The Wu-Tang Clan's RZA is Secretly One of Hollywood's Most Interesting Artists, and I Need to Talk About It

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 (who I 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 turned me on martial arts movies First and foremost – with side projects like Gravediggaz and his solo work as Bobby Digital – the RZA has always been one of the most fascinating men in music.

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

Forest Whitaker faces RZA in Ghost Dog: Way of the Samurai — (Image credit: Craft Entertainment)

From hip-hop albums to movie soundtracks

There are a few records that longtime hip-hop aficionados (like myself) will agree are certified classics. Nas’ debut album Ilmatic is definitely up there, just like Biggie’s Ready to diefrom Outkast Aquaminiand that of Dr. Dre The Chronic. But another album I think we can all agree on is Wu-Tang Clan’s debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 rooms).

Being a clan, each member has obviously made an important contribution. However, I’m almost certain that the album wouldn’t have struck such a chord if it weren’t for RZA’s aggressive and grungy production.

Every song on Enter the Wu-Tang (36 rooms) is laced with dark atmosphere, and many of them are littered with kung fu movie dialogue or sound effects (or both). It all makes for one of the most unique and distinctive albums of the early ’90s.

So when RZA decided to start making movie soundtracks, the Jim Jarmusch movie, 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, as it pretty much works as just another Wu-Tang album. With songs featuring artists from Sunz of Man to North Star and other Wu affiliates, it definitely sounds more like a traditional rap album than a movie score.

His work on later soundtracks such as Kill Bill Parts 1 and 2, and The protector (aka Tom-Yum-Goong) were slightly more dynamic. That said, Afro-Samurai: The Soundtrack proving he can bounce back and forth between more traditional soundtracks and more rap-heavy soundtracks. It all depends on what the mood calls for.

RZA talks to Seth Rogen on Funny People

(Image credit: Universal Pictures)

A transition to acting in films

Now there is a history of it Black people love martial artsso I don’t want to hinge all of that on the popularity of the Wu-Tang Clan, but I don’t think it’s any wonder that if the RZA were to appear in any movie, it would be in martial arts movies.

And we certainly got roles like that on his resume. From his SUPER short cameo in Ghost dogto playing a blind master GI Joe: Retaliationto even play a blacksmith in his own movie, The man with the iron fists (Which I’ll get to shortly), it just made sense for RZA to appear in chopsocky movies.

What might not have been so obvious is how funny RZA is. I first noticed RZA’s deadpan sense of humor Funny people (What some people call Adam Sandler’s best movie…although I think my students may disagree).

RZA plays a small role in the story and acts as a friend Set Rogen‘ is the character of the film, but it is memorable, and I always think of it when I think back on the film.

He was also hilarious on the TV show, Californianas Samurai Apocalypse, who played a role that seemed like it was just RZA, but blown up. He also played a major role in that Brick townhouses with David Belle, and Paul Walker (RIP, Paul Walker), and he even played the brother Bob Odenkirk‘s character in the movie, Nobody.

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

Dave Bautista struggles to get free in The Man With the Iron Fists

(Image credit: Universal Pictures)

To lead them!

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

In the movie, there are several clans (see?) that are against each other, but they form (you might 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 Russel Crowe, Lucy LiuAnd Dave Bautistajust to name a few.

And while not everyone loved the movie – we gave it a mediocre rating – it definitely showed that RZA had talent in the field. He didn’t direct the 2015 sequel, but he did return as his character and also helped write the screenplay. Funnily enough, he directed an episode of the Marvel show, Iron fistand also directed the 2010 rap film, Love Beats Rhymes.

However, in 2020, RZA directed the heist film, Cut Throat Citystarring Shamiek Moore, Wesley Snipes, Ethan Hawkeand many others, and it became much more favorable reviews than The man with the iron fists.

The film is about friends in post-hurricane Katrina New Orleans who, due to circumstances, turn to a life of crime. The film is a fascinating addition to RZA’s resume, and I’m looking forward to it the upcoming movie, One spoon of chocolatewhich will hopefully be released next year.

RZA is getting ready to drop some bars on The Simpsons

(Image credit: 20th Television)

Let’s not forget his signature voice work

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

As the de facto leader of the Clan, every time I heard him on the microphone, I knew it was about to happen. So, with a voice as recognizable as his, is it any surprise that he has also lent his talents to several shows?

His unique voice has been heard on everything Afro-samurai Unpleasant Robot chickenbut my favorite role of his was in the episode of The Simpsons, “The Great Phatsby: Part 2,” where he dropped a few rhymes along with Snoop Dogg and Common. It just goes to show that RZA always keeps himself busy, even in animated form.