Gastor Almonte

There is something magical in witnessing a transformation. It’s what draws us to comic books and superhero movies; a chance to witness the origin story. Batman Begins, Iron Man and Black Panther not only gave us the action that came with the change, but the moments that lead to it. Lamont Hawkins. Golden Arms. U-God. With his autobiography Raw: My Journey Into Wu-Tang, U-God gives us a first-hand look at his journey from mere mortal to rap superhero. For over 25 years, U-God has been a part of some of the most incredible moments in hip hop culture—both individually and as a member of the hugely influential Wu-Tang Clan. In Raw, U-God shares the good and bad moments that culminated in the creation of the Wu—his childhood in Staten Island, working a day job with Method Man as a teenager, his time in prison and stories about performing live. You’re noted as one of the quieter members of the Wu-Tang Clan. What made you decide to write this book now?Well, I’ve always told stories. With my manager, my peoples and my fam, I always told stories that would have them dying laughing. I could see the emotions on their faces when I shared them. Finally, my friend Domingo said, “Yo, U-God, you got to write this shit down.” Besides that, I’m the last dinosaur of the people I grew up with. A lot of my brothers are in jail doing life, so I gotta write it down for them too. I just put the pen down and let the magic happen. You made a real effort to put a face to the name with a lot of these s