He has also released solo albums under the alter-ego Bobby Digital. In addition to the Wu-Tang Clan and his solo releases, RZA was also a founding member of the rap group Gravediggaz where he used the name The Rzarector.
He has made cameos in several movies including Coffee and Cigarettes, American Gangster, Gospel Hill, Life Is Hot in Cracktown, Ghost Dog, Funny People, Repo Men. About.com named him 3rd on their list of best hip hop producers of all time
Born in Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York, RZA spent time in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as a child, where his father had a convenience store in the Hill District.[1] A young RZA also spent many years living in North Carolina with his uncle. RZA began his hip hop career in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a member of the trio Force of the Imperial Master (which subsequently became known as the All in Together Now Crew after they had a successful underground single of that name). The group consisted of future Wu-Tang members and his cousins GZA (then known as the Genius) and Ol' Dirty Bastard (then known as Ason Unique, the Specialist, and the Professor).
Once this local band dissolved, both he and the GZA attempted to kick start solo careers. With the help of GZA's friend (then owner of Jamaica Records) they both secured single deals with album options at successful labels, GZA going to Cold Chillin and RZA to Tommy Boy. GZA ultimately released the Words from the Genius album, but RZA's stint at Tommy Boy ended with only the 1991 EP Ooh I Love You Rakeem to show for it when he went to jail soon after its release. GZA's album flopped, and the two cousins became determined to conquer the hip hop industry on their own terms. Throughout most of his youth he enjoyed watching various kung-fu movies and purchasing countless albums which he would later sample in most of his music
Intermission
Rza Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Wu-Tang Clan and Iron Man
Lead us to the promised land
And we will build upon this land
Until we free all black man
Iron man
Lead us to the promised land
Teach us how to raise our fam
Living out Allah's God plan
Wu-Tang Clan (Wu-Tang Clan)
Wu-Tang Clan and Iron Man (Wu-Tang Clan and Iron Man, they were wise)
Lead us to the promised land (they will lead us, they will lead to the promised land)
And we will build upon this land (and we will fight, and we will build, we will build upon this land)
Until we free all black man (and we will free the black man, and free the world over the family)
Iron man (and we will build, and we will teach of the word of Allah)
Lead us to the promised land (and Allah is ONE, Allah is one, and we will teach)
Teach us how to raise our fam (and prove Allah is one and his word shall spread throughout the universe)
Through love and economic plans (and he shall strike down with a mighty force)
Living out Allah's God plan (and dispose these devils to the pits of hell)
The lyrics of RZA's song "Intermission" by the Wu-Tang Clan delve into powerful themes of unity, empowerment, and spiritual guidance. The reference to the Wu-Tang Clan and Iron Man as leading figures symbolizes a call to action and a journey towards a promised land where freedom and equality for all Black people will be achieved. The idea of building upon the land signifies a collective effort to create a better future and uplift the community as a whole.
The repetition of the phrase "Lead us to the promised land" emphasizes the importance of guidance and mentorship in navigating the challenges faced by the Black community. The reference to raising families through love and economic plans underscores the significance of holistic support systems in nurturing future generations and breaking cycles of systemic oppression.
The invocation of Allah's God plan infuses a spiritual dimension into the lyrics, suggesting a belief in divine providence and a higher purpose guiding the path towards liberation and justice. The imagery of freeing the Black man and spreading the word of Allah alludes to a spiritual awakening and a collective mission to overcome adversity through faith, resilience, and solidarity.
Overall, the lyrics of "Intermission" convey a message of hope, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity. They speak to the power of unity, education, and spiritual grounding in overcoming challenges and striving towards a brighter future for the Black community. The blend of cultural references, spiritual beliefs, and calls to action creates a rich tapestry of themes that inspire reflection, empowerment, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Dennis Coles
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind