4/19 Gza speaks on solo LP, Wu tang reunion, and his upcoming film carrer

mouad · 04-19-2007, 06:11 PM

How can hip-hop be dead if Wu-Tang is forever? 14 years after releasing their groundbreaking debut, Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), the crew from Shaolin is reuniting for their fifth album, 8 Diagrams. The LP will be released this summer due in large part to the work of The RZA and SRC Records founder, Steve Rifkind. But perhaps the busiest clan member is the one often perceived as the most reserved, GZA. The Wu’s elder spokesman is currently working with RZA to plan and organize the group’s first album since 2001’s Iron Flag. The Genius is also busy preparing two new solo records: a collaborative album on Babygrande Records with his son, Young Justice Kareem, and another LP with The RZA. The clan’s cerebral lyricist is also staring on Raekwon’s Cuban Linx II, releasing a DVD documentary, Wu-Tang Revealed, and penning his own graphic novel this year. It’s safe to say, GZA has a lot on his plate for 2007. XXLMag.com talks with the Staten Island native about the Wu’s reunion, his upcoming solo albums and outside projects.

What’s the status of your next solo album on Babygrande Records?
It got pushed back a couple of times because I was on the road and working on other things. My son produced a few tracks [on it], so I want it to be him and me for this Babygrande project. I’d like to get a couple songs in with RZA, as well. I don’t [have a title for the album yet], but I want to deliver…not a mixtape, but something a little bit above that. But for the next official GZA album, I expect it to be mostly [done] by RZA and myself.

Before Raekwon signed with Aftermath, you and Inspectah Deck were supposed to be featured throughout Cuban Linx II. Has your role changed since then?
It all depends on what songs he chooses to use. I haven’t heard his project in a while. We were in L.A. two years ago recording and we knocked out quite a few songs together. I think he might use some of those, but then again, he might not. But if he ever needs me, I’m here. I think the longer he takes to put it out, the more it will probably change.

You’ve stated your intention to write screenplays and direct films. How’s that coming along?
I write every now and then. I’m kind of laid back with it. I have a whole bunch in my head, as far as ideas I’d like to use for screenplays. I’ve been working on one for the longest, then I put it down for a couple months and started working on something else. I haven’t officially finished my first one yet, but I will this year. I’m also working on a graphic novel right now.

How did director Jim Jarmusch approach you for your scene in Coffee and Cigarettes?
I don’t remember exactly, but I’ve known Jim for years. I met him on the set of Ghost Dog with Dreddy Kruger. I knew he was cool with RZA and he’s always been a Wu-Tang and GZA fan. But I was cool doing [the film]; especially [since I got to] work with Bill Murray.

What was it like working with Bill on the set?
It was fun because I’m not an actor and you’re walking on the set with a heavyweight. He made us feel comfortable, [though]. We were sitting and drinking Saki. We improvised some of it. He’s just a natural. I wouldn’t mind working with him again. I would probably step it up a level or two.

Tell us about your new DVD Wu-Tang Revealed.
I’m still working on it, so I don’t have a set date. It was just me with a camera, shooting some things when we were out in L.A. Most of it started from the shows. We were out on the road and I was recoding stuff in Europe. I’ve always been playing with the camera. I’ve directed all my videos from day one. It all started with a Hi-8 camera back when I was on Geffen Records. But [for Wu-Tang Revealed], I started recording things when we were working on The W. We’ve had so much fun through the years, but there’s still some more things I need to shoot. I’m trying to figure out a storyline because I want it to be different. A majority of the DVD’s I look at, you see artists in the camera saying, “This is our studio, this is our house, we’re backstage.” But I feel as if no one should really be talking into the camera unless you’re a fan. I want to have a different approach. With the stuff I have, if you see anyone talking into the camera, they’re talking to me. It’s quite different.

How involved have you been with RZA and the other members for 8 Diagrams?
I speak to RZA all the time. I don’t speak to every clan member as much and that’s not by choice. Some people you don’t see for a while and some you do. The love is still there, though. Some just reach out more than others. I speak to Rae every now and then. I haven’t talked to Deck in a minute. I haven’t seen Meth since we were on the road. I haven’t spoken to Ghostface since we were on the road, but when we were, I was on the bus talking to him for eight hours. [We were] just kickin’ it until four in the morning, just building. Usually, I speak to RZA like every two or three days and we talk about the project [8 Diagrams], what’s going on and what approach we should take.

