When it comes to the greatest hip hop producers of all time, there’s the holy trinity of Dr. Dre, DJ Premier and RZA. Dr. Dre has the hits and untouchable legacy; Premo is the epitome of ’90s East Coast hip hop; and RZA is the most cinematic of all three. As the founding member of the iconic Wu-Tang Clan, he utilized a unique blend of east-meets-west ideology, melding the grimy ethos of New York streets with a mystic fascination for Asian philosophy and martial arts.
RZA’s illustrious production career spans decades, marked by numerous classics that have become inseparable from the hip-hop canon. And while his accolades are plentiful, the genius of the Abbott often goes underappreciated for the sheer versatility he demonstrated in adapting his production style to nine different MCs while retaining that classic Wu sound. From the infectious street-funk tailored for Method Man, to the raw and unbridled loops crafted for Ol’ Dirty Bastard; from the epic cinematic scope in Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… to the chilling atmosphere of GZA’s Liquid Swords, RZA’s sonic versatility is second to none.
So let’s get into it. From the haunting piano loops on “C.R.E.A.M.” to the blaring sirens of GZA’s “4th Chamber” and the somber strings on Ghostface Killah’s “All That I Got Is You,” we rank RZA’s top 25 greatest produced songs of all time.
25. What Happens (feat. A$AP Rocky, A$AP Ferg, Joey Bada$$)
Released: February 21, 1995
Album: Cosy Tapes: Vol 2
“What Happens,” a blazing track from the A$AP Mob, stands as a testament to the RZA’s enduring influence on hip-hop production. This joint, featuring heavy hitters like A$AP Rocky, A$AP Ferg, and Joey Bada$$, is a masterclass in blending the raw, gritty essence of old-school hip-hop with the sleek, stylized rhythms of the modern era. RZA, a cornerstone in the Wu-Tang Clan’s legendary sound, brings his signature approach to the table – a method that marries intricate beats with an atmospheric depth that’s as cerebral as it is visceral.
24. Ghostface Killah – “Motherless Child”
Released: November 19, 1996
Album: Ironman
“Motherless Child” is a pure showcase of RZA’s production genius. Ghostface delivers his heart-wrenching tales while RZA hooks you in with a masterful beat laced with an O.V. Wright sample that hits right in the feels. It’s a track where the Abbott lets Ghost’s storytelling take center stage, while his beat provides a melancholic, haunting atmosphere that seeps deep into your soul. You can’t help but feel the raw emotion pouring out of every note, every line, and it’s all thanks to the RZA-Ghostface chemistry.
23. Ghostface Killah – “Daytona 500”
Released: October 29, 1996
Album: Ironman
Ahh, “Daytona 500” – if you want to talk about beats that get the adrenaline pumping, this is the joint. RZA just takes it to another level with this one. Ghostface, Raekwon, and Cappadonna spit fire over a fierce, neck-breaking “Nautilus” sample that’ll make you feel like you’re in the middle of a high-stakes car race. Talk about a track that perfectly encapsulates the raw energy of Wu-Tang at their prime, and RZA’s prowess as a beat-making savant!
22. Raekwon – “Guillotine (Swordz)”
Released: August 1, 1995
Album: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…
When it comes to RZA’s production masterpieces, “Guillotine (Swordz)” has to be mentioned. The beat is as sharp as the title suggests, with RZA slicing through the noise to deliver a grimy, hard-hitting soundscape for Raekwon, Ghostface, Inspectah Deck, and GZA to spit their fierce verses. It’s a no-holds-barred kind of track where RZA’s production is just as relentless as the MCs he’s backing. It’s a musical swordfight and RZA’s beat is the steel edge that gives the Wu swordsmen the upper hand. Pure, uncut lyrical kung fu over a killer beat – a classic RZA production!
