​​Lose yourself to improve yourself. Only when we shed all self-definition do we find who we really are.

RZA

This is a series about the Ballantine's x RZA partnership. Click here to explore the rest of the stories and find out more.

Self-expression is everywhere. It’s in how we dress, how we eat, how we speak, and how we choose to live our lives. But if there’s one thing in particular that really defines who we are, not just as individuals but as a generation, it’s music — and no one knows this better than RZA.

As hip-hop celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, Ballantine’s Scotch Whisky welcomes the Wu-Tang Clan frontman into its creative clan to mark the start of something very exciting.

Ballantine's' guiding mantra and manifesto has always been to Stay True. Stay True to who you are, what you do, and how you want to live your life, so over the next few months, alongside RZA, the two will continue their shared journey, inspiring you to ‘keep it real’ and just do you. From different drops working with music, food, and fashion, we will see RZA exploring every facet of his life, from the expected to the more unexpected —  so you’re going to want to stay tuned for the next few chapters.

You might be wondering, what do RZA and Ballantine’s have in common? Well, for starters, whisky-making and producing music have more in common than you think…

When I was up in the Highlands with Ballantine's, I came to realize that making whisky is like making a song, you need the right amount of sweetness and punch to make a good blend. When the elements come together, it’s harmony. Not only does this work for good whisky, but it also works for life too; if you celebrate your own journey and keep it real, you can do amazing things.

RZA

Although RZA is primarily known for his musical talent, he doesn’t just fit the mold of what it means to be a hip-hop artist, in fact, he has shown over the years that he’s got some more unique talents up his sleeve, something that sets him apart from others in the field.

RZA is a guy who can pretty much do it all. A hip-hop legend turned kung fu master, filmmaker, chess champion, producer, and actor, he has long been known for forging his own path, mastering his different crafts, and subverting expectations. Over the years, the multi-hyphenate has put in copious amounts of time to really hone in on the new skills he’s wanted to learn, proving that practice really does make perfect. Did you know that he did the score for both Kill Bill films, starred in the hit film American Gangster and is the director of development for the hip-hop Chess Foundation, winning its championships multiple times — and just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, he’s also a vegan because of his love for animals!

For the Brooklyn-born lyrical genius, music was pretty much in his blood from the get-go, competing in rap battles at eleven and producing alongside his cousins and Wu-Tang Clan fellow founders, GZA and Ol’ Dirty Bastard, but one thing RZA always wanted to be was unexpected. He wanted to be outside of his comfort zone, broaden his horizons and keep pushing himself.

Now you look at the icon and recognize him not only for his music but the unforeseen fields he thrives in even to this day. He’s a guy who lives without fear and throws himself into all facets of life, head and heart first. When it comes to his values and how he chooses to live his life, RZA is not only a true role model to look up to but an inspiration (which is also why Rihanna and A$AP Rocky chose to name their newborn son after the Brooklyn legend himself!).

My '90s slogan was keep it real, and that's what staying true is all about. Live your life with no boundaries, break expectations and embrace what makes you, you.

RZA

Ballantine’s and RZA have a shared DNA; one of legacy, history, love of music, and damn good taste.

Ballantine’s champions those that stay true to who they really are, brought to life through its True Music platform. True Music has given its global presence to over 600 artists from all walks of life for the past decade, giving them the chance to really give the world a taste of who they are through their music. Many exciting communities and individuals have showcased their talents, from the South African Amapiano scene and Nairobi’s bubbling Gengetone sound to Madrid’s burgeoning Perreo & Rap community and many more.

Working hand in hand with music communities, Ballantine’s continues to champion those that Stay True, encouraging self-expression and discovery. This doesn’t only resonate with the brand’s identity but with the overall message they want to put out to you, you, and you — at the end of the day, both Ballantine’s and RZA believe in doing things your own way.

Not one to shy away from new experiences, RZA jumped at the opportunity to explore Ballantine’s’ home up in the green pastures of the Scottish Highlands. Nestled in Alves, Moray, the Glenburgie Distillery is steeped in heritage and craftsmanship, much like the world of hip-hop where RZA comes from.

This year not only marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop but also the 30th anniversary of the Wu-Tang Clan’s iconic debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). Remember ‘Protect Ya Neck,’ ‘Method Man,’ and ‘Bring da Ruckus’? Well, the gritty sound of the RZA-produced tracks set a precedent and built the blueprint for hardcore hip-hop at the time. Representing the underground sound of New York, the playful and, at times, heavy-hitting lyrics of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) fueled the East Coast Renaissance era of hip-hop.

Rooted in their love of music, RZA and Ballantine’s have gone a step further to celebrate this moment by joining forces with Crosley to announce the first in their series of exclusive drops. For all three game changers, it’s about creating shared moments over music and highlighting each individual taste, whatever genre you’re into.

With that being said, vinyl lovers, get ready for this. Crosley’s classic C6 record player is getting a RZA makeover, complete with a RZA slipmat that not only nods to his close connection with hip-hop as an art form but his passion for music and creativity in general. Dotted with handwritten motifs and lyrics from the legend himself, the turntable, slipmat, and accompanying Montero speaker all serve one main message: there’s no wrong way to amp up, wind down and make new experiences.

Crosley has brought music to people around the world for over 100 years. Helping Ballantine's and RZA in this unique collaboration is the perfect example of our motto, ‘amplify your style.’ We're happy to play a part in this meeting of icons.

Keith Starr, President of Crosley Brands

Find out more about the Ballantine's and RZA partnership on ballantines.com/RZA. The limited-edition Ballantine’s x RZA Crosley record player will be available from June 30.