RZA

A$AP Rocky Hopes His Sons Have Inherited His Creativity, Doesn’t Mean He Wants Them To Rap, Tho

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A$AP Rocky hopes his kids stunt like their daddy. The entertainer mentioned this while he celebrated his artistic evolution and family life at the Footwear News Achievement Awards in New York City. He was honored with the “Collaboration of the Year” award for his work with Puma and Formula One. He reflected on fatherhood, fashion, and his hopes for the future. A$AP Rocky shares two sons with girlfriend and beauty icon Rihanna, RZA, 2, and Riot Rose, 15 months.

Rocky credited Rihanna, his partner and Fenty Beauty founder, for crafting their children’s distinctive looks. “I don’t have much say in what they wear,” he admitted. “Sometimes she dresses them like me with kilts and everything, but that’s all her. She has great style and taste.” The rapper expressed his wish for his sons to inherit his originality and self-assurance. “It’s in their blood and their genes,” he quipped with a smile.

Read more: Rihanna & ASAP Rocky Continue To Live Large After Miami Dinner Date For Art Basel Weekend

A$AP Rocky Wants Sons To Be As Creativity As Him

Fatherhood has subtly influenced his own style. “If I had to define my dad style, I’d say it’s more focused now,” he explained. “Before, it was just absurd outfits, mismatching for the fun of it. Now, it leans more toward quiet luxury.” The 36-year-old artist’s sartorial evolution reflects a blend of maturity and his trademark boldness. Rocky’s creative impact extends beyond fashion. At Puma, he spearheaded collaborations with Formula One, blending athleticism, innovation, and design. His role has solidified his influence in shaping modern cultural aesthetics.

The ceremony capped a momentous week for Rocky. He also received the Cultural Innovator Award in London. Rihanna joined him on the red carpet, turning heads in a striking blue fur coat and matching hat, cementing the couple’s reputation as boundary-pushing style icons. Fans await A$AP Rocky’s anticipated album, Don’t Be Dumb. He has shared several updates on the album and promised a Rihanna collaboration.

Read more: ASAP Rocky Promises That Rihanna Collab Is “In The Works”
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Today in Hip-Hop History: RZA Released His Debut Solo LP ‘Bobby Digital In Stereo’ 26 Years Ago

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RZA as Bobby Digital in Stereo

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On this day in Hip Hop history in 1998, the leader of the world-renowned Wu-Tang Clan released his first solo album Bobby Digital In Stereo.

This project came late in RZA’s career after the success of the Wu-Tang Clan had been plentiful. Serving as a soundtrack to an unreleased blaxploitation martial arts film by RZA titled Bobby Digital: The Digital Bullet, the project featured a new experimental sound that was not like the usual edgy street vibe that Wu-Tang solidified in the game.

The album went gold, selling 500,000 copies by 1999, and received mixed reviews from music critics. For this album, RZA utilized a different production and vocal style. Instead of the sample-heavy beats that made his production popular throughout the 90s on fellow Wu-Tang Clan members’ projects, this project was composed of mostly keyboard-driven sounds which Bob Digi eloquently called the “Digital Orchestra”.

The inspiration for this album came from RZA’s love for comic books and yearning to live out his childhood dream of becoming a superhero in the projects. The lyrics of the project follow a loose storyline of RZA’s endeavors as Bobby Digital. His goal as Bobby Digital was to enlighten the people of the project to the poisons of the hood that surrounded them every day.

He created Bobby Digital to personify his wild and crazy life before his musical success because, during the growth of the Wu-Tang Clan, RZA became a musical hermit and spent the majority of his time perfecting his craft and not out enjoying the spoils of his lifestyle. Bobby Digital served as a sort of cathartic alter ego through whom RZA could unleash a side of himself that had laid dormant during his rise to fame and search for enlightenment.

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RZA Showcases ‘A Ballet Through Mud’ Orchestra Album At L.A. Theater

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Earlier this month, rapper, actor, director, composer, and co-founder of the Wu-Tang Clan, RZA, hosted a concert at the Los Angeles Theatre showcasing his orchestral album A Ballet Through Mud, a poignant coming-of-age story that delves into the complexities of love the bonds of friendship, and personal growth.

Presented by America’s largest listener-supported radio station for classical music, Classical California (KUSC), in partnership with Platoon and 36 Chambers, the performance was conducted by Oliver Zeffman and performed by USC Thornton School of Music students and alumni, along with a ballet performance by Sorzano Dance Work.

