Since the dawn of civilization, great empires have come and gone. While all of them hold an important place in history, only a few stand out and would be considered a dynasty. The dictionary defines this word as a succession of people who play a prominent role in business, politics, or another field. Many infamous families meet this criterion. But if you grew up in the ’90s, there was one royal family that definitely could not go unheard. Their fire lit up the airwaves and inspired a generation. Their rhymes were the stuff of legends, and their lyrics were the most real thing out there at the time. Composed of larger-than-life MCs, the dynasty I’m referring to is that of the Wu-Tang Clan. And for those not well-versed in this iconic group’s humble beginnings, the new series “Wu-Tang: An America Saga” will take care of that.

The new Hulu series about the legendary rap squad takes place in early-’90s New York at the height of the dreaded crack cocaine epidemic. Through 10 episodes, audiences will get a vivid, in-depth look at the clan’s fantastic formation. The story follows Bobby Diggs, more infamously known as The RZA, who attempts against all the odds to unite a dozen young men torn between the streets and the music. Eventually, through all the adversity and against all the odds, these MCs rise to become the unlikeliest of American success stories. The very well-chosen actors set to bring The Wu’s origins to life boast some serious talent. Moonlight’s Ashton Sanders will lead the way as RZA. The voice of Miles Morales in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Shameik Moore is taking on the role of Raekwon. Johnell Young will be portraying GZA, and Siddiq Saunderson will become Ghostface Killah. “Mr. Robot”'s Joey Bada$$ will bring Inspectah Deck to the small screen. Dave East will play Method Man, and TJ Atoms is seriously the spitting image of the one and only Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Rounding out this impressive cast will also include the likes of Julian Elijah Martinez, Marcus Callender, Zolee Griggs, and Erika Alexander, amongst other guest appearances.

The main inspiration for the new series is The Wu-Tang Manual, which focuses on the web of personalities that make up the group as well as their alter egos. Also talked about in the text are the warrior codes, numerological systems, and Eastern spiritual ethics that have come to define the legendary Wu-Tang dynasty. Helming this epic endeavor will be none other than Wu-Tang veterans The RZA and Method Man, who are serving as executive producers on the Hulu series. Other members such as Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa, GZA, as well as the estate of Ol’ Dirty Bastard (who sadly passed in 2004), are listed as consulting producers. It seems that everything is in place for this one to be a truly authentic, educational, and entertaining ride through one of the most prolific moments in history.

It’s hard to believe there was a time before the Wu-Tang Clan. Their music has been some of the best that the hip-hop game has ever produced. I remember cruising around blasting "Protect Ya Neck", "Gravel Pit", and so many other classics from this genius group of poets. The legendary hip-hop group’s impact on both culture and society will undoubtedly stand the test of time and continue to influence and inspire generations to come. And with this new series, they will always know how it all started.

“Wu-Tang: An American Saga” hits Hulu on September 4.