RZA

RZA, pronounced Rizza, (born Robert Diggs, July 5, 1969 in Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York, USA) is an American hip hop producer, rapper and actor. He is the de facto leader of the hip hop group W

RZA, pronounced Rizza, (born Robert Diggs, July 5, 1969 in Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York, USA) is an American hip hop producer, rapper and actor. He is the de facto leader of the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, and was also a member of Gravediggaz. He has produced almost all of Wu-Tang Clan's albums as well many Wu-Tang solo and affiliate projects. He has also released a succession of solo albums (two under the alter-ego Bobby Digital) and composed several film scores.

His production technique has evolved significantly over the years. His innovative techniques include the inclusion of sped-up soul samples in some of his beats, an influence on successful producers such as Kanye West and Just Blaze, use of high-pitched cinematic strings, and an avant garde, experimental approach which has inspired many artists in the genre of underground rap. He is responsible for the Wu-Tang Clan's trademark sound, providing all the beats for the group's early albums and many of the members' most respected solo albums.