Net Worth Ranker
What Is RZA’s Net Worth?
RZA, a multifaceted artist known for his contributions to hip-hop as a rapper, actor, record producer, and director, has accumulated a net worth of $30 million. His financial success is largely attributed to his role as the leader of the influential hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, his solo music endeavors under the alias Bobby Digital, and his forays into the film and television industries as an actor and composer.
RZA’s Early Career and the Formation of Wu-Tang Clan
Born Robert Fitzgerald Diggs in 1969 in Brooklyn, New York City, RZA’s journey into the world of hip-hop began in his youth. He started participating in rap battles at the age of 11, showcasing an early aptitude for lyrical expression. By his teens, RZA was already forming rap groups, including Force of the Imperial Master with his cousins Russell Jones and Gary Grice. He then formed the DMD Posse, which included future Wu-Tang Clan members, which laid the groundwork for his future success. In 1989, he signed a solo contract with Tommy Boy Records and released “Ooh I Love You Rakeem” under the name Prince Rakeem.
In 1992, RZA played a key role in establishing the Wu-Tang Clan, along with his cousins GZA and Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and five childhood friends. Upon signing with Loud Records, the group released their debut album, “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers),” which significantly impacted the hip-hop scene and is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time. It achieved platinum certification and helped establish RZA as a prominent figure in hip-hop. In 1997, Wu-Tang Clan released “Wu-Tang Forever” which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, and it was eventually nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.
RZA’s Wu-Tang Clan Production and Impact
From 1994 to 1996, RZA took on the role of producer for almost all of Wu-Tang Clan’s releases, assuming control and overseeing the entire creative process. This included Wu-Tang Clan albums such as “The W,” which went platinum, and “Iron Flag,” which achieved gold status. In 2015, Wu-Tang Clan released a single copy of “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin,” which was bought for $2 million by Martin Shkreli.
Solo Ventures as Bobby Digital
RZA also pursued a solo career under the alias Bobby Digital, releasing the album “Bobby Digital in Stereo” in 1998. This was followed by “Digital Bullet” in 2001 and “Digi Snacks” in 2008. According to Nielsen Music, “Bobby Digital in Stereo” sold around 300,000 copies in the United States. In between these two albums, Diggs released the album “Birth of a Prince” under his regular RZA alias.
RZA’s Film and Television Endeavors
RZA’s influence extends into film and television, where he has contributed as a composer, actor, and director. He composed the score for Jim Jarmusch’s “Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai” (1999). RZA gained greater recognition for his work on the soundtracks of Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” films in 2003 and 2004, receiving a BAFTA nomination for Best Original Music for the first film. His filmography includes acting roles in “Funny People” and “American Gangster”. In 2014, RZA starred opposite Paul Walker in “Brick Mansions.” RZA also directed the martial arts film “The Man with the Iron Fists,” which featured Russell Crowe and Lucy Liu and grossed over $15 million worldwide. His other directorial credits include “Cut Throat City” and “Blood Brothers.” RZA had a recurring role on the television series “Californication” and was part of the main cast of “Gang Related.” Other television credits include “Robot Chicken,” “The Simpsons,” and “Snowfall.” These roles contributed to his overall income, although specific salary details are not publicly available.
RZA’s Real Estate Holdings
RZA’s real estate portfolio includes several properties. In 1996, he purchased an 8,000-square-foot home on five acres in Millstone Township, New Jersey, for $490,000. In 2015, he acquired a 7,300-square-foot mansion in Bell Canyon, California, for $2.5 million. In August 2023 RZA paid $9.8 million for a home in Malibu, California. These real estate investments contribute to his overall wealth.
