The Tao of Wu

by The RZA

From the founder of the Wu-Tang Clan—celebrating their 25th anniversary this year—an inspirational book for the hip hop fan.

The RZA, founder of the Wu-Tang Clan, imparts the lessons he’s learned on his journey from the Staten Island projects to international superstardom. A devout student of knowledge in every form in which he’s found it, he distills here the wisdom he’s acquired into seven “pillars,” each based on a formative event in his life-from the moment he first heard the call of hip-hop to the death of his cousin and Clan- mate, Russell Jones, aka ODB. Delivered in RZA’s unmistakable style, at once surprising, profound, and provocative, The Tao of Wu is a spiritual memoir the world has never seen before, and will never see again. A nonfiction Siddhartha for the hip-hop generation from the author of The Wu-Tang Manual, it will enlighten, entertain, and inspire.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Biography, Hip Hop, Memoir, Spirituality

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2009

About the author

Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, better known by his stage name RZA, is an American music producer, multi-instrumentalist, author, rapper, actor, director, composer, and screenwriter. A prominent figure in hip hop, RZA is the de facto leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. He has produced almost all of Wu-Tang Clan's albums as well as many Wu-Tang solo and affiliate projects. He is a cousin of the late band-mate, Ol' Dirty Bastard and The GZA (who also formed the group with RZA). He has also released solo albums under the alter-ego Bobby Digital, along with executive producing credits for side projects. In addition to the Wu-Tang Clan and his solo releases, RZA was also a founding member of the horrorcore Hip Hop group Gravediggaz where he used the name The RZArector. Furthermore, he has acted in several movies, including Coffee and Cigarettes, American Gangster, Gospel Hill, Life Is Hot in Cracktown, Ghost Dog, Funny People, Derailed, Due Date and Repo Men. He also appeared in the Showtime TV series Californication. His directorial debut is for the film he co-wrote and in which he plays the title role, The Man with the Iron Fists, also starring Russell Crowe. On November 1, 2012, he introduced the movie at a preview screening in the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens, the evening before the Universal picture opened nationwide.

The magazine The Source placed him on its list of the 20 greatest producers in the magazine's twenty-year history. He also made the "Elite 8" in the search for The Greatest Hip-Hop Producer of All Time by Vibe. NME placed him on their list of the 50 Greatest Producers Ever.

Reviews

[Stephen Witt · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT I LEARNED FROM THIS BOOK:

* Dragon Ball Z represents the journey of the black man in America

* RZA stands for Ruler-Knowledge/Wisdom/Understanding-Allah

* RZA lost his virginity when he was 11 to an older woman. She also taught him how to play chess.

* At the age of 12, RZA had already memorized all the answers to the 120 questions of the Nation of Islam.

* While the rest of New York was caught up in hip-hop fads and trends, Staten Island was nurturing something ancient, "like Mothra."

* Before RZA founded the Wu-Tang clan he was sleeping on a boxing mat with his wife and daughter in a two-bedroom Staten Island apartment that they shared with 6 other people

* RZA had a five-year plan to take over hip-hop, which began in 1992 with the release of 36 Chambers and culminated with the instant-platinum 1997 release of Wu-Tang Forever (kind of amazing that this actually worked out)

* He did all his best work during this period, spending nearly all of his time in a basement studio in Staten Island. All he did was make beats, smoke weed and eat turkey burgers. This is where Cuban Linx, Return to the 36 Chambers and Liquid Swords were recorded, produced, engineered, and mastered. He bought eight digital compressors and tweaked each one to provide the best audio masters for each member of the clan. He calls this his Gravediggaz period. ("I looked older then than I do now.")

* The basement was flooded in 1996 and the studio was destroyed. Wu-tang would never sound the same again. Like the line from Shogun Assassin: "That was the night everything changed."

* Wu-Tang Forever came out in '97, a very important year in mathematics. '97 is 9 and 7, the year of Born God. 9 and 7 is 16, and 1 and 6 is 7 (the god number.)

* Ghostface Killah basically invented all the Wu slang. He also went to a witch doctor in Benin to seek an herbal cure for his diabetes.

* ODB's last words to RZA were "I don't understand."

* You can reach a higher plane of consciousness through fasting and meditation.

* RZA was possessed by an Islamic djinn after smoking some raw angel dust.

* RZA calls members of his entourage his "disciples."

* RZA's ELO chess rating is 1650, and his favorite opening is the King's Indian Attack, as taught to him by grandmaster Josh Waitzkin (the kid from Searching for Bobby Fischer.)

