‘The Disciple: A Wu-Tang Fable’ Explores Fan's Journey to Wu-Tang Clan Producer
The Netflix documentary chronicles Tarik Azzougarh's unlikely rise from superfan to producer of the unique, single-copy album 'Once Upon a Time in Shaolin.'
Director Joanna Natasagara's documentary 'The Disciple: A Wu-Tang Fable,' now available on Netflix, recounts the story of Tarik Azzougarh, a devoted hip-hop fan who became deeply involved with the Wu-Tang Clan, leading to the creation of the group's renowned single-copy album, 'Once Upon a Time in Shaolin.'
Growing up in Tilburg, Netherlands, Azzougarh, then a bullied Moroccan-Dutch youth, found solace in music, particularly the work of the Wu-Tang Clan. The group, led by RZA, had achieved multiplatinum success in the late 1990s with albums like 'Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)' and 'Wu-Tang Forever,' building a mythology around their gritty New York City roots and fascination with martial arts cinema.
Through persistence, Azzougarh, later known as Cilvaringz, eventually joined RZA's inner circle. He signed with the Killa Beez, a Wu-Tang affiliated group, released an album, and organized tours for Wu-Tang and RZA. By the late 2000s, he began producing tracks that featured various Wu-Tang members and affiliates.
The 'Once Upon a Time in Shaolin' Concept
Azzougarh conceived the idea of treating an album as a piece of fine art, aiming to counteract the devaluation of music in the digital age. RZA embraced the concept for the Wu-Tang brand, and 'Once Upon a Time in Shaolin' was developed as a unique, single-copy project. It was presented in an elaborate silver box, with strict legal stipulations preventing its commercial exploitation for 88 years. The album was intended for exhibition and auction, akin to a painting or sculpture.
In 2015, the album sold at auction for $2 million. However, the buyer was revealed to be Martin Shkreli, a figure widely criticized for dramatically increasing the price of a life-saving drug. This revelation cast a shadow over the project.
Documentary's Strengths and Limitations
'The Disciple: A Wu-Tang Fable' offers an entertaining look at this complex saga, though the review notes that several aspects could have benefited from deeper exploration, including Azzougarh's biography, his relationship with RZA, and the broader implications of the 'Once Upon a Time in Shaolin' experiment as an art object.
The documentary maintains an engaging pace, driven by Azzougarh's commentary. While most interviews with Wu-Tang members are archival, contributions from Cappadonna and Shabazz the Disciple provide valuable context. The narrative gains significant momentum as 'Once Upon a Time in Shaolin' becomes the central focus, presenting a compelling idea that is explored sufficiently to hold viewer interest.
The film draws comparisons to the documentary 'Pharma Bro,' which delves into Martin Shkreli's story, and the drama series 'Wu-Tang: An American Saga.' It also echoes the narrative of 'Rock Star,' a film based on the true story of a singer who joined a famous band.
Ultimately, 'The Disciple: A Wu-Tang Fable' successfully encapsulates a remarkable story, even if it doesn't delve into every facet as deeply as it might have. It is recommended to stream.