Today’s video of the day is Wu-Tang Clan – “Triumph” released in 1997.
The song Triumph by Wu-Tang Clan, featuring Cappadonna, was released in 1997. It served as the lead single from the group’s highly anticipated album Wu-Tang Forever. This track became an instant classic, standing out not only for its six-minute runtime but also because it features verses from all nine original Wu-Tang members and their affiliate Cappadonna. Uniquely, Triumph has no chorus, making it a lyrical showcase for the group. Released in February 1997, Triumph came out as the first single from Wu-Tang Forever, their second studio album. This album marked a major milestone for the group, following the groundbreaking success of their debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) in 1993. Enter the Wu-Tang introduced the group’s raw, gritty style to the world, setting them apart from other hip-hop acts. But Wu-Tang Forever was different. It solidified their place in hip-hop history, showing the group’s growth in both production and lyrical content. Triumph played a key role in this evolution.
One of the standout moments in Triumph is Inspectah Deck’s verse, often regarded as one of the best verses in hip-hop history. With lines like, “I bomb atomically, Socrates’ philosophies and hypotheses / Can’t define how I be dropping these mockeries,” Deck delivers a powerful, intricate verse that showcases his lyrical ability. The song’s dense wordplay and layered references made it a fan favorite, as well as a critical success. The music video for Triumph is just as iconic as the song itself. Directed by Brett Ratner, the video cost a reported $800,000 to produce, making it one of the most expensive hip-hop videos of its time. The video opens with a news report about a swarm of killer bees attacking New York City, a metaphor for Wu-Tang Clan’s domination of the rap world. Each Clan member is featured in a different cinematic scenario, from Method Man riding a motorcycle through explosions to RZA transforming into a swarm of bees.
Ol’ Dirty Bastard is featured prominently in the intro, even though he does not have a verse on the track. In the video, his character is seen standing on top of a skyscraper with a detonator, surrounded by police. However, ODB famously refused to appear in the video, leading the director to use a stand-in for his scenes. Triumph and Wu-Tang Forever represent a pivotal moment in Wu-Tang Clan’s career. While their first album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), laid the foundation for their raw, unpolished style, Wu-Tang Forever elevated their sound to a more polished, high-production level. Tracks like Triumph connected the group’s underground roots with their commercial success. The song’s focus on lyricism and the absence of a traditional hook made it stand out on mainstream radio, a rarity for a six-minute rap song.
The song also fits within the larger arc of Wu-Tang’s discography. Albums like The W and Iron Flag continued to showcase the group’s collective strength, with each member contributing their unique style. Triumph, however, stands out because it is one of the few tracks where every original member, including Cappadonna, appears together. In conclusion, Triumph remains one of the most celebrated songs in Wu-Tang Clan’s extensive catalog. Its combination of complex lyricism, cinematic visuals, and historical significance makes it a defining moment in the group’s legacy. With Wu-Tang Forever, the group not only cemented their status in the world of hip-hop but also set a new standard for collective artistry in the genre.
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