Killarmy

Killarmy (pronounced /kɪ.lʌ.ˈɑːr.miː/) is a hip hop group that is known through its affiliation with Wu-Tang Clan^[1] It is one of the earliest and most successful of the many Wu-Tang affiliates^[2] along with Sunz of Man.

It distinguishes itself from the other Wu-Tang Clan affiliates with gritty subject matter, differing from the standard subject matter of martial arts and M.C. skills common to Wu-Tang Clan and their affiliates and focusing on themes of military and combat, terrorism, conspiracy theories,^[3] but with a heavy dose of the Five-percenter philosophy prevalent in everything related to Wu-Tang Clan.

Career

Originally consisting of New York emcees 9th Prince (RZA's younger brother^[4]), Islord, Dom Pachino, Killa Sin, and Ohio-based producer 4th Disciple; it added Beretta 9 (a.k.a. Kinetic 9) and ShoGun Assasson to its membership in 1996, also from Ohio.

Killarmy released numerous singles from 1995 to 1997, including "Swinging Swords" and "Camouflage Ninjas" as well as the Sunz Of Man collaborations "Wake Up" and "Soldiers of Darkness." The album Silent Weapons for Quiet Wars was released in 1997 just after the release of Wu-Tang Clan's second album, as well as a 12-inch single containing two tracks from the album, which were "Wu-Renegades" and "Clash of the Titans."

Shortly afterward, the group's manager General Wise was shot dead in Steubenville, Ohio, (where several members and Wu-Tang Clan members like the RZA had spent time in their youth), but the group pressed on undeterred, appearing on the Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm compilation and each making numerous appearances on other Wu-Tang Clan projects, Wu-Tang affiliates' projects, non-Wu-Tang Clan related albums such as ONYX – Shut 'Em Down, Vordul Mega – Verbal Relaxation and movie soundtracks such as Soul in the Hole.

The group's second album, Dirty Weaponry, was released in 1998 and their third and final album, Fear, Love & War was released on September 11, 2001. In 2010, 9th Prince confirmed that a new album was in the works between the 5 remaining members (besides Killa Sin) with the 1st single to be called "The Sound Of Gunz" produced by Bronze Nazareth dropping that June. However, production problems and inner dealings have not allowed for the album to be completed. Inner turmoil led to plans to falter. However, in April, 2011, Killarmy dropped a new single "One Shot" produced by 4th Disciple. A Greatest Hits album was released weeks later under the WuMusic Group label.

Discography

Videography

References