On Monday night (July 7), the United Center in Chicago became a historic ground for hip-hop as Wu-Tang Clan and Run the Jewels shared the stage for a night that felt more like a cultural celebration than just a concert. Run the Jewels opened with their trademark urgency as El-P and Killer Mike delivered a fierce energy, heavy beats and politically charged lyrics that immediately electrified the crowd. Their set was sharp, tightly packed with fan favorites like “ooh la la,” which subtly paid homage to Ol’ Dirty Bastard and foreshadowed the legends to come.

When Wu-Tang Clan emerged, the energy shifted from explosive to reverent. With nearly the full lineup present—RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa, U-God, Cappadonna and Young Dirty Bastard—the group delivered a sprawling, two-hour set that pulled from every corner of their discography. They opened with classic tracks from Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) like “Bring da Ruckus” and “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F’ Wit,” then dove deep into solo work, including Raekwon’s “Criminology,” GZA’s “Liquid Swords,” and Method Man’s “Bring the Pain.” Each performance felt like a statement, of individual mastery and collective power.

The show wasn’t just a trip down memory lane; it was also socially charged. RZA took a moment to acknowledge the city’s recent Fourth of July shootings, calling for gun reform and tying the performance into a larger narrative about community and legacy. The crowd’s response was more than just applause. It was a unified voice echoing back decades of Wu-Tang’s message of resilience and resistance.

The night closed on an emotional high with a string of signature anthems: “Reunited,” “Shimmy Shimmy Ya,” “C.R.E.A.M.,” and “Triumph.” The tribute to Ol’ Dirty Bastard, delivered through Young Dirty Bastard’s impassioned performance, brought the house to its feet. For many, it was a chance to relive the past; for others, it was a first-time experience of hip-hop greatness.

In what may be their final tour together, Wu-Tang Clan didn’t just perform; they passed on a legacy. Backed by Run the Jewels’ fire and fueled by a multi-generational crowd, the night felt like a powerful farewell, but more importantly, a reminder that Wu-Tang remains forever.

See photos from the Chicago performance below, by Josh Darr.