New York officially names area after iconic hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan

'They overcame all types of challenges, to not only become rap artist and hip-hop artist but to inspire and challenge the music world'

An area of New York will officially be called “The Wu-Tang District” in honour of the iconic hip hop group.

“This is a great day where we have an opportunity to honour our own hometown heroes, the young men who put Staten Island on the map internationally,” council member Debbie Rose said as part of the Park Hill neighbourhood Staten Island was renamed.

“They overcame all types of challenges, to not only become rap artist and hip-hop artist but to inspire and challenge the music world."

Members of Wu-Tang Clan grew up in the area.

Ms Rose also tweeted: “The Wu-Tang Clan turned their experiences growing up here into something that now resonates with people all over the world, with young people who live in urban settings, young people whose neighbourhoods are underserved, young people who face economic and social challenges.”

New York City Council voted unanimously to name the area after the legendary group member in December to commemorate their contributions to the borough.

Both Wu-Tang members themselves and local politicians attended Saturday’s ceremony.

Rapper Raekwon The Chef also shared a clip of the unveiling in a post on Facebook. “Thank You Staten Island, New York,” he wrote.

Wu-Tang Clan, one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time, has released four gold and platinum studio albums, selling around 40m worldwide. Its 1997 album Wu-Tang Forever entered Billboard’s album charts at number one.

The group is due to embark on a huge UK arena tour with Public Enemy and De La Soul – with the three influential rap groups performing three shows together this month.

The triple-header, billed as part of the “God of Rap” tour, will commence on 10 May with a show at London’s SSE Wembley Arena, before to Manchester and Glasgow.

The tour will mark the anniversary of Wu-Tang’s Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) which turns 25 this year. The track is considered by many to be one of the all-time great hip hop records.