How Can Hip-Hop Be Dead if Wu-Tang is Forever?

London, England - Bodog Music is proud to announce the European signing of legendary hip-hop crew Wu-Tang Clan. Bodog Music will release The 8 Diagrams, Wu-Tang's first studio album in 6 years, in Germany on September 7, with a separate release in the UK and the rest of Europe on September 10.

The album contains new tracks by the eight remaining original members, as well as unreleased vocals by the late Ol' Dirty Bastard, which were recorded during sessions for the group's first album. There will also be a tribute song to ODB called "Life Changes."

"This is really what Bodog Music is all about: Hip-hop at its highest," says Bodog founder Calvin Ayre, who along with Wu-Tang's international representative Eva Ries, has closed a deal that will advertise the Wu-Tang brand and turn Bodog Music into an ambitious hip-hop label. "With the Wu-Tang Clan being the widely respected and revered group that they are, and Bodog's international music distribution expertise, the potential of this relationship in unlimited. Wu-Tang Clan still ain't nothing to f#@k with."

Ayre's sentiments are echoed by Wu-Tang producer RZA who says, "The RZA himself has called upon his Wu-Tang brothers to reunite and show the real unity and raw force of hip-hop. How can hip-hop be dead if Wu-Tang is Forever?"

Bodog Music's marketing competence will be a big lift to Wu-Tang in Europe, as the record label signed the group exclusively for European releases, with distribution via Pinnacle in the UK and EDEL for the rest of the continent.

After a two year hiatus, the hip-hop collective will be touring Europe this summer, including two UK shows at the Hammersmith Apollo on July 5 and the Manchester Apollo on July 6. Appearing live will be original Wu-Tang members, Ghostface Killah, RZA, GZA, Raekwon, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa, U-God and Cappadona. This summer the crew hits the road in the U.S. with Rage Against The Machine and Public Enemy.

Debuting in 1993, the Staten Island, NY-based Wu-Tang Clan is one of the most revolutionary hip-hop acts of all time. Throwing out the pre-established formulas for breaking a rap group, Wu-Tang methodically released each album while cultivating the solo careers of all nine MCs.

After its breakthrough album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), the Clan reconvened in 1997 for the much-anticipated double-album Wu-Tang Forever, which simultaneously shot straight to #1 in the US and UK charts. In 2000, the group released The W, which included the hit single Gravel Pit and most recently, Iron Flag in 2001.

About Bodog Music

BodogMusic.com is a division of the international digital entertainment giant, Bodog Entertainment. With six offices worldwide, the label features a diverse and growing roster of talented musicians. Bodog Music is searching for the top unsigned band in America with "Bodog Battle," which is taking place in 17 major markets and features more than 300 live shows. Bodog Music Founder Calvin Ayre, who is recognized as a world authority on branding in the digital entertainment industry, was spotlighted on the cover of Forbes magazine's best-selling "Billionaires" issue in March 2006. Bodog Entertainment also includes: an international television production division, which produces television series, such as Bodog Fight (BodogFight.com) and Calvin Ayre Wild Card Poker (Bodog.TV); a publishing division (with an online magazine, BodogNation.com, and blog, BodogBeat.com); and an events department renowned for producing parties that are stunning, chic and celebrity-filled. For more information, contact publicity[at]bodogmusic.com. BODOG is a registered trademark of Bodog Entertainment Group.