RZA, leader of the legendary rap collective Wu-Tang Clan, is set to make history. The New York rapper will be honored with the TEC Innovation Award by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM).
RZA To Receive TEC Award
RZA is set to receive the TEC Innovation Award from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) at the 2024 TEC Awards.
The prestigious award recognizes individuals who have pushed the boundaries of recording technology, and RZA will become the first hip-hop artist to receive this esteemed accolade. With his influential contributions to music and culture, RZA’s impact extends beyond hip-hop, inspiring countless music makers around the world.
RZA’s innovative and trailblazing approach to music production has earned him the recognition he truly deserves. As the mastermind behind Wu-Tang Clan’s renowned sound, he crafted a unique blend of booming beats, chilling samples, and influences from vintage soul records and kung fu movies.
This distinctive style provided the backdrop for the crew’s gritty narratives, and it all began with their groundbreaking debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers, which shook the rap world in 1993.
‘He Truly Deserves This High Recognition’
The NAMM President and CEO, John Mlynczak, expressed his admiration for RZA’s body of work, stating:
“RZA’s formidable talent and legacy of accomplishments are unquestionable. His lasting power in music extends beyond hip-hop, inspiring many music makers. He truly deserves this high recognition.”
This honor continues NAMM’s celebration of all genres of music that resonate across culture and society and follows The NAMM Show’s 2023 Hip-Hop 50 events that honored Chuck D and GrandMixer DXT. The NAMM Show will include many opportunities for live music and panels, including a performance by emerging female hip-hop artist Blimes, and sessions such as Innovate and Elevate: Exploring DJ Technology with DJ Hapa, as well as signature events such as the Parnelli Awards, She Rocks Awards, and many other industry gatherings.
The TEC Awards, where RZA will be presented with the Innovation Award, will take place on January 27, 2024, at the Anaheim Convention Center in California.
Wu-Tang In Vegas
In addition to this prestigious recognition, Wu-Tang Clan is gearing up for their own Las Vegas residency titled, “Wu-Tang Clan: The Saga Continues… The Las Vegas Residency.” They will be performing on February 9-10 and March 22-23.
Busta Rhymes Honored By New York State Assembly
One other rap legend that was recently honored was Busta Rhymes. The “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” rapper was recognized and celebrated by the New York State Assembly in September 2023 for his contributions to hip-hop in his three-decade career.
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