RZA recently appeared on SiriusXM’s The Tor Guidehosted by Toraeon SiriusXM’s Hip-Hop Nation. During the interview, RZA discussed recording new music with Wu-Tang Clan and announced the upcoming Wu Tang Clan Las Vegas Resdency, which is slated for February.
The show’s host Torae asked, “As we talk about new music, how often are you recording with the guys? Obviously, just coming off tour and being back together, we’ll talk about that camaraderie and that energy, but how often are you actually creating music with the guys?” RZA swiftly responded, “It’s rare. It’s getting rarer because of schedules, because of life, because of being fathers and movie stars and businessmen, but it happens. You know what I mean?” The Abbott added, “The good thing is that whether it happens with me, it still happens. Mathematics, his production skill is razor sharp, so we could just pop up and he’ll hit us with a joint. DJ Scratch has dropped a couple of joints off, Swizz Beats a couple of joint off. You know, in the old days, I was very, you know, just dominant like, “This all my beats,” and that’s because in the old days, I didn’t feel that other producers were giving the hip-hop type of beat that I thought was dope for Wu. If you pay attention to hip-hop and you listen to Wu, one thing you may recognize is that a Wu joint will come on and nobody won’t dance. Everybody listens and because of that is because I don’t want you to dance. I want you to listen, you know what I mean? That means that while a lot of producers was producing for the club and trying to make people dance and produce a radio hit, I was producing for hip-hop.”
RZA, the visionary leader of the Wu-Tang Clan, has announced the digital release of the Bobby Digital track “Fashionable,” featuring The Reverend Willy Burke and Earth. The single executive produced by RZA was initially part of the physical-only release of Digital Potions in November 2022. Now, fans can enjoy the track on all major digital service providers for the first time.
RZA introduced the Bobby Digital persona with his debut solo album, Bobby Digital In Stereo, which earned RIAA Gold certification in 1998.
The release of “Fashionable” aligns with the 30th anniversary of Wu-Tang Clan’s groundbreaking debut album, Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), released on November 9, 1993. Recognized as one of the most acclaimed albums in hip-hop history, it achieved platinum status within a year of its release and has since reached triple-platinum status.
To celebrate this milestone, RZA recently performed three shows with a live orchestra at NYC’s Gramercy Theater. The Wu-Tang Clan also completed the NY State of Mind Tour, alongside Nas and De La Soul, spanning multiple continents.
On November 9th, New York City honored RZA and the Wu-Tang Clan by illuminating the Empire State Building in the group’s iconic black and yellow colors. Mayor Eric Adams declared November 9th “Wu-Tang Day” in New York City, marking the enduring legacy of the influential hip-hop collective.
Not every celebrity who takes on the daunting task of parenthood has an easy time tackling the job. So far, ASAP Rocky and Rihanna seem to only be settling more comfortably into themselves since welcoming two sons over the past two years. When they filmed the “Fashion Killa” visual together over a decade ago, it’s unlikely the lovers (who were then only friends) saw themselves forming a family together in the future. However, they now have the ever-pleasant RZA running around on them, as well as newborn Riot Rose Mayers.
After taking some time out of the spotlight to recover from her second pregnancy, we’ve been seeing the Bad Gal back outside in recent weeks. Many appearances have been showcasing a notably lighter hairstyle for the coming winter, though Rocky has been spending less time by his partner’s side as of late. Seeing as he’s in the midst of court proceedings for allegedly shooting ASAP Relli, some fans have expressed concern that trouble is afoot for the pair as the “Changes” artist awaits his fate. Thankfully, DailyMail reported on Monday (November 13) that he and his better half spent the last of their weekend relaxing at a Los Angeles park with their firstborn.
ASAP Rocky and Rihanna backstage at the 95th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre on March 12, 2023, in Hollywood, California. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
As per usual, the multi-talents coordinated their outfits to look as cool as ever. While Rih rocked a vibrant, red sport jacket from Loewe, Rocky provided the perfect contrast in his navy colorway of the same model. Both artists wore blue baseball caps and oversized, light-wash denim for their day out together. 17-month-old RZA rode in his stroller in front of them, looking more like the perfect blend of his mom and dad with each passing day.