* Barack Obama is the 44th president to be sworn into office, but is actually the 43rd man to hold the position ("since Taft served two non-consecutive terms.") 4 and 3 is 7, again the god number.

Anyways, I really liked reading The Tao of Wu, and I think you will too.

[Kevin Krein · Rating 2 out of 5]

super disorganized. somewhat confusing. but whatever. wu tang for life.

[Ebony · Rating 2 out of 5]

RZA’s book is chaotic. There’s no table of contents. The random meditations, life lessons, and stories seem misplaced. His life chronology is jumbled up and difficult to follow. The pillars of wisdom aren’t parallel and they’re hard to apply. The Tao of Wu is like starting in a middle of a conversation. He is God but Allah is greater. He had the knowledge but then he pretended to forget it as his superhero alter ego. He was reborn but still dead. He’s not religious but Islam is the way. The contradictions are not self-serving as much as they’re piecemeal. They make a kind of whole that I’m not used to seeing but am trying to convince myself is still a whole. Then 2/3 of the way through and he talks about the spiritual gift of confusion and I think, maybe that’s the point. There are jewels here—tidbits of knowledge— but the book left me wondering about all the unaddressed contradictions. Again, I think that’s the point. Religion is one contradiction after another. It’s kinda what happens when you describe the indescribable.

[Petergiaquinta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part hip-hop memoir, part religious tract, and all inspirational palimpsest attesting to his ongoing life's journey, the RZA's Tao of Wu probably won't appeal to the casual reader who has absolutely no interest in the Wu-Tang Clan or the '90s cultural phenomenon loosely termed "gangsta rap," but you don't have to be a major fan to appreciate this book or be fascinated by RZA's story and his evolving personal philosophy. After all, here I am, a suburban pretty much white guy nearing 60, and I really enjoyed reading this and polished it off in a weekend.

RZA, born Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, is the Abbott of the Wu-Tang; he's their producer and the guy behind the beats, if I understand his role correctly. He also might be the brains of the organization, although they say his cousin the GZA is the genius of the collective. I dunno; RZA strikes me as incredibly introspective and a pretty smart guy, despite much of the crap he ascribes to as a Five-Percenter, although maybe that's just my devilishness rising to the surface. And if you don't know about the Five-Percent Nation, or the Nation of Gods and Earths as it's also called, well, it's a fascinating offshoot of the Nation of Islam founded by Clarence 13X who didn't have a problem with alcohol or drugs, but still prohibited eating the pig. (Frankly, at this point in my life I think I'd take the pork chop over a beer, but I guess that's just the devil in me again.)

So if you don't know anything about the Five-Percenters, then some of what RZA is talking about may be mildly confusing at times because he's a Scientist and he's all about the Lessons and the Mathematics and the Twelve Jewels of Islam, and he structures the content of The Tao of Wu along what he calls here the Seven Pillars of Wisdom. And it's fascinating at times because for RZA, his syncretic belief system encompasses and seamlessly blends shitty kung fu movies, Mother Goose, Rumi, the teachings of Elijah Muhammad, Marvel comics, the Bible, Buddhism, and the Supreme Alphabet, a system that gave him the foundation to overcome and transcend the grinding poverty, drug use, and violence of his early years.

If there’s one more disparate influence in The Tao of Wu that never gets explicitly mentioned, it has to be Joseph Campbell because RZA’s story here is Campbell's monomyth of the hero’s journey with the call, crossing the threshold into adventure and trials, the fall into the abyss of death, and then the transformation and return with the boon. And that boon is the wisdom of The Tao of Wu that RZA wants to share with his readers and fans at the end of his journey. Some of it’s corny; some parts may even seem ridiculous and contradictory, but like the music of the Wu-Tang there are some real gems to be found here and much to learn because, as RZA reminds us going back to those Twelve Jewels, knowledge leads to wisdom and wisdom will bring us to understanding and then, if we continue on our journey, hopefully to love, peace, and happiness.

[Loren · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not a "mix of religious/spiritual banter", it was a hodgepodge of confusion. Kinda like watching Spike Lee's rendition of the life of Malcolm X. Do you seriously think it's the same as reading the actual autobiography? Well RZA seems to think so.

There’s always lessons to be learned, wherever you are, whoever you are. The poor guy thirsted for knowledge, but he was stuck in the ghetto. So he made the best of what he had and gained knowledge where he could. From street folks, from comic books, from kung fu flicks. Sadly his experiences also shaped his biases, which makes him someone I do not identify with, but we are much alike. When he finally got out of the ghetto and had the world at his fingertips, his mind had already been permanently imprinted with his bigotries. We all can suffer from this to some extent, but we must acknowledge the decent, RZA does not.

