Studio Album · No. 3
The W Songwriting Credits by Wu-Tang Clan
Loud Records / Columbia Records
Hardcore Hip HopEast Coast Hip Hop
100%
Authorship
Holds writing credit on 13 of 13 tracks
Authorship Breakdown 13 / 13 documented
Who wrote the songs?
Scored across the 13 tracks with documented writers, by whether Wu-Tang Clan carries a lyricist or composer credit.
13 trackswritten by Wu-Tang Clan
0 tracksoutside writers
Wu-Tang Clan's roles on this album
Share of the 13 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.
Lyricist100%
Composer100%
Producer92%
Performer100%
By the Numbers
13
Tracks
17
Lyricists
2
Producers
1.1 million
US Copies Sold
2000
Released
Data Insight
The members again wrote and rapped their own verses, recorded during a period when Ol' Dirty Bastard was largely incarcerated, so his presence is limited. RZA produced the bulk of the album alongside fellow Clan producer Mathematics, keeping the kung-fu-sampling aesthetic while bringing in outside voices. Notable guests include Nas, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Redman, reggae artist Junior Reid, and a vocal sample from soul legend Isaac Hayes. Dylan Dresdow and Jose Reynoso engineered the sessions and James Cruz mastered it.
Track Listing & Credits 13 tracks
Written by the artist
Written by outside writers
Songwriter & Credit Spotlight 34 contributors
RF
Robert Fitzgerald Diggs
Writer
ID
Inspectah Deck
Writer · Rap
JH
Jason Hunter
Writer
CW
Corey Woods
Writer
DD
Dennis David Coles
Writer
GK
Ghostface Killah
Writer · Rap
R
Raekwon
Writer · Rap
R
RZA
Writer · Producer · Rap
CS
Clifford Smith Jr.
Writer
JI
Jamel Irief
Writer
MK
Masta Killa
Writer · Rap
MM
Method Man
Writer · Rap
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Frequently Asked Questions The W
Did Wu-Tang Clan write The W?
Yes. Each member wrote and performed his own verses, as on every Wu-Tang Clan album. RZA produced most of the record with fellow Clan producer Mathematics handling several tracks.
Who produced The W?
RZA was the primary producer, sharing the work with Mathematics, a longtime Wu-Tang affiliate. The two kept the group's signature sound built on soul samples and kung-fu film references while inviting outside guests onto the album.
Who are the guest features on The W?
The W features Nas, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Redman, and reggae artist Junior Reid, plus a vocal sample of soul legend Isaac Hayes. These guests made the album the Clan's most collaboration-heavy record up to that point.
Did Gravel Pit by Wu-Tang Clan chart on the Billboard Hot 100?
No. 'Gravel Pit' did not enter the Billboard Hot 100, though it reached number 20 on the Hot Rap Songs chart and number 70 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It performed better internationally, peaking at number 6 on the UK Singles Chart.
Why is Ol' Dirty Bastard barely on The W?
Ol' Dirty Bastard was largely incarcerated during the recording of The W, which limited his contributions. His appearances on the album are minimal as a result, with the bulk of the verses coming from the other members.
How did The W perform commercially?
The W debuted at number 5 on the Billboard 200 and number 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, selling 301,000 copies in its first week. It was later certified Platinum by the RIAA, with about 1.1 million copies sold in the United States.
When was The W released?
The W was released on November 21, 2000, through Wu-Tang, Loud, and Columbia Records. It was the Wu-Tang Clan's third studio album.