Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Arguably the most influential hip-hop collective in history, the moment has finally come for Wu-Tang Clan to call it a day, or at least that’s what they’re saying on “The Final Chamber” Tour.

Not to fear, the groundwork the East Coasters laid since 1993’s culture redefining “Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” will indeed live on “Forever,” though in the meantime, those who trekked out to Tinley Park’s Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre got to encounter RZA, GZA, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa and Cappadonna, alongside Young Dirty Bastard, son of the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and Mathematics behind the turntables, presumably for one last time together. 

Even if it winds up being the case, Wu-Tang Clan nonetheless left the Chicagoland area on a steady streak of bangs as the guys alternated between full group affairs, partial collaborations and solos, backed by a fully live band and pair of vocalists.

Jointly or separately, they all remain masters of the mic capable of making the entire pavilion feel involved for a grand send-off starting with RZA’s “You Can’t Stop Me Now,” followed by the staples “Bring Da Ruckus” and “Clan In Da Front.”

Every passing track meant the emergence of more members, who consistently rose to the occasion of the classics “Da Mystery Of Chessboxin’, “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing Ta F’ Wit,” “Method Man,” “Shame On A Nigga” and “Protect Ya Neck” as the masses flashed the “W” or shadowed the rhymes.

The trend would continue during several individual segments, including Method Man’s “Bring The Pain,” GZA’s “Liquid Swords” and Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s “Got Your Money,” amongst nearly three-dozen others comprising the mega retrospective.

However, it was impossible to top when everyone united again, especially as Wu-Tang Clan capped it all off with “C.R.E.A.M.” and “Triumph,” certainly living up to the latter’s title, not only on this unforgettable night, but throughout a truly unparalleled career.

The bonus of Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony ranked right up there in terms of impact, as demonstrated by over three decades of iconic hip-hop and R&B that came roaring out of Cleveland after catching the ear of N.W.A.’s Eazy-E.

Since then, the group racked up sales and streams by the millions, such as “Thuggish Ruggish Bone,” “1st Of Tha Month,” “Foe Tha Love of $,” guesting on The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Notorious Thugs,” the 2Pac tag team “Thug Luv” and “The Crossroads,” which each came across as speedy and soulful as ever while adding extra ammunition to the historic evening.

For additional information on Wu-Tang Clan and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, visit TheWuTangClan.com and Facebook.com/OfficialBoneThugs.

Upcoming shows at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre include Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson (Sept. 5); Dan + Shay (Sept. 12); Pitbull (Sept. 13); $uicideboy$ (Sept. 16); The B-52’s and Devo (Sept. 17); Breaking Benjamin (Sept. 18); Tim McGraw (Sept. 19); Iron Maiden (Sept. 22); Staind (Sept. 23); Hayley Williams (Sept. 24); Bryson Tiller (Sept. 27) and Fuerza Regida (Oct. 3-4). For additional details, visit LiveNation.com.

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