Unfortunately for Rocky, the joy of being a new father to RZA and Riot has been slightly overshadowed by his beef with ASAP Relli. Earlier this month, the ASAP Mob leader’s alleged shooting victim opened up about the PTSD he’s been plagued with since the incident. Read more about that at the link below, and since we can’t share the latest paparazzi photos of Rihanna and her family at the park on HNHH, you can find them by clicking the Via.
The 2023 UrbanWorld Film Festival, a celebration of Black talent in the film industry, recently convened in New York City. During a post-event discussion, RZA unveiled a captivating story linking Ol Dirty Bastard (ODB) and Kanye West’s memorable stage interruption at the 2009 Video Music Awards, illuminating intriguing connections between two iconic moments in music […]
The 27th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival is proud to announce its official ambassador for this year’s event, none other than the Grammy and Emmy-nominated producer, actor, musician, and filmmaker, The RZA. As a founding member of the iconic hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, The RZA co-directed the documentary “A Wu-Tang Experience: Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre” with Gerald Barclay. The film, premiered at Urbanworld on November 3, delves into the Wu-Tang Clan’s legendary 2021 performance with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra.
Urbanworld is also excited to reveal that the festival’s Opening Night Film will be “American Fiction,” a Toronto International Film Festival award-winner directed by Cord Jefferson.
“I’m completely honored to be a part of a platform like Urbanworld which supports storytellers from all walks of life,” says RZA.”As a filmmaker, I understand the work that goes into not only getting a film made, but getting it seen. There aren’t a lot of film festivals that intentionally shine light on the works of Black Men and Women in our industry. Our growing number of directors and producers need more outlets. Urbanworld gets it and this opportunity to serve as ambassador to this year’s festival is an honor and a privilege.”
Set to run from Nov. 1-5, 2023, at AMC 34th Street and the SVA Theatre, the festival enjoys the continued support of HBO, returning as the Founding Partner for the 27th year, with Warner Bros. Discovery as the Prestige Partner. Tickets and passes are available for purchase at urbanworld.org.
Highlights of Urbanworld 2023 include a post-screening discussion of Misty Copeland’s short film “Flower,” the showcase of NBCUniversal’s new television series “Found,” National Geographic Documentary Films sponsoring students to attend a screening of “The Space Race,” and a special Friday night tribute to music videos titled “Lights, Cameras, Rhymes: 50 Years of Hip Hop on Screen.”
The Urbanworld Innovation Conference & Panel, scheduled for Friday, November 3 at the SVA SOC DOC Theater, returns to foster networking and community building among diverse creatives, featuring discussions on AI, culture, sports, and content distribution.
It’s not every day an artist or group drops an album like 6 Feet Deep. The project is as unique as they come and has grown to have an unshakable reputation. Gravediggaz, a pioneering Hip Hop group formed in 1991, orchestrated the masterpiece. Prince Paul (The Undertaker), Too Poetic (The Grym Reaper), Frukwan (The Gatekeeper), and RZA (The RZArector) were the four members of Gravediggaz. The group was known for their horror-themed lyrics and uniquely dark production style. 6 Feet Deep was their debut album, and with it, they engraved their name in stone in the Horrorcore Hall of Fame. The album is a bonafide classic in the genre and houses some of Hip Hop’s spookiest songs. It also embodies what a true horrorcore album should sound like. It is almost three decades old, but its legacy has stood firm.
Background & Release
The formation of Gravediggaz brought together highly talented individuals each known for their contributions to Hip Hop. Prince Paul and Frukwan were both originally members of Hip Hop group Stetsasonic. In 1991, they joined forces with the late rapper Too Poetic, and RZA who was gaining widespread recognition as a member of the highly influential Wu-Tang clan. Forming Gravediggaz was a joint attempt for each individual to reinvigorate their respective careers, which had begun to lose momentum. 6 Feet Deep (also known as N***amortis outside the US)was a gamble for the four men, but it evidently paid off very nicely. The album was released on August 9, 1994, and it was recorded for three years, from 1991 till early 1994.
