Conscience of world events, the group takes a cautious approach to lyrics on their new album. For example, their first single “Pinky Ring” got a name change after the September 11 events from “The Uzi.”

In a nod to digital culture, Wu-Tang give fans a chance to hear new tunes before the album hits shelves. Those with cell phones can download songs to their phone from www.zingy.com.

The hip-hop collective’s last performance was at the Hammerstein in November 2000 when they held a similar party for the release of The W. That show infamously also featured a surprise guest – Wu member Ol’ Dirty Bastard, who was on the run from the law since fleeing a California rehab center the month before.

ODB has since been apprehended and is serving time, although he somehow has managed to work on a solo album. The Trial And Tribulations Of Russell Jones is expected to see daylight in March.

He’s not the only Wu-Tang member with a solo offering. Cappadonna’s sophomore effort, The Yin And The Yang, was released in March, while RZA’s Digital Bullet dropped in August. Ghostface Killah presented his Bulletproof Wallet in November.

Method Man furthers his collaboration with Redman on the soundtrack to the movie “How High,” with the two rappers also starring in the flick. Red and Meth are on tour together until the end of December.