RZA has been a prominent and respected figure in East Coast hip-hop since the early 1990s and, alongside the Wu-Tang Clan, after producing legendary tracks such as ‘C.R.E.A.M’ and ‘Protect Ya Neck.’
The nine-piece outfit became highly successful and was one of Staten Island’s first breakthrough acts. The vast array of lyrics and unique styles were indisputably one of the main factors. Each member of the collective had a distinct style, and listeners could tell who was on the mic without looking.
Whether it was Ghostface Killah with his aggressive delivery or Inspectah Deck with his complex rhyme schemes, each individual brought something different to the table, and they were quickly signed to Loud Records.
Following the success of the Wu-Tang Clan, RZA (real name Robert Diggs) transitioned to Hollywood. As a rapper, producer, director and movie producer, Diggs has evolved into a highly prolific creative and has directed several films, including The Man with the Iron Fists and Cut Throat City. However, he’s still an emcee at heart.
During a sit-down, in-depth interview with Ebro Darden for Apple Music 1, RZA spoke about the late Yonkers emcee DMX. Revealing the first time he listened to DMX, Diggs told Darden, “The first time I heard him was on the radio, with ‘Where My Dawgs At?’ That was ripping through New York on HOT 97…and I knew automatically that it was a real dude on the mic.”
Making a comparison to a Wu-Tang member, Diggs stated, “I don’t like to compare artist to artist, but if I was to compare energy as far as realness and rawness, I’d have to compare him to [Ol’ Dirty Bastard]. It was real. It wasn’t fabricated. When I had the chance to meet the brother, his spirit, his purity, it’s just pure. I just caught a spine tingle right there just thinking about his purity.”
Both the late rappers passed away from drug overdoses. Ol’ Dirty Bastard died from an overdose in 2004, and DMX passed away in 2021. However, both made incredible music during their lifetime. You can watch Ebro’s interview with RZA in the video below.