Production & Themes
The production on 6 Feet Deep was mostly handled by Prince Paul and RZA. However, a handful of tracks on the album have production credits by RNS, Gatekeeper, and Mr. Sime. Furthermore, the entire group is credited as a producer on the song, “6 Feet Deep.” RZA’s beats on 6 Feet Deep are few, but notable for the veteran producer’s distinctive style, and “Graveyard Chamber” and the title track are two tracks that exemplify RZA’s style. They are characterized by eerie samples, haunting melodies, and heavy use of atmospheric sounds.
These elements help create a macabre ambience that perfectly complements the group’s horror-themed lyrics. Prince Paul’s contributions on the album are impossible to overlook as well. He produced over half of the songs on 6 Feet Deep, and gave each track an extra oomph. While his influence is evident throughout the album, it does not steal the spotlight or isolate Paul’s beats from the rest of the project.
Gravediggaz also infused 6 Feet Deep with conceptual depth. They explored topics such as mortality, mental illness, urban decay, and existential crises. With lyrics rich in symbolism, metaphor, and vivid storytelling, they delved into these morbid subjects without inhibition. Additionally, they were unyielding in their approach, and offered listeners a glimpse into the darker sides of life from their perspective. Overall, the album’s thematic depth and horrorcore identity set it apart from mainstream Hip Hop releases of its time.
Highlights and Guest Appearances
For most of 6 Feet Deep, Gravediggaz are the sole presence on a track. However, two songs on the album feature guest artists. Shabazz the Disciple and Killah Priest both appear on “Diary of a Madman,” while Daddy Kruger, Scientific Shabazz, and Killah Priest are featured on “Graveyard Chamber.” The lead single, “Diary of a Madman,” is also one of the standout songs on 6 Feet Deep, as well as the most successful. It was the only song to make it into the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at No. 82. Lastly, “1-800 Suicide” and “Nowhere to Run, Nowhere to Hide” are also notable highlights.
Reception & Impact
Group portrait of The Gravediggaz in Tribeca, New York City on 14 May 1994. Clockwise from bottom left: The Rzarector (RZA), The Gatekeeper (Frukwan), The Undertaker (Prince Paul) and The Grym Reaper (Poetic). (Photo by David Corio/Redferns)
Upon its release, 6 Feet Deep achieved widespread acclaim. It was praised for its innovative production, intricate lyricism, and exploration of dark and existential themes. It is easily one of the most lauded horrorcore albums in Hip Hop history. The album was not a commercial triumph however, but it still managed to achieve moderate success. 6 Feet Deep peaked at No. 36 on the Billboard 200 chart.
6 Feet Deep significantly influenced the horrorcore subgenre. It also earned Gravediggaz the title of pioneers of horrorcore rap. The group’s innovative approach paved the way for a new wave of alternative and underground rap artists. Gravediggaz has influenced rappers like Tyler, The Creator. Also, Earl Sweatshirt and Tech N9ne are a few more examples of impacted artists. They have embraced darker themes and horror-inspired aesthetics thanks, in part, to the contributions of Gravediggaz to horrorcore rap. In conclusion, over the years, 6 Feet Deep has continued to be celebrated as a classic album. Moreover, the legacy of Gravediggaz lives on through this horrorcore masterpiece. 6 Feet Deep will continue to be celebrated for years to come, as it is an essential part of Hip Hop history.
RZA, the leader of the legendary rap collective Wu-Tang Clan, is set to host three orchestra shows in New York City. The shows will commemorate the 30th anniversary of the group’s debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers. ‘Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers’ At the Gramercy Theatre in New York City, RZA will showcase his […]
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky recently welcomed their second child into the world. Overall, they have done a good job of keeping things private between them. There was an initial report that Riri had given birth, however, we only got official confirmation a couple of weeks later. Moreover, when they had their first child, there was a similar philosophy in terms of remaining private. Ultimately, you cannot blame them for this. After all, the media can be a bit nutty when it comes to seeking out this information.
Shortly after the birth of their first child, we found out that his name is RZA. Of course, they named him after the legendary Wu-Tang Clan member. It was a fitting tribute that is going to set the kid up for some greatness. As for their second child, many have been wondering what the kid’s name would be. After all, there are plenty of possibilities here. Some thought maybe they would go with another famous rap name. However, according to The Blast, they have gone in a different direction.
