RZA
RZA is a boom-bap artist and producer from Staten Island, New York.
The Wu-Tang Clan's leader and producer, whose dusty soul samples and kung-fu film clips built the sound of 36 Chambers.
Who is RZA?
RZA (Robert Diggs) is a producer, rapper and filmmaker from Staten Island, New York. He is the founder, leader and main producer of the Wu-Tang Clan, and the cousin of GZA and Ol' Dirty Bastard.
Known for
He produced almost all of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993) and the classic solo albums that followed, from Liquid Swords to Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.... He set up the deal that let every member sign solo contracts with other labels. Later he scored films such as Ghost Dog and Kill Bill, and directed The Man with the Iron Fists (2012).
Style
Dark, dusty and cinematic: grainy soul samples, off-kilter piano loops, raw drums and dialogue from kung-fu films. As a rapper he is wild and full of Five Percent wisdom, and as Bobby Digital he plays a comic-book alter ego.
Impact
RZA's lo-fi, gritty sound shaped '90s New York rap, and his business model of one group with many solo careers became a blueprint for hip-hop crews.
RZA: quick answers
What genre is RZA?
RZA’s music falls under Boom-Bap. RZA is part of East Coast hip-hop, with the most important work in the 1990s and 2000s.
Where is RZA from?
RZA is from Staten Island, New York (born in Brooklyn).
What is RZA’s real name?
RZA’s real name is Robert Diggs.
When did RZA start?
RZA has been active since 1991.
Which group is RZA part of?
RZA is a member of Wu-Tang Clan.
Which artists are similar to RZA?
If you like RZA, listen to MF DOOM, Pete Rock and The Alchemist.
