Introducing straight from the slums of Shoalin the Wu-Tang Clan

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I must confess that the Wu-Tang Clan is one of my favorite groups of all time. 36 Chambers has got to be one of the most innovative hip-hop albums of all time. Since then the Clan has broken up somewhat, but with each member releasing their own solo albums. Some of these continue to be classics, such as Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cubin Linx, Method Man and Redman's (even though he is not a member of the Wu) Blackout!, and most recently Ghostface's Ghostdini: Wizard of poetry in Emerald city. What is it that has made the Wu-Tang name experience such longevity? And would you consider them to be in musics mainstream or underground?