NationMaster - Encyclopedia: RZA (rapper)

Robert Diggs (born July 5, 1969^[1]), better known as RZA (pronounced /ɹɪzʌ/), is an American music producer, rapper, and occasional actor. He is the de facto leader of the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan. He has produced almost all of Wu-Tang Clan's albums as well as many Wu-Tang solo and affiliate projects. He subsequently gained attention for his work scoring and acting in films. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 336 Ã— 600 pixels Full resolution (727 Ã— 1298 pixel, file size: 214 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): RZA Metadata This file contains... For other uses, see New Yorker. ... The Supreme Alphabet is, in the Nation of Gods and Earths, a system of interpreting text and finding deeper meaning in the original 120 Questions written by Elijah Muhammad and Wallace Fard Muhammad by assigning actual meanings to the letters of the Roman alphabet. ... is the 186th day of the year (187th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also: 1969 (number) 1969 (movie) 1969 (Stargate SG-1) episode. ... Brownsville is a neighborhood in central Brooklyn, New York, predominantly Caribbean, Hispanic, and African-American. ... This article is about the New York City borough, or Kings County, New York. ... This article is about the state. ... This article is about the borough in New York City. ... This article is about the state. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... East Coast hip hop is a style of hip hop music that originated in New York City during the early-1970s. ... Rapping is one of the elements of hip hop and the distinguishing feature of hip hop music; it is a form of rhyming lyrics spoken rhythmically over musical instruments, with a musical backdrop of sampling, scratching and mixing by DJs. ... Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the job of having the ultimate executive responsibility or authority within an organization or corporation. ... In the music industry, a record producer (or music producer) has many roles, among them controlling the recording sessions, coaching and guiding the musicians, organizing and scheduling production budget and resources, and supervising the recording, mixing and mastering processes. ... Actors in period costume sharing a joke whilst waiting between takes during location filming. ... A musical instrument is a device constructed or modified for the purpose of making music. ... Rap redirects here. ... For other uses, see Guitar (disambiguation). ... Pianoforte redirects here. ... Piano, a well-known instance of keyboard instruments A keyboard instrument is any musical instrument played using a musical keyboard. ... Concert zither The zither is a musical string instrument, mainly used in folk music, most commonly in German-speaking Alpine Europe. ... An AKAI MPC2000 sampler Playing a Yamaha SU10 Sampler A sampler is an electronic music instrument closely related to a synthesizer. ... In the music industry, a record label can be a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. ... Tommy Boy Records is a record label started in 1981 by Tom Silverman after borrowing $5000 from his parents. ... Warner Bros. ... Epic Records is an American record label, owned and operated by Sony BMG. // Epic was launched originally as a jazz and classical music label in 1953 by CBS. Its bright-yellow, black and blue logo became a familiar trademark for many jazz and classical releases. ... Sony Music Entertainment is a major global record label controlled by the Sony Corporation. ... Virgin Records was a British recording label founded by English entrepreneur Richard Branson, and Nik Powell in 1972. ... For other uses, see EMI (disambiguation). ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Wu-Tang redirects here. ... Gravediggaz was an American hardcore rap group from New York City, well-known for its dark sense of humor and abrasive, menacing soundscapes. ... Achozen is a side project from System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian, Wu-Tang Clan member RZA, Killarmy member Kinetic 9 and Rev. ... T-money logo There are two type of T-money cards usable: Smart T-money and Basic T-money. Basic T-money is not sold anymore, but some people think its more useful. ... E-mu SP-1200 is a classic sampler released August of 1987 by E-mu as an update of the SP-12. ... is the 186th day of the year (187th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also: 1969 (number) 1969 (movie) 1969 (Stargate SG-1) episode. ... In the music industry, record producer designates a person responsible for completing a master recording so that it is fit for release. ... Rapping is one of the elements of hip hop and the distinguishing feature of hip hop music; it is a form of rhyming lyrics spoken rhythmically over musical instruments, with a musical backdrop of sampling, scratching and mixing by DJs. ... Actors in period costume sharing a joke whilst waiting between takes during location filming. ... De facto is a Latin expression that means in fact or in practice. It is commonly used as opposed to de jure (meaning by law) when referring to matters of law or governance or technique (such as standards), that are found in the common experience as created or developed without... Hip hop music is a style of music which came into existence in the United States during the mid-1970s, and became a large part of modern pop culture during the 1980s. ... Wu-Tang redirects here. ...

He has also released solo albums under the alter-ego Bobby Digital, who concerns himself only with the lawless aspect of the male power fantasy: women, drugs, alcohol and shooting guns. In addition to the Wu-Tang Clan and his solo releases, RZA was also a founding member of the rap group, Gravediggaz, where he used the name, The Rzarector. Gravediggaz was an American hardcore rap group from New York City, well-known for its dark sense of humor and abrasive, menacing soundscapes. ...

After recently releasing the latest "Bobby Digital" album, Digi Snacks, RZA is currently working on the highly-anticipated sequel to Raekwon's mafioso rap classic Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.... He has also confirmed he has co-produced a track on the highly-anticipated Dr. Dre album Detox. Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II will be the fourth solo album from Wu-Tang Clan rap artist Raekwon. ... Corey Woods (born January 12, 1970), known by his stage name Raekwon, is an American East Coast rapper and a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. ... Mafioso rap is a hip hop sub-genre which flourished in the mid-1990s. ... Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. ... For the New York radio and television presenter, see Doctor Dre. ... Detox is the upcoming third and final[2][3] studio album by rapper and record producer Dr. Dre. ...

Biography

1969-1991: Early life & career

Born in Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York, RZA spent time in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as a child, where his father had a convenience store in the Hill District.^[2] After an impoverished childhood in a family of 11 children, RZA began his hip hop career in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a member of the trio Force of the Imperial Master (which subsequently became known as the All in Together Now Crew after they had a successful underground single of that name). The group consisted of future Wu-Tang members and his cousins GZA (then known as the Genius) and Ol' Dirty Bastard (then known, respectively, as Ason Unique, the Specialist, and the Professor). Brownsville is a neighborhood in central Brooklyn, New York, predominantly Caribbean, Hispanic, and African-American. ... This article is about the New York City borough, or Kings County, New York. ... This article is about the state. ... Pittsburgh redirects here. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The Hill District is considered by many to be the cultural center of African-American life in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. ... The pioneering hardcore hip hop group Wu-Tang Clans plan to conquer the hip hop industry consisted not only of making each member into a solo star in their own right, but also to create and promote numerous affiliate artists. ... GZA (IPA pronunciation: ), aka The Genius, (born Gary Grice August 22, 1966 in Brooklyn, New York City) is an American hip hop artist. ... ODB redirects here. ...

Once this acclaimed local band dissolved, both he and GZA attempted to kick start solo careers. With the help of GZA's friend Melquan (then owner of Jamaica Records) they both secured single deals with album options at successful labels, GZA going to Cold Chillin and RZA to Tommy Boy. GZA ultimately released the Words from the Genius album, but RZA's stint at Tommy Boy ended with only the EP Ooh I Love You Rakeem to show for it when he went to jail soon after its release. GZA's album flopped, and the two cousins became determined to conquer the hip hop industry on their own terms. Throughout most of his youth he enjoyed watching various kung-fu movies and purchasing countless albums which he would later sample in most of his music. Words from the Genius was the first album released by the rapper GZA, under his old name, The Genius. ... This article is about the audio format. ... Ooh I Love You Rakeem is an EP that RZA released on Tommy Boy Records in 1991. ...

