I am the RZA. Actor, author, musician, producer, and artist. Back once again to answer your questions. AMAA.

Someone asked what I thought about UK artists and making the UK scene better: UK has always had a lot of talented MCs, musicians, etcetera. But it's been hard for hip-hop acts to break out. I think one thing that should be considered is they forget about our influence and draw from their own influence and experiences, since hip-hop started as a story of young people in America, I would suggest UK artists tell us more about their story, their culture, their neighborhoods, their grace and their triumphs.

What do you think of the dude on Divorce Court who said his girlfriend had sex with the whole Wu-Tang Clan? link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB_FZa8SNic

Uh... Wu-Tang Clan ain't nothin' to fuck with.

Everyone wants to know if he can confirm this...

Look: this lady, she says clearly, that she did not have sex with the ENTIRE Wu-Tang Clan. I'm not saying that she didn't dance with somebody!

Hey RZA huge fan! Do you plan on going back to the days of Bobby Digital and release another solo album?

I think about it a lot.

The character sometimes brings out certain sides of me that I try to suppress.

In 2005, I made an effort to set the Wu-Tang Clan as my top 8 on Myspace. Everyone friended me except you, so I went with Cappadonna, but it just didn't feel right so I shut down my account.

My question: Beyond your contribution to hip hop music and entertainment, your cultural contributions are often overlooked. Wu-Wear was among the first successful clothing lines associated directly with a hip hop act, and according to this interview, you even delved into electronics with a product called the Replicator which you say was the inspiration for Serato. As an innovator and thought leader, to what do you attribute the financial successes of subsequent artists who have invested in similar ventures? If you knew then what you know now, what would you have done differently, business-wise, in the mid/late 90's?

The beauty of America and Capitalism is the power of inspiration, that one man or one person gives to the next generation.

When you're in the water, you never think about how far you swam.

You just head toward the other shore.

When you reach the shore, and look back - then you realize how far you came.

If you lost something in the water, or gained something in the water, none of those things matter.

What does matter is that you made it to the other shore.

What do you think is the most glaring difference between hip hop now and when you first started?

Variety.

Variety and versatility.

Hey RZA. If you had to pick only one hip hop album to listen to for the rest of your life, not including Wu Tang affiliated ones, which album would it be?

Hmmm.

If I had to choose one album, which one would it?

I would go with... Eric B. & Rakim, "Paid in Full."

Whats it like working with John Frusciante and is there any chance your gonna collab again?

John is a brilliant musician.

Had many fun days and nights working with him, talking about music and other creative art forms.

We haven't worked together in a while. And I don't know when we will in the future.

But one thing that I know is that he's rooting for Pac-Man, and I've been rooting for Mayweather.

We've been talking about that fight for years. And now it's finally upon us.

RZA!!!!

Huge fan, I named my dog RZA because when my wife and I adopted him we thought he was the sharpest motherfucker in the whole clan. How do you feel about this?

Here is a picture of him. http://imgur.com/Kl5LK5W

Say "Bow wow yo yippi-yay-yippi-yay!"

Man I'm happy I'm finally in time for one of these! I'm a massive fan, thank you for all your music over the years!

Who would you say your favorite up and coming artist is currently? What have you been listening to lately?

My favorite at the moment is Kendrick Lamar. I've been listening to a lot of Drake, Kanye, Big Sean, as far as hip-hop is concerned. But I also spend a lot of time listening to the Arctic Monkeys.

How is Wu-Tang Financial holding up?

Hehe.

It's holding. L - O- L.

I always thought that that could be a great sitcom.

Come on FOX! Come on NBC! Come on HBO! Come on CBS! Come on ABC! Come on CNN Money!

Somebody, anybody! Help me, pleeeease!

RZA. First thank you for the many years of Wu Wisdom. What is your fondest memory Russell Jones - ODB - Baby Jesus?

I have so many fond memories, that I will never say what the fondest is.

But I will share one witchu.

ODB came out of his car to lift a car off a little girl to save her life.

It's an example of the warmth of his heart that wasn't showed a lot to the public.

