RZA Composes Ballet Score Inspired by Teen Notebooks in New York

During the pandemic, RZA, the Wu-Tang Clan rap star, rediscovered a collection of notebooks filled with lyrics he wrote as a teenager. These notebooks, found in an old Tommy Hilfiger bag, contained reflections on life and love from his youth in Brooklyn and Staten Island. Inspired by these memories, he began composing a ballet score titled 'A Ballet Through Mud,' which explores themes of young love and friendship. This project marks a significant departure from his usual music style, as he aims to create a coming-of-age narrative through classical music. RZA's ballet score is set to be released as his first classical album, showcasing his evolution as an artist. He emphasizes the importance of physical music formats, creating a sole physical CD copy of the album, which comes with a stipulation that prevents public release of the tracks until 2103. This decision reflects his belief in the value of music as a tangible experience, reminiscent of his own youth spent collecting records. The album's title, 'A Ballet Through Mud,' symbolizes the struggles and complexities of growing up in challenging environments. RZA's journey from the housing projects to a celebrated music career informs the emotional depth of the score. He acknowledges that while he is known for hip-hop, this project feels like a natural extension of his artistic expression. RZA's venture into ballet is not unprecedented, as other hip-hop and rock artists have also explored classical music. However, his unique perspective and personal connection to the material set this project apart, allowing him to share a piece of his history and creativity with a broader audience.