Iconic Artists Group, Rock The Bells and RZA Partner to Expand Wu-Tang Clan Legacy
Written by djfrosty on July 30, 2024
In a multi-partner deal, Irving Azoff’s Iconic Artists Group and LL Cool J’s Rock The Bells have formed an alliance with producer and Wu-Tang Clan founder RZA. The goal: to expand and further solidify the music, brand, philosophy and lifestyle of the legendary and influential hip-hop collective.
“As we evolve from ‘Legendary Status’ to ‘Iconic Status,’ it’s only fitting and serendipitous that we join the team at Iconic Artists Group and Rock The Bells,” RZA (real name: Robert Fitzgerald Diggs) said in a statement announcing the alliance. “This partnership will help us continue to expound and expand the Wu-Tang Clan’s legacy.”
In addition to Wu-Tang Clan’s extensive catalog — which includes the multi-platinum albums Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), Wu-Tang Forever and The W — the business alliance will encompass film, television, merchandise and brand partnerships such as a recently teased collaboration with Nike. Iconic Artists Group and Rock The Bells are also working with RZA to unify Wu-Tang Clan’s global communities through one unique online portal.
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Susan Genco, co-president of The Azoff Company, said in a release, “Wu-Tang Clan’s influence on hip-hop — and the way the world views hip-hop — is undeniable. The partnership with RZA and Iconic is committed to ensuring that the importance of WTC’s music and their message is celebrated now and for generations to come.”
“The Wu-Tang Clan’s brand and music have been cornerstones of hip-hop culture,” LL Cool J said. “Our partnership with Iconic Artists Group will enable us to leverage Rock The Bells’ multi-faceted platform — encompassing radio, e-commerce, licensing, content and live events — to unite and engage fans with this iconic brand. Together, we’ll guarantee that the Wu-Tang Clan’s legacy and timeless hip-hop remain powerful forces for generations to come.”
Prior to its formal announcement, the partnership has yielded several earlier Wu-Tang Clan legacy-expansion projects. The first “Wu-Tang x MLB Night” was held at San Francisco’s Oracle Park when the New York Yankees played against the Giants on June 1. Wu-Tang Clan Day was declared last year (Nov. 9) by New York City Mayor Eric Adams to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of the group’s pioneering debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). To further mark the occasion, the Empire State Building was lit up in the group’s colors: black and yellow.
RZA also hosts #WuWednesdays on LL Cool J’s SiriusXM channel 43. Launched last November, the weekly show presents new and classic tracks from Wu-Tang Clan’s members as well as exclusive DJ mixes and interviews.
Last December, the group announced its first Las Vegas residency, “Wu-Tang Clan: The Saga Continues …” After four sold-out shows in February and March of this year, the group will return to The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas for two more shows this fall: Sept. 27 and 28. Click here for ticket information.
“The Wu-Tang Clan is much more than a music group; they’re a cultural phenomenon,” stated Jimmy Edwards, president of Iconic. “We can’t wait to bring our unique strengths together to create something truly unparalleled.”