Wu-Tang Clan founder RZA goes classical with new album

RZA, the renowned founder of Wu-Tang Clan, is embarking on a unique musical journey with his latest project, “A Ballet Through Mud.” This new venture combines his hip-hop roots with classical music, resulting in a ballet that showcases his artistic evolution.

The inspiration for this innovative work emerged during the early days of the pandemic. RZA, born Robert Diggs, found himself sifting through a collection of old spiral notebooks while organizing his library. Among the treasures, he discovered a blue Mead notebook filled with the youthful creativity of his teenage years. It contained rhymes, phone numbers, and even movie ideas from his upbringing in Staten Island.

As he flipped through the pages, one set of storytelling raps caught his attention. These were stories he had previously deemed too “immature” to use when he began his music career alongside his cousins Russell Jones and Gary Grice, who would later become known as Ol’ Dirty Bastard and GZA/Genius. The nostalgic memories inspired him to delve deeper into his past.

With a foundation in music theory and experience composing scores for ten films, RZA began experimenting on the keyboard. He focused on one particular rhyme-story titled “Joe Is A Nerd,” which portrayed the journey of six friends. This exploration led him to ponder whether he was, in fact, crafting an opera.

Driven by creativity, RZA continued to expand upon his initial ideas, layering melodies and orchestration to enhance the emotional depth of his narrative. At this point, his wife provided crucial feedback: the composition didn’t need vocals. This insight helped refine his vision, allowing the music itself to convey the story without the need for words.

RZA’s journey took a new turn after watching a documentary about the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater during a flight. Inspired by the visual artistry of dance, he sought out dancers to bring his imagined narrative to life. This collaboration blossomed into a partnership with the Colorado Symphony, culminating in two performances in February 2023.

In a recent interview, RZA reflected on the nostalgic origins of “A Ballet Through Mud.” He shared his excitement about bridging the worlds of classical music and hip-hop. “There’s a growing connection between these genres,” he noted. “They both tell stories and evoke emotions, and I wanted to explore that intersection.”

RZA’s efforts highlight the potential for collaboration across musical boundaries. By merging the intricate elements of classical composition with the rhythmic storytelling of hip-hop, he is paving the way for new artistic expressions. He hopes that this project will inspire others to think outside the box and experiment with different genres.

Looking ahead, RZA is optimistic about the future of “A Ballet Through Mud.” He envisions further performances and the possibility of expanding the project into different formats. The ballet represents not only his personal journey but also a testament to the power of storytelling through music.

As he continues to explore this artistic path, RZA remains committed to his roots in hip-hop while embracing the nuances of classical music. This blend of influences showcases his versatility as an artist and his dedication to pushing creative boundaries.

In a world where genres often remain compartmentalized, RZA’s endeavor serves as a reminder of the limitless possibilities that arise when artists dare to explore new territories. “A Ballet Through Mud” is more than just a performance; it’s an invitation to experience music in a fresh and innovative way, celebrating the beauty of storytelling across different mediums.

As RZA continues this journey, he hopes to leave a lasting impact on both the hip-hop and classical music scenes, proving that art knows no boundaries and that creativity thrives in unexpected places.