Some Wu fans have complained The W and Iron Flag didn’t feel cohesive. With 8 Diagrams, is everyone going to come together and do it all at once, or will certain members come in and do a few tracks here and there?
I definitely think it’s [going to revolve] around everyone’s schedule. But when we start on that first day, I think everyone will probably be there. I think we should all be together a majority of the time and vibe with each other. I’m not too good with writing in the room with eight other people, [though]. I usually write alone, so I would have to be in the next room or take the beats home. I like to come prepared most of the time. I’m usually not in the studio writing because that could take a long time for me. That’s how I did Liquid Swords. I was writing to the “Cold World” [beat] and that night I crashed out. RZA left the next morning to go take care of business in the city and he came back and the beat was still running. I was still working on a verse. I can write a rhyme in 20 minutes, but I’m not a quick writer. I put a lot of time and effort into it and I think it shows.

SOURCE:

scool · 04-19-2007, 07:20 PM

cheaaa but why is it called 8 diagrams?

minip · 04-19-2007, 07:27 PM

propz...good to hear from gza

Doc Glokk · 04-19-2007, 09:08 PM

word up that was dope
its called 8 diagrams cuz now theres 8 of them
and 8 diagrams is one of the wu tang movies from back in the day.

IntelligentHoodlm · 04-19-2007, 09:50 PM

Goooood looking

btw i`m pretty sure 8 diagrams has something to do with daoism(a asian religion)

Doc Glokk · 04-20-2007, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MF Substance

Goooood looking

btw i`m pretty sure 8 diagrams has something to do with daoism(a asian religion)

yee it might....cuz there was an old kung fu movie called 'the 8 diagram pole fighter'...so ye i guess it could be based on a religion, cuz lots of those asian religions incorporate martial arts into them

bayAreaSLAP · 04-20-2007, 04:34 AM

Good interview, although it seemed kinda short. Can't wait for 8 diagrams and rock the bells

D-TEK1 · 04-20-2007, 11:53 AM

propz for this

good interview

Rebel INS {CF} · 04-20-2007, 01:17 PM

new RZA produced GZA plbum ? *dies* and Young Justice is comin out swinging ? i can diggg it mang, hope 8 Diagrams is good, good to see that it seems everyone is workin on it remember the rumour Ghost wouldnt be on it ? that was terrible

Doc Glokk · 04-20-2007, 02:47 PM

yee that ghostface rumour was bullshit i guess

1.2.3 · 04-23-2007, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sCool sWagga

cheaaa but why is it called 8 diagrams?

its a old ass china movie.

Nokster · 04-23-2007, 09:05 PM

read this interview a few days ago. It's weird to think though that the Wu barely keep in touch.

IntelligentHoodlm · 04-23-2007, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~ Nok ~

read this interview a few days ago. It's weird to think though that the Wu barely keep in touch.

yea well u know u-god is always saying the clan doesn like him cause he is light skin....plus he had some money issues with rza at one point but they put that aside for the music's sake i guess

~Young Gunna~ · 04-23-2007, 09:55 PM

good interview....both albums should be dope

D-TEK1 · 04-24-2007, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MF Substance

yea well u know u-god is always saying the clan doesn like him cause he is light skin....plus he had some money issues with rza at one point but they put that aside for the music's sake i guess

hahaha

I think he is wackest member of wu cuz he is makin sum fuckin dumb shit

like

. but he is dope with wu too ..

BrooklynZ Finest · 04-24-2007, 12:16 PM

GZA get em...

DJ Shinobi [RA] · 04-24-2007, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D-TEK1

this video is classic hahahahaha.

IntelligentHoodlm · 04-24-2007, 09:03 PM

Yea i hate Mr.Excitment...

he is still nice though....got some legendary verses

ILLogic · 04-26-2007, 10:35 AM

Dope read. And for the record, U-God is a faggot. He can't make it on his own, but the Wu do need him. He has a dope ass voice for hooks and the simplicity in his lyrics make him good for the hooks as well. So, Wu should stop letting him make full verses and only hooks.