1992-1993: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)

From this determination came the Wu-Tang Clan (named after Shaolin and Wu Tang, a kung fu movie), formed with The GZA/Genius and Ol' Dirty Bastard as well as with 6 others (Inspectah Deck/Rebel INS, Raekwon the Chef, Method Man, Masta Killa, U-God/Golden Arms and Ghostface Killah). With the Clan, Prince Rakeem started going by the name RZA (Ruler Zig-Zag-Zig Allah).

After the single "Protect Ya Neck," which was driven by a raucous RZA-produced beat, made the group into underground sensations, the group released their debut LP Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). The album, which only cost $36K to produce, eventually went platinum, and was heralded by hip-hop fans as a classic. Enter the Wu-Tang revolutionized hip hop and helped bring the East Coast back into the spotlight after Dr. Dre's G-funk had come to dominate the rap scene, in large part thanks to RZA's lean, gritty and very distinctive production style. Alternate cover Enter the Wu-Tang (2004 re-issue) Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) is the debut album of the East Coast hip hop collective the Wu-Tang Clan. ... Hip hop music is a style of music which came into existence in the United States during the mid-1970s, and became a large part of modern pop culture during the 1980s. ... For the New York radio and television presenter, see Doctor Dre. ... G-funk, an abbreviation of Gangsta-funk, is a type of hip hop music that emerged from West Coast gangsta rap in the early 1990s. ...

1994–1996: Wu-Tang Solo Projects: Round One

As each of the group's members embarked on solo careers, The RZA continued to produce nearly everything Wu-Tang released during the period 1994–1996, producing in both the hip-hop producer sense (composing and arranging the instrumental tracks) and in the wider music producer sense (overseeing and directing the creative process as well as devising song concepts and structure in addition to being responsible for a recording’s final sound). Indeed, The RZA's rule over the Clan at this time is described in 2004's Wu-Tang Manual book as "a dictatorship."

His sound was to develop from the raw, minimalist sounds of Method Man's Tical and Ol' Dirty Bastard's Return to the 36 Chambers to more cinematic and expansive soundscapes driven by string sections or thick layers of synthesizer on Ghostface Killah's Ironman, GZA's Liquid Swords, and Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.... All of the group's albums during the period from 1994 to 1996 are highly regarded by critics and hip-hop enthusiasts. This article is about Method Man. ... Tical is the highly acclaimed debut album by Wu-Tang Clan member and hip hop artist Method Man. ... ODB redirects here. ... Intro Shimmy Shimmy Ya Baby Cmon Brooklyn Zoo Hippa To Da Hoppa Raw Hide Damage Dont U Know Stomp, The Goin Down Drunk Game (Sweet Sugar Pie) Snakes Brooklyn Zoo II (Tiger Crane) Protect Ya Neck II The Zoo Cuttin Headz Dirty Dancin - (bonus track) Harlem World - (bonus... Dennis Coles (born May 9, 1970), better known by the stage name Ghostface Killah, is an American rapper revered for his lyrical dexterity and vivid imagination. ... Iron Man was a hip-hop album released by Ghostface Killah. ... GZA (IPA pronunciation: ), aka The Genius, (born Gary Grice August 22, 1966 in Brooklyn, New York City) is an American hip hop artist. ... Liquid Swords is a solo album by Wu-Tang Clan member GZA, a. ... Corey Woods (born January 12, 1970), known by his stage name Raekwon, is an American East Coast rapper and a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. ... Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. ...

During this time, The RZA also took part in the creation of a hip-hop subgenre called horror-core with the Gravediggaz, an off-and-on hip-hop supergroup including Frukwan of Stetsasonic, Too Poetic of the Brothers Grym, and Prince Paul who released the critically acclaimed album 6 Feet Deep in 1994. As part of the Gravediggaz, he went by the name The RZArecta. Gravediggaz was an American hardcore rap group from New York City, well-known for its dark sense of humor and abrasive, menacing soundscapes. ... In the late 1960s, the term supergroup was coined to describe music groups comprising members who had already achieved fame or respect in other groups or as individual artists. ... Frukwan (born Arnold Hamilton), is best known as The Gatekeeper in the Hip hop supergroup Gravediggaz and been a former member of band Stetsasonic. ... Stetsasonic, appearing on the cover of their debut album, On Fire Stetsasonic was an American hip hop group formed in 1981 (see 1981 in music) in Brooklyn, New York. ... Prince Paul (born Paul Huston) is a DJ and hip hop producer. ... 6 Feet Deep was the debut album of the New York-based horrorcore hip hop supergroup, Gravediggaz. ... Gravediggaz was an American hardcore rap group from New York City, well-known for its dark sense of humor and abrasive, menacing soundscapes. ...

1997: Wu-Tang Forever

The success of Wu-Tang Forever, which hit number one on the charts after selling 600,000 in its first week, also marked the end of RZA's "five year plan"; at the group's inception, he promised the group if he had total dictatorial control of the Wu-Tang empire, it would conquer the hip hop world within five years. Ghostface Killah chronology GZA/Genius chronology Wu-Tang Forever is the long-awaited follow-up to the Wu-Tang Clans first album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). ...

After Forever's success, RZA ceased to oversee all aspects of Wu-Tang product as he had previously, delegating much of his existing role to associates such as Oli "Power" Grant and his brother Mitchell "Divine" Diggs, and giving each Clan member more individual control. This move was designed to enable the Wu-Tang empire to expand further and further into the fabric of the hip hop industry, and in accordance with this an extremely large amount of Wu-Tang music was to be released over the next two years.

This had already to some extent begun on Wu-Tang Forever, which for the first time featured RZA delegating a small number of beatmaking duties to other producers in the Wu-Tang camp, such as his proteges True Master and 4th Disciple who are known as the Wu-Elements, and Clan member Inspectah Deck. Ghostface Killah chronology GZA/Genius chronology Wu-Tang Forever is the long-awaited follow-up to the Wu-Tang Clans first album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). ... True Master is another member of RZAs production company, he follows a similar path to 4th Disciple but he does not produce for any particular group, he has produced tracks for the Wu-Tang Clan such as The M.G.M., & Heaterz, he has also produced for RZA himself... 4th Disciple is a member of RZAs production company at Razor Sharp Records along with Mathematics, RZA & True Master, he is the primary producer for the Killarmy & Sunz Of Man, he is also a backup producer for the Wu-Tang Clan. ... The Wu-Elements are a production team working almost exclusively on Wu-Tang Clan-related releases. ... â€œJason Hunterâ€ redirects here. ...

1998-1999: Wu-Tang Solo Projects: Round Two

During the 1998–2000 period RZA ceased to produce every Wu-Tang solo album as he had done previously, but continued to contribute usually one or two beats on average to each record as well as receiving an Executive Producer credit.

