An unreleased Wu-Tang Clan song unceremoniously entered the world today (via Nah Right), and it’s noteworthy for almost as many reasons as there are rappers on the track.
First, of course, there’s the music: Titled “Execution in Autumn,” the song’s gritty, soul-based instrumental by producer Frank Dukes and adamantium-plated verses from Inspector Deck, Raekwon, RZA, and U-God are classic Wu.
Also remarkable, though, is how Wu-Tang Clan are releasing the song — not only as a “pay what you feel” download, but as a “pay what you feel” limited-edition 7-inch vinyl single, too (buyers still have to cover shipping).
And then there’s the mystery of how “Execution in Autumn” might fit into any broader Clan release plans. Wu’s Soul Temple Music label says the track is “from the personal vaults of the RZA” and bills the pay-what-you-want release as a “customer appreciation” move. But the whole group has reunited for a handful of 20th-anniversary dates, including last month at Coachella, and their reps have promised new music during their U.K. shows in late July. (They’re also playing Rock the Bells with a virtually revived Ol’ Dirty Bastard, along with non-virtual sets at Bonnaroo, Hot 97 Summer Jam, and 80/35).
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So it’s easy to hope — even if unreasonably — that this newly unearthed cut might have something to do with Wu-Tang Clan’s upcoming album, titled A Better Tomorrow. Little information is out there yet about the LP, except for a tentative July release date that could unsurprisingly wind up getting postponed. But Soul Temple does offer this nugget about the “Execution in Autumn” 7-inch: “At some point later this summer … this record may be made available for sale in record shops.”