His experiences of his formative years taught him things he needed to understand and apply in action in order to get by and survive. A certain Ghetto Creed. Since the system works for him, he assumes that it could work for everyone. Except everyone doesn’t live in the ghetto and even some that do live in the ghetto would not have to apply his logic to the world to get out. I think the real truth to his words and the reason I even gave it two stars, is that in the begining, he was seeking truth, he wanted knowledge. Unfortunately when he stopped he suddenly thought his sh*t no longer stank. Any rapper can tell you, they won the lottery. They're a dime a dozen.

Here's a thought, any of this money from this book going to the Boys & Girls Club? Or how about the YMCA? What a hypocrit.

[Sham Al-Ghazali · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'll be completely honest. I absolutely adore Wu-Tang, but never have I been so repulsed or turned off by a book and I have read literature written by ZIONISTS.

"A fool considers himself a wise man, and a wise man considers himself to be a fool" to any man who claims they have reached true enlightenment, in my opinion, is painfully obnoxious and pretentious. This may be just my opinion, but I won't idly sit by and pretend that one of my favourite rappers isn't an actual... arrogant piece of work.

Many of us come from broken homes and try to better ourselves from it, but to become better we must remove our egos.

However, learning the history of Wu tang was pretty dope, but it doesn't even come close to balancing the 200 other pages of bullshit.

[Adela · Rating 3 out of 5]

An innovative, spiritual, poetic, and musical memoir by Wu Tang's "abbot," the RZA. I liked some of the insights and connections drawn between Islam, Christianity, Buddism, Daoism, and music. RZA's point on spirituality is basically that all world religions are getting at the same thing--at becoming aligned with both oneself and the (Daoist) "way" of the universe. This is ultimately what Buddhist nirvana, the Christian heaven, or Islamic Jannah are about. I found some claims to be too far of reaches. The narrative voice was also at times wishy washy and very "prophety," which I just couldn't get super into.

In the end, my key takeaways from The Tao of Wu were about creativity and approaching life and artistic creation with the Buddhist attitude of "beginner" or "novice mind." It's also cool to hear a great lyricist and producer discuss music as something not created, but found, through practice, accident, and soul: "You don't need someone asking you 'you want some more bass on your kick?' or giving you a scientific explanation of how it should be... You have to ignore the science of it, even the logic of it. Sometimes real discoveries take a leap in consciousness that's outside the intellect." These insights apply to writing as much as to music: you can learn the "science" of writing, but what can't be taught is that which one finds in thousands of hours of practice--one’s own voice.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-read for any fan of the Wu-Tang Clan.
Let's be honest: if you're not a Wu-Tang fan, I'm already judging you a little. But if you read (and like) this book, I will have a far higher opinion of you.
(Just kidding. Sort of.)

In this fascinating book, Rza tells several tales simultaneously.
He talks about his personal evolution and how his interest in comic books, Islamic teachings and Kung Fu culture all helped shape the man he is today. He ruminates on loss and identity and love.
He also details the coming together (and apart) of the Wu-Tang Clan, and the various personal relationships and experiences within the group's (relatively short) history.
He also talks about the history of hip-hop, and the role it played in his life.
Despite the vast subject matter, Rza tells these intertwined stories in a non-confusing and enjoyable way.

Rza often writes in a sparse style that's reminiscent of Lao Tzu's "Tao Te Cheng."
Almost equally often, he writes lengthy sections of memoir.
Somehow, the book still flows smoothly and eloquently.

This is the kind of book you'll open with a mild curiosity, get completely drawn in and end up finishing in one sitting. Whether or not you're a fan of the Wu-Tang Clan.

