From the newly elected POTUS Donald Trump to Tesla owner Elon Musk, Joe Rogan set the world buzzing with his JRE podcast in 2024. The Joe Rogan Experience last year saw Trump make some stunning revelations including his “biggest mistake” of his presidency tenure and we also got to hear why Musk brought X in the first place. It was another year of entertaining quips as Rogan’s podcast was the most-listened-to show on Spotify in 2024. And the UFC color commentator has started the new year with a bang as well.

In early 2024, Spotify lost the exclusive rights to the JRE but its popularity still remains high on the platform. Rogan’s podcast remained Spotify’s highest ranking for the fourth straight year in the U.S. and it looks like he is not slowing down any time soon, starting 2025 with the founding member of hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, Raekwon the Chef.

For JRE episode #2250, Rogan gave Raekwon and his band a rousing introduction on his show, saying, “The Chef is in the building… You are a part of the most iconic band in all of hip-hop. There’s no question. There is one Wu-Tang, there is only one Wu-Tang, nothing else is even close. You guys are so different than every other band that ever existed.”

So what happens when one of the most iconic voices in hip-hop sits down with one of the most curious minds in podcasting? Fireworks, that’s what.

Have you tuned in yet? If not, you are in for a treat. JRE episode #2250 is more than just a conversation, it’s a deep dive into the artistry, legacy, and cultural influence of Wu-Tang Clan. Founded in 1992, the band became popular following the release of their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) in November 1993. The album became a sensation allowing the individual members to negotiate solo contracts.

In 1994, Raekwon signed a solo deal with Loud Records and released his debut solo single “Heaven & Hell” for the soundtrack to the film Fresh. His first solo album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…, was released on August 1, 1995, and received rave reviews. His work in albums like Immobilarity, Wu-Massacre, The Wild, and Only Built 4 Cuban Linx is considered some of his finest of his career.

After a few years of recording solo, the band reassembled in 1997 and released their second studio album, “Wu-Tang Forever,” which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. The group from Staten Island, New York had a major influence on the hip-hop music industry in the 1990s and their popularity transcended boundaries.

They had a major impact on fashion trends in their heydays, especially when it came to street fashion.  Their song lyrics were raw, meant to reflect the struggles of urban life and this resonated with their listeners, and the group’s fashion choices echoed this rawness.

The members of the Clan were often seen sporting oversized hoodies, baggy jeans, and Timberland boots, and soon big names came calling. They collaborated with streetwear brands like Clarks Originals and Supreme, resulting in limited-edition collections, which again made them more mainstream.

In 1999, Nike teamed up with the band to release 36 pairs (one for each chamber) of Nike Dunk. In October last year, Nike and Wu-Tang reunited to officially announce the release of the Nike x Wu-Tang Clan Dunk. Meanwhile, their influence extends to UFC as well.

Back in 2022, UFC light heavyweight Khalil Rountree Jr. joined Rogan on JRE MMA Show #124 and shared how Wu-Tang’s music helped him power through his toughest training sessions.

“There’s a whole other level of training to Wu-Tang. Like if you specifically put Wu-Tang on to train, I get your mentality and that internal feeling that you get, cuz that’s one of my last fights, I walked out to ‘Protect Ya Neck,’ and just that mentality. You had the beat and the drums, you just feel like this bad ass martial artist. A street martial artist,” Rountree Jr. said.

Fast forward to 2025, and Rogan has taken it up a notch by bringing Raekwon into the studio.  This episode reminded fans why Wu-Tang remains a cultural force even decades later. Many fans online couldn’t contain their excitement and took to the comment section of Rogan’s IG post to share their love and anticipation.

“The Chef… Cooking!” – Joe Rogan’s Raekwon episode sparks fan frenzy

Four years ago, Rogan had another Wu-Tang Clan member RZA, the de facto leader of the group on his podcast. The two were joined by Donnell Rawlings, but RZA stole the show, coming with a verse live on the show. Rogan, himself has a connection to the band admitting to listening to their music in his car during the days of his comedy touring.

Meanwhile, fans wasted no time showing their delight at “The Chef” showing up on JRE. “Wu-Tang forever!” one fan wrote, perfectly summing up the vibe. Another chimed in, “The Chef… cooking!!”

Rogan’s podcast has been host to big names across the US culture. During his presidential campaign, Trump showed up on the show in October, giving an insight into his mindset and what he would do differently this time around. He admitted that the “biggest mistake” of his previous White House run was that, “I picked a few people I shouldn’t have picked.”

Elon Musk, on the other hand, revealed that the reason he bought X, was not because of a business decision but as a crucial intervention to protect free speech and American democracy itself. Over the years, we have also witnessed the likes of Post Malone, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Brian Cox, and many others engage in intriguing conversations with Rogan on the podcast. Alluding to this, a fan noted, “Joe! Well done having Rae on, an important little piece of history right here.”

Another fan expressed his eagerness to listen to Raekwon on JRE pointing out, “Oh wow, great way to start the year, can’t wait to hear it.” And let’s not forget the humor. “New Year’s is temporary, but Wu-Tang is forever,” wrote one user.

Even those new to Wu-Tang were intrigued. “Not a hip-hop guy. I’ve actually never heard of this guy before today, but I’ll give it a listen.” It looks like Rogan’s podcast is

But don’t just take our word for it. Give it a listen and see why fans are saying, “2025 JRE is off to a good start!”  If you have already had the time to listen to the podcast, let us know your thoughts in the comments below!