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Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Hip-Hop Chess Los Angeles Charity Tournament: RZA to Defend Title
Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014
Hello everyone,
RZA is spending all his time preparing for a chess tournament these days. He has completed the latest Wu-Tang Clan album and now needs to defend his title at a celebrity speed chess tournament.
The Hip-Hop Chess Federation is holding a special chess charity event on February 16 in Los Angeles. It's going to be an eight-player speed chess event. He had won the Hip-Hop Chess event title in 2007.
“I am looking forward to the upcoming chess battle at the HHCF Chess Kings Invitational in Los Angeles. To those knowing I have to defend my belt, get ready to protect ya neck,” said RZA. "The belt" refers to the prize given at the event instead of a trophy.
RZA, an ace chess player, is also the director of development and champion of the Hip-Hop Chess Federation. Working with Crowdtilt.com, the Hop-Hop Chess Federation is also holding an online fundraiser to teach chess and non-violence to youth. Proceeds from the charity tournament will go towards expanding the organization to Los Angeles.
RZA - Robert Fitzgerald Diggs - is an American music producer, multi-instrumentalist, author, rapper, actor, director and screenwriter.
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
From leading the Hip-Hop Chess Federation to a side project with System of a Down's bassist to directing the upcoming 'The Man With the Iron Fists,' here is one of the are the 10 slickest things RZA has done (aside from fronting Wu-Tang Clan).
We're talking about a chess board. Come Saturday, February 11th, in San Jose, the boards will be hot, and so will the turntables. It'll be time for the 5th annual Hip-Hop Chess Federation tournament. A chance for kids to play chess, meet some of their musical heroes, and learn some important life lessons.
Rza, of the Wu Tang Clan, shows some people how to play chess.
The Federation (HHCF) has been making its way into Bay Area schools, and holding tournaments where kids play, slack-jawed at first, with the hip-hop artists they listen to. Each one has, so far, featured a panel of chess players, rappers, and martial artists talking about why nonviolent pursuits (like chess) will help young people take the time necessary to avoid bad choices, and embrace good choices. In the past, panelists have included rappers like Rza of Wu Tang Clan and Rakaa Iriscience of Dilated Peoples, along with International chess Master Josh Waitzkin. This year, a Jiu Jitsu seminar led by Heroes Martial Arts instructor Alan "Gumby" Marques.
In other words, a little something for everyone. Because while you may not put hip-hop, chess, and martial arts together in the same universe (unless you're a huge Wu Tang Clan fan, where it would all make perfect sense), HHCF founder Adisa Banjoko says the trifecta is a good one for helping young people. "Chess is Jiu Jitsu for the mind," Banjoko says, "Jiu Jitsu is chess for the body." many a rapper has spoken to kids through the HHCF, pointing out that in chess, the best moves are made after taking an extra second to make sure you're doing the right thing, and not something dangerous.
A good lesson for life.
If you're interested, the HHCF Tournament starts at 10am on February 11th, at The Alum Rock Youth Center (137 N. White Road) in San Jose. It runs until 4pm, so stop by if you can. You'll have a good time playing, and listening.
Yes, the Wu-Tang Clan chief director RZA. Now, there is fresh news about the Apple app - RZA challenges Jay Z to $1 million chess showdown. RZA has challenged fellow rapper and chess-playing rapper at that - Jay Z to a chess match with his Apple app for a $1-million wager! What do you say, whom shall we help with Chess King!
For the uninitiates - RZA is the Wu-Tang Clan’s chief producer. Also known as the Abbott, Prince Rakeem, Rzarector, Bobby Steels and Bobby Digitalhe was born as Robert Diggs.
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2011
Hello everyone,
Interesting news here - RZA loves chess! It's his favourite past-time! Aided by Charisma Apps, the Wu-Tang Clan rapper-producer has put together the "RZA's World" app. It features four main components:
The Sound Track To Your Life - RZA imparts sage advice on various life situations
What’s News - Provides up to date information regarding everything RZA
3D Chess Chamber - A forum offering entertaining game-play challenging chess players from novice to advance play. (The chess part in the video from 1:02)
You can watch a video that explains the app below. It's available now on the iTunes store.
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RZA is spending all his time preparing for a chess tournament these days. He has completed the latest Wu-Tang Clan album and now needs to defend his title at a celebrity speed chess tournament. 
