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Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA is sneakily one of the most interesting performers in Hollywood, and I have to talk about it

Umito November 15, 2024

Ask most people who their favorite member of the Wu-Tang Clan is, and they’ll probably tell you someone like Ghost, Rae or Method Man (which I’ve already talked about on this site).

But, as a HUGE fan of the hip-hop collective, I’ve always considered RZA to be my favorite member. From his work with the Clan – his kung fu inspired production is what led me to martial arts movies First and foremost, thanks to side projects like Gravediggaz and his solo work under the name Bobby Digital, the RZA has always been one of the most fascinating men in music.

That said, the rapper born Robert Fitzgerald Diggs also had a sneakily interesting career in Hollywood, and I have to talk about it.

Forest Whitaker comes face to face with RZA in Ghost Dog: Way of the Samurai — (Image credit: Artisan Entertainment)

From hip-hop albums to movie soundtracks

There are a few records that old hip-hop fans (like me) will agree are certified classics. Nas’ first album Illmatic is definitely up there, just like Biggie’s Ready to dieOutkast Aqueminiand that of Dr Dre The Chronicle. But another album that I think we can all agree on is Wu-Tang Clan’s debut album, Enter Wu-Tang (36 Rooms).

Now, since they are a clan, each member obviously contributed in a major way. However, I’m pretty sure the album wouldn’t have struck a chord if it wasn’t for RZA’s aggressive, grungy production.

Every track on Enter Wu-Tang (36 Rooms) is steeped in dark moods, and many of them are littered with kung fu movie dialogue or sound effects (or both). All of this makes it one of the most unique and distinctive albums of the early 90s.

So when RZA decided to get into creating movie soundtracks, Jim Jarmusch’s film, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai was a match made in heaven. For Wu-Tang fans who have never listened to it, they definitely should since it functions pretty much like any other Wu-Tang album. With tracks featuring artists from Sunz of Man to North Star to other Wu affiliates, this definitely sounds more like a traditional rap album than a film score.

However, his work on later soundtracks, such as Kill Bill Volumes 1 and 2, and The Protector (also known as Tom-Yum-Goong) were a little more dynamic. That said, Afro Samurai: the soundtrack proves that he can bounce between more traditional soundtracks and more rap soundtracks. It just depends on what the mood calls for.

RZA talks to Seth Rogen on Funny People

(Image credit: Universal Pictures)

A transition to cinema

Now there is a story of Black people like martial artsSo I don’t want to attribute any of this to the popularity of the Wu-Tang Clan, but I don’t think it’s little wonder that if the RZA were to appear in any type of film, it would be in arthouse films. martial arts.

And we’ve definitely had roles like that on his resume. From his SUPER brief appearance in Ghost dogto play a blind master in GI Joe: retaliationeven playing a blacksmith in his own film, The man with the iron fists (I’ll get to that soon), it made perfect sense for RZA to appear in rough and tumble films.

However, what may not be so obvious is how funny RZA is. I first noticed RZA’s deadpan sense of humor in funny people (What some call Adam Sandler’s best film…even if I think my students might not agree).

RZA plays a small role in the story, acting as a friend of Seth RogenThe character of, but it is memorable, and I always remember it when I think of the film.

He was also hilarious on the TV show, Californiaas Samurai Apocalypse, playing a role that seemed to be just RZA, but amped up. He also played a major role in Brick dwellings with David Belle, and Paul Walker (RIP, Paul Walker), and he even played the role of brother Bob Odenkirkthe character of in the film, Person.

So, as the title of this article suggests, RZA is sneakily one of the most interesting performers in Hollywood. You never know what he’s going to do next. Especially when it came to 2012…

Dave Bautista struggles to break free in The Man with the Iron Fists

(Image credit: Universal Pictures)

To lead them!

…Because in 2012, RZA made his first film in The man with the iron fists. Co-written with Eli Rothand “presented” by Quentin Tarantino, The man with the iron fists It’s exactly what you’d expect from RZA in his directorial debut.

In the film, there are different clans (see?) that fight each other, but who form (you could say “like Voltron”) to defeat a common enemy. RZA also stars in the film as a blacksmith – he’s actually the titular “Man with the Iron Fists” – and the film also features Russell Crowe, Lucy LiuAnd Dave Bautistajust to name a few.

And even though not everyone liked the film, we gave it an average review — it clearly showed that the RZA had talent in this area. He didn’t direct the 2015 sequel, but he returned to his character’s role and also helped write the screenplay. Oddly enough, he directed an episode of the Marvel series, iron fistand also directed the rap film of the 2010s, Love beats rhymes.

However, in 2020, RZA directed the heist film, Cutthroat Citywith Shamiek Moore, Wesley Bécassines, Ethan Hawkeand many others, and it became much more favorable opinions that The man with the iron fists.

The film concerns friends in post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans who, due to circumstances, find they are turning to a life of crime. The film is a fascinating addition to RZA’s resume, and I can’t wait to the upcoming movie, A spoon of chocolatewhich will hopefully be released next year.

RZA set to drop some bars on The Simpsons

(Image credit: 20e Télévision)

Let’s not forget his distinctive voice work

One of the reasons RZA is my favorite member of the Wu is his extremely distinctive voice and cadence.

As the de facto leader of the clan, every time I heard him on the mic, I knew it was about to fall apart. So, with a voice as recognizable as his, is it so surprising that he has also lent his talents to various shows?

His unique voice has been omnipresent, ever since Afro Samurai has Robot chickenbut my favorite role was in the Simpsons episode, “The Great Phatsby: Part 2”, where he dropped a rhyme or two, with Snoop Dogg and Common. This just goes to show that RZA is always busy, even in animated form.

Apre-salomemanzo

Apre-salomemanzo

Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA is sneakily one of the most interesting performers in Hollywood, and I have to talk about it

From hip-hop albums to movie soundtracks

Umito

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Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA is sneakily one of the most interesting performers in Hollywood, and I have to talk about it

From hip-hop albums to movie soundtracks

Umito

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