Wu Chi (Father Lord)
Father Lord’s alter from the Super Natural music video (filmed by Digital Kwan)
Wu Chi the Abbott
Father Lord, also known as Wu Chi, was a visionary artist whose influence on underground hip-hop—and particularly within the Wu-Tang extended family—remains deep, though underrecognized. As the founder of Tha Beggas, he was more than a member; he was the heartbeat, the blueprint, and the spark that shaped the group’s distinct sound and spiritual energy.
A true renaissance man of hip-hop, Father Lord was an emcee, producer, creative mentor, and practitioner of kung fu. His wisdom, fierce lyricism, and unshakable artistic vision elevated everyone around him. As the crew’s primary architect, he laid the foundation for what would become Tha Beggas’ most defining moments.
One of those moments came through the track “On the Strength,” which appeared on two different Wu-Tang affiliate releases:
While Father Lord did not perform a verse on the song, his voice was scratched by DJ King Cee into the hook—a tribute to his presence and importance to the group’s identity. Its inclusion on two separate compilations speaks to the song's lasting power**.**
Notably, The Swarm was certified Gold by the RIAA on February 10, 1999, meaning over half a million listeners were exposed to a sound that Father Lord helped craft. That reach brought a sense of posthumous justice to his legacy, though many agree that his genius deserved even broader recognition.
Father Lord was also featured on **Killah Priest’s classic album **Heavy Mental, lending his melodic voice to the hook of the song “Tai Chi”. His catalog includes rare demos and recordings on cassette and DAT tapes—unpolished but full of raw, undeniable brilliance.
He was tragically taken from this world far too soon, the victim of a drunk driving incident. His death left not only an artistic void but also a personal one among those who knew and loved him. To his friends and family, he wasn’t just a great musician —he was a brother, a teacher, a martial artist a deeply principled man.
Efforts are ongoing to preserve and elevate his story, ensuring that Father Lord’s legacy lives on.
“...Tha Beggas will continue to go on”