[DuVay Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

While alla muthafuckaz chasing after Ya boy ROBERT GREENE joint 48 LAWS OF POWER, Niggaz who truly STANDING ON BIZNESS reading THE TAO OF WU by RZA/feelme. RZA flow, jes like the WU TANG is hynoptic, bangin werd play led by the ABBOT of HIPHOP Himself in Da HOOD. That WIZDOM of IZDOM dat Real Niggaz need to guide they INNER SOUL/seeing as much shit we have to deal wit in Amerikkka. And lets not forgit that his werd serves as Treatise on HOW TO FUCK WIT DA INDUSTRY, too. This joint is the STUFF of LIFE from ONE of Us who made it OUT and INTO something PHILSOPHIKAL that will sustain Yo Life if U peep Game rite. This is NIETZSCHE for NIGGAZ who NEED insites on how to handle ANGST & ANGRYNESS (among otha thangs) they would never read in the actual NIETZSCHE book. Rza drops game that hit like SHOTOKAN punches n dazzling Wu lyrics that are THE WAY OF THE NIGGA.....Rza has written what is Part AUTOBIOGRAPHY/Part SEMI-AUTOMATIC VERBAL WEAPONRY. U kan WORSHIP with this joint, mayne. This is One HEROES JOURNEY that listens out for Like Kind. The 48 LAWS OF POWER will never be this GOOD or UNDERSTOOD at This DEPTH as it relates to Us......Git U Sum.

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished this book in four days on February 7th. February 7th is the 7th day of the second month of the year, and this year is 2021, so if you add 4 + 7 + 2 + 2 + 0 +2 +1, you get 18, which means that Allah, God, Ghostface Killa, Buddha, Malcom X and Ol' Dirty Bastard have given you the wisdom and knowledge to understand that this book is a bit of hot mess. It also means your old enough to vote and serve in the military, but not drink beer. For whatever that's worth.

I have no idea what I just read.

[Brett C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the Wu-Tang Manual but philosophically driven: hence the title "The Tao of Wu." RZA has various topics to include wisdom, divine mathematics, fasting, and various religious/spiritual parables and quotes. A very unique writing based of the hip-hop subculture entity known as the Wu-Tang Clan.

[Eli]

This book pretty much rocked. It was written by the RZA, who is a lot smarter than you would think, given that he's a gangsta rapper who spits about kung fu and meth. Throughout the book, the RZA gives simple, but deep, knowledge through his experience with the Pillars of Wisdom, kung fu, living on the street, Mathematics, Islam, and the Wu-Tang Clan. He tries to make his lessons as universal as possible, so even the most sheltered, white people can relate to what he has to say. In our close-minded, mostly Christian community, I think its cool that the RZA uses knowledge from eastern philosophy and Islam to teach people about life and how to live it. My favorite part of this book was when he talked about starting the Wu-Tang Clan, and how poor they all were. It was cool to learn the background story for the making of my favorite rap album, Enter the 36 Chambers. The fact that the RZA made the beats for Method Man and Wu Tang Clan Ain't Nothin to F' With in the basement of a little shack with electricity stolen from the neighbors is awesome to me. Kind of a struggling-artist story.
I thought it was cool how smart the RZA is. He knows more about Mathematics and Enlightenment than you would expect. He's been studying different religious texts since he was a little kid, without the help of a parent or guardian. By the time he was a teenager, he was teaching other little ghetto kids about Islam and God. He is one of the only actually religious people I've ever really known about or had a lot of respect for. If the RZA had never studied, there would be no Wu-Tang, which is a big deal. Overall, I'm glad he wrote this book. It gave me insight into the Clan, and also gave me simple advice on how to lead a better and more fulfilling life.

[Avolyn Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read this book and all you got out of it was that Dragon Ball Z is a reflection of black culture in America, then you either didn't finish or were not reading this book with an open heart.

I was absolutely stunned by the profound messages within these pages. I've read numerous books on spirituality and meditation, and consciousness and Christianity, and despite my familiarity I felt this work was original and necessary. Very few quotes were ones I had absolutely heard before. But most of it felt fresh, original, and in need of telling.

I especially appreciated RZA's integration of multiple religions and mathematics. Despite being someone who works in data and studied finance in undergrad, I had never thought of mathematics in the way that he describes, the language of God.

I was also impressed with RZA's ability to write. While some reviews have said his organization is confusing, I found the opposite, that it flowed naturally and moved along at a great pace that was never boring, but often made me pause just to marinate in what was said. Some sections are short, some pages are quotes or a thought, but overall this book is dense with wisdom. I honestly could have read it in one sitting if not for grad school homework.

Get your hands on a copy as soon as you can, and allow your mind and heart to open.

[Kyle Driscoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many know the Wu-Tang brand, but not the music. Some know the music, but not the people behind it. And those that know the people may not know the spiritual journey which led them to their success.

I fell into all of these categories until recently, when a friend (of the Geist variety) showed me the ShowTime docuseries on the group. To say I was blown away by RZA’s eloquence and story is an understatement. In the book, he blends Nation of Islam teachings, Christianity, Buddhism, King Fu movies, chess, hip-hop, and even the violence of his youth into a (mostly) cohesive, inspirational belief system. I have rarely, if ever, heard of someone who willed themselves out of trouble and strife with such dedication and faith. Am I totally sold on the numerology and “Mathematics”? Not really, but the details hardly matter; the power of RZA’s message resonates regardless.

