Let the iron fists fly with RZA

He's a forward-thinking throwback.

As an MC and producer in New York City's nine-headed Wu-Tang Clan, RZA crafted that group's murky, foreboding sound by sampling both old-school soul nuggets and '70s grindhouse kung fu flicks, establishing the outfit as among the most inventive and enigmatic of '90s hip-hop.

Of late, RZA has taken those celluloid influences to their natural conclusion, making his directorial debut with "The Man with the Iron Fists," a supremely gory karate flick heavy on broken faces and blood.

Of course, RZA helped compose its soundtrack, his musical and movie aspirations coming full circle, like a roundhouse kick.

Contact reporter Jason Bracelin at jbracelin@
reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0476.