Wu-Tang Forever · 04-26-2007, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MF Substance

yea well u know u-god is always saying the clan doesn like him cause he is light skin

Is that true? Ive always wondered eversince 1st hearin it.

DJ Shinobi [RA] · 04-26-2007, 11:33 AM

^^ the wu doesnt like him cuz he's whack.

scool · 04-26-2007, 12:53 PM

hahaahha buuuuuump

that shit is so funny

IntelligentHoodlm · 04-26-2007, 08:48 PM

i dont hate on anybody in wu...there all nice as fuck. U-God is dope. listen to some of his shit.(NOT MR.Xcitment)

Doc Glokk · 04-27-2007, 08:36 PM

yee u-god is nice in WU...but solo...i dont kno haha

Wu-Tang Forever · 04-30-2007, 09:52 AM

^^^solo : flat out shit

04-19-2007, 06:11 PM	#1
mouad Veteran Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,962 Repped: 3 Repped 205 Times in 66 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 1 Time in 1 Post	4/19 Gza speaks on solo LP, Wu tang reunion, and his upcoming film carrer 4/19 Gza speaks on solo LP, Wu tang reunion, and his upcoming film carrer How can hip-hop be dead if Wu-Tang is forever? 14 years after releasing their groundbreaking debut, Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), the crew from Shaolin is reuniting for their fifth album, 8 Diagrams. The LP will be released this summer due in large part to the work of The RZA and SRC Records founder, Steve Rifkind. But perhaps the busiest clan member is the one often perceived as the most reserved, GZA. The Wu’s elder spokesman is currently working with RZA to plan and organize the group’s first album since 2001’s Iron Flag. The Genius is also busy preparing two new solo records: a collaborative album on Babygrande Records with his son, Young Justice Kareem, and another LP with The RZA. The clan’s cerebral lyricist is also staring on Raekwon’s Cuban Linx II, releasing a DVD documentary, Wu-Tang Revealed, and penning his own graphic novel this year. It’s safe to say, GZA has a lot on his plate for 2007. XXLMag.com talks with the Staten Island native about the Wu’s reunion, his upcoming solo albums and outside projects. What’s the status of your next solo album on Babygrande Records? It got pushed back a couple of times because I was on the road and working on other things. My son produced a few tracks [on it], so I want it to be him and me for this Babygrande project. I’d like to get a couple songs in with RZA, as well. I don’t [have a title for the album yet], but I want to deliver…not a mixtape, but something a little bit above that. But for the next official GZA album, I expect it to be mostly [done] by RZA and myself. Before Raekwon signed with Aftermath, you and Inspectah Deck were supposed to be featured throughout Cuban Linx II. Has your role changed since then? It all depends on what songs he chooses to use. I haven’t heard his project in a while. We were in L.A. two years ago recording and we knocked out quite a few songs together. I think he might use some of those, but then again, he might not. But if he ever needs me, I’m here. I think the longer he takes to put it out, the more it will probably change. You’ve stated your intention to write screenplays and direct films. How’s that coming along? I write every now and then. I’m kind of laid back with it. I have a whole bunch in my head, as far as ideas I’d like to use for screenplays. I’ve been working on one for the longest, then I put it down for a couple months and started working on something else. I haven’t officially finished my first one yet, but I will this year. I’m also working on a graphic novel right now. How did director Jim Jarmusch approach you for your scene in Coffee and Cigarettes? I don’t remember exactly, but I’ve known Jim for years. I met him on the set of Ghost Dog with Dreddy Kruger. I knew he was cool with RZA and he’s always been a Wu-Tang and GZA fan. But I was cool doing [the film]; especially [since I got to] work with Bill Murray. What was it like working with Bill on the set? It was fun because I’m not an actor and you’re walking on the set with a heavyweight. He made us feel comfortable, [though]. We were sitting and drinking Saki. We improvised some of it. He’s just a natural. I wouldn’t mind working with him again. I would probably step it up a level or two. Tell us about your new DVD Wu-Tang Revealed. I’m still working on it, so I don’t have a set date. It was just me with a camera, shooting some things when we were out in L.A. Most of it started from the shows. We were out on the road and I was recoding stuff in Europe. I’ve always been playing with the camera. I’ve directed all my videos from day one. It all started with a Hi-8 camera back when I was on Geffen Records. But [for Wu-Tang Revealed], I started recording things when we were working on The W. We’ve had so much fun through the years, but there’s still some more things I need to shoot. I’m trying to figure out a storyline because I want it to be different. A majority of the DVD’s I look at, you see artists in the camera saying, “This is our studio, this is our house, we’re backstage.” But I feel as if no one should really be talking into the camera unless you’re a fan. I want to have a different approach. With the stuff I have, if you see anyone talking into the camera, they’re talking to me. It’s quite different. How involved have you been with RZA and the other members for 8 Diagrams? I speak to RZA all the time. I don’t speak to every clan member as much and that’s not by choice. Some people you don’t see for a while and some you do. The love is still there, though. Some just reach out more than others. I speak to Rae every now and then. I haven’t talked to Deck in a minute. I haven’t seen Meth since we were on the road. I haven’t spoken to Ghostface since we were on the road, but when we were, I was on the bus talking to him for eight hours. [We were] just kickin’ it until four in the morning, just building. Usually, I speak to RZA like every two or three days and we talk about the project [8 Diagrams], what’s going on and what approach we should take. Some Wu fans have complained The W and Iron Flag didn’t feel cohesive. With 8 Diagrams, is everyone going to come together and do it all at once, or will certain members come in and do a few tracks here and there? I definitely think it’s [going to revolve] around everyone’s schedule. But when we start on that first day, I think everyone will probably be there. I think we should all be together a majority of the time and vibe with each other. I’m not too good with writing in the room with eight other people, [though]. I usually write alone, so I would have to be in the next room or take the beats home. I like to come prepared most of the time. I’m usually not in the studio writing because that could take a long time for me. That’s how I did Liquid Swords. I was writing to the “Cold World” [beat] and that night I crashed out. RZA left the next morning to go take care of business in the city and he came back and the beat was still running. I was still working on a verse. I can write a rhyme in 20 minutes, but I’m not a quick writer. I put a lot of time and effort into it and I think it shows. SOURCE:

