Often regarded as one of the most intriguing figures in hip-hop, The RZA has been known to break the mold during his lengthy and successful career. The upcoming release of his spiritual guide, The Tao of Wu, is yet another piece to add to a lengthy resume that includes credits as a producer, actor, lyricist, film score composer and most importantly the founding member of The Wu-Tang Clan. The book, which has been described in a press release as “part hard-knock-life memoir and part Book of Wisdom,” is broken into seven sections that take the reader through some of RZA’s most influential experiences.
Throughout the book Rza touches Eastern religions, martial arts, and numerology - major themes that were also prevalent in his music. This will mark the second time he has penned a book since 2005’s The Wu-Tang Manual.
The book, set to be released on October 15, seems to be yet another example of The Wu’s resurgence in the world of hip-hop. In addition to The Tao of Wu, RZA is slated to perform alongside GZA and Raekwon at this summer’s Rock the Bells tour leading up to the August 11 release of Rae’s highly anticipated Only Built for Cuban Linx 2. In addition, The Wu have an upcoming disc, Chamber Music, due on June 30. The compilation album, which is executive produced by Rza, features the group backed by a live band and boasts cameos from East Coast vets AZ, Havoc of Mobb Deep, Cormega, Kool G Rap, Masta Ace, Sadat X and Sean Price.
