TL;DR — Fast Facts
- Album: Once Upon a Time in Shaolin (2015)
- Price: $2 million — single copy ever sold
- Current Status: Owned by PleasrDAO collective (2021)
- 2025 Updates: Partial NFT release, ongoing legal battles
The Origin Story: Art vs. Commerce
In 2014, RZA and producer Cilvaringz conceived the ultimate protest against music industry devaluation: a single-copy album that would be treated like a piece of fine art. The result was "Once Upon a Time in Shaolin," a double album containing 31 tracks that would never be commercially released.
The album was recorded in secret over six years, featuring all nine Wu-Tang members plus guest appearances. It was housed in a hand-carved silver box designed by British-Moroccan artist Yahya, complete with a leather-bound book of lyrics and exclusive photographs.
Ownership Timeline: From Pharma Bro to Crypto Collective
| Year | Owner | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Martin Shkreli | $2 million | Private auction purchase |
| 2018 | US Government | Asset forfeiture | Seized for fraud settlement |
| 2021 | PleasrDAO | $4 million | Crypto collective acquisition |
| 2025 | PleasrDAO | - | Partial NFT release plans |
Legal Battles: The Saga Continues
PleasrDAO vs. Martin Shkreli (2024)
PleasrDAO sued Shkreli for allegedly retaining copies and sharing excerpts online, claiming he violated the album's exclusivity terms. The case highlights the complexity of digital ownership in the streaming era.
Wu-Tang Clan Internal Disputes
Some Wu-Tang members have expressed frustration with the album's exclusivity, with U-God publicly calling it "some stupid shit" and arguing that music should be accessible to fans, not locked away as art pieces.
The NFT Era: Democratizing the Exclusive
PleasrDAO's 2025 strategy involves creating NFTs tied to portions of the album, potentially allowing fans to own "shares" of the music. This represents a fundamental shift from the original concept of singular ownership to fractional, blockchain-based possession.
The collective has hinted at releasing 88 seconds of the album as an NFT sample, maintaining the mystique while giving fans their first legitimate taste of the music. This approach could revolutionize how exclusive content is monetized in the digital age.
Cultural Impact: Beyond the Music
Art Market Disruption
The album challenged traditional notions of music as consumable product, positioning it alongside paintings and sculptures as unique collectible art.
Streaming Economy Critique
By creating artificial scarcity, Wu-Tang highlighted how streaming services have devalued music, paying artists fractions of pennies per play.
Cryptocurrency Adoption
PleasrDAO's ownership introduced the album to the crypto world, making it a symbol of how blockchain technology can revolutionize art ownership.
FAQ
Q: Will the album ever be released publicly?
A: The original contract prevents commercial release until 2103, but PleasrDAO's NFT approach may offer legal workarounds for partial releases.
Q: How much is the album worth now?
A: PleasrDAO paid $4 million in 2021, but its value has likely increased due to NFT market dynamics and continued cultural relevance.
Q: Has anyone actually heard the full album?
A: Only a select few have heard the complete album during private listening sessions. PleasrDAO has hosted exclusive events for crypto community members.
Q: What's the difference between this and other rare albums?
A: Unlike rare pressings or limited releases, this is truly one-of-one: only one copy exists, making it more like owning an original painting than a rare record.
While you can't own the rarest Wu-Tang album, you can still claim your unique Wu-Tang identity. Try our Wu-Tang Name Generator and join the Clan today.