Tune of the Week: Ghost Dog

The Wu Tang Clan are one of HipHop’s most influential groups. Founding member RZA has been a driving force behind (as well as in front) of the group. He plays the role of writer, producer, emcee, cultural guru and business manager. RZA’s sample based beats have helped to create numerous classics of east coast golden era HipHop. Despite his production savvy and prolific nature, he has put out very little in terms of solo material and no collections of beats. The only thing that comes close is his soundtrack to Jim Jarmusch’s film, “Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai". Jarmusch considered RZA the “Thelonious Monk of HipHop” and tapped him to not only provide the soundtrack, but also make a cameo in the film. With the film being a east coast take on Japanese film themes, the RZA provides a perfect accompaniment with his atmospheric and gritty beats. Also included are a couple of great Wu Tang Clan tracks like the one above. Like Ghost Dog’s makeshift boombox made from car stereo parts and wood the track is raw. Method Man, Old Dirty Bastard and the RZA all seem to attack the track with energy and attitude. Also included at the beginning and end of the clip are some of the more eastern sounding bits RZA created for the film. If you haven’t seen the whole movie you should definitely treat yourself to it soon!