‘C.R.E.A.M.‘ (‘Cash Rules Everything Around Me’) is a song by the Wu-Tang Clan, from their 1993 studio album, ‘Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).’
The song was produced by Wu-Tang Clan leader RZA, and samples The Charmels’ 1967 song, ‘As Long As I’ve Got You.’ The track features a verse from Raekwon, a long verse from Inspectah Deck, and the hook performed by Method Man: ‘Cash rules everything around me, C.R.E.A.M./Get the money; dollar, dollar bill, y’all.’
The hook has been sampled by many rappers. The phrase ‘Cream’ has become a slang term for money. C.R.E.A.M. is one of the highest charting Wu-Tang Clan singles, reaching #60 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The music video features the members of the Wu-Tang Clan starting off at the projects in Staten Island and moving on to a more lavish lifestyle of champagne and Mercedes. The video for this single also features classic early ’90s urban New York styles of dress, as the majority of the people in the video are wearing goose-downs, Champion hoodies, black skullies, and either wheat or black Timberlands.
The verse by Inspectah Deck encapsulates his entire life growing up in the ghetto so far. Topics covered include growing up without a father, resorting to drug dealing and being arrested. After being arrested, Deck has a new and profound view on society, as he believes society is ‘no different from a cell.’ Towards the end of the verse, Deck talks about how going to prison has matured him, and after reaching out to his grandmother or mother (‘The Old Earth’) for advice, he tries to encourage the ‘young black youth’ to stop affiliating themselves with the street life. As he in turn feels ignored he sums up ‘Neglected for now, but yo, it gots to be accepted / That what? That life is hectic.’
The Daily Omnivore 
Leave a Reply