04-19-2007, 09:08 PM	#4
Doc Glokk Tha Doctor Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 1,438 Repped: 51 Repped 15 Times in 10 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	word up that was dope its called 8 diagrams cuz now theres 8 of them and 8 diagrams is one of the wu tang movies from back in the day. __________________ PeAcE tO tHe StReEtS

04-19-2007, 09:50 PM	#5
IntelligentHoodlm Point Black. Join Date: May 2006 Location: The Port City, NC Posts: 396 Repped: 2 Repped 25 Times in 17 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	Goooood looking btw i`m pretty sure 8 diagrams has something to do with daoism(a asian religion) __________________ "This aint no Gangsta rap, how many mothafuckin gangsta's rap? -Sean Price

04-20-2007, 01:17 PM	#9
Rebel INS {CF} - iLLuminati ~ Rapsody - Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ireland Posts: 11,453 Repped: 151 Repped 645 Times in 302 Posts Neg Reps: 1 Neg Repped at 77 Times in 69 Posts	new RZA produced GZA plbum ? dies and Young Justice is comin out swinging ? i can diggg it mang, hope 8 Diagrams is good, good to see that it seems everyone is workin on it remember the rumour Ghost wouldnt be on it ? that was terrible __________________ "Fighting Ignorance every day is gettin weary" [name pending] --- The Gateway Drug --- Sometime Soon --- myspace.com/namepending08

04-20-2007, 02:47 PM	#10
Doc Glokk Tha Doctor Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 1,438 Repped: 51 Repped 15 Times in 10 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	yee that ghostface rumour was bullshit i guess __________________ PeAcE tO tHe StReEtS

04-19-2007, 07:20 PM	#2
scool Banned Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: DA CHAT SEXHUN THRONE MAFUCCA.. DEEBO WUDDUP?? Posts: 20,134 Repped: 1,328 Repped 2,389 Times in 867 Posts Neg Reps: 267 Neg Repped at 488 Times in 326 Posts	cheaaa but why is it called 8 diagrams?