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 1: ASAP Rocky and Rihanna are seen at The 2023 Met Gala Celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty” at The Metropolitan Museum of Arton May 1, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by NDZ/Star Max/GC Images)
The outlet has revealed that Rihanna’s child was born on August 1st in the morning. Moreover, it was revealed that his name is Riot Rose Mayers. Overall, this is a very unique name that many probably weren’t expecting. However, it is a very cool name, and that is undeniable. Interestingly enough, Rocky dropped a song called “Riot” prior to the birth of his child. Maybe this was some careful foreshadowing of the future.
Either way, neither Rihanna or Rocky have commented on this news. Instead, they are probably waiting to make the announcement themselves. Let us know your thoughts on the name, in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the music world.
2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the groundbreaking Wu-Tang Clan debut album Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). With that in mind, the group’s de facto leader RZA has something special planned to celebrate the anniversary: A run of shows at New York’s Gramercy Theatre turning the kung-fu-obsessed rap recording into a straight-up symphony.
Considering the original’s orchestral components, which were drawn from a variety of sources including ’70s soul records and actual classical compositions, it’s a reworking that makes a lot of sense. Other rappers, such as Nas, have done similar things with some of their most pioneering works, and RZA himself even produced a ballet earlier this year called 36 Chambers Of Shaolin And A Ballet Through Mud.
The shows will take place November 7th, 8th, and 9th, with tickets going on sale Friday, September 8th at 10 am. You can get more info here. Meanwhile, the Wu-Tang Clan as a crew kick off the next part of their North American tour alongside De La Soul and Nas next Friday, September 15th at Madison Square Garden. See below for the full schedule.
09/15 — New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
09/20 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena *
09/22 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live *
09/23 – Jacksonville, FL @ Daily’s Place *
09/24 – Tampa, FL @ Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino *^
09/26 – Washington, DC @ Capital One Arena *
09/27 – Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center *
09/29 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall *
10/01 – Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena *
10/02 – Laval, QC @ Place Bell *
10/04 – Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center *
10/07 – Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center *
10/08 – Chicago, IL @ United Center *
10/10 – Winnipeg, MB @ Canada Life Centre *
10/13 – Edmonton, AB @ Rogers Place *
10/14 – Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome *
10/16 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena *
10/17 – Portland, OR @ Moda Center *
10/18 – Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena *
10/21 – Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena *
10/22 – Highland, CA @ Yaamava Theatre *
^ = Daytime Pool Party Performance
* = w/ De La Soul
Hip-hop legend and Wu-Tang Clan mastermind Robert Diggs, famously known as RZA, is set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the iconic album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) with a special event at Gramercy Theatre in New York City. The celebration will take place on November 7, 8, and 9, 2023, promising an unforgettable experience for fans of the groundbreaking album.
36 Chambers marked a pivotal moment in hip-hop history, as RZA’s innovative production style, characterized by stark beats and haunting samples from soul records and kung fu films, became the foundation of Wu-Tang Clan’s gritty narratives. The album’s influence continues to resonate in the world of music.
Tickets for this exclusive event will be available via presale on Thursday, September 7, starting at 10 a.m. ET, with the general on-sale beginning on Friday, September 8, also at 10 a.m. ET, through Ticketmaster.com.
Throughout his career, RZA’s talents extended beyond music, including film scores, acting, and directing. His contributions to projects like “Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai” and “Kill Bill” have been highly acclaimed. He has also authored books and executive produced the Hulu series “Wu-Tang: An American Saga.”
Currently on tour with Wu-Tang Clan and Nas for the “NY State of Mind” tour, RZA remains an influential figure in both hip-hop and entertainment. In 2022, he collaborated with DJ Scratch on the album “Saturday Afternoon Kung Fu Theater,” demonstrating his ongoing commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.
As fans eagerly await this milestone celebration, RZA’s enduring impact on the culture of hip-hop is unquestionable, and the 30th anniversary of 36 Chambers promises to be a remarkable tribute to his remarkable career. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this historic event.
