Here’s something about Hip Hop history that you may not have known.
Okay, RZA, the iconic visionary leader of the Wu-Tang Clan, recently opened up about the lasting impact of Hot 97’s decision to ban the group’s music in 1997. Wow, that happened? The move, he believes not only hindered their success but also dealt a blow to hip-hop culture as a whole.
So get this, during an appearance on The New York Times’ Popcast, RZA reflected on the ban, which came after Ghostface Killah led a chant criticizing and cursing the station during their performance at Hot 97’s Summer Jam concert.
What’s crazy is at the time, Wu-Tang Clan was at the height of their popularity, and their sophomore album, Wu-Tang Forever, had just been released.
The album, an absolute classic, went on to be certified multiplatinum, but RZA believes it could have achieved even greater success if not for the ban. “If we didn’t get banned from Hot 97 and their sister stations and even a few other stations that were following their trend, I think Wu-Tang Forever could’ve been diamond,” RZA said. He emphasized that Hot 97 was a dominant force in hip-hop at the time, and the lack of airplay significantly affected the group’s momentum.
The so-called ban also had a ripple effect on the solo projects of Wu-Tang members, including albums by Cappadonna, GZA, Raekwon, and RZA himself.
Like we said, crazy!
While Ghostface Killah’s 2000 solo effort, Supreme Clientele, received a “miniscule” amount of spins, the overall impact of the ban was felt across the board. RZA acknowledged that Hot 97 DJ Funk Flex later apologized to him for the ban, but he still views the decision as a low point for hip-hop. “That was a kick in the nuts and, in hindsight now, it was a kick in the nuts to the culture,” he said.
Who is RZA? For anyone who isn’t a student of Hip Hop history. The NYC rap icon was born Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, is widely regarded as one of hip-hop’s most influential figures. As the de facto leader and primary producer of the Wu-Tang Clan, he revolutionized the genre with his innovative use of soul samples and sparse beats. Beyond music, RZA has made significant contributions to film and television, scoring movies like Kill Bill: Volume 1 and Volume 2, directing The Man with the Iron Fists, and acting in projects such as American Gangster and Californication. His work has earned him a place on lists of the greatest producers in hip-hop history by publications like us at The Source, Vibe, and NME.