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Wu-Tang Clan’s “C.R.E.A.M.” Turns 21

blame it on JES7 January 31, 2015

Today we celebrate the 21st anniversary of Wu-Tang’s monumental single “C.R.E.A.M.” which was released on Jan. 31st, 1994. Put out as a 12″, CD & cassingle – “C.R.E.A.M.” in a few words – broke down the duality of capitalism.

The backbone of RZA’s genius, lo-fi production was of course the amazingly flipped sample of The Charmels’ “As Long As I’ve Got You.” Released in 1967 on Volt Records (a subsidiary of the legendary Stax), the original pressing of this 7″ record still fetches very high prices and was a product of the minds of David Porter & Isaac Hayes.

To add on to this post, I’ve included the original Charmels recording, along with a few covers of the song. The Emotions, who were signed to Stax early in their career, and who’s music was also the inspiration for many a Wu recordings – tracked a cover demo and is the closest version to nearly outshining the original.

Wax Poetics signee Kendra Morris – a slept on singer with a penchant for blowing down walls with her incredible pipes – also recorded a cover for her Mockingbird LP, and tended to keep the Hip-Hop-esque undertones of Wu-Tang’s sampled version.

And lastly is Truth & Soul Records ensemble El Michel’s Affair and their spectacular instrumental re-imagining of “C.R.E.A.M.” as featured on their Wu-Tang tribute LP Enter the 37th Chamber.

Do you remember where you were and/or what you were doing the first time you heard “C.R.E.A.M.”? What was your initial reaction? Sound off below.

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