The Rza
Did anyone listen to the RZA on Terry Gross?
He talks about the "de-tuned" (discordant) piano sample that is such a trademark of the early Wu-Tang records, his own records (under the Rza alias), and finally the Ghost Dog soundtrack. (Rza also did Kill Bill: Volume 1, but they discussed that in an earlier interview.)
He also explains his various aliases: "Prince Rakeem" (early days), "Rza" (1992-1997), and "Bobby Digital" (1997-2000 or so). The turn to militancy and self-discipline in the middle phase explains how it was possible for him to be so prolific for a period. And the turn back to a 'party' persona also explains why he hasn't done anything comparable since then.
The most interesting part for music heads will be the first 15 minutes. The most interesting part from a biographical perspective is the last 10-15 minutes, when Rza and Terry talk about ODB (who was actually Rza's cousin), and how growing up poor makes it impossible to ever really experience childhood.
He talks about the "de-tuned" (discordant) piano sample that is such a trademark of the early Wu-Tang records, his own records (under the Rza alias), and finally the Ghost Dog soundtrack. (Rza also did Kill Bill: Volume 1, but they discussed that in an earlier interview.)
He also explains his various aliases: "Prince Rakeem" (early days), "Rza" (1992-1997), and "Bobby Digital" (1997-2000 or so). The turn to militancy and self-discipline in the middle phase explains how it was possible for him to be so prolific for a period. And the turn back to a 'party' persona also explains why he hasn't done anything comparable since then.
The most interesting part for music heads will be the first 15 minutes. The most interesting part from a biographical perspective is the last 10-15 minutes, when Rza and Terry talk about ODB (who was actually Rza's cousin), and how growing up poor makes it impossible to ever really experience childhood.
2 Comments:
I saw the Fresh Air interview with RZA posted on N.P.R.`s Editor`s choices but I was having panic attacks because of eye problems. I`m going to listen to it this evening.
I must say that I find the idea that growing up poor makes it hard to have a childhood very interesting. I grew up working class/poor but I had an amazing childhood full of family and love. However, I`ve realized that I was very shelter from a lot of problems going on around me.
I do think growing up poor in an urban area like the New York City metropolitan area could be hellish on the soul. I can see a person seeing so much wealth that alludes them turn them into bitter beings who would do anything such as sell drugs to make money. I also have come to the belief that some Black American males internalize poverty in a different way than some Black females. In my experience, Black males equate poverty with a total feeling of dejection, defeat, and a feeling of being less than. I personally never thought being working class/poor meant I was inferior to any person.
I`m sorry for writing all over your blog ;)
I just finished listening to it. It was very interesting, some of it was thought-provoking. I've got a slew of commentary, most of it race/class based, but your weblog isn't the space for that.
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