Events

[HIP HOP] There’s a reason why GZA is sometimes called The Genius. Born as Gary Grice, the 50-year-old Brooklyn native and founding Wu-Tang member is known to possess “the second largest vocabulary in rap music.” We don’t know who’s numero uno in that distinction, and it doesn’t matter right now since it’s GZA that’s coming to lay down his philosophical prowess at The Waiting Room on Saturday, February 25. For the last six years, GZA has been talking about a project called Dark Matter, a concept album—potentially one in a series—that dwells on themes derived from physics and has been rumored to feature contributions from electro-composer Vangelis (“Chariots of Fire”). While working on Dark Matter, which supposedly will see the light of day this year, GZA got involved in a mission to improve science education in New York City (and beyond), working with the assistance of Columbia University’s Christopher Emdin and the Rap Genius website on a pilot program called “Science Genius B.A.T.T.L.E.S.” which stands for Bringing Attention to Transforming, Teaching and Learning Science. This initiative is intended to motivate high school students, especially African-American and Latino students who, when combined, account for 70 percent of New York City’s student body, to learn science through hip hop, creating scientific raps and participating in competitions. Meanwhile, GZA continues to brand his own blend of spirituality and science, forging a singular path in a genre full of mimics and imitators; there’s nothing else quite like it. Support comes from Meyhem Lauren (Queens) and our own Short Moscato.