Wu-Tang documentary traces Cilvaringz’s path from fan to RZA ally
The Disciple: A Wu-Tang Fable retraces the story of Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, the group’s secret album sold as a single copy to Martin Shkreli for $2m. The review says the documentary is aimed mainly at dedicated fans, exploring producer Cilvaringz’s rise from admirer to RZA’s close associate rather than simply revisiting the album’s notoriety.
Directed by Joanna Natasegara and executive produced by RZA, the 105-minute film draws heavily on Cilvaringz’s personal archive and account. The album was recorded from 2007 to 2013, contains 31 tracks and was sold with an 88-year ban on commercial use; the reviewer finds the film meandering and one-sided, with limited contributions from other Wu-Tang members.
- The documentary revisits Wu-Tang’s secret, single-copy album.
- It focuses on producer Cilvaringz’s path into RZA’s circle.
- The review finds it meandering and mainly suited to super fans.
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Wu-Tang Clan is a hip-hop group formed in New York in the early 1990s, known for its large line-up and influence on rap. RZA is one of its founding members and a producer; Cilvaringz is a Moroccan-born producer who became a close associate after first following the group as a fan.
Once Upon a Time in Shaolin was a secret Wu-Tang album recorded over several years and made as a single physical copy. It was sold to Martin Shkreli, a US businessman, with terms restricting commercial use for 88 years. The project raised questions about music ownership, access and the value of scarcity.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “The Disciple: A Wu-Tang Fable review – Netflix doc on ‘secret album’ is strictly for super fans”.