Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, popularly known as RZA, is a multi-talented American artist who has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. As a rapper, actor, director, musician, and music producer, RZA has showcased his immense artistic talent and musical ingenuity. He gained fame as the leader of the influential hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan and went on to produce their albums as well as solo and affiliate projects. RZA also founded the horrorcore group Gravediggaz and pursued a successful solo career under the alias ‘Bobby Digital’. In addition to his musical achievements, RZA has ventured into acting and directing, playing supporting roles in various television and film projects and making his directorial debut with the film ‘The Man With the Iron Fists’. With his diverse range of talents, RZA has garnered a large fan following and continues to leave a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Robert Fitzgerald Diggs
- Age: 54 Years, 54 Year Old Males
- Family: Spouse/Ex-: Talani Rabb (m.2009), Eboni Mills (m. 2000–2006)
- Siblings: Mitchell Diggs
- Born Country: United States
- Rappers
- Black Rappers
- Height: 6’2″ (188 cm), 6’2″ Males
- City: New York City
- U.S. State: New Yorkers, African-American From New Yorkers
Childhood & Early Life
RZA was born as Robert Fitzgerald Diggs on July 5, 1969 in Brownsville, Brooklyn. He has a younger brother named Terrance Hamlin. As a young boy, RZA spent much of his early years in North Carolina with his uncle who encouraged him to study. It was at the age of nine that he was introduced to hip hop music. Within two years, he started competing in rap battles. In 1990, he relocated to Steubenville, Ohio, where he lived with his mother. The move, however, proved to be disastrous as he got involved in petty crimes and drug dealing, eventually leading to him being charged with murder. In 1991, he formed a rap group called ‘All in Together Now’ with his cousins Russell Jones and Gary Grice. While the trio enjoyed local success, they never signed a record deal. RZA then embarked on his solo career with the single ‘Ooh I Love You Rakeem EP’ under the name ‘Prince Rakeem’.
Career
In 1992, RZA formed the Wu-Tang Clan, a group comprising of eight members, including his two cousins and five childhood friends. The group gained success with their debut single ‘Protect Ya Neck’ in 1992 and their debut album ‘Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)’ in 1993, which is considered one of the greatest and most influential hip hop albums of all time. RZA played a crucial role in the group, producing their singles, assigning tracks to members, and overseeing the direction of their albums. He also formed a second group called ‘Gravediggaz’ and worked as a producer and remixer for various artists.
RZA continued his solo career as a singer and released the hit single ‘Wu Wear: The Garment Renaissance’ to promote the Wu-Tang clothing brand. He also composed film scores, acted in movies, and collaborated with other artists such as Kanye West and Jay Z. In 2012, he founded his own record label, Soul Temple Records, and directed the film ‘The Man with the Iron Fists’.
Major Works
RZA’s most significant contribution to the entertainment industry has been his role as the de facto leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. The group’s debut album ‘Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)’ revolutionized hip hop and is considered one of the greatest albums of all time. RZA’s production style gave the group a unique and energetic sound that set them apart from other hip hop groups.
Family & Personal Life
RZA was previously married to Eboni Mills and is currently married to Talani Rabb. He has four children. He was named after Robert Kennedy and John Fitzgerald Kennedy, as his mother greatly admired both of them.