Background of the African Burundi Drummers and the Wu-Tang Clan

The Royal Drummers of Burundi is primarily a percussion ensemble from Burundi which play traditional African percussive music to continue the African traditions. The performance of traditional African drumming are part of ceremonies such as births, funerals, and coronations of mwami (Kings). The drums that the Burundi people use are called karyenda and are seen as sacred as they represent the mwami, fertility, and regeneration. The karyenda are drums made from hollowed tree trunks that are covered with animal skins. Drums called Inkiranya and Amashako are used to provide a continuous beat throughout the song. The Ibishikiso drums are used to follow the rhythm established by the Inkiranya.
The traditions of the Royal Drummers of Burundi have been passed down from father to son. Each performance is composed of dancing and playing the drums. Vocal use is also common as it signifies what the piece is intending to mean.

The Wu-Tang Clan is an American hip hop group steaming from the East Coast - Staten Island, New York- founded in 1992. The group consists of rappers RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Ol' Dirty Bastard. The song I will be analyzing, C.R.E.A.M., by the Wu-Tang Clan is from their 1993 studio album, Enter the Wu-tang (36 Chambers). The Wu-Tang Clan has been apart of launching the careers of affiliated artists and groups and has influenced popular modern day hip hop artists (i.e. RZA's use of sampling influenced Kanye West).
Not only has the Wu-Tang Clan been influential to other artists, but in 2008 About.com ranked them as the No. 1 greatest hip hop group of all time and were called "The best rap group of all time" by Rolling Stone. The Wu-Tang Clan uses rhythm as a primary source in both their vocalization and beats which help link them to African culture.