21. Raekwon – “Verbal Intercourse”
Released: August 1, 1995
Album: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…
Now, when you get a track like “Verbal Intercourse,” you know RZA was flexing on the boards. The track’s melodic blend of soulful riffs and moody basslines is a testament to the maestro’s artful touch, while Raekwon, Ghostface, and Nas lace it with a trifecta of powerful verses. You can’t help but nod your head to this one as the Wu-saga continues to unfold, bearing the raw essence of the streets.
20. Ghostface Killah “All That I Got Is You”
Released: October 29, 1996
Album: Ironman
“All That I Got Is You” is RZA showing his softer side, and oh boy, does it hit hard. This Ghostface joint is an emotional voyage, with RZA’s beat setting the perfect backdrop for Ghost’s heartfelt storytelling about his childhood struggles. The soulful sample of the Jackson 5’s “Maybe Tomorrow” tugs at the heartstrings as Ghost’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of his tough upbringing. RZA’s ability to create a beat that amplifies the emotional gravity of the lyrics is pure genius. It’s a poignant testament to RZA’s versatility as a producer, proving that he can do gritty street anthems and soul-stirring ballads with equal dexterity.
19. Method Man – “I’ll Be There for You/You’re All I Need to Get By (Razor Sharp Mix)”
Released: April 25, 1995
Album: Tical
The magic of this track is RZA’s special touch — he adds that raw Wu energy to the lovey-dovey vibes. The Abbott’s got the Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell sample on the track, but he flips it into something hard, gritty, yet full of love. Meth and Mary J. Blige trading verses like they’re sharing a personal conversation, all with RZA’s scratchy beats in the background. It’s love, hip-hop style, and RZA’s skills on this one can’t be denied.
18. Wu-Tang Clan – “Can It Be All So Simple”
Released: February 22, 1994
Album: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
“Can It Be All So Simple” is another jewel in RZA’s crown. The sample of Gladys Knight & the Pips’ “The Way We Were” lulls you into a state of nostalgia before Rae and Ghost take you on a journey through their humble beginnings. It’s an ode to simpler times, the raw streets of Staten Island, their dreams and struggles, all presented over a melancholic beat that screams vintage RZA. You can almost see the gritty New York blocks and project buildings. It’s proof that RZA’s masterful ear can turn any sample into a street anthem.
17. Wu-Tang Clan – “Tearz”
Released: November 9, 1993
Album: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Take a minute and let’s get into “Tearz.” Man, RZA pulled no punches on this joint. He took a sample of Wendy Rene’s old soul song “After Laughter (Comes Tears)” and twisted it into a melancholic street narrative. Ghostface Killah and the RZA himself unload raw, emotional verses about the brutal realities of street life, making you feel each line. It’s an extraordinary blend of the old and the new, wrapped in pain and life lessons. When you talk about great storytelling examples in hip-hop, RZA’s production and verse on “Tearz” has got to be part of the conversation.
16. Raekwon – “Wu-Gambinos”
Released: August 1, 1995
Album: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…
Straight off Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…, this joint is a cinematic, gritty depiction of street life. It’s like a mob movie in a song. RZA’s production is the backdrop to this saga, making you feel like you’re right there in the room with the Clan. He layers eerie piano keys over a heavy, knocking drum pattern, perfect for the Clan’s raw, menacing verses. The beat, the flow, the lyrics — it’s a testament to RZA’s ability to set the scene and let his crew shine.
15. GZA – “Liquid Swords”
Released: November 7, 1995
Album: Liquid Swords
“Liquid Swords” is another straight-up masterpiece. The haunting sample of “Groovin'” by Willie Mitchell sets an eerie atmosphere that GZA slices through with his razor-sharp rhymes. You can almost see the rain-soaked streets of Staten Island as you listen to this track. The beauty of this production lies in its simplicity. RZA allows the beat to breathe, not overcomplicating things, and letting GZA’s words take center stage. It’s a hypnotic blend of old-school soul and raw, gritty rap that only RZA could pull off.