He also reformed with the Gravediggaz for the album The Pick, the Sickle and the Shovel, a calmer and more mature album than their horrorcore-oriented debut. Gravediggaz was an American hardcore rap group from New York City, well-known for its dark sense of humor and abrasive, menacing soundscapes. ... The Pick, the Sickle and the Shovel, released October 14, 1997, was the sophomore album of Gravediggaz, an influential hip hop supergroup. ... Death rap redirects here. ...

During this time, he also began work on two solo albums, entitled The Cure, and RZA as Bobby Digital in Stereo. Although he released his first solo effort titled RZA as Bobby Digital in Stereo in 1998, he ironically stated in a interview with The Source Magazine that he originally wanted to release "The Cure" first. Believing that the timing was not right he decided to release RZA as Bobby Digital in Stereo as his solo debut album instead. In the march 2000 inverview he stated: The first solo album released by American hip-hop artist RZA under the name of his alter-ego Bobby Digital. ... The first solo album released by American hip-hop artist RZA under the name of his alter-ego Bobby Digital. ... The Source Magazine The Source is a monthly full-color magazine covering hip-hop music, politics, and culture. ... This article is about the band. ... The first solo album released by American hip-hop artist RZA under the name of his alter-ego Bobby Digital. ...

RZA as Bobby Digital in Stereo was a well-received experimental concept album featuring him rapping as his hedonistic, fun-loving alter-ego Bobby Digital and showcasing a unique keyboard-driven sound RZA called "digital orchestra", receiving mostly positive reviews. This article is about the band. ... The first solo album released by American hip-hop artist RZA under the name of his alter-ego Bobby Digital. ... Hedonism is a word used to describe any way of thinking that gives pleasure a central role. ...

"The Cure album currently remains unreleased and incomplete, due to further work and development being continued into the new millennium. It is now said to be RZA's final solo album.

2000: The W

After helming another Wu-Tang group album titled The W (his production on which received much praise) and providing narration to a Clan greatest hits album titled The RZA Hits, RZA released another Bobby Digital album, 2001's Digital Bullet. Digital Bullet was an attempt to develop Bobby Digital further, and the album followed a loose story arc which saw the character becoming more "enlightened" and more disillusioned with hedonism as the album went on. The W is the third album by the American hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, released on November 21, 2000. ... The RZA Hits is a compilation produced by RZA. It contains various Wu-Tang Clan songs featured on both group and solo albums. ... Digital Bullet is the second solo album by the American hip hop artist RZA under his pseudonym Bobby Digital. ...

2001-2004: Post The W solo projects

In 1999 the RZA moved into composing film scores. His first work, Jim Jarmusch's Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999), earned praise; he also had brief cameo in the film itself, as a fellow samurai wearing camouflage. The experience was positive and, as he noted during an interview on National Public Radio's Fresh Air, the work with traditional musicians gave him the desire to learn how to read and write music.^[3] Jim Jarmusch Jim Jarmusch (born January 22, 1953 in Akron, Ohio) is a noted American independent film director. ... NPR redirects here. ... For the Scottish student radio station, see Fresh Air (Edinburgh). ...

The critical success of the Ghost Dog soundtrack led to further work. The RZA created and produced the original music for Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill series, as well as Blade: Trinity, and Soul Plane. The RZA was nominated for four different awards for the work he did on the Kill Bill vol. 1 and 2 soundtracks, winning one. Quentin Jerome Tarantino (born March 27, 1963) is an Academy Award- and Palme dOr-winning American film director, screenwriter and actor. ... Kill Bill is the fourth film by writer-director Quentin Tarantino. ... Blade: Trinity is a 2004 movie, directed by David S. Goyer, which is a motion_picture directorial debut for him. ... Soul Plane is a comedy motion picture from MGM, released in the United States on May 28, 2004 (see 2004 in film). ...

In the beginning of 2003 he also produced a few tracks for The Mindscape of Alan Moore. The Mindscape of Alan Moore is a documentary which chronicles the life and work of Alan Moore, author of acclaimed graphic novels such as From Hell and V for Vendetta. ...

His third solo album is titled, Birth of a Prince,which was released in 2003 under the name RZA, (see 2003 in music) and spawned the single We Pop. The album itself featured a mix of lighthearted Bobby Digital tracks and more lyrically highbrow RZA tracks. In 2003 he also released an album of collaborations with international rap and R&B musicians (including the UK's Skinnyman, France's Saïan Supa Crew, Germany's Xavier Naidoo and Italy's Frankie Hi-NRG MC) entitled The World According to RZA, which was successful in many countries, despite not being sold in the U.S.. Birth Of A Prince is the third album from American hip hop musician RZA, the main producer of the Wu-Tang Clan. ... See also: 2003 in music (UK) Musical groups established in 2003 Record labels established in 2003 // January - following an investigation by The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry and London detectives, police raids in England and the Netherlands recover nearly 500 original Beatles studio tapes, recorded during the Let It... R&B redirects here. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... SaÃ¯an Supa Crew is a French rap collective composed of three groups: Explicit SamouraÃ¯, OFX, and Simple Spirit. ... Xavier Kurt Naidoo (born October 2, 1971 in Mannheim, Germany) is a German singer and songwriter of South African Indian descent, who sings in German and occasionally in English. ... Frankie HI-NRG MC - aka Francesco Di GesÃ¹ was born in Torino in 1969. ... The World According to RZA is the third solo album by Wu-Tang Clan producer RZA, and features him producing rappers from a variety of countries. ... For other uses of terms redirecting here, see US (disambiguation), USA (disambiguation), and United States (disambiguation) Motto In God We Trust(since 1956) (From Many, One; Latin, traditional) Anthem The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington, D.C. Largest city New York City National language English (de facto)1 Demonym American...

2005-Present: Solo Projects: Round Three

In 2005 RZA released the long-gestating book Wu-Tang Manual, an in-depth discussion of the Wu-Tang's virtues, vices and philosophies. RZA continued to act in and score movies such as Derailed, Blood of a Champion and Miami Vice. He also contributed a bonus track for the reissued soundtrack to the Jet Li film Unleashed. In 2006 he contributed five beats to Method Man's latest album 4:21...The Day After and also executive produced the project. The EurockÃ©ennes de Belfort is one of Frances largest rock music festivals. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Derailed is a 2005 American thriller/drama film based on a James Siegel novel by the same name adapted by Stuart Beattie. ... Blood of a Champion is a 2006 film that was released directly to DVD. The film was written, produced, and directed by Lawrence Page. ... For the 1980s TV series, see Miami Vice. ... Li Lianjie (Simplified Chinese: æŽè¿žæ°; Traditional Chinese: æŽé€£æ°; pinyin: LÇ LiÃ¡njiÃ©; born April 26, 1963), better known by his stage name Jet Li, is a Chinese martial artist (Kung Fu), actor, Wushu champion, and international film star. ... Unleashed (also known as Danny the Dog), is a 2005 action / thriller film, directed by Louis Leterrier and written by Luc Besson. ...

