Finding The GOAT Group: Wu-Tang Clan vs. M.O.P. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry (which has been determined), including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no deserving band of MCs and DJs is neglected. The 2018 contest consists of seven rounds, NCAA basketball-tournament style, leading to a Top 32, then the Sweet 16 and so on, until one winner is determined. For each match-up, two groups are pitted against one another with a ballot to decide which one advances to the next round. Though there will be an enormous amount of debate in comments, on social media, in barbershops and text messages, which we encourage, only votes cast in the official ballot count.

Wu-Tang and the Mash Out Posse released their debut albums less than six months apart. Both entities signaled a grimy era of New York City Rap, especially in Brooklyn. As years progressed, these Loud Records label-mates worked together extensively, with Lil Fame’s heavy hand on the mic and the boards for some celebrated Wu projects. While Wu’s brand and some of its members garnered global mainstream recognition, M.O.P. bubbled with several singles but remains in a pocket for hardcore Heads. Those are precisely the kinds of fans who will debate this round, with only one collective reaching the upcoming Sweet 16.

Wu-Tang Clan

(defeated Heltah Skeltah in Round 1, 89% to 11%)

The name Wu-Tang Clan is synonymous with legendary Hip-Hop groups. RZA, GZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Raekwon The Chef, Ghostface Killah, Masta Killa, U-God, Inspectah Deck, and Method Man created a musical brand as strong as any in the last 25 years. Since formation, Wu has stood for power in numbers and featuring many styles in one place. The collective’s 1993 debut album, Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) never cracked the Top 40, and somehow challenged the mainstream understanding of rugged, unconventional Rap music from a very raw place. The Loud Records LP also served as a launchpad for every artist in the group, collectively and individually over the next decade. The Clan has unified for at least seven other albums in the last 25 years, and countless compilations, side projects, and factional lineups on a la carte songs. Witty Unpredictable Talent And Natural Game is an acronym that lived up, as recently as October, Wu still forms like Voltron to attack microphones and feeble-minded peers. The 2004 death of O.D.B., internal legal battles, and so many obstacles that only Wu seems to face cannot stop these swordsmen, who have pierced the consciousness for decades and sliced through the Rap landscape.

M.O.P.

(defeated ONYX in Round 1, 62% to 38%)

Mash Out Posse has been true to its word for 25 years. The Brooklyn duo of Billy Danze and Lil Fame made their mark on Hip-Hop beginning in 1993 with their single “How About Some Hardcore.” They’ve answered that question ever since. M.O.P.’s longevity though that could be considered their most impressive trait. However, the duo also produced, in addition to relationships with top producers like DJ Premier. The First Family squad (and Gang Starr extended family members) collected major props with their fourth and best-selling LP Warriorz, which bridged Brownsville with the mainstream. Although Roc-A-Fella and G-Unit tenures did little to expand the brand, Bill and Fizzy made it happen for themselves, as pillars of take-no-shorts Rap music that fits with Metal, boom-bap, and some of the ruggedest tracks the genre of Hip-Hop has ever heard.

Finding The GOAT Group: The Roots vs. Atmosphere. Who Is Better?

So who is the better Hip-Hop group? Make sure you vote above.