Photographer Eddie Otchere vividly recounts a memorable moment with Method Man: ‘I was with the Wu-Tang Clan on a somewhat desolate piece of land when Method Man declared, “Let me show you something cool.” He then skillfully used his cap strap to manipulate his eyelid, creating that iconic expression.’
My journey into photography began around the age of 15. A friend’s grandfather passed away, leaving behind a Praktica camera that became our plaything. I quickly developed a profound passion for it. In 1994, during my second year of university, I was a massive admirer of the Wu-Tang Clan. One day, I learned they were visiting their record label office in Putney, London, so I decided to go as well. Upon arrival, I spotted a coach and soon heard their boisterous voices, filled with debate and lively energy. The moment I rounded the corner, I began capturing them on the street.
Their raw energy was palpable, but the presence of Popa Wu truly completed the scene. As an older figure and a mentor to the group, his involvement was key. It was a pivotal realization for me: if you don’t take risks, you don’t achieve. Emboldened, I asked Popa Wu if I could join them on the coach, travel, and photograph them. He agreed. This trip marked the Wu-Tang Clan’s inaugural visit outside the United States. They were vibrant, street-smart young men from New York, possessing an extraordinary gift for narrative. Inside the coach, they were engrossed in profoundly soulful music – tracks from Stax Records. It was the sole mixtape they could all unanimously agree on, far surpassing any soul music I was familiar with. That distinctive sound has remained with me ever since.