In late January of 2007 he announced that he was working on a fourth album tentatively titled, Digi Snacks, which continues the further adventures of Bobby Digital. The Album is scheduled to be released at June 24th 2008. ^[4] The albums first single, "You Can't Stop Me Now" (featuring Inspectah Deck), was released in March 2008 in preparation for a planned release in Summer 2008. â€œJason Hunterâ€ redirects here. ...

He has also stated that the long-delayed "The Cure" album will now be his final solo album, for he will end his career as MC and move on with his movie directing career. The album will feature deeper lyrics and guests ranging from Zack de la Rocha to Isaac Hayes. ZacarÃas Manuel de la Rocha (born January 12, 1970 in Long Beach, California) is a rapper, musician, poet, and activist best known as the vocalist and lyricist of Rage Against the Machine. ... For the American arctic explorer, see Isaac Israel Hayes Isaac Lee Hayes, Jr. ...

Before signing with SRC Records in early 2007, RZA was flooded with offers from Bad Boy Records, Aftermath Records, Interscope and Def Jam among others for the Wu-Tang Clan super-group.^[5] SRC Records (Street Records Corporation) is a record label created by New York City rapper Fat Joe. ... Bad Boy Records (originally Bad Boy Entertainment) is an East Coast Hip-Hop/R&B record label founded by producer/rapper Sean Diddy Combs in 1993 that is a subsidiary of Warner Music Group. ... Aftermath Records is a record label, specializing in hip hop music, founded by Dr. Dre in 1996. ... Interscope Records is a record label currently owned by the Universal Music Group. ... Def Jam Recordings is an American based hip-hop record label that operates as a part of The Island Def Jam Music Group, which is owned by Universal Music Group. ...

In 2007, he did the score of the American adaptation of the Japanese anime Afro Samurai starring Samuel L. Jackson. Afro Samurai ) is a Japanese dÅjinshi manga series created by Takashi Okazaki, originally featured in the NOU NOU HAU [2] dÅjin magazine. ... Samuel Jackson redirects here. ...

He recently released an instrumental album entitled, The RZA-Instrumental Experience

Currently he is working with Raekwon on his highly anticipated Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II . He has also recorded with the Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante and is set to contribute to Cannibal Ox's upcoming album, along with Pete Rock and El-P.^{[citation needed]} Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II will be the fourth solo album from Wu-Tang Clan rap artist Raekwon. ... The Red Hot Chili Peppers are a Grammy-award winning American alternative rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1983. ... John Anthony Frusciante (IPA pronunciation: ) (born March 5, 1970) is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter and record producer. ... Cannibal Ox is a hip hop music duo from Harlem, New York City. ... Pete Rock (born Peter Phillips, June 21, 1970[1] in Bronx, New York) is an American hip hop DJ, producer and rapper. ... El-Producto or El-P (born Jaime Meline) is well known in underground hip hop circles as a pioneer whose work with the trio Company Flow (El-P, Big Jus and Mr. ...

Talks are on between System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian and RZA regarding a collaboration between the two artists called ACHOZEN.^[6] GZA is also involved in the project and has stated so in an interview.^[7] System of a Down (commonly referred to as System or abbreviated as SOAD) are an American heavy metal band, formed in 1995 in Glendale, California. ... Shavo Odadjian (Armenian: ) (born April 22, 1974, Yerevan, Armenia as Shavarsh Odadjian) is the bassist for the Armenian American-based alternative metal band System of a Down and a member of the group Achozen. ... Achozen is a side project from System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian, Wu-Tang Clan member RZA, Killarmy member Kinetic 9 and Rev. ...

The Background of Evolution Bobby Digital

Bobby Digital is the name that RZA uses for his solo albums, as well as an alter ego, based on his past and personal influences. The story of a young man living in the projects who finds pleasure in women, drugs, and alcohol. He smokes honey dipped blunts and soon becomes somewhat of a super-hero. Although a live-action movie and soundtrack was planned, nothing has materialized. Alter Ego has multiple meanings: Alter Ego is a game for the Commodore 64 computer. ... For other uses, see Honey (disambiguation). ... In film and video, live action refers to works that are acted out by human actors, as opposed to animation. ...

The movie was believed to be cancelled. However, various brief scenes that appear to be from the movie can viewed in the "Cobra Clutch" video by Ghostface Killah. In the video, Bobby Digital appears to be defending himself against thugs. Dennis Coles (born May 9, 1970), better known by the stage name Ghostface Killah, is an American rapper revered for his lyrical dexterity and vivid imagination. ...

Another bizarre situation that raises questions, is the fact there is an brief animation trailer on youtube.com entitled, The Cure starring RZA YouTube. ...

Various Wu-Recording Labels

Since the early 1990s, several "wu recording labels" briefly existed. The only acts that were seen on these labels were Shyheim, Sunz of Man, Killarmy, Ghostface Killah and Cappadonna. The connection that Rza had to these labels were unknown. Shyheim (born Shyheim Dionel Franklin on November 14, 1977[1], in Brooklyn, New York) is a rapper and actor who is a cousin to Ghostface Killah of the Wu-Tang Clan and is a member of the affiliated group West Coast Killa Beez. ... The pioneering hardcore hip hop group Wu-Tang Clans plan to conquer the hip hop industry consisted not only of making each member into a solo star in their own right, but also to create and promote numerous affiliate artists. ... Killarmy (pronounced kih-LA-AR-me) is a Hip Hop group, best-known through its affiliation with the Wu-Tang Clan. ... Dennis Coles (born May 9, 1970), better known by the stage name Ghostface Killah, is an American rapper revered for his lyrical dexterity and vivid imagination. ... Darryl Hill redirects here. ... RZA (IPA pronunciation: ; born , July 5, 1969) is an American hip hop producer, rapper and actor. ...

Other record labels were also founded, and are still active in the present. Very little is known about these labels, other that the fact that RZA produces music on them. It is unknown if RZA is CEO, or has high position within these labels, considering that he was never known to have a CEO position of any recording label. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the job of having the ultimate executive responsibility or authority within an organization or corporation. ...

Various Aliases and Rap Names

His stage name is an acronym for Ruler Zig-Zag-Zig Allah. According to the Supreme Alphabet, Zig-Zag-Zig means "from knowledge to wisdom to understanding". He gave himself this name during the time that he was a member in the Nation of Gods and Earths. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Backronym and Apronym (Discuss) Acronyms and initialisms are abbreviations, such as NATO, laser, and ABC, written as the initial letter or letters of words, and pronounced on the basis of this abbreviated written form. ... The Supreme Alphabet is, in the Nation of Gods and Earths, a system of interpreting text and finding deeper meaning in the original 120 Questions written by Elijah Muhammad and Wallace Fard Muhammad by assigning actual meanings to the letters of the Roman alphabet. ... The Nation of Gods and Earths, commonly known as the Five Percent Nation or the Five Percenters are an African-American social/religious movement founded in Harlem in the late 1960s by Clarence 13X. Spawned from a combination of teachings of by Malcom X and The Nation of Islam, the...

