When you think of the Wu-Tang Clan, it’s impossible to overlook RZA, the brain behind the group’s legendary rise and their sonic architect. Born Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, RZA isn’t just a rapper or producer—he is a visionary. He took nine wild personalities from Staten Island and turned them into one of the most influential hip-hop collectives the world has ever seen. But behind the gritty beats, the street wisdom, and the kung fu flicks, there’s a lot more to RZA than meets the eye.
From his childhood battles to mastering martial arts, from chessboards to film scores, RZA is a man of many talents. He’s spiritual, philosophical, and deeply intellectual—an artist who can drop gritty rhymes about the projects one minute and talk about quantum physics the next. Here’s a deeper dive into some lesser-known facts about the Abbot of Wu-Tang and the complexity of the man behind the mask.
RZA’s High School Days: Geek Meets Rebel
Before RZA became the musical guru we know today, he was just a kid in high school navigating the chaos of New York in the ‘80s. Back then, he was Robert Diggs, the quiet but sharp kid who split his time between two passions: comic books and street life.
Unlike some of his Wu brothers, RZA wasn’t a schoolyard troublemaker. He was more like a nerd trapped in a rebel’s world. He’d bury himself in comic books and martial arts flicks, using them as his escape from the harsh realities of Staten Island. His love for kung fu flicks, like The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, started in these formative years, as did his obsession with creating worlds—first in his imagination, and later in the studio.
But that doesn’t mean RZA wasn’t involved in street life. Staten Island had its dark side, and RZA wasn’t immune to the temptations. He spent time hustling, but always had one foot in another realm, dreaming of building something greater. His dual existence—part nerd, part street hustler—would later shape the unique mix of gritty realism and intellectualism that became the Wu-Tang Clan’s calling card.
RZA the Chess Master: More Than a Game
RZA doesn’t just play chess—he lives it. Much like GZA, his cousin and fellow Wu-Tang Clan member, RZA is an avid chess enthusiast. In fact, chess isn’t just a hobby for RZA; it’s a metaphor for life. Every move, every decision, has a consequence, and this mentality deeply influenced the way he approached producing and managing the chaotic personalities within Wu-Tang.
Chess became a central part of Wu-Tang culture, with RZA often referring to himself as the Abbot, guiding the other members like pieces on a board. His passion for the game led him to launch WuChess, an online platform that combines hip-hop with chess, letting fans play while listening to exclusive Wu-Tang tracks. Imagine listening to C.R.E.A.M. while planning your next move—now that’s a strategy session.
The parallels between chess and life are everywhere in RZA’s world. Whether he’s strategizing in music, business, or film, RZA always approaches it with the mindset of a chess grandmaster: think ahead, control the board, and never lose sight of the endgame.
Martial Arts Enthusiast: Life Imitating Art
If there’s one thing everyone knows about RZA, it’s his love for martial arts films. But what most people don’t know is that he practices martial arts himself. That’s right, RZA isn’t just a couch-bound kung fu fan—he’s trained in multiple martial arts disciplines, including Shaolin kung fu, Wing Chun, and even Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The Wu-Tang Clan’s deep connection to martial arts wasn’t just a marketing gimmick—it was a philosophy of life, particularly for RZA.
RZA often speaks about how martial arts taught him discipline, patience, and respect. The philosophies he learned through martial arts have found their way into his music, his films, and his personal life. In his book, The Tao of Wu, he frequently references martial arts philosophy as a guiding force in his life, blending it with his street knowledge to create a kind of urban Zen.
“If you live through defeat, you’re not defeated. If you are beaten but acquire wisdom, you have won. Lose yourself to improve yourself. Only when we shed all self-definition do we find who we really are.” – RZA, The Tao of Wu
And, of course, his love for kung fu spilled over into his directorial work with The Man with the Iron Fists—a passion project that allowed RZA to blend his two great loves: music and martial arts.
Spiritual Journey: From the Bible to the Five Percent Nation
One of the most fascinating aspects of RZA is his spiritual journey. In his early years, he was heavily influenced by Christianity, particularly the Bible. He often referenced biblical themes in his early lyrics, using stories like the fall of Lucifer or David and Goliath to frame his own struggles.
