Robert F. Diggs (better known as RZA) was born July 5, 1969, and is a Grammy winning music producer, rapper, and occasional actor. A prominent figure in hip hop music, he is the de facto leader of the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan. He has produced almost all of Wu-Tang Clan's albums as well as many Wu-Tang solo and affiliate projects. He subsequently gained attention for his work scoring and acting in films. About.com ranked RZA #4 on their "Top 50 Hip-Hop Producers" list.
After the single "Protect Ya Neck," which was driven by a raucous RZA-produced beat, made Wu-Tang into underground sensations, the group released their debut LP Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). The album, which only cost $36K to produce, eventually went platinum, and was heralded by hip-hop fans as a classic.
Enter the Wu-Tang revolutionized hip hop and helped bring the East Coast back into the spotlight after Dr. Dre's G-funk had come to dominate the rap scene, in large part thanks to RZA's lean, gritty and very distinctive production style.
In addition to working behind the scenes on movie scores, RZA has been active on-screen as well. He has made cameo appearances as himself in numerous major motion pictures throughout the course of his career such as Be Cool, Scary Movie 3, and Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood. RZA has also made various cameo appearances in the films Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai and Rhyme & Reason.
Enter the Wu-Tang revolutionized hip hop and helped bring the East Coast back into the spotlight after Dr. Dre's G-funk had come to dominate the rap scene, in large part thanks to RZA's lean, gritty and very distinctive production style.
In addition to working behind the scenes on movie scores, RZA has been active on-screen as well. He has made cameo appearances as himself in numerous major motion pictures throughout the course of his career such as Be Cool, Scary Movie 3, and Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood. RZA has also made various cameo appearances in the films Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai and Rhyme & Reason.
