RZA, Common & T.I Discuss Why They Are "American Gangster"

RZA, Common, T.I discuss their recent film, 'American Gangster'

RZA (IPA pronunciation: /ɹɪzʌ/; born , July 5, 1969) is an American hip hop producer, rapper and actor. He is the de facto leader of the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, and was also a member of Gravediggaz. He has produced almost all of Wu-Tang Clan's albums as well as many Wu-Tang solo and affiliate projects. Lately he has gained more attention for his work in films, whether it be on screen or as a composer of original film scores.

He has also released solo albums under the alter-ego Bobby Digital, which concerns himself only with the lawlessness of the male power fantasy, women, drugs, alcohol and shooting guns.
RZA was born Robert Diggs in Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York. After an impoverished childhood in a family of 11 children, RZA began his hip hop career in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a member of the trio Force of the Imperial Master (which subsequently became known as the All in Together Now Crew after they had a successful underground single of that name). The group consisted of future Wu-Tang members and his cousins GZA (then known as the Genius) and Ol' Dirty Bastard (then known, respectively, as Ason Unique, the Specialist, and the Professor). Once this acclaimed local band dissolved, both he and GZA attempted to kick start solo careers. With the help of GZA's friend Melquan (then owner of Jamaica Records) they both secured single deals with album options at successful labels, GZA going to Cold Chillin and RZA to Tommy Boy. GZA ultimately released the Words from the Genius album, but RZA's stint at Tommy Boy ended with only the EP Ooh I Love You Rakeem to show for it when he went to jail soon after its release. GZA's album flopped, and the two cousins became determined to conquer the hip hop industry on their own terms.
Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr. (born March 13, 1972), better known by his stage name Common, is an American hip hop artist. Common debuted in 1992 with the album Can I Borrow A Dollar?, and maintained a significant underground following into the late 90s, after which he gained notable mainstream success through his work with the Soulquarians. His first major label album, Like Water for Chocolate, received widespread critical acclaim and moderate commercial success. Its popularity was matched by 2005's Be, which was nominated in the 2006 Grammy Awards for Best Rap Album.[1] Common has also started a burgeoning film career, starting with a role in the action thriller, Smokin' Aces, followed by a part in American Gangster.

Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. (born September 25, 1980), better known by his stage name T.I., and also by his alter ego T.I.P., is an American rapper, songwriter, actor, record and executive producer as well as the Co-CEO of Grand Hustle Records.


A BlackTree Media Production

Produced by: Jamaal Finkley
Hosted by: (The Amazing) Ms. Brooke Christopher

Synopsis:
American Gangster is a 2007 crime film written by Steve Zaillian and directed by Ridley Scott. The film stars Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. Washington portrays Frank Lucas, a real-life heroin kingpin from Manhattan who smuggled the drug into the country in the coffins of American soldiers returning from the Vietnam War. Crowe portrays Richie Roberts, a detective who brings down Lucas's drug empire. Filming was done in New York, and American Gangster is slated for a November 2, 2007 release.

Cast:
Denzel Washington as Frank Lucas
Russell Crowe as Detective Richie Roberts
Cuba Gooding Jr. as Nicky Barnes
Josh Brolin
Common as the brother of Frank Lucas
T.I. as the nephew of Frank Lucas
Anthony Hamilton as a singer[3]
RZA
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Ted Levine
John Ortiz
Yul Vazquez
Carla Gugino
KaDee Strickland

Official site:
http://www.americangangster.net/