New Inductee on Honor, Phil Collins, and RATM Reunion

Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, better known as RZA, has publicly called for former President Barack Obama to induct the Wu-Tang Clan into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, citing the group’s profound cultural impact and enduring legacy in music and beyond.

In a recent interview with VIBE.com published on April 16, 2026, RZA expressed his belief that Obama’s personal connection to hip-hop and his historic presidency make him the ideal figure to honor the Staten Island collective. “Barack Obama understands what Wu-Tang represents — not just the music, but the struggle, the intellect, the discipline,” RZA said. “He lived it. He represents the possibility we always rapped about.”

The Wu-Tang Clan, formed in the early 1990s, revolutionized hip-hop with their debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) in 1993, blending gritty street narratives with martial arts philosophy and innovative production. Over the decades, the group has expanded its influence into film, television, fashion and entrepreneurship, while individual members have pursued acclaimed solo careers.

RZA emphasized that the group’s significance extends far beyond commercial success. “We didn’t just make albums — we built a system,” he stated. “From the Wu Wear clothing line to the Wu-Tang saga on Hulu, we turned art into enterprise. That’s what the Hall of Fame should recognize: not just hits, but impact.”

The producer and de facto leader of the clan also shared personal reflections on what induction would mean, touching on themes of honor and artistic integrity. “Honor isn’t given — it’s earned through consistency, through staying true to the code,” RZA said. “We’ve never chased trends. We’ve always followed the beat of our own drum, and that’s what kept us alive for 30 years.”

In a lighter moment, RZA revealed his enduring admiration for Phil Collins, calling the Genesis drummer and solo artist “one of the greatest groove architects in modern music.” He noted Collins’ influence on his own approach to rhythm and dynamics, particularly in tracks like “Da Mystery of Chessboxin’” and “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthin’ ta F’ Wit.”

RZA also floated the idea of a dream reunion with Rage Against the Machine, envisioning a collaborative performance that would merge Wu-Tang’s lyrical intensity with the band’s politically charged sound. “Imagine ‘Killing in the Name’ with a Wu-Tang verse over it — or ‘Bulls on Parade’ with a shaolin sword sample,” he said, laughing. “That’s the kind of music that doesn’t just entertain — it wakes people up.”