The nickname RZArector will take on a new meaning. The Wu-Tang Clan rapper/producer, actor and old-school video gamer RZA has announced that he is recording a studio album inspired by the sounds and music of the once-popular Atari game system.
As a long-time gamer, RZA will invoke nostalgia into his work by using 8-bit samples and beats, and will likely collaborate with other hip-hop artists and old Wu-Tang Clan friends. He hinted at such collaborations, as reported by NME: “I’m so excited to work on these iconic games to deliver what I believe will be one of my best albums. I’m going to invite some of my friends to join me, and it’ll be Game On from the first beat.” While the project is in the process of being created, no official release date has been announced.
RZA made a statement to Billboard.
I’m so excited to work on these iconic games to deliver what I believe will be one of my best albums, I am going to invite some of my friends to join me and it will be Game On with the first beat!
Atari is just as eagar for the partnership to continue. CEO Fred Chesnais made a statement on the collaboration.
We are thrilled to partner with RZA, one of the greatest hip-hop producers of all time, RZA is a multi-talented artist and soundtrack virtuoso and we cannot wait to hear the new tracks he creates based on Atari’s iconic video game sounds and music.
Chesnais and Stephen Belafonte will serve as executive producers for the album. Further detail about the project are to be announced. The collaboration is not the first between the two parties; in 2006 RZA was used as a voice-over for Atari’s Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure.
RZA has remained active this year. He and Interpol singer Paul Banks confirmed an upcoming album under the name Banks and Steelz. Their album Love And War is set to be released August 26
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