But as RZA evolved, so did his spiritual beliefs. He became deeply influenced by the Five Percent Nation, a religious movement that teaches Black empowerment and self-knowledge. The Five Percent philosophy, which holds that Black men are divine beings, began to shape RZA’s worldview and lyrics. You can hear it throughout Wu-Tang’s music in the constant references to gods and the pursuit of knowledge of self.
RZA’s spirituality also expands beyond religion—he’s studied Buddhism, Taoism, and other Eastern philosophies. His music often explores the dualities of life: light vs. dark, good vs. evil, the material world vs. the spiritual. In many ways, RZA embodies the concept of the warrior-scholar, someone who fights with both their mind and their body.
RZA the Film Composer: The Kung Fu Symphony
It’s no secret that RZA has a diverse skill set, but his transition from hip-hop producer to film composer is one of his most impressive feats. After scoring Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai in 1999, RZA quickly became a sought-after composer in Hollywood. His ability to blend hip-hop with cinematic soundscapes made him a perfect fit for action-packed films like Kill Bill: Vol. 1, where his score helped heighten the drama of Quentin Tarantino’s bloody masterpiece.
RZA’s film compositions are an extension of his musical genius—he has a unique ear for how sound can tell a story, whether through gritty beats or sweeping orchestras. He even directed and scored his own kung fu epic, The Man with the Iron Fists, in 2012, fulfilling a lifelong dream of merging his love for martial arts and music into one project.
Vegetarianism and RZA’s Ethical Evolution
Another lesser-known fact about RZA is that he’s been a committed vegetarian for years. While many hip-hop artists rap about luxury and indulgence, RZA’s dietary choices are rooted in his spiritual and ethical beliefs. He believes in respecting all forms of life and sees his vegetarianism as an extension of his commitment to non-violence and health.
“I think it’s important for us all to be aware of the benefits of a plant-based diet. It’s actually better for the planet. I honestly think that you are what you eat. If I’m making a piece of meat, pumped up with steroids from an animal—I’m ingesting his blood. How is that good for me?” -RZA
His shift to a plant-based diet also reflects his broader desire for balance—both physically and mentally. For RZA, what you put in your body is just as important as what you put into your mind. This idea is reflected in how he approaches everything from music production to martial arts: a holistic balance of mind, body, and spirit.
RZA the Bookworm: A Life of Learning
RZA is a voracious reader, and his book collection rivals that of any university professor. From philosophy to science fiction to ancient history, RZA consumes knowledge the way some people binge Netflix. His insatiable curiosity has led him to study a wide range of topics, which often show up in his lyrics, interviews, and books.
In The Tao of Wu, RZA mixes personal anecdotes with lessons he’s learned from martial arts, religion, and philosophy. It’s a glimpse into the mind of an artist who sees the world as an endless classroom, with every day offering something new to learn. He’s even lectured at universities like MIT and Harvard, proving that the streets of Staten Island can produce more than just hustlers—they can produce scholars.
A DIY Entrepreneur: Wu-Wear and Beyond
While it’s easy to see RZA as the spiritual heart of Wu-Tang, he’s also been its business mind. RZA was one of the first rappers to truly capitalize on merchandising, launching Wu-Wear in the mid-90s. The clothing line became an instant hit, with its iconic “W” logo becoming a symbol of hip-hop culture.
But RZA’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop at clothes. He’s been involved in everything from films to video games (remember *Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style*?) and even launched a comic book based on his alter ego, *Bobby Digital*. For RZA, business isn’t just about making money—it’s about building a lasting legacy.
RZA’s Legacy: The Genius of Wu-Tang’s Abbot
RZA’s legacy in hip-hop is unparalleled. As the mastermind behind Wu-Tang Clan, he not only revolutionized the sound of rap but also redefined what it means to be an artist. His ability to merge the streets with spirituality, martial arts with music, and chess with life has left a lasting impact on hip-hop culture.
Whether he’s producing a classic album, scoring a film, or philosophizing about life, RZA is always thinking five moves ahead. His journey from Robert Diggs, the high school comic book nerd, to RZA, the Abbot of Wu-Tang Clan, is nothing short of spectacular.
HEY! DID YOU ENJOY THIS ARTICLE? IF SO, WHY NOT SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER? THEN YOU WILL ALWAYS KNOW WHEN THERE’S FRESH CONTENT!
CRAVING MORE WU-TANG KNOWLEDGE? CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE SERIES HERE