For all who are feeling directionless, adrift, or full of malaise - for those who yearn to “bring the motherf***in’ ruckus” in their own lives - I strongly recommend turning here.

[Andy Carrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real talk.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a religious person at all and I don’t think I’m very ”spiritual” either but the RZA takes an approach to faith and spirituality that I can dig: grabbing messages from the sources (Bible, Koran, etc.) instead of taking them literally. And he mentions a lot of things about loss (of his mom specifically) that really connected with me. Plus, I’m a sucker for tales about inner city life in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

[Manuel Jaén · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muy chulo. A pesar de que a veces desvaría un poco con algunas ideas, tiene otras muy interesantes y las conecta bastante bien con sus experiencias y las del grupo, que sin duda son las partes más chulas del libro, en especial cómo se juntaron y las anécdotas de esa época. También hay hueco para algunos momentos más tristes y de reflexión. RZA and Wu-tang forever 👐🏽

[Zack · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is a voluntary organization to this memoir, but it still feels disorganized, and the writing itself is pretty rambly. There are some exciting insights into RZA’s life and influences, but I don’t think the editorial shortcomings showcase him in the greatest light.

[Calvin Kenley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Last but not least I picked up the Tao of RZA at Border’s closing sale last week for %70 off. Out of the 3 books I probably enjoyed this one the most. The writing was definitely the strongest, but I think a lot of credit could go to the fact that he had a co-writer to organize all of his thoughts. Basically, RZA sat down and did just rambled about his philosophies for a several hours and the co-writer organized it into something more cohesive. Like Jay-Z, RZA is at his strongest when telling the stories.
The best thing to me about the Wu-Tang clan is how they made connections with other mythology and applied it to themselves. RZA doesn’t just like Kung-Fu movies, he feels like they embody his life. To RZA, Chess is Hip Hop, Kung-Fu is Hip Hop, Religion is Hip Hop. He is skilled at absorbing and integrating the things he loves into his music, like the ultimate fan boy. RZA is at heart a just a huge nerd who is extremely talented in emulating his influences. Because of this, he spends most of the time talking about his various obsessions and showing how he uses them in his music. He doesn’t sound humble either, but at least his excitement seems more about his influences than himself.
When RZA does get introspective about his career, he mentions that he has never had as powerful production as he did in the early days. He has made thousands of beats, but they are not as appreciated because they are too polished. He feels like not knowing the techniques makes for a better project. Being an expert in something means you won't make anything new necessarily.
RZA’s weakest moments are when he attempts to explain certain doctrines of principle. To me statements like “Knowledge is Power and Power is Water and Water is also Love because it’s all around us.” are just Gobbledigook. Talking about the “12 jewels” is nice at all, but I’m more of a fan of practical information that the theoretical concepts that RZA is into. He’s better off writing about how he used to snatch guns out of people’s hands than he writing about the practice of meditation and oneness.
Also, I wanted more information on conflict within the Wu-Tang. He seems only comfortable when dwelling on the times when they were a cohesive unit, and doesn’t get into their current differences and conflicts. He mentions Raekwon saying, “RZA, you want to make peaceful music, I want to make music that’s basically punching people in the face,” and that quote almost begs for more information about their conflicting views. Currently, Raekwon and Ghostface are the only really relevant members of the Wu-Tang Clan, so it would have been interesting to read how he feels about their approach.

[Amber Nofetari · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went through a hell of a lot this summer and needed a dose of wisdom, so I picked up this book. I wanted to read it for some time, but I finally picked it up from the library last month. Firstly, let me say that RZA is a truly intelligent and spiritual man. I had no idea that he was vegetarian, studied different religious teachings, and believed in the supernatural. He is also very much a geek which surprised me as well. I shouldn't be, since he has mentioned his love for Kung-Fu films on numerous occasions (hence the name Wu-tang Clan) but I digress, The Tao of Wu is a cool read for those who need some inspiration. From Stapleton Projects in Staten Island to Hollywood he talks about his long tumultous journey to the top and shares many gems on life, struggle, inner demons, love, and success. There are many grammatical errors for RZA speaks in his native tongue rather than standard English which gets irritating at times but if you can get past that in his words "it's all gravy". Nice read, I truly needed it.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don't have to be a Wu disciple to enjoy this book...though it helps. RZA is an enlightened, deep thinker and provides insight into not only the world of hip-hop and Wu-slang, but into his spirituality - an interesting combination of Islamic, Buddhist, and Christian studies. He claims not to be a prophet, but one could easily argue that Prince Rakeem comes bearing knowledge and wisdom unique to his personal experiences with Kung Fu, religious practices, and world hip hop domination. After reading this book, I not only felt enlightened, but like I was hearing 36 Chambers for the first time ever (bear in mind this was the first CD I ever purchased for myself back in the 9th grade). Highly recommended to all - this is an important hip-hop historical document. Like any religious or spiritual text, I will be reading this again and again.