What's up RZA, I'm a huge fan of yours & the rest of Wu-Tang. What was it like working with Kanye on White Dress & So Appalled?

Working with Kanye on "White Dress" was so cool because he had to come visit me in the editing room to discuss the song. So he had to walk down a hallway that was maybe 2 or 3 city blocks long.

And at the end of the hallway, he finally gets to my editing bay.

And he said it gave him a lot of time to think. And it made him think What does the RZA think about every day walking down this hallway?

Anyway, that prompted me to show him the clip of Lucy Liu walking down a hallway into the bathroom with all these pretty ladies. And I aksed him for - and I played a music cue that was only an instrumental. And I asked him if he could write a song for me. He was immediately inspired. And a few months later, he called me, and spit the verse over the phone.

It sounded like fire.

And the rest is history.

Whatup RZA, I'm a huge fan of Wu. But I have a different type of question. What's the deal with Soul Temple Music? I bought the Execution In Autumn 7" two years ago and never received it, and was ignored by customer service every time I tried to contact them for a refund.

Sadly, Soul Temple Music was a label that was ran by a crook who destroyed it, defamed Wu-Tang and our brand, and basically robbed and misled many of our fans. I spent thousands of dollars trying to remedy the situation. But the hole was so deep, I couldn't find a solution. And there was more than one hole. But what I would like to say is that business has been closed down, and the crooked individual will never be allowed to do business with me again.

Well shit. I had heard some of those details but always held out hope that I'd eventually get a refund. At least I only lost $5, I saw some people needing refunds for $50-100+ purchases. Thank you for the reply though (and thanks /u/chooter for assisting with this).

Okay, I guess I'll try to release a free download or something to make up for that guy's mistake. Something else.

You're good friends with Tarantino, who uses explicitly vulgar and racist language in most of his movies. Samuel L. Jackson has been on the record saying his use racial slurs [in Django, at least] was just how it was. While Spike Lee has been an outward critic of his abundant use of slurs. My question is, what are your thoughts on Tarantino's use and it's placement in the vernacular due to the growth of hip-hop and rap?

I think that freedom of speech really exists. Of course, every man will face the consequence of his own words, as it says in when the police read us our rights - you have the right to remain silent, and if you give up the right to remain silent, anything you say can... and will... be used against you.

So as an artist, and writer, I don't think nothing is taboo in the form of what has been written, or created. But we should all be prepared to understand that our expression carries weight. And we should accept the good - and bad - response that we attract.

Who's your favorite non-Wu artist to work with?

In recent times, I had a lot of fun working with the Black Keys.

Are you into any anime and if so which ones? After watching The Man with the Iron Fists I was curious if you had any interest in the anime/manga medium of entertainment.

I'm super-duper into anime and manga.

You know, I have so many favorites that it would take up this whole interview.

But one I always suggest to people is NINJA SCROLL.

I guess we can also suggest to them - let's give 'em 8 MAN.

Let's give 'em GUYVER.

Of course everybody should see AKIRA.

And here is one for 18 and over, only - VIOLENT JACK.

What's up RZA, long time fan, what are your plans for 4/20?

Hehe!

L - O - L.

What do you wish you knew when you first started producing music, and/or what advice would you give to someone first starting out?

I think I wish I would've known music theory.

And how to play instruments.

I would give today's producer the advice of not only buying a drum machine, and a sampler, and a DAW, but also taking lessons in piano, guitar, and drums.

Hello sir,
I am a fan of your work, I am curious, are you and Russell Crowe good friends? Have you got any cool stories about spending time with him?

I look forward to viewing your new movie. Thanks for your time.

Yes. We are good friends. He's a great all-around guy. I was fortunate to see his new film, THE WATER DIVINER, which he directed.

And I must honestly say that he never ceased to amaze me.

Hey RZA, I picked up The Tao of Wu when it first came out during a troubled time in my life. After reading it, it helped me find myself somewhat spiritually and led me to begin studying The 12 Jewels.

What advice would you give someone looking to delve deeper into self study and spiritualism?