14. Wu-Tang Clan – “Bring da Ruckus”
Released: November 9, 1993
Album: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
“Bring da Ruckus,” the opener of the legendary Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), embodies the unfiltered aggression that defined Wu-Tang’s entrance into the rap game. The beat is raw, grimy, and intense, creating a soundscape that mirrors the rough streets of New York. RZA’s genius lies in the ability to turn aggression into art, allowing the Clan to go hard on the mic while keeping the production tight. The chaotic sounds, the kung-fu samples, and the gritty drums — it’s RZA at his purest. This joint didn’t just bring the ruckus; it changed the game.
13. Wu-Tang Clan – “Da Mystery of Chessboxin'”
Released: November 9, 1993
Album: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
There’s something magical about “Da Mystery of Chessboxin'” that transcends the typical rap track. RZA’s mind-bending mix of gritty boom-bap with kung-fu film snippets paints a gritty, surreal picture that perfectly matches the lyrical complexity offered by the Wu members. It’s a sonic labyrinth, as labyrinthine as the chess game it symbolizes. The beauty of this cut lies in its layered sound, making it a dope track that never gets old. RZA’s production genius here is apparent, his touch delicate but deliberate, every element part of a grander design.
12. The Notorious B.I.G. – “Long Kiss Goodnight
Released: March 25, 1997
Album: Life After Death
RZA’s touch on “Long Kiss Goodnight” shows how he could step outside of his typical sonic realm to match the style of another artist. Here, RZA’s production works in perfect harmony with Biggie’s smooth, storyteller flow, offering a backdrop that lets the Brooklyn rapper’s lyrics take center stage. The track’s haunting piano loop, backed by crisp drums and occasional sinister laughs, create an air of danger befitting of Biggie’s tales from the street. While not an overtly Wu-Tang sounding track, RZA’s genius touch is undeniable.
11. Raekwon – “Rainy Dayz”
Released: August 1, 1995
Album: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…
On “Rainy Dayz”, RZA weaves a melancholic soundscape that mirrors the bleak narratives Raekwon and Ghostface spill over the track. The Wu producer uses haunting strings and Blue Raspberry’s vocals like an instrument which, combined with thunderstorm sound effects, creates a sonic metaphor of a stormy, turbulent reality. The gritty bassline underscores the urgency of Rae and Ghost’s lyrics, resulting in a poignant, evocative climax on Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…
10. Ol’ Dirty Bastard – “Shimmy Shimmy Ya”
Released: February 21, 1995
Album: Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version
You can’t talk about RZA’s production gems without mentioning “Shimmy Shimmy Ya”. Here, RZA strips down production to its most basic elements, showcasing ODB’s eccentric lyrical style. A playful piano loop that sounds like it was pulled from a children’s show pairs with a simplistic, bouncy beat to create a track that’s weirdly delightful in its starkness. The track is so uniquely ODB, and that’s a big part of its charm; RZA knew exactly how to make the beat fit the man.
9. Wu-Tang Clan – “Shame on a Ni**a”
Released: November 9, 1993
Album: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
“Shame on a Ni**a” exemplifies RZA’s knack for using minimalism to maximum effect. He concocts a fast-paced, frenzied beat that sounds like it’s tripping over itself to keep up with the audacious rhymes spat out by Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Raekwon, and Method Man. The beat is relentless, a cacophony of discordant piano samples and wailing sirens — a raw, chaotic energy that matches the Clan’s lyrical intensity. It’s gritty and grimy, a hallmark of that Wu-Tang sound that RZA so expertly cultivated.
8. Method Man – “Bring the Pain”
Released: October 25, 1994
Album: Tical
“Bring the Pain” showcases RZA’s ability to marry melody with chaos. He layers a gnarly bassline with an eerie vocal loop that sounds like something out of a psychedelic nightmare. It’s the perfect backdrop for Meth’s aggressive, biting rhymes. Despite the complexity of the beat, Method Man’s flow never gets drowned out; instead, the production enhances his lyricism, illustrating RZA’s deep understanding of crafting beats to complement individual artists’ strengths. This track is a prime example of RZA’s genius in creating complex soundscapes that elevate rather than overshadow the lyrical content.
