Raekwon Details Complicated Relationship With RZA & Avoiding Wu-Tang Drama

He spoke about letting the little things go when it came to tension but admitted that those small issues could make for big problems in the future.

BYErika Marie
Link Copied to Clipboard!
11.0K Views
Andrew Toth / Stringer / Getty Images

The Wu-Tang Clan is an unmatched collective that is respected in all facets of the music industry, but their personal journeys haven't been easy. We've often heard behind-the-scenes information courtesy of documentaries or Hulu biopics, but Raekwon is giving his perspective in his book,  From Staircase to Stage: The Story of Raekwon and the Wu-Tang Clan. The Rap legend also recently sat down with VladTV where he spoke about his complicated relationship with fellow Wu member RZA, adding that RZA could convince the Rap group to do just about anything because he was so convincing.

In his book, Raekwon also mentioned a conversation that he had with his collaborator about their system, stating that their way of doing things was out of wack. According to Raekwon, RZA told him that it wasn't the system that was the problem, but the rappers, themselves.

Steven Ferdman / Stringer / Getty Images

"I could never respect that," said Raekwon. "Now you pointin' fingers. Now you tryin' to throw it back on us when in all reality, you are apart of us, so it's all of us. Where you get this 'you' sh*t from? Like I said, I would say the same things to the boys, too, because I'm a vocal n*gga. When it come to me feelin' some kinda way, I gotta say something 'cause I'm hearing the chatters in the house. So, when you hear the chatters in the house, it's like, yo, what the f*ck are we doin'? Yo, let's get to it. Let's find out what's going on."

"A lot of times, it was always the love that we had and the respect there, that the business got way caught up in it," he added. "And a lot of times it's like, like I said, I feel like yo, damn, I don't really wanna spaz on my n*ggas because I love these n*ggas, and at the same time, we built somethin' so beautiful, that the world is attracted to it. So, let it go. Let it fly. It's gonna fix itself."

When reflecting on where they came from and seeing where they were, Raekwon said that many of the little things were dismissed as to not cause problems. "But sometimes, the little things mean a lot. One little thing can turn into another f*ckin' little thing, and then, you have seventeen little things that become a big f*ckin' problem, now."

"That's what was goin' on with this family, with this assembled family. Assembled." Watch Raekwon open up below.


  • Link Copied to Clipboard!
About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.