it as a unique work of art to be sold at auction.

The Album’s Unique Status and Martin Shkreli

Despite some initial reservations from Wu Tang Clan members, a majority voted in favor of the auction concept. The album was ultimately sold for $2 million to hedge fund founder Martin Shkreli, who quickly became a controversial figure. Shkreli’s subsequent imprisonment led to the U.S. Justice Department taking possession of the album.

Documentary Style and Narrative Focus

The documentary largely avoids direct interviews with the nine members of the Wu Tang Clan, relying instead on archival footage and the recollections of Cilvaringz, his associates, and members of the Wu Tang Killa Bees. Director Natasegara, known for producing documentaries with serious sociopolitical themes, appears drawn to Cilvaringz’s story as a testament to overcoming cultural barriers.

Shkreli’s Ownership and Attempts to Mitigate Negative Consequences

The film details the various attempts by Cilvaringz and his associates to mitigate the negative consequences of the sale to Shkreli, including proposals to have Shkreli release the album for free or participate in a staged Twitter feud. These plans were ultimately thwarted by Shkreli’s serious reactions and threats, which were superseded when the U.S. government acquired the album. Cilvaringz draws a parallel between the album’s fate and the ending of Raiders of the Lost Ark, noting its subsequent acquisition by an NFT company.

Concluding Observations and RZA’s Involvement

The documentary concludes without providing a detailed update on Cilvaringz’s current status or his relationship with the Wu Tang Clan. The RZA appears briefly in the final seconds of the film, credited as an executive producer. The film’s narrative is presented primarily from Cilvaringz’s perspective, drawing a parallel to the storytelling approach found in the New Testament.