In the late 1990s and early 2000s, anybody remotely associated with Wu-Tang Clan was signing deals, and fast-tracking albums. In all the hubbub, it was easy to lose focus on who the real skillful MCs were. In time, MCs like Killah Priest, 9th Prince, and Shyheim have proven to be some of the elite Wu-Tang warriors, along with La The Darkman, Hell Razah, and of course, Cappadonna.

It can be easy to forget about Wu-Syndicate. Signed to Wu-Tang Records, this Virginia trio had a self-titled 1999 album, executive produced by RZA, with some Allah Mathematics production. While quiet as of late, the Priority-distributed act debuted at #61 on the Top 200, Joe Mafia, Myalansky, Napoleon made a successful one-year transition from Wu-Tang Killa Bees into their own entity.

All three MCs stayed active in the 2000s, even making two more indie albums as a unit. Napoleon in particular, has been highly active. His studio debut, Ring Of Power, is available now. Within, he taps an energized Ghostface Killah for a callback to the hustling days on “Game.” Starks kicks things off with a breathless verse about going up and down the interstate during some challenging times for the Staten Island MC hopeful. Perhaps it is here that he crossed paths with Nap’. In any event, more than 15 years into an expansion team run, Wu-Tang and Wu Syndicate still roll close together, and bring shine to each others’ skill and narrative:

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