From Staircase to Stage. Raekwon with Anthony Bozza . 2021. Gallery Books. 320 pages. [Source: Personal copy.]
I’ll be the first to admit that while Wu-Tang Clan is a legendary hip-hop supergroup, I was woefully unaware of their story. I’ve always known a world in which the group is highly respected and lauded for their artistry, but only recently have I had the opportunity to really delve into the group’s origin and overall career arc. Raekwon’s autobiography, From Staircase to Stage was my first foray into Wu Tang’s story, and I’m ashamed that it took so long.
From Staircase to Stage is Raekwon’s story, without a doubt. He provides an in-depth look into his life from his childhood, before he fathomed becoming a musician, to his current life as an established artist renowned for his lyricism. From his early days as a drug dealer, to his antics while on the road with the group, and into adulthood, he shares a lot of himself. I appreciate that he takes a reflective approach; he’s had a lot of ups and downs but there’s a lot of clarity he shares along with the experiences. He readily admits his shortcomings without shying away from them or shirking responsibility for their outcomes.
It’s not possible to tell Raekwon’s story without focusing a good deal on the Wu Tang Clan. Here, he discusses how different members came together over years and in many phases to form what would eventually become a the group we know today. I had no idea about any of the barriers that could have dissolved their partnership before it ever got off the ground, let alone the ongoing volatility that impacted their public image. The behind the scenes insight he provides is certainly interesting at surface level, but it’s also eye-opening to get an explanation for the ups and downs the group weathered. Reading this book also allowed me to better understand the role each member played in the group and how their different relationships evolved into different creative projects.
In fairness, I’m not a huge Wu Tang listener, but I respect their impact. I picked up this book because I truly wanted to know their story, as told by one of the most visible members. Raekwon’s book really helps to highlight just how significant it is that the group was and how it maintains a staying power. I found this especially true in his discussion of RZA’s role in the business of Wu Tang Clan and how people’s careers branched out in relation to that. There’s a lot that happened behind the scenes and while it felt at times like reading someone’s dirty laundry, it was informative and helped me make sense of what I’d seen of the members’ lives and careers.
As a departure from norm, I read this in a hybrid format, alternating between the ebook and audiobook. If I had to choose between the two, I would recommend the audiobook primarily because it has supplemental interviews. At the end of each chapter, Raekwon is interviewed by his son. The questions build on topics covered in the chapter and provide additional details, insight, and little-known facts. These were a bonus that brought more substance to what was already shared and gave nuggets of wisdom along the way.
From Staircase to Stage is an easy book to recommend. It shares part of the story of one of the most well-known rap groups in recent history in a voice and tone that makes it easy to fall into listening or reading. I’d also go as far as to say it’s essential reading if you’re looking to understand the growth of rap around the “golden age” of hip-hop.
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