Follow the Leader: RZA
Get a glimpse of RZA's greatest moments right here!
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Follow the Leader: RZA - Pioneer. Icon. Visionary. The man born Robert Diggs, aka the RZA, aka the Abbot, aka Bobby Digital, aka Rakeem Zig Zag Allah, is considered all of those things by many true school rap fans. Having founded the Wu-Tang Clan and being the architect behind the success of each member's solo careers, RZA has steered clear of becoming a conventional rap producer, pooling his energy into everything from film making to Eastern philosophy. If you're unfamiliar with this rap juggernaut, get familiar right here.(Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)
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Entering the 36 Chambers - As a member of the Wu-Tang Clan, RZA has often been described as the leader of the group, having established their sound that was popular in early to mid-'90s NYC hip hop. The inspiration for the Wu-Tang Clan name came from a series of kung-fu films which RZA and group member ODB would watch. (Photos From Left to Right: Fergus McDonald/Getty Images, BK/MMR Reuters Photographers/Reuters)
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Rzarector and Bobby Digital - Although always inclusive, RZA dabbled in musical projects outside of Wu-Tang Clan. He also helped establish the Gravediggaz and his own solo project Bobby Digital in Stereo. (Photo: Lucas Jackson REUTERS/Landov)
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Way of the RZA - RZA's cult status grew among film fans when he scored the soundtrack for Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai. It was the first movie soundtrack that RZA had produced and he would replicate this model for soundtracks to Blade: Trinity and Kill Bill. (Photo: Courtesy Pandora Film Produktion)
Photo By Photo: Courtesy Pandora Film Produktion
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Literary Intercourse: Part 1 - In 2005, RZA would release The Wu-Tang Manual, a historical account of how the Wu-Tang Clan had formed and what influenced them as group. Part biography, part historical document and part philosophy book, RZA not only delves into the background of each member, but recites the business inspiration he had in place to keep them unified despite being involved in an untrustworthy music industry. (Photo: Courtesy Riverhead/ Berkeley/ Penguin Books)
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Samurai Soundtrack - 2007 saw the release of the Afro Samurai soundtrack, which featured music inspired by the Spike TV series of the same name. Produced by RZA, it further reinforced RZA's affinity for Eastern influenced media. (Photo: Courtesy Koch Records)
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Literary Intercourse: Part 2 - In 2009, RZA followed up on the success of The Wu-Tang Manual with The Tao of the Wu. The latter is more autobiographical, recounting RZA's formative years and delving more deeply into his own philosophical beliefs. (Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
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TV Chessboxin' - Having gained recognition for his acting ability in movies such as American Gangster and Repo Men, RZA has parlayed his way to TV acting with a recurring role on Showtime's Californication. (Photo: Courtesy Showtime)
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Bobby Digital in Stereo (Headphones) - In 2011, apparel brand WeSC linked up with RZA to promote a line of signature headphones with the Abbot's name attached to it. Wu-Tang audio ain't nothing to mess with. (Photo: Courtesy WESC)
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His Whole World in Your Hands - A constant innovator, RZA launched his very own iPhone app in late 2011. The app allows fans to keep up to date with the elusive producer, play chess and check out exclusive content courtesy of the man himself. (Photo: Courtesy iTunes)
