Nothing goes together quite like Wu Tang Clan and Vanity Fair, that’s what I always say. So it’s natural that when RZA decided to record a short video about his favorite kung fu flicks, it would be released by the venerable high society rag. OK, maybe it’s an odd fit, but the fact remains that for some reason Vanity Fair has posted just such a video, and whatever the story behind its making, it’s a pretty fun watch.
The format is simplicity itself: RZA tells viewers about ten of his favorite wuxia epics and how they tie into Wu Tang mythology and/or were sampled on various band projects, while showing clips that illustrate what he’s talking about. It’s a fun ride, as RZA gleefully relates how the Master of the Flying Guillotine’s titular weapon cuts people’s heads off, or how he’s seen 36 Chambers of Shaolin over 200 times.
I especially liked hearing where some of my favorite Wu Tang samples originally came from – other than the lengthy and obvious Shogun Assassin clips that pop up in their work, I’ve never been able to definitively identify the source material before. I was also surprised at the depth of thought that RZA clearly put into the groups’ Wu Tang personas – the man’s got reasons for everything he does! Anyway, it’s a well-spent ten minutes of kung fu and hip-hop silliness. Enjoy!
From straight on, RZA looks like Jordan Peele.