GZA/Meyhem Lauren/FreshProduce

Philosopher-MC and founding member of the revolutionary New York rap crew The Wu-Tang Clan, GZA is a fixture of the hip-hop ruling class. After the smash success of the group’s 1993 album Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), GZA embarked on a solo career marked by lyrical dexterity and iconoclastic inventiveness, from 1995’s Liquid Swords to 2008’s Pro Tools. The 50-year-old rapper helped pave the way for New York City’s 90’s hardcore scene, presaging artists like Nas, Jay-Z, Mobb Deep, and The Notorious B.I.G. Over the years, GZA has gravitated towards science and philosophy, giving TED Talks on science education and collaborating with professors at MIT, Oxford, Harvard and Columbia on education initiatives. He’s recently joined forces with Tom Morello and Greek composer Vangelis as he works towards his oft-delayed album, Dark Matter. Meyhem Lauren, the gritty Queens-bred Action Bronson affiliate, opens, along with Cleveland duo FreshProduce. (Lawrence Neil)