Black Samson, the Bastard Swordsman is a collaborative studio album by American hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan and producer Mathematics, released on April 12, 2025 for Record Store Day. It marks the group's fourth album release under the abbreviated name "Wu-Tang", following Chamber Music, Legendary Weapons, and The Saga Continues, the last of which was also a collaboration with Mathematics.
| Black Samson, the Bastard Swordsman | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by Wu-Tang and Mathematics | ||||
| Released | April 12, 2025 | |||
| Genre | Hip-hop | |||
| Label |
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| Producer |
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| Wu-Tang and Mathematics chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Black Samson, the Bastard Swordsman | ||||
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| Alternative cover | ||||
 Vinyl cover | ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| RapReviews | 7.5/10[1] |
The album is the first Wu-Tang project since Once Upon a Time in Shaolin to feature all nine living members.[2]
Release
editThe album was initially released on vinyl as a 2LP set, presented as an authenticated and numbered limited edition. Each album jacket features unique “1 of 1” cover art, making every design truly distinct and highly collectible—a first in the vinyl record industry. The covers are created through a blend of hand-crafted artistry, proprietary technology (without the use of A.I.), and advanced printing techniques. The release is limited to 5,000 copies worldwide, with 1,000 available in the UK. The album released on streaming services on April 25, 2025.[3]
Track listing
editAll tracks are produced by Mathematics, except where noted.
| No. | Title | Performer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Sucker Free City" | 1:01 | |
| 2. | "Mandingo (co-produced by RZA)" | 4:35 | |
| 3. | "Lions Roar (The Lion’s Pit) (co-produced by RZA)" | 4:08 | |
| 4. | "Claudine" |
| 4:02 |
| 5. | "Shaolin vs. Lama" |
| 3:53 |
| 6. | "Executioners from Shaolin" |
| 2:38 |
| 7. | "Cleopatra Jones" |
| 3:33 |
| 8. | "Warriors Two, Cooley High (co-produced by Wize Beatz)" |
| 2:35 |
| 9. | "Let’s Do It Again" |
| 3:49 |
| 10. | "Dolemite" |
| 4:06 |
| 11. | "Trouble Man (Outro) (co-produced by Shroom)" | Kameron Corvet | 1:57 |
| 12. | "Charleston Blue, Legend of a Fighter (co-produced by Wu-10)" |
| 2:50 |
| 13. | "Sinners (Mo' Better Blues)" | 4:00 | |
| Total length: | 39:50 | ||
Charts
edit| Chart (2025) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[4] | 20 |
| UK R&B Albums (OCC)[5] | 8 |
| US Top Album Sales (Billboard)[6] | 32 |
| US Vinyl Albums (Billboard)[7] | 25 |
References
edit- ↑ Jones, Grant (May 20, 2025). "Wu-Tang x Mathematics :: Black Samson, the Bastard Swordsman – RapReviews". www.rapreviews.com. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
- ↑ Reid, Shaheem (February 6, 2025). "Wu-Tang Clan and Mathematics on Reconvening for a New Album, 'Black Samson' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
- ↑ "Mathematics announce new album, 'Black Samson, the Bastard Swordsman', featuring the Wu-Tang Clan". DJ Mag. February 7, 2025. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
- ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Wu-Tang Clan & Mathematics – Black Samson". Hung Medien. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
- ↑ "Official R&B Albums Chart on 18/4/2025 – Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
- ↑ "Wu-Tang Clan Chart History (Top Album Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
- ↑ "Wu-Tang Clan Chart History (Vinyl Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved May 2, 2025.