GZA

In 2004 GZA released a greatest hits compilation titled Collection Of Classics, announced he was soon to be finishing work on a Wu-Tang Clan behind-the-scenes documentary, appeared opposite RZA and Bill Murray in Jim Jarmusch's Coffee & Cigarettes, toured first as a solo artist and then with the group throughout Europe and the US, and announced the forthcoming release of an album by his son. The group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999. GZA's last solo album was Legend of the Liquid Sword in 2002 (see 2002 in music), which was mostly well-received by critics. The song fit well with the underlying themes of the game, as well as echoing the feelings the player character feels after the ending. The album received good reviews, but failed to live up to expectations. The Ink Spots are known in certain gaming circles for their song "Maybe", which was used as the opening and closing music of the game Fallout. After the Wu-Tang Clan's second album together, Wu-Tang Forever, GZA released Beneath the Surface in 1999 (see 1999 in music). Jones died at the height of the group's popularity.

GZA's first post-Wu-Tang solo album was Liquid Swords (1995, 1995 in music) and was widely acclaimed; it is still remembered as one of the pre-eminent Wu-Tang solo LPs. Watson went on to form a group called The Brown Dots while Kenny began a solo career. GZA signed to Geffen Records. In the 1940s, the Ink Spots released such other singles as "I'm Making Believe" (1944) and "The Gypsy" (1946). All nine members became a hot commodity and were allowed to sign with whatever record label they wished for a solo career, due to an unusual clause in their contract. Tenor Bill Kenny, Charlie Fuqua, Deek Watson and Hoppy Jones released "If I Didn't Care" on Decca in 1939, becoming their first smash hit. Their debut together was Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), which took the hip hop world by storm. The Ink Spots were an American vocal group that helped define the musical genre that eventually became known as doo-wop.

However, the trio of friends from All In Together Now soon formed the Wu-Tang Clan with six others. Download sample of "If I Didn’t Care", the first major hit for The Ink Spots, who were the first major pop doo wop group. The album was a flop, and GZA's experience with Cold Chillin, combined with a similar ordeal for his friend RZA at Tommy Boy, created a bitterness towards record labels that ensured the evils of the music industry would be a prominent theme in his music for the rest of his career. The album's sound was heavily influence by the wishes of the label Cold Chillin, who were eager to make it a commercial success. After recording as All in Together Now with future Wu-Tangers Ol' Dirty Bastard and RZA, GZA released a solo album, Words from the Genius, in 1991 (see 1991 in music).

GZA is, along with Ghostface Killah, widely considered the best rapper in the nine-person clan, and his solo work has been critically acclaimed. GZA (pronounced The Jizza, aka The Genius, Maxi Million, Justice, born Gary Grice August 22, 1966 in Staten Island, New York) is an American rapper and member of The Wu-Tang Clan. Download sample of "Shadowboxing" from Liquid Swords.