The Wu-Tang Clan continues to solidify their place in music history. While the legendary group has yet to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Billboard honored them this week with an induction into its Hip-Hop Hall of Fame during the R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players 2025 event.

Representing the collective were RZA, Raekwon, and Cappadonna, who accepted the recognition on behalf of the full Clan. The moment underscored Wu-Tang’s three decades of cultural impact, artistry, and influence on hip-hop as a global movement.

RZA on Hip-Hop’s Evolution

During his acceptance speech, the RZA reflected on how far the genre has come:

“When you think about ‘Hall of Fame,’ you’re thinking about it being full of people with fame. But there are so many other people who are not famous that help build our culture, help build the careers of the artists,” he said.

He went on to highlight the growth of hip-hop from a niche art form to a worldwide powerhouse:

“When we was doing [hip-hop] at first, not 500 people knew how to do it. Now it’s spread across the world, become a global multi-billion dollar movement that’s feeding families all over the world… To those who may watch this, keep the culture alive, strive to bring forth inspiration, don’t be shy to be yourself, don’t be shy to be different.”

Raekwon’s Jewel for the Next Generation

Raekwon expressed gratitude for the recognition and spoke directly to the younger generation of artists:

“Billboard, we appreciate the accolades, the love through the years. It’s been a long time, man. We’ve been in this game for almost 30-something years… And to the new artists out there that’s doing their thing, let me leave you a jewel real quick. Let’s continue to grow, to prosper, and to be innovative. Because we make this culture what it is today. When you sit down and you think about music, music is the pulse to life, right? So it’s important for us to preserve it, protect it, and stand on it on a real level.”

Cappadonna’s Tribute to Steve Rifkind

Cappadonna closed the acceptance with heartfelt thanks to Steve Rifkind, the music executive who believed in Wu-Tang early on and helped bring them to the world through Loud Records:

“I want to thank all the fans, Billboard, and Steve Rifkind because without him, it wouldn’t even be no Wu-Tang. He believed in us, he believed in the dream, and when everybody else was scared, he put us on. This the man right here, you know what I’m saying? So I want to say what Rae said to me before: it only takes a lesson a day just to analyze life. One time and a respectable mind. God is the greatest, peace.”

Rifkind then joined the group on stage, a full-circle moment more than two decades after first opening the doors for Wu-Tang’s rise.

Wu-Tang Forever

For over 30 years, the Wu-Tang Clan has been more than just a rap group—they’ve been a cultural force, shaping music, style, language, and business in hip-hop. Their induction into Billboard’s Hip-Hop Hall of Fame further cements their legacy, reminding both veterans and newcomers of the timeless influence of “Wu-Tang Forever.”