A rare piece of hip-hop history is making waves in Tasmania. The sole copy of Wu-Tang Clan’s “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” is now on display at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart. The exhibition, aptly named “Namedropping,” offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in parts of the album through private listening sessions. From June 15 to June 24, 2024, MONA is issuing limited tickets for these sessions, offering a rare auditory glimpse into an album shrouded in both mystery and exclusivity.
This unique exhibition is not just about nostalgia or mere display; it signifies a blend of art, technology, and music. The album’s current owner, PleasrDAO, is leveraging blockchain technology to democratize access to this once-impenetrable work. They have started selling partial ownership of the album through NFTs, priced at $1 each. This initiative not only offers fans a piece of music history but also progressively unlocks larger segments of the album for purchasers, making the listening experience more communal and shared.
The backstory of “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” is as compelling as its content. Initially sold in 2015 with a stipulation preventing commercial exploitation until 2103, the album became infamous when Martin Shkreli, a pharmaceutical executive, bought it for $2 million. Following Shkreli’s conviction for fraud, the album was seized by the U.S. government. In 2021, PleasrDAO purchased it for $4 million, aiming to honor its contractual limitations while increasing its accessibility. This decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) has since been at the forefront of integrating this cultural artifact into the digital mainstream.
PleasrDAO’s innovative approach to ownership has not been without controversy. Recently, they sued Shkreli for livestreaming parts of the album without permission. A temporary restraining order was issued to prevent further unauthorized dissemination. This legal tussle underscores the complexities of digital ownership and the challenges of maintaining control over such a coveted piece of art.
The cultural impact of releasing the album as NFTs is significant. PleasrDAO emphasizes that this move is about more than just technology; it represents a shift towards restoring value and ownership in the music industry. By offering NFTs, PleasrDAO is not only catering to crypto enthusiasts but also opening doors for mainstream hip-hop fans to participate in this revolutionary model. The user-friendly purchasing options, including credit card and Apple Pay, reflect this inclusive approach.
Critics who have had the privilege of listening to parts of the album describe it as “rich, layered, and sonically bombastic,” drawing parallels to the early works of the Wu-Tang Clan. There’s a palpable sense that this album could be one of the group’s most significant releases since the 1990s. Such reviews add to the album’s allure, building anticipation for its broader release.
Looking ahead, there are plans to eventually make the album available on streaming platforms and to allow live performances of its tracks. This will enable the artists to earn royalties through these modern channels, blending traditional music revenue models with cutting-edge digital distribution. It’s a forward-thinking approach that could set a precedent for future releases in the music industry.
The combination of a physical exhibition and digital ownership through NFTs is a novel experiment in how art and music can be experienced and valued. It highlights the potential for blockchain technology to disrupt traditional models, providing new ways for artists to monetize their work while engaging with their audience in unprecedented ways.
As the exhibition at MONA draws to a close, the buzz surrounding “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” will likely continue to grow. The album’s journey—from its secretive sale to Shkreli, its seizure and resale, and now its fractional ownership through NFTs—reflects the dynamic interplay between art, commerce, and technology. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of the Wu-Tang Clan and their ability to innovate and captivate audiences decades after their initial rise to fame.
In a world where digital and physical experiences are increasingly intertwined, the story of “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin” serves as a fascinating case study. It challenges our notions of ownership, value, and access in the digital age, inviting us to rethink how we interact with art and music. As PleasrDAO continues to navigate this uncharted territory, one thing is clear: the Wu-Tang Clan’s influence extends far beyond music, touching on broader cultural and technological trends that will shape the future.
The exhibition at MONA, the NFT sale, and the ongoing legal battles all contribute to a narrative that is as layered and complex as the album itself. It’s a story that resonates with fans old and new, drawing them into a world where the lines between the digital and physical, the exclusive and the accessible, are constantly being redrawn. This innovative approach not only honors the legacy of the Wu-Tang Clan but also paves the way for new forms of artistic expression and appreciation in the 21st century.
