Which rap group was formed in Staten Island, New York?

The Wu-Tang Clan was formed in Staten Island, New York City.

The collective emerged in the early 1990s around cousins RZA, GZA, and Ol' Dirty Bastard, whose earlier musical partnership developed into the larger Wu-Tang concept. RZA became the group's principal producer and helped shape its cinematic, sample-heavy sound.

Staten Island is central to the group's identity, although its members came from several New York neighborhoods and the collective quickly became associated with New York hip-hop as a whole. The Clan officially broke through with “Protect Ya Neck” in 1992 and its debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), in 1993.

A common mix-up is confusing the group's origin with its members' later solo careers or with other New York rap acts. Wu-Tang's Staten Island roots are also reflected in the nickname “Shaolin,” a recurring reference in its music and mythology.