RZA stands as a visionary music producer and a pivotal figure in hip hop, primarily recognized as the de facto leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. His production work has profoundly shaped the sound of a generation, with his distinctive touch evident on nearly all Wu-Tang Clan albums and numerous associated projects. Beyond his central role in hip hop, RZA has also established himself as an author, actor, and director, showcasing a multifaceted artistic career. His influence on the music industry is undeniable, and his creativity extends across various artistic mediums.
The RZA, the Abbot of the Wu-Tang Clan and hip-hop culture's most dynamic
genius, imparts the lessons he learned on the journey that took him from the
Staten Island projects to international superstardom, all the while a devout
student of knowledge in every form he's found it - on the streets, in
religion, in martial arts, in chess or in popular culture. Part chronicle of
an extraordinary life and part spiritual and philosophical discourse, The Tao
of Wu is a Siddartha for the hip-hop generation.
The Wu-Tang Manual is The RZA’s first written introduction to the philosophy and history of Hip-Hop’s original Dynasty, the Wu-Tang Clan. Written in a style that is at once personal and philosophical, The Wu-Tang Manual unravels the intricate web of personalities (and alter egos), warrior codes, numerological systems, and Eastern spiritual ethics that define the Wu-Tang dynasty. Packed with information that reflects the breadth and depth of the RZA’s — and rest of the Clan’s — intellectual interests and passions, The Wu-Tang Manual is divided into four books of nine chambers each, for a total of 36 chambers. All together, the book provides the breakdown of essential Wu-Tang components, from basic information about each of the nine core members of Wu-Tang Clan to deeper explorations of the key themes of the Wu-Tang universe, a dictionary-like Wu-Slang lexicon, and an entire section of Wu-Tang lyrics with densely annotated explanations of what they mean. For the hardcore Wu-Tang disciple and the recent initiate alike, The Wu-Tang Manual is the definitive guide to the essence of Wu, one of the most innovative hip-hop groups of all time. The RZA's most recent book, The Tao of Wu , is also available from Riverhead Books.