Are there any books you would recommend to continue the journey into the study of the Jewels?

The 12 Jewels have not been put into book form.

A book I would suggest you to read is the Tao Te Ching.

And I would also suggest to you the Bhagavad Gita.

When am I going to be able to watch The Last Dragon remake? Please say it is really happening.

We're working on it, haha!

Triumph is my favorite beat of all time. What was it like constructing that one?

Oh, that was a very fun day.

I started creating it in New York. And didn't finish it until sometime in California. It was one of the first times that I combined three different beat machines together.

Amituofo! My question, how do you think Shifu Shi Yan Ming would fair in the UFC?

Hehehehehehehehe!

Shifu is a very powerful man.

Shifu is a very powerful man.

More chi. Train harder.

It is obvious that you have been heavily influenced by kung fu, do you think you bridged the gap between asian and African cultures? Also, who's your favorite kung fu artist. (I share the same birthday as Jet Li (April 26).

Great birthday. Jet Li is a modern master. I've been loving his films since the 1990s. But still, I will always consider Bruce Lee my number one, for not only his martial arts, but for his philosophy, his view of the world, his smile, and his physical abilities, all very unique.

I think he is the first bridge of our two cultures. And I'm glad to be considered a bridge nowadays, carrying on ideas he spawned before I even knew what Kung Fu was.

Hello RZA, big fan of you and the Wu - Liquid Swords may have my favourite production job of all time.

You've expressed affectionate thoughts on Kanye West before and I'm wondering what you make of his recent spot on the Times 100 Most Influential People of 2014. What do you think it means for hip-hop that a rapper is now appearing in such an important magazine, with a blurb written for him by Elon Musk? Does it signify anything from a racial standpoint?

Hm.

I wouldn't calculate it from a racial standpoint.

But I think it's a respectable acclamation.

Mr. Digital, is the beeping noise you make sometimes on various tracks supposed to be a space ship?

Yes.

It's sort of like a "beam me up" theme.

And since you aksed, I consider my studios spaceships. I call them by those types of code-names. My smaller studio, in Los Angeles, is my Millennium Falcon. My larger studio, at the Wu-Mansion, is called the Starship Enterprise.

RZA what is the most obscure meal that has ever had the grace of being eaten by you?

I think my vegan diet may be considered obscure to people.

For instance, last night, I had for dinner, sliced avocado, brussel sprouts, and butternut squash.

What's the best worst old Kung Fu movie you've ever seen?

Like, the ones that are so bad they're awesome.

8 Strikes of the Wildcat.

It starts off with 3 guys, just interruptin' a guy for no reason, walking through the woods, saying they want the book. And they pull out 3 live rats, and start rubbing the rats, and the 3 of these guys, do the rat style - and the only way to beat these guys is through the cat style. So they have to learn the cat style, to beat the rat style. But what makes it great is the hero is a female.

It actually inspired a scene in IRON FISTS, that movie.

Hey RZA! Huge fan of your works!

If you could have ANY superpower, what would it be and why?

If I had any superpower?

Hm.

I always thought I'd be something like the Silver Surfer, who's able to use cosmic energy.

And then of course, I always considered myself to be similar to Professor X. Someone who's dared to help mutants develop themselves, to help artists find themselves. If you take a look at Wu-Tang history, you will notice in the development stages that I remained way in the back. This was because, as the abbot, I was using my power to increase the power of the Brothers.

Hey RZA! Can I be a part of the extended Wu-Tang family?

I think you should go to the Wu-Tang name generator, and see what name it gives you.

Hi RZA. Have you been playing any videogames lately? What do you think about videogames in general?

I didn't get a chance to play yet, but I just picked up MORTAL KOMBAT for Xbox One.

Burrito or Bowl?

Hehehehe.

I really do love burritos.

But now that my metabolism is slowing down, sometimes I take it in a bowl.

RZA, Thanks for doing this. Have you noticed any change in rap culture with the wave of states legalizing marijuana?

Hmmmheehehee!

