A founding member of Wu-Tang Clan, GZA has been dropping beats and knowledge on the masses for a long time. Recently though, he decided to start dropping some book learning on you by making an album about the cosmos called “Dark Matter”. The new album, set to debut in the fall, will tackle subjects ranging from the solar system and physics to black holes and frenetic energy. And he’s not just guessing at how these things work either, GZA consulted with top minds at MIT, Cornell and Nerdist’s favorite astronomer, Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson.
“God put the needle on the disc of Saturn / The record he played revealed blueprints and patterns.” According to the Wall Street Journal, it was in Dr. Tyson’s office where the spark for those lyrics came about when GZA was inspired by the rings of Saturn on a model.  Dr. Tyson is certainly inspiring, but this may be the first time he’s gotten to add muse to his impressive list of credentials.
This won’t be the only voyage into academia that GZA has planned. The hip-hop artist has also begun doing his homework on marine life, meeting with the likes of Philipe Cousteau and other major seas labs. Here’s to hoping Wes Anderson is available to direct a couple videos from that album.
As nerds we’ve been lucky enough to know that music and science have gone hand in hand for years thanks to bands like They Might Be Giants. Isn’t it time for the hip hop scene to have an academically inspiring figure that goes beyond the nerdcore? And before the skeptics come out swinging that rap and hip-hop can’t be compatible with science, let’s remember that rap has been teaching us anatomy for quite some time.
“Dark Matter” is expected to release this fall and subscribe to the Nerdist Channel to get updates on when you can see Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson’s Star Talk.
Jesus, have none of you heard of Canibus? How about The Last Emperor? Science and general geekery are nothing new to hardcore HIP-HOP.
Now that’s what I call dropping science.
You’d think the writer would do a little research on the nerdcore genre before making such sweeping statements about hip hop. Science and rap are one of music’s sweetest partnerships <3
please have a gucci mane feature
You can’t see Dark Matter but you know he exists, far from a myth, sort of like a solar eclipse…
You can’t see Dark Matter but you know he exists, far from a myth, sort of like a solar eclipse, Iam sick with the gift, face should be carved in a cliff, one lyrical god when spits switches souls vibrational pitch…
Try Blackalicious and Gift of Gab if you want a rapper that can rap about science and do interesting lyrical experiments. Chemical Calisthenics and A to G are two specific examples.
“As nerds we’ve been lucky enough to know that music and science have gone hand in hand for years thanks to bands like They Might Be Giants. Isn’t it time for the hip hop scene to have an academically inspiring figure that goes beyond the nerdcore? And before the skeptics come out swinging that rap and hip-hop can’t be compatible with science, let’s remember that rap has been teaching us anatomy for quite some time.”
WOW this is terrible. Quit it!
Cool! Kind of like when Baba Brinkman did that peer-reviewed rap show on the subject of evolution.
Wow. One of the most culturally ignorant articles I’ve read in a while. Maybe think about adding some color to your staff, Nerdist.
The Genius! Wow! Most of the people who are familiar with his work wouldn’t be surprised by this step, nor if Rza was involved. Since falling in love with “Liquid Swords” ,and Rza’s solo albums, I eagerly anticipate their topnotch art.
Had the pleasure of meeting NdT. Will never forget the moment!