RZA Talks Quarantine Creativity, ODB & More on Rick Rubin's Podcast
An in-depth look at sampling from old kung-fu films and giving up worldly possessions.
RZA joined Rick Rubin for the latest episode of the ongoing Broken Record Podcast. The two legends talked about the creativity that has helped each of them escape the current coronavirus quarantines, how RZA’s production was at its most pure when there was no money or agenda attached to it and so much more. The Wu-Tang Clan leader also tapped into the origins of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) and revealed his progress with writing Wu-Tang: An American Saga season two.
RZA opened up the interview revealing that he has already completed 15 beats during the coronavirus quarantine period, and given his track record of perfectionism, the producer considers that to be a lot — that it “usually takes [him] over a year to make that many.” He also stressed the importance of acknowledging hip-hop’s diversity, lauding Rick Rubin’s production on LL Cool J’s 1985 hit “Rock the Bells.”
The episode follows RZA’s recent Bruce Lee-inspired “Be Like Water” track in honor of ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary on the martial arts legend. Earlier this year, RZA also participated in the high profile Instagram Live series VERZUZ, battling DJ Premier by going through their respective greatest hits.
Listen to the Episode 49 of Rick Rubin’s Broken Record Podcast below. Revisit some old episodes too, as Rick has interviewed Kevin Parker of Tame Impala, Run The Jewels and André 3000 in recent months. In more music updates, listen to Leon Bridge’s new single “Sweeter” featuring Terrace Martin, a song “written from the perspective of a black man taking his last breath and feeling his spirit leave his body.”