7. GZA – “Shadowboxin'”
Released: November 7, 1995
Album: Liquid Swords
“Shadowboxin'” is a slick sonic masterpiece with RZA’s production prowess front and center. His mix of clean drum hits, that iconic kung-fu movie sample, and a jazz piano loop works to paint a haunting backdrop for GZA and Method Man’s punchy bars. It’s like auditory shadowboxing: the beat moves, jabs, and ducks, mimicking the art of the rhymes.
6. Raekwon – “Criminology”
Released: August 1, 1995
Album: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…
“Criminology,” man, this joint is the embodiment of the grimy, raw, and ’90s era of Wu-Tang. It’s RZA in his bag, cooking up a haunting masterpiece. RZA’s magic with the Scarface sample, the boom-bap drums and blaring horn samples sets the tone for Ghost and Rae to just murder the track straight-up. This ain’t just about beats, it’s about setting moods, building atmosphere, crafting straight-up masterpieces. That’s RZA’s genius on full display.
5. Wu-Tang Clan – “Triumph”
Released: February 11, 1997
Album: Wu-Tang Forever
If you wanna talk about an epic beat, “Triumph” has gotta be your go-to. This isn’t just a song, it’s a saga, a hip-hop symphony with every note masterfully conducted by RZA. That blend of operatic vocals, layered synths, and snare hits, it’s like every member of the Clan is a warrior in some ancient battle. Lyrically, each MC is on their A-game, but it’s RZA’s production that turns “Triumph” into a monumental statement from the Wu.
4. Wu-Tang Clan – “Protect Ya Neck”
Released: May 3, 1993
Album: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
When RZA first brought the Wu together on “Protect Ya Neck”, he had everyone spitting fire on an unrelenting, raw, dirty beat. What stands out in this production is how RZA allows space for each of the Clan’s nine emcees to shine. The raw energy is electric, and each verse just adds more fuel. The loops and samples hit as hard as the Clan’s bars, creating a soundscape that’s as much a part of New York’s city streets as the lyrics themselves. This is hip-hop at its most authentic, thanks to RZA’s genius.
3. GZA – “4th Chamber”
Released: November 7, 1995
Album: Liquid Swords
“4th Chamber” is one of those RZA tracks where you can almost see the smoke rising off the beat. RZA’s production here is menacing yet mesmerizing, a testament to his knack for blending gritty beats with heady, psychedelic undertones. His expert manipulation of tempo and rhythm lays the groundwork for some of the Wu’s most profound lyricism, with verses from GZA, Ghostface, Killah Priest, and RZA himself. The cinematic, kung-fu sample-driven beat captures the Wu-Tang’s innovative spirit and RZA’s creative command, a timeless gem in the Wu canon.
2. Raekwon – “Incarcerated Scarfaces”
Released: August 1, 1995
Album: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…
Simple but effective beat.
“Incarcerated Scarfaces” showcases RZA at his finest. He lays down a stark, moody backdrop for Raekwon’s storytelling, with a beat that’s as raw and cold as the Staten Island streets it emerged from. The way RZA loops up the drum sample, it’s like a dream trapped in a snow globe, frozen yet beautiful. This kind of production is why RZA is a master — he creates entire worlds with his beats, and “Incarcerated Scarfaces” is undeniably one of his best.
1. Wu-Tang Clan – “C.R.E.A.M.”
Released: January 31, 1994
Album: Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
“C.R.E.A.M.” is a testament to RZA’s genius and arguably the crown jewel of his production discography. That melancholic piano loop mixed with haunting drums created a sonic template for tales of struggle and survival. RZA’s production doesn’t overshadow Rae and Deck’ poignant bars but enhances them, a balance that’s crucial in any hip-hop track. The beat has a grimy charm, perfectly capturing the essence of the Wu-Tang’s raw lyricism and vivid storytelling. RZA used the perfect blend of melody and menace, a testament to his genius behind the boards.