He was not the first hip-hop artist to use multiple aliases. He did become known as having a great number of them. These include: The Abbott, Chester Benningston (not to be confused with Chester Bennington), The Razor, Bobby Digital, BZA-Bobby, Bobby Steels. Prince Delight. Prince Rakeem. Prince Dynamite, Rzarector (from resurrector - waking up the mentally dead),The Scientist, Bob Digi, Robert Diggs, Bobby Boulders, Bob Digitech, The Kid Wit Braids. Chester Charles Bennington (born March 20, 1976)[1] is an American musician. ... Look up Resurrection in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Mentality and Leadership

According to The Wu-Tang Manual, at the group's inception, RZA started what he called the "5 Year Plan" in which he asked the other 8 members of the Clan for 5 years of life, hard work and good lyrics. He promised the members that if he had total control of the Wu-Tang empire, he would "take them to the top", and conquer the hip-hop world within a dynastic cycle. Afterwards, then he would relinquish his total control. He described this five year period "as a dictatorship". RZA's "five year "dictatorship" was completed after the successful release of Wu-Tang Forever. The Wu-Tang Manual is a guide to the Wu-Tang Clan written by founder and principle DJ RZA. It is divided into 4 books each containing 9 chambers totaling 36 chambers. ... Ghostface Killah chronology GZA/Genius chronology Wu-Tang Forever is the long-awaited follow-up to the Wu-Tang Clans first album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). ...

As each of the group's members embarked on solo careers, The RZA continued to produce nearly everything Wu-Tang released during the period 1994–1996. He was in control of producing composing, arranging, overseeing, directing, and possibly naming songs. He was over the creative process as well as devising song concepts and structure, in addition to being responsible for a recording’s final sound. All of this was the majority of his "dictatorship." He began doing this on a reduced extent around the time that he relinquised his dictatorship, thus taking complete control of fewer solo projects between group releases.

He has stated in several interviews that the challenges of maintaining the group are not egos, but rather timing and scheduling due to the fact that the members have families and side projects.

Although he assumes leadership within the group, upon mere mention in interviews, he reacts in a modest and humble manner, and often compares the formation of the group to Voltron. Original run 10 September 1984 â€“ 18 November 1985 Episodes 123, plus a one-hour Fleet of Doom special Voltron is a giant mecha robot first featured in the 1980s animated television series Voltron: Defender of the Universe. ...

Unlike the average hip hop musician, he has shown little or no concern about illegal downloading, for he simply wants to be seen and heard. He was once asked if he was worried about illegal downloading of his music:

Jim Jarmusch Jim Jarmusch (born January 22, 1953 in Akron, Ohio) is a noted American independent film director. ...

Acting and Directing career

Acting Roles

In addition to working behind the scenes on movie scores, RZA has been active on-screen as well. He has made cameo appearances as himself in numerous major motion pictures throughout the course of his career such as Be Cool, Scary Movie 3, Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood. RZA has also made cameo various appearances in the films Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai and Rhyme & Reason. Be Cool is a 2005 movie which was adapted from a 1999 novel. ... Scary Movie 3 (2003) is an American comedy film directed by David Zucker and is the third film of the Scary Movie franchise. ... Dont Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood is a 1996 film. ...

His acting career began to rise in the mid 2000's alongside fellow Wu-Tang member GZA in one segment of Jim Jarmusch's Coffee and Cigarettes opposite Bill Murray. He and the GZA have also made appearances on Chappelle's Show and Upright Citizens Brigade. GZA (IPA pronunciation: ), aka The Genius, (born Gary Grice August 22, 1966 in Brooklyn, New York City) is an American hip hop artist. ... Jim Jarmusch Jim Jarmusch (born January 22, 1953 in Akron, Ohio) is a noted American independent film director. ... Coffee and Cigarettes is a 2003 independent film directed by Jim Jarmusch. ... William James Bill Murray (born September 21, 1950) is an Academy Award-nominated, Emmy-, Golden Globe-, and BAFTA-winning American comedian and actor. ... Chappelles Show is an American comedy television series starring comedian Dave Chappelle. ... The Upright Citizens Brigade is an improvisational comedy and sketch comedy group that emerged from Chicagos ImprovOlympic in 1990. ...

He followed up with a big role in the hit 2005 film Derailed. The same year, he served as the Artist in Residence for the LA Film Festival. Derailed is a 2005 American thriller/drama film based on a James Siegel novel by the same name adapted by Stuart Beattie. ... Annual event showcases North American independent, feature, documentary and short films, as well as music videos Categories: Festival stubs | Film stubs ...

RZA was offered the role of "Brown" in The Departed (2006), but turned it down because of scheduling conflicts.^[8] The Departed is a 2006 crime thriller film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Vera Farmiga, Alec Baldwin, Martin Sheen and Mark Wahlberg. ...

Rza's most recent role, and possibly his biggest to date, is in American Gangster as "Moses Jones". American Gangster is a 2007 crime drama film directed by Ridley Scott starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. American Gangster is a 2007 crime film written by Steven Zaillian and directed by Ridley Scott. ... 2007 has been referred to, by film and media critics, as the year of the threequels, a nickname referring to both the 2004 summer movie season and several film franchises which premiered or had installments released in 2004, which appear again this year: Spider-Man 3, Shrek the Third, Ocean... For other uses, see Drama (disambiguation). ... This article is about motion pictures. ... Sir Ridley Scott (born November 30, 1937 in South Shields, South Tyneside) is a British film director and producer. ... Denzel Hayes Washington, Jr. ... Russell Ira Crowe (born 7 April 1964) is an Academy Award-, BAFTA-, Golden Globe-, and Screen Actors Guild Award -winning New Zealand-Australian actor[1]. His acting career began in the early 1990s with roles in Australian TV series such as Police Rescue and films such as Romper Stomper. ...

He has also been confirmed for roles in Gospel Hill, Repossession Mambo, and Life Is Hot in Cracktown. He is also said to be attached to Quentin Tarantino's next Kill Bill project in one way or another. Gospel Hill is a upcoming Giancarlo Esposito film. ... Repossession Mambo is an upcoming futuristic adventure thriller starring Jude Law and Forest Whitaker. ... Quentin Jerome Tarantino (born March 27, 1963) is an Academy Award- and Palme dOr-winning American film director, screenwriter and actor. ... Kill Bill is the fourth film by writer-director Quentin Tarantino. ...

Directing

Very little is known about his directing history, although he once attempted to direct and star in an unfinished Bobby Digital movie. He was once asked about directing:

Another interesting situation is the recent postings on youtube of a kung-fu movie, which can be viewed under the title RZA's movie YouTube is a popular video sharing website where users can upload, view and share video clips. ...

Personal life

Although RZA speaks little about his personal life in interviews, it is believed that he was once married, and has a son. His pastimes and hobbies include reading, collecting kung-fu movies, listening to music, watching adult movies, and playing chess. He is currently the champion of the Hip-Hop Chess Federation. He is also a vegetarian. ^[9] It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with wushu. ... This article is about the Western board game. ... For animals adapted to eat primarily plants, sometimes referred to as vegetarian animals, see Herbivore. ...