Yes. I just say that the legalization of marijuana has accepted younger entry levels that does infuse a certain vibe of creativity. And being that rap culture has such a roll-that-shit, light-that-shit, smoke it attitude, it's multiplying quicker.

Salute to a true master! My question is, what was it like working with the amazing cast of American Gangster?

That was a great experience for me. Working with Russell Crowe, Yul Vasquez, John Hawkes, really gave me a glimpse into high level skill.

And pushed me further.

These days, do you think of Wu Tang as as much of a group or a unit as it was? Or do you think of yourself or the others as individual artists that work together?

I still think of Wu-Tang as a family.

Wu-Tang is the slang, the sword style, and Clan means family.

RZA! Huge fan.

When did you discover acting was something you enjoyed doing?

I discovered that about 10 years ago, working on a film entitled DERAILED.

What is your favourite Wu Tang track, whether solo or as a group?

It always changes.

I think right now, I just really am into the song "Miracle."

Whats your favorite fighting move/stunt you got to do from the new movie?

I love when Thaddeus brings the roof down!

Any new TV shows you into?

I don't watch a lot of TV.

I did watch EMPIRE this season.

But most of the TV that I watch - and please don't laugh - is I watch back-to-back episodes of FAMILY FEUD with Steve Harvey. Love that guy.

What was it like working on Afro Samurai? Which character do you relate to the most?

That was a very fun project.

I actually relate to Afro. Because I want the #1 headband.

You and Bruce Lee in a deathmatch. Who is victorious?

Bruce Lee - if I was to be in a fight with Bruce Lee- I would use one of his own concepts - which is "run."

Peace RZA. First off, thank you because Wu-Tang soundtracked an incredibly important time in my life. I've always wondered, as a writer myself, whats your writing process like? Do you tend to put verses to beats or make beats for verses? What's your approach in the studio like?

Actually, the writing process varies. There are times when I could be walking, driving, or sitting in silence, and lyrics will come out. And then there are other times when it takes a hard, rugged beat to make me want to write lyrics. This same creative process flows also in my music creating. Sometimes there's a melody in my head, sometimes there's a chord progression, sometimes there's just a simple beat.

I would give you this advice, though: if you ever get writer's block, take a walk.

And let the outside energy inspire you.

Hey RZA, love you and the Wu. Just wanted to ask how do you feel about working with Wu? Do you prefer to do your own thing or make music with clan? Also, you got anymore films in the works? Maybe MWTIF 2?

Hehehehe.

Well, actually, young man, THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS 2 is available now on DVD, Blu-Ray or direct download digital!

Thanks for doing another AMA Mr. Digital.

If you could remake any Shaolin movie, which one would you choose?

My first choice would probably be THE 5 DEADLY VENOMS.

My second choice would be 36 CHAMBERS OF SHAOLIN.

Hello, whats one place you want to go before you die other then space?

There are a lot of other holy grounds that I didn't get the chance to set my foot on that I would love to view before my physical body decays. Temples in South America. Temples in India. Etcetera.

I want to go to the Kaaba at Mecca.

I want to go to the Wall in Jerusalem. I've never been to Israel. It's crazy.

What inspires you the most when making music?

My life. And the things that surround me.

what up RZA! How was working with director Roel Reine?

Roel was very focused, very on-point.

And had a lot of tricks up his sleeve, in regards to filmmaking.

He was also director of photography and director. He had a certain flair of creativity that allowed me to be very comfortable in the movie.

In Brick Mansions, did you throw in the "cash rules everything around me" line yourself, or did the script writers throw that in for you as a nod?

Hehe.

Hmmm.

Actually, it wasn't in the script. I did that take a few times. And I thought it'd be funny to just do a take with a freestyle on it, such as that.

And I'm happy the director chose to keep it.

Hey RZA, just wanted to say what's up? My sister got this "Wu-Chess" lanyard signed by you when you were in town doing a show and sent it out to me for my birthday while I was deployed. Coolest shit ever.

Question: Will we ever get another "The World According to RZA"?

First of all, tell your sister thanks and big ups. I'm glad it brought a smile to your face.

If time permits, I would love to do another album collaboration with different artists around the world.