Credit: David Shankbone

RZA was an integral part of the New York hip-hop scene in the 1990s, and as the frontman of the Wu-Tang Clan, he has done a lot for hip-hop over the years. Between 1993 and 1997, RZA produced several classic albums. However, he has insisted that his work was severely damaged when the group was banned from the Hit 97 radio building.

Furthermore, he has insisted it had a broader impact on hip-hop culture due to their importance at the time. The group’s sophomore album, Wu-Tang Forever, was a fantastic project. Still, the Staten Island beatmaker has suggested that their radio ban damaged the album’s record sales.

During an appearance on the Popcast podcast, the Birth Of A Prince creator, the musician reflected on how Wu-Tang Forever sold 4million copies in 1997 but looked back on its quality and expressed how, in his opinion, it could have sold double if it had the promotion it warranted.

Explaining this during his Popcast appearance, RZA declared, “I think Wu-Tang Forever could have been diamond!” However, he stated that the Hot 97 radio ban damaged all the members individually following the turn of the millennium. From Raekwon to Capadonna and ODB, in RZA’s opinion, they all could have been bigger if Hot 97 played their music as it was and remains the number one mainstream hip-hop radio station in the US.

Detailing how Raekwon and others failed to find their audience due to lack of radio play, RZA told the host, “That was a kick in the nuts, and in hindsight, it was a kick in the nuts to the culture.” Even following the ban, Hot 97 approached the collective to play at their annual Summer Jam festival. Still, understandably, the group’s members were outraged by the station’s hubris.

Unlike other acts, the Wu-Tang Clan members were forced to pay for their own travel, which prompted an angry reaction. During his performance, Raekwon screamed, “F*ck Hot 97!” He even got the crowd to join in and turn it into a chant. This was when the group members were banned individually.

Over the years, there has been some reconciliation between the station and the remaining crew members. The Wu-Tang were even asked to perform at Summer Jam in 2013 to offer an olive branch.

However, the ultimate sign of remorse was when legendary New York DJ Funkmaster Flex took to Instagram to issue an apology to RZA and the rest of the Wu-Tang Clan. The radio DJ, who has been on Hot 97 since the ‘90s, expressed his desire to bury the hatchet and turn a page on the feud.

Showing contrition, Funkmaster Flex wrote, “I wanna take this time to apologize to RZA and the entire Wu-Tang Clan.” He continued, “Almost 25 yrs ago the group, me and Hot 97 had a disagreement that to me never got put to bed and I apologize.” RZA told Popcast he appreciated the post, although it was several decades late.