RZA Compares DMX's Raw & Real Energy To Ol' Dirty Bastard

The filmmaking Wu-Tang legend reflects on the first time he heard DMX on the radio & calls the late Rap icon "just pure."

BYErika Marie
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There are few emcees that have brought authenticity like DMX, and Ol' Dirty Bastard was one of them. While they are two vastly different artists, they are both Rap icons who were never shamed into being silenced about the struggles in their journeys. What you saw was what you got, and it's unfortunate that we lost two of the most real, and talented, artists to ever pick up a mic.

RZA reflected on DMX's legacy during his recent conversation Ebro Darden on Apple Music. The filmmaking Wu-Tang icon spoke about his "though-provoking" film Nobody and the return of Wu-Tang: An American Saga's second season, but he took a moment to walk down memory lane with X and ODB.

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“The first time I heard him was on the radio, with ‘Where My Dawgs At?’ That was ripping through New York on HOT97…and I knew automatically that it was a real dude on the mic," said RZA. "I don’t like to compare artist to artist, but if I was to compare energy as far as realness and rawness, I’d have to compare him to ODB."

"It was real, it wasn’t fabricated, he continued. "When I had the chance to meet the brother, his spirit, his purity, it’s just pure. I just caught a spine tingle right there just thinking about his purity.” Rest in peace to ODB and DMX. Check out RZA and Ebro below.


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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.