by Marisa Brown
One of the original Wu-Tang Clan affiliates, Shabazz the Disciple (born David Collins) didn't release his solo debut until 2003, with The Book of Shabazz (Hidden Scrollz). Before that, however, he had prominent guest spots on 6 Feet Deep, the 1994 debut of the RZA/Prince Paul-helmed group Gravediggaz, and put out a handful of singles -- including the provocative, intelligent "Death Be the Penalty" on Tommy Boy. Signed to GZA Entertainment, Shabazz was set to release his LP in 1998, but when the label dissolved and relations with RZA became strained, he and fellow Killa Bee and longtime affiliate Killah Priest started their own crew, Sunz of Man, although he left the group before its official full-length, The Last Shall Be First, came out in 1998. Eventually The Book of Shabazz found a home on Battle Axe Records, and Shabazz joined up with Sunz of Man again, as well as on some tracks with Killah Priest, and continued to release material on his own.