He is a practitioner of kung fu, and is a student of sifu Shi-Yan Ming, who considers him as a "very disciplined student." Alternative meaning: Kung Fu (TV series) Kung fu or gongfu (功夫, Pinyin: gōngfu) is a well-known Chinese term used in the West to designate Chinese martial arts. ... Sifu (å¸«å‚… or å¸«çˆ¶; Pinyin: shÄ«fu) is a Chinese term for a master or teacher. ...

He was once affiliated with the the Nation of Gods and Earths but has stated he that he is no longer a member of any particular group. However, he usually wears the Five Percenter Universal Flag as a necklace, and still follows Five Percenter aspects, which include the Supreme Mathematics and the Supreme Alphabet. He also has taken on various aspects of Buddhism, Taoism, and Christianity as stated in his book The Wu-Tang Manual in order to expand his spiritual growth. The Five Percenter Universal Flag (Seven, Sun, Moon, and Star). ... ... The Supreme Mathematics, in the teachings the Nation of Gods and Earths, is a system of understanding numbers alongside concepts that are used along with the Supreme Alphabet as tools to unlocking the keys to reality and the universe. ... The Supreme Alphabet is, in the Nation of Gods and Earths, a system of interpreting text and finding deeper meaning in the original 120 Questions written by Elijah Muhammad and Wallace Fard Muhammad by assigning actual meanings to the letters of the Roman alphabet. ... Buddhism is a Dharmic religion and philosophy[1] with between 230 to 500 million adherents worldwide. ... Taoism (pronounced or ; also spelled Daoism) refers to a variety of related philosophical and religious traditions and concepts. ... Topics in Christianity Preaching Prayer Ecumenism Relation to other religions Movements Music Liturgy Calendar Symbols Art Criticism Christianity Portal This box: Christianity is a monotheistic[1] religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in the New Testament. ... The Wu-Tang Manual is a guide to the Wu-Tang Clan written by founder and principle DJ RZA. It is divided into 4 books each containing 9 chambers totaling 36 chambers. ...

Controversies

In late 1993, RZA was charged with attempted murder for shooting a man, and faced 8 years in prison. He was found not guilty, claiming self-defense. As a result, he has an indifference to guns. He once said in the January 1999 interview with The Source Magazine. The Source Magazine The Source is a monthly full-color magazine covering hip-hop music, politics, and culture. ...

The Wu-Tang Clan and their associates are being investigated by the FBI for weapon trafficking in Staten Island and their relationship with the Gambino crime family. RZA admitted to being friends with several members of the Gambinos in The Wu-Tang Manual, both before and after his rise to fame. In his book The Wu-Tang Manual, he has a 6 page length section on Organized Crime and gives tribute to many of New York's mob bosses of the 20th Century which he claims is what makes his business so successful. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a federal criminal investigative, intelligence agency, and the primary investigative arm of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). ... Gunrunning, also known as arms trafficking, is trafficking in (smuggling) contraband weapons and ammunition. ... John Gotti, The Dapper Don The Gambino Crime Family is one of the Five Families that controls organized crime activities based in New York City, United States, within the nationwide criminal phenomenon known as the Mafia (or Cosa Nostra). ... The Wu-Tang Manual is a guide to the Wu-Tang Clan written by founder and principle DJ RZA. It is divided into 4 books each containing 9 chambers totaling 36 chambers. ... The Wu-Tang Manual is a guide to the Wu-Tang Clan written by founder and principle DJ RZA. It is divided into 4 books each containing 9 chambers totaling 36 chambers. ...

In 2000 the Village Voice ran a story about the FBI infiltrating the Wu Tang Clan through a criminal-turned-informant named Michael Caruso who got a job as the personal manager for Ghostface Killah and Cappadonna. Several other members of the group did not like Caruso, however his ties with Ghostface and Cappadonna got him into the inner circles of the Wu.^[10] Due to Caruso's criminal past he was prohibited by law to associate with felons (which many members of the Clan are) or leave the state of New York, however these restrictions were lifted in return for providing information on the group. The federal government turned their head and allowed Caruso to tour around the country with Wu-Tang as long as he was kicking back info on their involvement in gunrunning and the Gambino crime family.^[11] A tower of confiscated smuggled weapons about to be set ablaze in Nairobi, Kenya Gunrunning, also known as arms trafficking, is trafficking in (smuggling) contraband weapons and ammunition. ... John Gotti, The Dapper Don The Gambino Crime Family is one of the Five Families that controls organized crime activities based in New York City, United States, within the nationwide criminal phenomenon known as the Mafia (or Cosa Nostra). ...

Caruso was subsequently fired from all duties regarding The Wu Tang Clan's business when these allegations came to light. RZA forced Cappadonna to fire him as his manager, however Caruso still works with Ghostface and is on his new poker team.^[12] The report rules out the majority of Wu Tang affiliated performers and focuses on those running the business aspect of the Wu empire, Oli "Power" Grant and Mitchell "Divine" Diggs (RZA's brother) and The RZA himself.

The issue was recently resurfaced by FOX News in mid-2007 after RZA attended one of Hillary Clinton's parties and donated money to her 2008 campaign. FOX News criticized the fact that Clinton took money from The RZA, claiming it was contradictory due to RZA's felony record, FBI investigation, ties to the Gambino family and his music lyrics.^[13] RZA referenced the investigation in one of his lyrics, "Feds had one ad saying I gun traff'/I sold 20 million records bitch! You make me laugh." Fox News Channels slogan is We Report, You Decide The Fox News Channel is a U.S. cable and satellite news channel. ... REDIRECT Hillary Rodham Clinton This is a redirect from a title with another method of capitalisation. ...

In a recent interview with MTV he stated, in response of the beliefs that the group would dissolve;

Recently he was accused by several members that he mishandled money. While in the U.K., when questioned by radio DJ Tim Westwood, concerning the group situation, RZA said, "It's really all good, it's just different directions... Everything is back peace already." the RZA also rebutted claims that he owes group members any money. He yelled:

In a June 2008 interview with L.A. Record, RZA elaborated on the $20,000 bullet-proof suit, car and briefcase he mentions in the Wu Tang Manual.

