RZA (pronounced ri-zah) became a prominent figure in hip-hop when he burst onto the music scene in the 90s. He gathered rappers Method Man, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Ghostface, Raekwon, GZA/Genius, Inspectah Deck, U-God and Masta Killa and formed the influential rap group Wu-Tang Clan.
The New Yorkers’ debut album “Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers” was released in 1993 and today is considered a classic.
RZA has produced almost all of Wu-Tang Clan’s albums as well as many Wu-Tang solo and affiliate projects. He has also released solo albums under the alter-ego Bobby Digital, along with executive producing credits for other projects, including the soundtrack for big-budget film “Kill Bill Vols. 1 and 2”
He successfully transitioned into film appearing in movies such as “American Gangster” alongside Denzel Washington; “Due Date,” with Robert Downey Jr.; and “Funny People” starring Adam Sandler. RZA directed and played the lead role as The Blacksmith in “The Man with the Iron Fists.”
RZA has entered into another venture – technology. He has recently partnered with Boombotix, a San Francisco-based company that makes and markets portable speakers and mobile audio accessories.
He recently visited Indianapolis for TCC’s Sales Rally. TCC is the nation’s largest Verizon Premium Wireless Retailer. While here he promoted Boombotix speakers.
After a fun game of Cornhole, the Indianapolis Recorder was able to chat with RZA to discuss his newest venture, other projects he’s working on and the future of the Wu-Tang Clan.
Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper: So what brings you to Indy?
RZA: I’m here for TCC representing the company Boombotix. We’re having a rally for the TCC team. So they invited store managers from around the country with a theme of ‘rise’ – to rise up.
Does that theme “Rise” resonate with you?
Yeah, (be)cause I’m from the bottom. Drake said it clear, “Started from the bottom know we’re here.” (chuckles) It’s not just about myself, but I love to see communities rise. I love to see positivity rise.
I met the company’s founder almost a year ago in Vegas at an electronic convention. The Bluetooth speaker wasn’t really a big seller at that time. We believed it could be so we’re rising too.
Many know you as a rapper, producer, composer and actor. How did you get into electronics?
A speaker is part of music. I’m an advocate of really owning what’s yours. When I saw music become such a part of the digital age, I wanted to add on to that. I accept the change technology has brought to music, but at the same time, it can be better. Boombotix reached out to me to license my logo on their speaker. I was like ‘I don’t think so,’ but I did have an idea. I discussed my idea with them, which was, I thought the music should be embedded into the speaker. So when a kid gets the speaker, all you do is hit play.
This speaker belongs to the consumer. It’s waterproof, it can clip on your pants and it has a chip that can store 250 songs. We were at a charity event in St. Louis and we broke the speaker out and some kids started break dancing. (laughs)
Are you getting into other types of technology?
Yeah, we’re trying to take the burden off your phone battery and making a charger for your phone. But with this charger, you can do stuff like fix a flat tire on your bike. It’s like a Swiss Army knife with a phone charger. We’re a tech company, but we like stuff to be practical too. What I liked about the company is that I could give my ideas to help innovation. They call me the Head Abbott. (laughs).
Being from the streets myself, I have a meter on what people like and I can bring that to technology. This company was started by two guys in their garage. I started my music career in my garage and Rae (Raekwon) and Meth (Method Man) would come over. This is why I chose to get with them.
You’re also known for your love for and extensive knowledge of Asian culture. How did you become interested in that culture?
Growing up, to me Black culture was distorted – there wasn’t a clear history or reference. A lot of Asian movies are based in the past and showed the oppression of the people. This resonated with me. I grew up with in a family of brothers, so I was always looking for positivity. And Asian culture is a lot like Black culture. Like when you look at India’s Buddha, did you know he was classified as a Negroid? Buddha was Black.
What movies are you working on?
I just left the editing room from a movie I’m directing featuring Common and Azealia Banks called “Coco.” You know, for the chocolate sistahs. (chuckles)
You were hilarious to me in “Due Date.” Are you planning on doing any more comedic roles?
I just finished a film with Sam Rockwell and Anna Kendrick called “Mr. Right.” In the film my character kind of acts a fool (chuckles). It’s a date night movie that should be out soon.
Are there any plans on Wu-Tang Clan coming back together for another album?
You know, I’m always there for the Wu. After seeing the success of the film “Straight Outta Compton” guys can see that we were also apart of the culture then. They played some of our music in the film. You know, any time the Wu is ready, I’m ready.