04-19-2007, 07:27 PM	#3
minip Veteran Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,408 Repped: 3 Repped 18 Times in 15 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	propz...good to hear from gza

04-20-2007, 04:34 AM	#7
bayAreaSLAP Veteran Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: The Bay Posts: 2,514 Repped: 0 Repped 11 Times in 8 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	Good interview, although it seemed kinda short. Can't wait for 8 diagrams and rock the bells

04-20-2007, 11:53 AM	#8
D-TEK1 1 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ny Posts: 4,729 Repped: 147 Repped 182 Times in 94 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	propz for this good interview

04-23-2007, 09:05 PM	#12
Nokster ♫, $, & ♀ = Life. Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 8,903 Repped: 758 Repped 2,445 Times in 837 Posts Neg Reps: 44 Neg Repped at 104 Times in 85 Posts	read this interview a few days ago. It's weird to think though that the Wu barely keep in touch. __________________ Los Scandalous.

04-23-2007, 09:55 PM	#14
~Young Gunna~ Banned Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Gs Us Posts: 10,870 Repped: 156 Repped 574 Times in 243 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 2 Times in 2 Posts	good interview....both albums should be dope

04-24-2007, 12:16 PM	#16
BrooklynZ Finest Brownsville Slugger Join Date: May 2006 Location: Brownsville, Brooklyn Posts: 3,106 Repped: 313 Repped 533 Times in 298 Posts Neg Reps: 6 Neg Repped at 13 Times in 8 Posts	GZA get em... __________________ Killarmy and M.O.P to the mo´fucking death!

04-24-2007, 09:03 PM	#18
IntelligentHoodlm Point Black. Join Date: May 2006 Location: The Port City, NC Posts: 396 Repped: 2 Repped 25 Times in 17 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	Yea i hate Mr.Excitment... he is still nice though....got some legendary verses __________________ "This aint no Gangsta rap, how many mothafuckin gangsta's rap? -Sean Price

04-26-2007, 10:35 AM	#19
ILLogic Pharaoh in Ghetto Apparel Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: In God's Head Posts: 3,384 Repped: 13 Repped 129 Times in 74 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	Dope read. And for the record, U-God is a faggot. He can't make it on his own, but the Wu do need him. He has a dope ass voice for hooks and the simplicity in his lyrics make him good for the hooks as well. So, Wu should stop letting him make full verses and only hooks. __________________ Recognized Thresholds of Negative Stress "Two wrongs don't make a right, but three rights make a left" - Ras Kass

04-26-2007, 11:33 AM	#21
DJ Shinobi [RA] Slangologist nahmsayin? Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: California Posts: 2,488 Repped: 82 Repped 69 Times in 52 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	^^ the wu doesnt like him cuz he's whack. __________________ Minorities gotta stick together. Fight the power! - ILLogic “I respect hip-hop and i dont know one word of Midnight Marauders and truthfully dont have the interest to go and find out…” - Lupe Fiasco

04-26-2007, 12:53 PM	#22
scool Banned Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: DA CHAT SEXHUN THRONE MAFUCCA.. DEEBO WUDDUP?? Posts: 20,134 Repped: 1,328 Repped 2,389 Times in 867 Posts Neg Reps: 267 Neg Repped at 488 Times in 326 Posts	hahaahha buuuuuump that shit is so funny

04-26-2007, 08:48 PM	#23
IntelligentHoodlm Point Black. Join Date: May 2006 Location: The Port City, NC Posts: 396 Repped: 2 Repped 25 Times in 17 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	i dont hate on anybody in wu...there all nice as fuck. U-God is dope. listen to some of his shit.(NOT MR.Xcitment) __________________ "This aint no Gangsta rap, how many mothafuckin gangsta's rap? -Sean Price

04-27-2007, 08:36 PM	#24
Doc Glokk Tha Doctor Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 1,438 Repped: 51 Repped 15 Times in 10 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	yee u-god is nice in WU...but solo...i dont kno haha __________________ PeAcE tO tHe StReEtS

04-30-2007, 09:52 AM	#25
Wu-Tang Forever Screw You Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: The 36 Chambers Posts: 801 Repped: 18 Repped 78 Times in 32 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 10 Times in 8 Posts	^^^solo : flat out shit __________________

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