RZA has released a symphonic ballet score that encapsulates his innate creativity.
Diving deep into his musical journey, the co-founder of Wu-Tang Clan, known for his skills in rapping and producing, has expanded his creative horizons with the debut of his ballet composition, "A Ballet Through Mud."
RZA's Evolution into Classical Music
Drawing inspiration from the verses penned in his early teenage years, RZA, whose real name is Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, creates a story of personal growth set against the backdrop of his young years in Staten Island, New York.
Speaking to Sky News of his experience, the 55-year-old hip-hop icon said, "I started reading through these lyrics, and I'm recalling all the young love and the young exploration. The first time you had a drink or smoke."
"All this is written in my lyrics, like a lyrical diary."
"At first, I thought I should rap it, right? Because I'm known as a rapper. But then I said, no, I should write music to it."
RZA made his way on creating his inaugural classical masterpiece by working on the piano. The culmination of his efforts came to life during a performance in 2023, where he collaborated with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and dancers from the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre School.
The audience's thunderous applause signaled the beginning of a new chapter for the rapper, who has since released his debut full-length classical album.
"I think I've definitely been a guy that's pushing the boundaries and trying to surprise people. Definitely, you know, people would call it leftfield for me. But it's not, it's right in my alley."
Bridging Genres and Inspiring Youth
The iconic artist is on a mission to inspire young people to pick up musical instruments, making it cool to play the violin or oboe.
RZA also pointed out how computer-generated music has changed the game, making it feel like you have an entire orchestra right at your fingertips. He stressed that while technology is amazing, nothing compares to the depth and expression that comes from actually playing an instrument, which stands in contrast to more formulaic methods.
"It's a certain type of brain stimulation that comes from this type of music creation. Hip-hop and rock music, or, say, today's music, has been able to be created on a computer, and that's great. That's the power of an orchestra in your hand."
Regarding his future endeavors in classical music, RZA believes he is just scratching the surface.
"I'm not going to stop here. I've already started writing something for the future that I'm also fascinated with."