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RZA also appeared on the radio station’s flagship series, Classical Californians, which spotlights individuals across the state who are deeply connected to classical music. He took to the airwaves and played selections of A Ballet Through Mud, along with traditional symphonies and film music repertoire that influenced his production techniques.

Classical California is America’s largest listener-supported public media organization for classical music, reaching 1.4 million monthly listeners worldwide. We are dedicated to making everyday life more harmonious. Classical California enriches lives and communities through our innovative on-air and in-person music experiences, making it accessible, entertaining, and relevant for audiences of all ages. Our broadcasts reach across California through ten (10) radio transmitters anchored in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

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Today in Hip Hop History: Ghostface Killah Dropped His Debut LP ‘Ironman’ 28 Years Ago

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On this day in 1996, Ghostface Killah’s released highly anticipated debut album Ironman was released on the Loud/RCA imprint. With exclusive in-house Wu production from True Master and the RZA coupled with Raekwon The Chef appearing on almost every song on the album, making this album one of the best concept albums completed by the nine-man conglomerate to date.

The 16-track album featured several hits that bolstered the Wu-Tang Clan’s status as the best rap collective in the game, including the haunting street saga “Motherless Child”, “All That I Got Is You” featuring Mary J. Blige and the late Popa Wu and “Winter Warz”, which appeared on the Don’t Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood soundtrack.

This album proceeded Ghost’s abstract lyrical content as witnessed on 2000’s Supreme Clientele LP, but its storytelling premise keeps listeners glued to the cadence and rhyme style of Mr. Coles equally as much as they are attracted to RZA’s production.

Ironman finally reached platinum status in 2004, which still proves to be Ghost’s most successful album of his career. The WTC would follow up with albums that attempt to mirror the conceptual preciseness of Ironman, however, none of the Clan’s solo projects can be compared in its totality to that of Tony Starks.

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RZA Claims Drake’s Team Gave Him Bad Advice During Kendrick Lamar Battle

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RZA is one of the most respected producers in hip hop history. He served as the architect for the entire Wu-Tang Clan movement, and has worked on classic projects in different mediums. He possesses a lot of insight, so when he speaks on a topic, fans generally listen closely. Such was the case on October 23. RZA spoke to Complex about the Drake and Kendrick Lamar battle, and he broke down the differences between them. He also pinpointed the ways in which he felt like Drake’s people let him down.

RZA claimed that Kendrick Lamar was a “natural lyricist,” whereas Drake was a “trained lyricist.” Both men possess talent, as far as he’s concerned, but Lamar’s natural abilities ultimately gave him the edge. As least, as far as the Wu-Tang founder was concerned. “You could train a fighter and he could be good,” he noted. “Then you got those natural fighters.” RZA conceded that Drake has “bars forever,” but felt K. Dot’s bars had more potency. Especially when it came to to diss records both men released earlier in the year. RZA then turned his attention toward the OVO camp, and stated that Drake should have been told to avoid a direct confrontation.

Read More: Adam22 Puts Kendrick Lamar On Blast For “Softball” Interview With SZA

RZA Praised Drake For His Expanding Hip Hop Culture

“The battle, bar for bar,” he explained. “Was something that was just not good advice on Drake’s camp.” RZA seems to agree with most hip hop fans that Lamar won the battle, but he made a point of giving the 6 God his flowers. “Drake is a powerful figure in our culture,” he stated. “He helped the culture when the culture needed it. He expanded it with his melodies… he rose a generation, too. You can’t take that away from him.” RZA concluded his Complex discussion by noting that Drake and Kendrick Lamar are still alive and very much active, which is what matters most.

The Wu-Tang founder told the outlet that Tupac and Biggie’s deaths added a weight to rap battles that previously hadn’t existed. RZA was present throughout the battle, and even produced records on Big’s final album. He notes that he gained wisdom and clarity over time, and put old grudges behind him. He hopes Drake and Kendrick Lamar ultimately do the same. “Hopefully, as they mature more,” RZA added. “They can go ‘Wow that sh*t was crazy.’”

Read More: Joe Budden Theorizes That Kendrick Lamar Was Pandering To Drake’s Audience During SZA Interview

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Rihanna Reveals How RZA Has Handled Becoming A Big Brother

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Rihanna says that her children, RZA and Riot, are teaching her as much as she’s teaching them. She discussed the kids as well as her experiences with motherhood during an interview with Access Hollywood‘s Scott Evans on Thursday at the launch of a new line for her Savage X Fenty brand.

