The RZA Resurrected the Spirit of the Wu-Tang Clan at City Winery

The RZA, also known as The Abbott of Shaolin’s legendary Wu-Tang Clan, made a powerful appearance at City Winery in New York City. He is the innovative mind behind countless gold and platinum records and the brand that, to fans, remains infinite and beyond the construct of time.

If you are still not up on the following statement let’s reiterate that for you now …”Wu-Tang Forever.”

Walking into City Winery one feels an instant level of chicness that helps set the tone for amazing experiences. This particular weekend, the full spectrum of spirits (pun intended) and humanity were represented as the vibe in the venue manifested into something of a vibrant, stand-alone planet. Wu-Tang shows are traditionally diverse, where any potential lix of cultures come together fanatically from way up North by way of Rhode Island to as far West as California to collectively turn the f*ck up!

I knew the night was going to be even more next level because the winery was also stocked with my favorite and often hard to find liqueur… Chartreuse. Two drinks in and chopping it up with my brother Manny Faces, I bumped into the legendary Sadat X, DeeJay Toshi of Classic Storm Radio and 9th Prince (who hinted of a new project and a new Killa Army album)!

After time building with random fam and entertaining the bar, it was showtime. The evening’s two opening acts were pretty dope. As the crowd got thicker by the moment, the MC named Cream opened the show with a very distinct, NYC rap style. Next up was Selima (S.A.Y.) aka Wonda Woman, beginning her set with a well received rendition of RZA’s “Tragedy.”

Wonda Woman, although appearing very humble and at times even shy behind the mic, was BEASTING through her performance. Sporting a dashiki print skirt, beautiful dreads wrapped up in a bun and a beaded ankh necklace, she dropped heater after heater on stage. One of the songs that stood out the most was the title track “Wonda Woman,” produced by DJ Flipcyide. This song favored a DJ Premier-like production style and from lyrics to cuts, was a truly appreciated gem. With additional production by DJ Scratch, I cannot help but look forward to seeing more of Wonda Woman.

‘Round Midnight, the headliner appeared. RZA’s set, pardon my fanboy bewilderment, was rapturous. Popa Wu set the tone on the mic, reminding the crowd that energy and reciprocation is needed in order to enjoy one of the greatest live experiences a music fan can have. As Popa Wu shared Witty Unpredictable Talented All Natural Game, The Abbott’s band took to the stage to warm up the crowd. Seeing Stone Mecca (check for the Afro Samurai soundtrack) not only opening up with guitar but singing vocals was an impressive experience.

What seemed like only seconds later, with cellphone battery life fleeting, the crowd started to increase in its fervor. The band, playing Al Green’s “Love and Happiness,” musically introduced RZA to the stage. Holding a candle and sporting a leather biker jacket accented with a coffin branded with #33, a Punisher T-shirt and shades, the energy was electric. Extremely humble and almost vulnerable about his own evolution as an artist, RZA shared with the audience that his sound as evolved and that he was there to share a portion of his catalog with us, backed up by his live band.

And share he did! From “Digital Bullet” to “Digi Snacks,” “Birth of a Prince” and more, RZA shared quite a few jewels from his discography with a highly entertaining performance. It is hard to believe 20+ years has gone by since the release of Enter the Wu-Tang and the birth of the Wu-Tang legacy. Whether it was bringing 9th Prince of Killa Army on stage, paying homage to Nirvana’s Kirk Cobain, B.I.G., Pac, Prince, Phife and ODB or literally pouring me a cup of Grey Goose from stage while leaning over fans, the Abbott’s live show was full of memorable moments.

What was interesting and very different was simply just hearing the live band interpretation of RZA’s songs. “Different” in this case was definitely good, and hearing “Brooklyn Babies” live was a very surreal stand out. Secondly, seeing the Abbott stir the crowd’s energy into a chaotic frenzy of fun as he rapped Inspectah Deck’s verse of the classic “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta Fuck Wit” was awe-inspiring.

In all, we were literally wrapped up in orbit around RZA for a 90 minute performance. Personal observation: It amazes me how much the RZA reminds me of the Grey Hulk. Hyper aware of his past and strengths, but totally chilling in the present and walking powerfully in his evolutionary state as a creative. Reppin’ heavy for the legacy and also in the audience alongside me, I connected powerfully with fighter Paddy Boy and Nahbi Reality. Yes at Wu-Tang shows the vibe can be so lit, you end up making life long connects.

Just to share briefly about hip-hop, the shortsighted topic of age and how people continue to mention it being a “young man’s game,” it should be noted that RZA’s work, performances and appearances are proven timeless. One can think of his abilities to that of Akuma and possibly in 10 years from now Heihachi. Age and time have no ill effect at all on charisma, creativity, focus and skills when put to the actual test.

Regarding music production and style, it is great when creatives continue to evolve. When fans can grow and put egos down to follow the leader, it opens up the possibilities for a fun and transformative experience. RZA’s original works were sample based but seeing how he started to play piano more and create music with live musicians is a testament to his quest to not be limited by systems, old ideals or the opinions of critics (most of which are probably still eating pork.. Lol..just kidding…I’m joking! … kind of but not really haha).

Closing out RZA’s set, Suga Bang Bang blessed us with a Sam Cooke-like vocal freestyle while the crowd was still very much on tilt. It was a classic moment so familiar to New York City, one I will remember forever.

My night finished up spending a bit of time alongside some of the spirits on the planet. Whether it was greeting Shifu Shi Yang Ming of USA Shaolin Temple, or meeting the 60 Second Assassin of Sunz of Man and really building with him for the first time ever, the overall experience was beyond articulation on the greatest of fronts. Backstage, cooling down from an electrifying performance, RZA literally sat down to play piano, really going in on a chamber music vibe. While The Abbott played tunes, quite a few MCs took turns spitting their darts for him, myself included. It was an honor to share that same opportunity with the other rappers present, and spit my “Black Mirror” bars. Absolutely a dream come true for me.