The Westcott Theater transformed into the 36 Chambers of Shaolin as founding Wu-Tang Clan member GZA took the stage on Friday night.

The theater was filled with an unlikely blend of hip-hop heads and hipsters, an odd pair that made up the legion of Wu-Tang fans. From audience members who had started listening to GZA three years ago to diehard fans who’ve listened since 1996, every pair of hands was focused on throwing up the iconic Wu-Tang “W” throughout the night.

“I first saw the Wu-Tang Clan when my dad took me to Lollapalooza ’96 when I was 10,” said Dan Cafferty, a Syracuse resident at the show. “I like GZA a lot. It’s different because I’m a random dorky white kid, but it’s just really good music.”

One of GZA’s opening acts was Syracuse University’s own Jay Foss, a young, up-and-coming emcee known for his smooth style and clever lyrics. Foss had been listening to the Wu-Tang Clan since he first had a CD player and was star-struck to open for the rapping legend.

“The GZA was one of the most solid rappers out of the Wu-Tang to me,” Foss said, as he was preparing to perform. “It’s a huge opportunity for me and I really appreciate it.”

Other opening acts included The Goonies, DJ Afar & IRealz and alternative rap group Ratking. After four hours of opening acts, Wu-Tang chants buzzed around the packed Westcott Theater as swarms of killer bees grew restless to see The Genius.

“Everyone’s going to flip when The GZA comes out; he’s a legend,” said Isaac Mekker, one of the excited fans anticipating the Wu-Tang Clan front man.

The crowd erupted when GZA walked onto the stage, Wu-Tang chants now louder than ever. GZA made sure that his performance would bring the ruckus, as he demanded the soundman turn his microphone up to the maximum volume before jumping into his first song.

The speakers blasted GZA’s voice as he performed some of his greatest solo hits, such as “Clan in Da Front,” “Cold World” and “Shadowboxin’.”

And while GZA serves as the oldest member of the Wu-Tang Clan at 46, he delivered the same energetic performance that the Wu-Tang Clan is known for. GZA led a one-man Wu-Tang Clan show at The Westcott Theater, performing the hip-hop group’s greatest hits, including “C.R.E.A.M.,” “Protect Ya Neck” and “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing Ta F*ck Wit.”

Much like his hit record “Liquid Swords,” GZA’s performance was both smooth and sharp, as he demonstrated a commanding energy that only a veteran member of the Wu-Tang Clan could have. He walked to the center of the stage, asking the audience — “Can I get a SUUUUUUUUUUUU?” — otherwise known as the Wu-Tang Clan rally call. The call echoed around The Westcott Theater, right before GZA kicked into “Triumph” off the “Wu-Tang Forever” album.

In between his sets, GZA performed an a cappella verse in tribute to the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard, a founding Wu-Tang Clan member who died in 2004 from a drug overdose. The tribute led into GZA performing “Shimmy Shimmy Yah,” one of Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s greatest hits.

GZA also performed songs off his classic 1995 album “Liquid Swords,” with dedicated fans in the audience finishing every rhyme that GZA rapped. He rewarded the crowd’s devotion when he jumped off the stage into the audience, rapping “Crash Your Crew” as he was surrounded by droves of Wu-Tang enthusiasts.

As the song promised, GZA crashed the audience’s crew, walking through the roaring waves of fans. The crowd grew uncontrollably wild at this point, pushing and shoving each other to get as close to The Genius as possible. He posed for several pictures with audience members before returning to the stage.

After GZA closed out the show, he stayed around on stage signing items from the crowd and posing for photos. Adoring fans handed over their Wu-Tang shirts, “Liquid Swords” albums and sneakers for the hip-hop icon’s autograph before he left the stage.

Published on April 8, 2013 at 12:36 am

Contact Alfred: alng@syr.edu

@alfredwkng