“It’s fun, I literally, I enjoy it so much,” Rihanna said. “I am just looking at them and living through them and I’m amazed by every new discovery of theirs, even their boundaries. They’re teaching me how to be their mom as much as I’m teaching them how to be in this world and guide them as best as I can.”

Read More: Rihanna & ASAP Rocky Fuel Marriage Rumors Thanks To RiRi’s Recent Interview Comments

Rihanna Attends Savage X Fenty Celebration Of Lavish Lace Debut

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 10: Rihanna attends the Savage X Fenty Celebration of Lavish Lace Debut at Nordstrom Century City on October 10, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Savage X Fenty)

From there, Rihanna discussed how her eldest child, RZA, has handled becoming a big brother. “The second that his baby brother cries, he’s there,” she said. “He’s running down, he’s actually crying too. He’s worried. He loves him! It’s just hard to share toys and pacifiers.” She and ASAP Rocky welcomed RZA back in May 2022 as their first child. The two had first confirmed they were dating during an interview in 2021.

Rihanna Reflects On Motherhood

Check out Rihanna’s full comments from this week’s Savage X Fenty event below. The interview comes as she continues to prepare for her long-awaited ninth studio album. Additionally, Rocky is gearing up for the release of his new album, Don’t Be Dumb, which was originally slated for release in August. He cited sample clearances and leaks as the reason for the delay. Savage X Fenty is now available at Nordstrom stores and the company’s website. Be on the lookout for further updates on Rihanna on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Pharrell And ASAP Rocky Will Serve As Co-Chairs For The 2025 Met Gala

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Rihanna Jokingly Compares Being A Boy Mom To An Olympic Sport While Sharing Adorable RZA Clip

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Rihanna jokingly compared being the mother of a boy to an Olympic sport in an adorable post featuring her son, RZA, on social media, on Friday. In the video, the 2-year-old acrobatically makes his way out of his playpen. Rihanna played the theme song for Mission Impossible in the background of the video. “Being a boy mom is an Olympic sport,” she wrote in the caption.

The comments section was flooded with laughing emojis from fans. “The way he walked by like nothing happened,” one user wrote. Another posted: “Rza meant he was getting that cup! Determined! Love it!”

Read More: ASAP Rocky & Rihanna Celebrate Son RZA’s Second Birthday With NYC Party

Rihanna & ASAP Rocky Attend Paris Fashion Week

PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 21: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) Rihanna and Asap Rocky attend the A$AP Rocky X American Sabotage by AWGE Menswear Spring/Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 21, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

Speaking with Interview magazine, earlier this year, Rihanna confirmed that she’d be open to having more kids with ASAP Rocky. “I don’t know what god wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl. But of course, if it’s another boy, it’s another boy,” she told the outlet. Regardless, Rihanna has also spoken about how much she enjoys being a boy mom. “It makes me feel really cool to be a boy mom,” she told E! News’ Francesca Amiker at a Fenty Beauty event in April. “Like I get to be as casual and busted as I want to, but it also forces me to embrace the epic things about being a woman, and a female and all my femininity. I embrace it so much more now, like I wear pink. I go between wearing jerseys and like, ‘I’m wearing a dress today! I’m the only one in this house who can do that right now.’”

Rihanna Shares Adorable Video Of RZA

In other news, Rocky is currently gearing up to drop his fourth studio album, Don’t Be Dumb, which he delayed from an August release, last month. Check out the cute clip Rihanna shared of her and Rocky’s son, RZA, below. Be on the lookout for further updates on the couple on HotNewHipHop.

 
 
 
 
 
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Read More: RZA, Rihanna, & ASAP Rocky Are The All-American Family Sans Baby Riot At The Park

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Azealia Banks Randomly & Viciously Drags SZA For “Ugly” RZA Collaboration

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Azealia Banks is verbally attacking SZA once more, and this may be her most scathing set of comments yet. According to HipHopDX, the New York singer and rapper appears to be going after the R&B phenom for no reason whatsoever over a past RZA team-up. As per usual, she took to X (Twitter) and kicked things off by saying, “Sza is really such an ugly person for having rza on her album after asking me to be on it, Me politely and honestly declining, after news of him trying to pimp me out to Russell Crowe broke. That was really a huge slap in the face and truest sign of a b**** who will always be ugly”.

