SAN FRANCISCO -- From the murmurs that crescendo as fans fill the seats to the hyphy beats that blare from the speakers, Oracle Park's distinctive soundtrack in the buildup to first pitch is deeply rooted in Bay Area culture.

But before Saturday night's 7-3 loss to the Yankees, the ballpark's backing beats took an East Coast turn as the Giants hosted Wu-Tang Night on the first day of Black Music Month, with Wu-Tang Clan founder RZA in attendance for pregame ceremonies, including a jersey swap with San Francisco rapper Larry June.

Credited with reviving the genre on the East Coast, the Wu-Tang Clan is one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time. The East vs. West debate in hip hop can be polarizing, but the Wu-Tang Clan's impact has extended worldwide since the group was founded in 1992.

And in another battle of the coasts, with the Giants and Yankees facing off at Oracle Park, what better way than to bring everyone together than through music?

"Hip-hop had become one of the most segregated music forms only because it was such a sport that the East Coast and the West Coast seemed like they were at odds with each other," RZA said. "But I think creatively, sonically and musically, we were never at odds with each other.

"Hip-hop is probably one of the closest forms of music that is a sport. There's always going to be that sports competition, and people want to root for their team. … No matter what side of the field you're on, you appreciate talent. You appreciate greatness. And that's the beauty of art and culture and athleticism."

About two hours before first pitch, RZA visited the Giants' clubhouse. LaMonte Wade Jr., who has the Wu-Tang Clan's hit "C.R.E.A.M. (Cash Rules Everything Around Me)" in his rotation of walk-up songs, was particularly looking forward to meeting him.

"They're big time," Wade said prior to the visit. "They definitely have a lot of influence within the communities on the East Coast, and I feel like they've got fans all over the place. They definitely have a strong following and everything like that, so to have them come to our clubhouse today should be a pretty special day."

RZA was "happy and flattered" to hear that Wade walked up to "C.R.E.A.M.," adding that it was another example of the mutual respect between those who excel in their respective fields.

"I don't think it's only because of the money reference -- but I think that's a good reference," RZA said. "That song … talks about the struggle of being young and trying to chase the American dream. And whether you're chasing it as a musician or as an athlete, it takes dedication, strength, focus and teamwork."

RZA said he would support both sides in Saturday's game -- which could be a cop-out answer if not for the reasoning. As a New Yorker, he has to pull for the Yankees, but his wife's uncle, Andrew Rabb, played for the Giants in parts of three seasons from 1982-84.

"I get the best of both worlds today," RZA said with a smile, noting that he still has Rabb's baseball card.

But that's not RZA's only connection to the Bay Area. He recalled that in the early 1990s, when the Wu-Tang Clan was just starting out and struggling to get air time, San Francisco was one of the first top-10 markets to play their music on the radio.

"We stayed there for months, just going to clubs and spreading our style of hip-hop with local artists," RZA said. "We love this city. We love Oakland, we love San Francisco. One of our first Wu Wear stores was in Sacramento. The Bay has a significance in our own culture, even though it's a West Coast city."

From the group's humble beginnings to its legendary status today, the Wu-Tang Clan's music -- and overall influence -- has stood the test of time more than three decades later.

"They're definitely up there," Wade said of the group's ranking among his favorite artists. "Anytime you want to get in that kind of vibe, they've got songs for every type of mood and everything. It's really cool to connect with them like that."