Introduction

The Wu-Tang Clan's legendary, one-of-a-kind album Once Upon A Time in Shaolin has remained largely silent for years—until now. A new episode of Pablo Torre Finds Out has finally released two audio snippets, giving the public its first official glimpse of the controversial record.

What Happened

Originally purchased by disgraced pharmaceutical executive Martin Shkreli at auction in 2015, the sole copy of the album was seized by the U.S. government and later sold to the crypto art collective PleasrDAO in 2021. In a highly anticipated listening party coordinated with PleasrDAO, the podcast hosted Method Man, who heard the album for the first time and shared his immediate reaction.

The recorded event captured two distinct moments from the album at 32:30 and 39:02, marking the first time the public can officially hear portions of the otherwise inaccessible project.

Why This Matters

Since its creation, Once Upon A Time in Shaolin has symbolized the tension between art, ownership, and commercialization in hip-hop. With a commercial release blocked until 2103, the album has become a cultural artifact. The podcast's decision to share two snippets not only honors the group's legacy but also sparks conversation about how exclusive music can eventually reach audiences without undermining its unique status.

Key Takeaways

  • The album was bought by Martin Shkreli in 2015 and later confiscated by the U.S. government.
  • PleasrDAO acquired the one-of-a-kind record in 2021 and has since permitted limited exhibition play.
  • Method Man's reaction: "I do not hate this album."
  • Two official snippets are now available at the 32:30 and 39:02 marks of the podcast episode.
  • The album cannot be commercially released until the year 2103.

Conclusion

Making two snippets of Once Upon A Time in Shaolin publicly available is a rare moment for hip-hop history. While the full album remains under lock and key until the next century, this release proves that even the most exclusive art can find a way into the conversation—if only for a few minutes.