Then, after attacking her character, Banks insulted SZA’s looks. “Sis can get all the procedures in the world. She’ll always be that insecure fat Muslim girl from New Jersey with the big chin and the gay husband”. Then, she kicked dirt in the SOS creator’s face by placing a crude “curse” on her. “Cursed with a lifetime supply of fresh out the bootyhole d**k in her mouth for eternity… Lmfao b**** ya p**sy HARAM FOH”. This all appears to be in relation to Ctrl, as SZA did have the Wu-Tang affiliate assist her in rolling out the 2017 project.

Read More: Diddy Accused Of “Literally Assaulting Men” By Former Da Band Member

Azealia Banks Is Going After SZA Again

But this appears to have cut even deeper for Banks, as she references the Russell Crowe incident in her first tweet. If you remember back in 2016, Azealia was on pace to sign a record deal with RZA. However, that all came to a crashing end after the two MC’s attended a party at the actor’s home. Banks claimed to be physically removed and that she was also verbally and physically attacked by Crowe. RZA defended his friend, saying that Banks was “erratic” and “obnoxious” and that she was instigating things first. Since then, she has had beef with both males and SZA seems to be collateral in a sense with this rant.

More Tweets From Banks

What are your thoughts on Azealia Banks unleashing on SZA for her past work with RZA? Do you think this is all stemming from the rapper’s past issues with the R&B star? Could you see the latter responding, or even RZA? Whose side are you taking? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Azealia Banks, SZA, and RZA. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

Read More: Lizzo Breaks Silence On Ozempic Allegations With Light-Hearted Response

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A Judge Has Reportedly Ordered That All Copies Of Wu-Tang Clan’s ‘Once Upon A Time’ Be Turned Over By Its Former Sole Owner

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As Dame Dash works diligently to auction off his stakes in Roc-A-Fella Records, the courts have (although unintentionally) upheld the rarity value of a piece of hip-hop history involving Wu-Tang Clan.

According to Billboard, the iconic rap group’s supposed fan turned legal foe, Martin Shkreli, has been ordered to hand over any and all copies of Wu-Tang’s exclusive album, Once Upon A Time In Shaolin.

Back in 2021, the government reportedly seized it from Shkreli, the project’s former sole owner. The action was allegedly tied to Shkreli’s 2018 securities fraud conviction, in which he was subject to a $7.4 million judgment.

However, even after the body of work was purchased by digital art company PleasrDAO, Shkreli seemed to still have access to the recording as heard in his past livestreams.

Now, a judge has supposedly ruled in PleasrDAO’s favor. In order to retain its one-of-one nature and enforce punishment over Shkreli’s violation of the original purchase agreement terms and forfeiture order, he has been prohibited from “possessing, using, disseminating, or selling any interest in the album.”

In court documents, this also applied to “its data and files or the contents of the Album, or in any way causing further damage to Plaintiff respecting the album.”

Shkreli has until Friday, August 30 to “sequester and turn over all of his copies, in any form.” The court has also required Shkreli to file an affidavit disclosing the “information regarding alleged copies of ‘Once Upon a Time In Shaolin,’ people he might’ve given them to, and any money he might’ve made from distributing or playing the album.” But he has until September 30 to submit that filing with the courts.

Wu-Tang is for the children and now apparently law-abiding citizens.

RZA Gets Emotional At Ol’ Dirty Bastard Documentary Premiere

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“The Abbott” of the Wu Tang Clan held back tears during the premiere the new Ol’ Dirty Bastard documentary A Tale of Two Dirtys.

RZA was slated to participate in a Q&A panel with the documentary’s producers and members of Dirty’s family in L.A. last week, but declined to sit on the panel at the last minute after becoming overwhelmed with emotion following the screening.

Video footage shows the moment that RZA was called to the stage, but took a second to tell the people on stage that he would not be on the panel because he has “too many emotions running through my head.”

“I’m not gonna stay for the event; I got too many emotions running through my head,” he said. “I just want to thank you guys for a great — it’s my first time seeing the documentary for the first time completed so I got a lot in my head. But good job.”

See the emotional moment on stage when RZA declines sitting on the panel HERE

The documentary was directed by Sam and Jason Pollard and premiered on A&E yesterday (August 25).

The post RZA Gets Emotional At Ol’ Dirty Bastard Documentary Premiere first appeared on The Source.

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