Production Style and Influence

According to himself, RZA tries to have no more than 20-25% sampling on any given record, something starkly different from many other major hip hop groups. He uses "the sampler more like a painter's palette than a Xerox. Then again, I might use it as a Xerox if I find rare beats that nobody had in their crates yet." He played much of the piano himself, with Bill Evans and Thelonious Monk as major influences; for instance, he created the piano part to "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'" after watching the Thelonious Monk documentary, Straight, No Chaser.[28]

RZA has stated Ennio Morricone, Mark E. Smith, Syl Johnson, Marley Marl, Augustus Pablo and Danny Elfman as musicians he is fond of and has taken influence from. During the Enter the Wu-Tang period, RZA's production consisted mainly of stripped-down, frenetic piano loops and finger-snaps with heavy bass and drums, though he experimented with more melodic sounds on the album's "Method Man" and "C.R.E.A.M." He also began incorporating skits consisting of clips of old kung fu movies. Ennio Morricone (born November 10, 1928; sometimes also credited as Dan Savio or Leo Nichols) is an Italian composer especially noted for his film scores. ... Mark E. Smith (born 5 March 1957) is the lead singer, lyricist, frontman, and sole consistent member of The Fall, a renowned and idiosyncratic offshoot from the UK post-punk/new wave music scenes. ... Syl Johnson (b Sylvester Thompson, 1 July 1936, Holly Springs, Mississippi) is an American blues and soul singer. ... Marlon Williams (born September 30, 1962 in Queens, New York City), better known as Marley Marl, is an influential hip-hop producer. ... Horace Swaby (June 21, 1954 â€“ May 18, 1999), better known as Augustus Pablo, was a Jamaican roots reggae and dub record producer and keyboardist, active from the 1970s onwards. ... Daniel Robert Elfman (born May 29, 1953 in Los Angeles, California) is an American musician who led the rock band Oingo Boingo as singer / songwriter from 1976 until its breakup in 1995, and has composed film scores extensively since 1985s Pee-wees Big Adventure. ... ... Alternative meaning: Kung Fu (TV series) Kung fu or gongfu (功夫, Pinyin: gōngfu) is a well-known Chinese term used in the West to designate Chinese martial arts. ...

The next two solo albums from the Wu, Method Man's Tical and Ol' Dirty Bastard's Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version, featured versions of the same style of production from the RZA; the former delved somewhat into old soul records and became somewhat bouncy rather than quite as gritty, while the latter was at times even more simplistic than the group's debut.

On Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx and GZA's Liquid Swords, RZA would immerse his beats in dark, sinister soul sampling, pioneering the technique of speeding up or slowing down samples to fit the beat. He also fully realized the potential of the skit, using samples from John Woo's film The Killer to string the Cuban Linx album together into a loose storyline. Only Built 4 Cuban Linx is an influential East Coast rap album by rapper Raekwon, released in 1995. ... Liquid Swords is a solo album by Wu-Tang Clan member GZA, a. ... The Killer (Traditional Chinese: å–‹è¡€é›™é›„, Simplified Chinese: å–‹è¡€åŒé›„; Cantonese IPA: , Jyutping: dip6 hyt3 seong1 hung4; Mandarin Pinyin: ; literally: Bloodshed of Two Heroes) is a 1989 Hong Kong thriller starring Chow Yun-Fat as the hitman Ah Jong, Danny Lee as the cop Li Ying and Sally Yeh as the singer Jennie. ...

RZA's production technique, specifically the manner of chopping up and/or speeding or slowing soul samples to fit his beats, has been picked up by currently popular producers — most notably Kanye West and Just Blaze, the two main producers behind Roc-A-Fella Records. West's own take on RZA's style^[15] briefly flooded the rap market with what was dubbed "chipmunk soul," the speeding of a vocal sample to where it sounded as though the singer had inhaled helium. Several producers at the time copied the style, creating other offshoots. West has admitted that his style was distinctly influenced by the RZA's production,^[16] and RZA has acknowledged his influence in an issue of Scratch magazine, saying he wished he had produced "Jesus Walks" and "Breathe", two 2004 hits produced by Kanye West and Just Blaze, respectively.^{[citation needed]} Said by Kanye West: Kanye Omari West (pronounced /kÉ‘njÉ›j/) (born June 8, 1977) is an American record producer and rapper who rose to fame in the mid 2000s. ... Justin Smith (born in Paterson, New Jersey on January 14, 1978), better known as Just Blaze, is an American hip hop music producer. ... Roc-A-Fella Records is an American hip hop/rap record label. ... Nas, The Game and will. ... Jesus Walks was the third single from Kanye Wests debut album The College Dropout. ... Breathe is the first single of Fabolous album Real Talk. Breathe, having the feel of the New Yorks five boroughs at its core and named to exhale the old music[1], became a leaked street song, and eventually released as an official single. ...

Subsequent Wu group albums saw RZA become even more experimental, usually with soul samples as well as the layers added his beats. Around 1997 he began tutoring 4th Disciple, True Master and Mathematics in production. The early-mid 2000's have seen him move more toward smoother and more tightly-assembled productions, where the melody, drums, bass and other elements play more off each other than they previously had in his beats. 4th Disciple is a member of RZAs production company at Razor Sharp Records along with Mathematics, RZA & True Master, he is the primary producer for the Killarmy & Sunz Of Man, he is also a backup producer for the Wu-Tang Clan. ... True Master is another member of RZAs production company, he follows a similar path to 4th Disciple but he does not produce for any particular group, he has produced tracks for the Wu-Tang Clan such as The M.G.M., & Heaterz, he has also produced for RZA himself... Mathematics, also known as Allah Mathematics, is a hip hop producer and DJ for the Wu-Tang Clan. ...

His Bobby Digital albums introduced tweaked-out new age elements to his sound; these have incorporated themselves more fully into his beats on newer albums such as Method Man's 4:21...The Day After. New Age describes a broad movement characterized by alternative approaches to traditional Western culture. ...

The Beatles song being covered is "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" for the 8 Diagrams album. While My Guitar Gently Weeps is a rock song by The Beatles from the double album The Beatles (also known as The White Album). ... Singles from 8 Diagrams Released: 2007 Released: October 3, 2007 Released: 2007 Released: 2007 8 Diagrams is the upcoming album by New York hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, scheduled for release through Street Records Corporation on December 11, 2007. ...

Discography

Discography for Wu-Tang Clan leader RZA. // 1999: Ghost Dog 2004: Kill Bill: Volumes 1&2 (soundtrack co-compiled by Quentin Tarantino/Robert Rodriguez) 2004: Soul Plane 2004: Blade: Trinity 2005: Unleashed 2005: The Protector 2006: Blood of a Champion 2007: Afro Samurai 1998: Dirty Weaponry by Killarmy 1999: Manchild...

References

is the 194th day of the year (195th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ... The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, also known simply as the PG, is the largest daily newspaper serving metropolitan Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. // The paper began publication on July 29, 1786, with the encouragement of Hugh Henry Brackenridge as a four-page weekly, initially called The Gazette. ... is the 95th day of the year (96th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

