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.