Wu-Tang Clan Becomes First Hip-Hop Act to Headline Legendary Country Music Venue

The rap group made history at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

Wu-Tang Clan just made history.

On Sunday (June 9), the rap group has become the first ever hip-hop act to headline the legendary country music venue, Ryman Auditorium, in Nashville.

According to NPR, Wu-Tang performed a sold-out show at the historic venue known as “The Mother Church of Country Music.” Since its opening in 1892, the auditorium has hosted everything from church revivals to boxing matches, legends like Johnny Cash, magician Harry Houdini, and the Grand Ole Opry in the radio show’s early years.

Wu-Tang took its international Enter the Wu-Tang 25th anniversary tour to the venue.

READ: “Understanding The Wu-Tang Story Is Understanding An American Story:” ‘Of Mics And Men’ Celebrates The Legacy Of Wu-Tang [Recap]

The size of the venue was reportedly an issue and a reason as to why hip-hop acts hadn’t hit the stage at Ryman. According to Pam Matthews, the venue’s previous general manager, the 2300-person capacity room with “awkward” screwed-down rows of pews saw hip-hop acts going for small nightclubs or big arenas instead.

“I did make an offer on 50 Cent,” Matthews told NPR. “And I also feel it’s possible I made an offer on Insane Clown Posse.”

“You know, the Ryman has had to grow up too, and had to grow up into what the city is,” record producer Shannon Sanders told NPR “You know, the Wu-Tang is ready for the Ryman, but also the Ryman is ready for the Wu-Tang.”