MySpace is a social networking website offering an interactive, user-submitted network of friends, personal profiles, blogs, groups, photos, music, and videos. ... The All Music Guide (AMG) is a large, comprehensive and high quality metadata database about music. ... For the in-memory database management system, see In-memory database. ... Wu-Tang redirects here. ... Dennis Coles (born May 9, 1970), better known by the stage name Ghostface Killah, is an American rapper revered for his lyrical dexterity and vivid imagination. ... GZA (IPA pronunciation: ), aka The Genius, (born Gary Grice August 22, 1966 in Brooklyn, New York City) is an American hip hop artist. ... â€œJason Hunterâ€ redirects here. ... Masta Killa (born Elgin Turner, born August 18, 1969 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American rapper and member of the Wu-Tang Clan. ... This article is about Method Man. ... ODB redirects here. ... Corey Woods (born January 12, 1970), known by his stage name Raekwon, is an American East Coast rapper and a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. ... U-God (born Lamont Hawkins, October 11, 1970 in Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.) is an American rapper and member of the hip hop collective, Wu-Tang Clan. ... Alternate cover Enter the Wu-Tang (2004 re-issue) Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) is the debut album of the East Coast hip hop collective the Wu-Tang Clan. ... Ghostface Killah chronology GZA/Genius chronology Wu-Tang Forever is the long-awaited follow-up to the Wu-Tang Clans first album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). ... The W is the third album by the American hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, released on November 21, 2000. ... Iron Flag is the fourth album from the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan. ... Singles from 8 Diagrams Released: 2007 Released: October 3, 2007 Released: 2007 Released: 2007 8 Diagrams is the upcoming album by New York hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, scheduled for release through Street Records Corporation on December 11, 2007. ... Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) track listing Protect Ya Neck is the first single by hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan. ... Method Man was among the first singles and videos made for the Wu-Tang Clans first release, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). ... Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) track listing C.R.E.A.M., an acronym for Cash Rules Everything Around Me, is the second single from Wu-Tang Clans highly praised debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). ... Can It Be All So Simple is the third and final single on Wu-Tang Clans critically hailed debut album Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers. ... Wu-Tang Forever track listing Triumph is a single released by Wu-Tang Clan, from their 1997 album Wu-Tang Forever. ... For the song, see Gravel Pit. ... Iron Flag is the fourth album from the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan. ... The Heart Gently Weeps Is a hip hop song written by The Wu-Tang Clan. ... Wu-Chronicles is a compilation album by Wu-Tang Clan, which features tracks produced and or performed by Wu-Tang Clan solo artists. ... Wu-Chronicles, Chapter 2 is a compilation album by Wu-Tang Clan, which features tracks produced and or performed by Wu-Tang Clan solo artists and affiliates. ... Legend of the Wu-Tang Clan is a compilation album released by the Wu-Tang Clan in 2005. ... Track listing Introduction Lyrical Swords (GZA, and Ras Kass) Slow Blues (Timbo King, Prodigal Sunn, Vast Aire, and Byata) Still Grimey (U-God, Prodigal Sunn, Sean Price, and C-Rayz Walz) Skit Think Differently (Casual, Rock Marciano, Vordul Mega, and Tragedy Khadafi) Informercial (Jim Jarmusch) Biochemical Equation (RZA, and MF... Wu-Tang Clan & Friends Unreleased is a compilation produced by Mathematics. ... // The following is the discography for Wu-Tang Clan and its immediate 9 members Affiliates are cataloged at Wu-Tang Clan affiliates Albums by affiliates are cataloged at Wu-Tang Clan affiliated albums Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm Released: 1998 Chart positions: U.S. Sales: Last RIAA certification: Singles... The Wu-Tang Manual is a guide to the Wu-Tang Clan written by founder and principle DJ RZA. It is divided into 4 books each containing 9 chambers totaling 36 chambers. ... // The hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan has various affiliates which receive support, financial and otherwise, from the Wu-Tang Clan. ... This is a list of albums released by artists affiliated with the Wu-Tang Clan, known as the Wu-Tang Killa Beez or the Wu-Family. ... Gravediggaz was an American hardcore rap group from New York City, well-known for its dark sense of humor and abrasive, menacing soundscapes. ... Frukwan (born Arnold Hamilton), is best known as The Gatekeeper in the Hip hop supergroup Gravediggaz and been a former member of band Stetsasonic. ... Prince Paul (born Paul Huston) is a DJ and hip hop producer. ... 6 Feet Deep was the debut album of the New York-based horrorcore hip hop supergroup, Gravediggaz. ... The Pick, the Sickle and the Shovel, released October 14, 1997, was the sophomore album of Gravediggaz, an influential hip hop supergroup. ... Nightmare in A-Minor was the third album by the hip hop supergroup Gravediggaz. ... Kill Bill is the fourth film by writer-director Quentin Tarantino. ... Kill Bill is the fourth film by writer-director Quentin Tarantino. ... Kill Bill is the fourth film by writer-director Quentin Tarantino. ... The Kill Bill: Volume 1 OST is the soundtrack to the first volume of the two-part Quentin Tarantino film, Kill Bill. ... The Kill Bill: Volume 2 OST is the soundtrack to the second volume of the two-part Quentin Tarantino film, Kill Bill. ... Beatrix Kiddo, (played by Uma Thurman) also known as The Bride, is a fictional character in Quentin Tarantinos movie Kill Bill. ... Bill (played by David Carradine) is the character for whom the movie Kill Bill is named and was the leader of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, which included Bills brother, Budd. ... The Deadly Viper Assassination Squad (or DiVAS) were a fictional band of highly trained assassins in Quentin Tarantinos Kill Bill Volume 1 and Volume 2. ... Uma Karuna Thurman (born April 29, 1970) is an Academy Award-nominated American actress. ... Lucy Alexis Liu (Chinese: ; pinyin: ; born December 2, 1968) is an Emmy Award-nominated American actress. ... Vivica Anjanetta Fox (born July 30, 1964) is an African-American & Native-American actress. ... Daryl Christine Hannah (born December 3, 1960) is an American film actress. ... David Carradine (born John Arthur Carradine on December 8, 1936 in Hollywood, California) is an American actor. ... For other uses, see Michael Madsen (disambiguation). ... This article is about the French actress. ... Chiaki Kuriyama ), born October 10, 1984 in Tsuchiura, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Japanese actress and model. ... Shinichi Chiba ), also known as Sonny Chiba (born January 23, 1939) in Fukuoka, Japan is a Japanese actor. ... Gordon Liu (åŠ‰å®¶è¼; Lau Kar-Fai; Liu Jia Hui, formerly spelled Liu Chia-Hui) (born November 30, 1955) is a Chinese martial arts film actor. ... Michael Parks (born April 24, 1940[1]) is an American actor and singer. ... Michael Bowen (born June 21, 1953 in Texas) is an American actor. ... Samuel Jackson redirects here. ... Perla Haney-Jardine as B.B. in Kill Bill Vol. ... ZoÃ« E. Bell (born November 17, 1978) is a New Zealand stuntwoman and actress. ... Quentin Jerome Tarantino (born March 27, 1963) is an Academy Award- and Palme dOr-winning American film director, screenwriter and actor. ... Uma Karuna Thurman (born April 29, 1970) is an Academy Award-nominated American actress. ... Lawrence Bender Lawrence Bender (born 1957 in The Bronx) is an American film producer. ... Robert Anthony RodrÃguez (born June 20, 1968 in San Antonio, Texas) is a Mexican-American writer, producer, musician, and film director who is known for making profitable, crowd-pleasing independent and studio films with fairly low budgets and fast schedules by Hollywood standards. ... Robert Bridge Richardson (born 27 August 1955 in Hyannis, Massachusetts) is an American cinematographer. ... Sally Menke is the film editor of all of Quentin Tarantinos movies. ... Dim Mak, Death Touch, or literally Touch Point (dim mak is an approximate Cantonese pronunciation of é»žè„ˆ, as subset of é»žç©´, pinyin diÇŽnxuÃ¨) is said by its adherents to train attacks on pressure points and meridians in some styles of Chinese martial arts to kill, incapacitate, or otherwise control an opponent. ...

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