Posted by Amidst a wave of curiosity, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky stunned the public with the announcement of their baby boy’s name RZA Athelston Mayers. Maintaining secrecy for almost a year, the couple finally unveiled the selection through the official birth certificate. Rihanna and her rapper partner have remained lip-sealed about what inspired the name, but rumors claim it’s a tribute to the Wu-Tang Clan leader, RZA.
Notably, Rihanna’s child inherits his father’s middle name, Athelston, which traces its origins to Old English, where “æþele” signifies “noble” and “stān” means “stone.”
Since entering the realm of motherhood, Rihanna has been discreetly dropping hints about her baby’s name through her fashion choices, frequently spotted in Wu-Tang Clan attire. The iconic collective, consisting of esteemed members like RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol’ Dirty B**tard, likely played a role in inspiring the chosen name.
In response to the feverish curiosity about the figure who influenced the Fenty Beauty creator’s decision, DailyMail.com took a deep dive into the life of American rapper Robert Fitzgerald Diggs.
The full meaning of RZA?
Intriguingly, while Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s baby possesses a concise three-letter first name, RZA’s full name is Robert Fitzgerald Diggs. The Grammy-winning music producer, multi-instrumentalist, author, and rapper, was birthed in 1969 and embraced the nickname RZA in the early 1990s. Sources suggest that RZA’s mother drew inspiration from the Kennedy brothers, Robert and John Fitzgerald.
Robert was the ill-fated 35th president of the United States, whose life was tragically cut short by assassination in 1963, and John had held the position of the 64th United States attorney general. While forming the Wu-Tang Clan, each member adopted a fresh nickname. In Diggs’ case, he opted for ‘RZA,’ influenced by a nickname bestowed upon him by his devoted music fans, ‘Rza Rza Rakeem.’
Who Is RZA?
Embarking on his hip-hop journey at the tender age of nine, Diggs swiftly showcased his talent through rap battles, impressively competing even at eleven. He maintained a balance between his separated parents; Diggs spent weekdays with his mother in Steubenville, Ohio, and weekends in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where his father operated a convenience store in the Hill District.
A 2001 gazette article highlighted that young Diggs immersed himself in the vibrant sounds of WAMO, a local radio station, during his formative years. However, as a teenager, Diggs found himself entwined in petty crime and drug dealing. This phase of his life took a transformative turn when he faced a legal predicament that could have resulted in a lengthy prison sentence spanning a decade.
What is RZA Popular for?
Emerging from the streets of New York, the artist rose to fame as a founding member of the influential rap collective known as Wu-Tang Clan. And with including GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard (who passed away in 2004), they have left an ineradicable mark on the history of hip hop.
The Wu-Tang Clan’s impact on the genre is widely recognized, receiving accolades such as being named the greatest hip-hop group of all time by About magazine in 2008. Their unrivaled status as rap pioneers has also earned them high praise, with respected writer Kris Ex of Rolling Stone declaring them “the best rap group ever.”
Beyond his role in the Wu-Tang Clan, the artist has ventured into collaborations with visionary directors like Jim Jarmusch and Quentin Tarantino, showcasing his artistic range. Also, he has released solo albums under the alter-ego of Bobby Digital, further expanding his creative horizons.
What are RZA’s biggest accomplishments?
Beyond the musical scale, the mastermind behind the Wu-Tang Clan delved into the realm of Hollywood, seizing directing opportunities. Notably, his remarkable work on Ghost Dog stands as a testament to his creative exploration. As per IMBD, he is hailed as the pioneer who forged the path for the gritty and dark cinematic sounds that came to define the mid-1990s.
A crowning achievement in his career occurred in 2003 when he undertook the role of producer and orchestrator for the first volume of Quentin Tarantino’s legendary cinematic saga, Kill Bill. ‘It was more of a collaboration. He had an idea and a vision when he wrote the script. I think I was more of somebody that kept it in the guidelines of what he wanted,’ RZA said of the project.
Did RZA go to prison?
In 1991, at age 22, RZA found himself confronted with a serious legal situation in Ohio. It was alleged he had shot a man named Willie Walters in the leg, leading to a felony assault charge. This incident occurred shortly after his relocation from Staten Island to Steubenville. According to the Village Voice, RZA was arrested and faced charges of felonious assault.
The prospect of spending eight years behind bars loomed over him during this challenging time. But fortunately, in 1992, RZA was acquitted of the charges. He successfully argued that the shooting was an act of self-defense, bringing an end to the legal ordeal that had cast a shadow over his life.
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