On Friday night, April 18th, a select group of music insiders and Wu-Tang fans gathered at the FYI Campus of UPROXX Studios in Hollywood for an exclusive, private listening event celebrating the upcoming release of Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman. Hosted by Wu-Tang Clan’s visionary producer/DJ Mathematics and the legendary RZA, the evening was a rare behind-the-scenes look into the creative firepower behind this highly anticipated project.
Event Recap: “Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman” Private Listening Party
Hosted by RZA & DJ Mathematics of the Wu-Tang Clan
Date: Friday, April 18, 2025
Location: FYI Campus at UPROXX Studios, Hollywood, CA
Presented by: Park Hill New York & Vuelo Tequila
With food and drinks flowing, and vibes provided by sponsors Park Hill New York and Vuelo Tequila, guests were treated to intimate storytelling from RZA and Mathematics, who shared insights into the album’s creation, including the massive feat of reuniting all nine Wu-Tang members on a single project. Attendees got a first listen to tracks from the album and heard untold stories and anecdotes straight from the source.
Photo credit: Mazik
The night featured a standout DJ set by Mathematics, blending classic Wu-Tang cuts with unreleased material from Black Samson. Another highlight was the debut screening of the AI-inspired music video for “Mandingo”, developed in collaboration with Google technology—blurring the lines between hip-hop legacy and future-facing innovation.
Also spotlighted were powerhouse collaborations from KURUPT, Ralph McDaniels, Kool G. Rap, Benny The Butcher, Nicole Bus, R.J. Payne, 38 Spesh, Willie The Kid, and Kameron Corvet, adding rich dimensions to an already monumental project.
Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman made history with a Record Store Day (April 12) debut, released as 5,000 one-of-one vinyl editions, each featuring a unique album cover—an unprecedented feat in vinyl history. The album will be available across all streaming platforms on April 25.
This intimate night in Hollywood was more than a listening party—it was a celebration of legacy, innovation, and the enduring power of the Wu-Tang Clan.