[Jesus Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if I will read a better book this year. I had to actively slow myself down while reading to think about what was being said. I didn't understand or agree with everything that RZA believes, but he has some salient points to make, and his story is absolutely gripping and moving. It was both completely foreign and yet relatable in some way. Not only that it made me appreciate Wu Tang's music a little bit more. I definitely have a lot of stuff to research/look up after reading this book and that seems to be RZA's goal. He definitely got me thinking about this book and I would not be surprised if I pick this up within the year to read again. Super engaging, interesting, and powerful. An absolute must read!

[Melissa French · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is totally bonkers in the best way. It's as much a pop philosophy/pseudo religious treatise as it is a hip hop bildungsroman. It was fun to hear about the origins of the Wu-Tang Clan, and about the circumstances and influences that were central to its creation. That RZA is a mad musical genius is not up for debate, but the depths of that madness(in the best possible sense) are delved into with kung fu movie-style abandon and it definitely leaves you feeling crazier than before you started reading. Again, not in a bad way. "As Jesus said, don't hate the player, hate the game".

[Jihèd Ch · Rating 5 out of 5]

as a hip-hop head, I think that RZA has said what is supposed to be said,
the power of the human soul, his spirit and his conscience could change everything around him
starting by self,house,neighborhood,country and the whole world.
the truth ain't easy to find, if you want it you have to strive, have enough knowledge.
WU-TANG FOR EVER.
Peace.

[Nicolas Arbelaez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly have to say... This book is beautifully written. The way RZA looks at the world and his life after everything he's gone through just leaves me in shock. His knowledge on mathematics, religion and spirituality had me questioning the way I'm doing things on my end... All, I know is that there were moments throughout the book that had me deep in thought and in tears. (The last part especially...)

[Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a page turner! It was fun to read and I learned a lot. I love anything that gives me a chance to look at something from another perspective - it did that. In one way, it gave me a new perspective on a personal life event. I found it meaningful and beautiful. I suggest it for anyone who is looking for a positive in a world of negative; RZA knows how to do that.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this pretty much in one go, I was absorbed. Part autobiography, part learnings and philosophy, RZA’s life has been remarkable. It’s a story of complete authenticity - being yourself no matter what everyone else is doing. After reading this book you will feel more curious about the world and who you are in it than ever.

[Tyler Land · Rating 4 out of 5]

First read of the year

[Broken Lifeboat · Rating 4 out of 5]

RZA shares his teachings for a better life based on influences from the Nation of Islam, Christianity, Buddhism and other sources.

I didn't agree with or connect with all of this book but I appreciated its uniquely Black American voice. I enjoyed RZA's insights in the way I enjoy similar authors on mindfulness and meditation like Boorstein and Salzberg and the style is consistent with many of the self-help/Buddhism-based books I read, by using the personal journey to illustrate the larger lesson. The readers frustrated at a lack of organization want a straight autobiography and this isn't it.

There's a lot of Wu-Tang history for the casual fan but little of it contains details. The group's decision to part ways as originally conceived, at the height of their success, gets less than a page.

This is a book of RZA's reflections on his own journey and the lessons in it for the reader. RZA is, at the heart of it all the teacher and the Abbot but he's also the novice. A very intentional book from a very intentional author.

Wu-Tang Forever

[Rhianna Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

errrrhhm. parts of this were very beautiful but not sure how i feel about this one overall? obvs mr rza is a great writer but i feel this skits about a fair bit and is quite hard to follow at times. not sure though cause i think the disorganisation also keeps it interesting. interesting guy in general though, dude seems crazy fair play to him. this did lag for me at parts but i did also get the feeling that some of what he was saying was lost on me lol.
really enjoyed all his vivid insights though, he gives you things to think about for sure.
never woulda picked this up if it wasn't one of the only books on a hostel shelf but i'm super glad i did :)

⭐️⭐️⭐️