AceShowbiz - The legendary Wu-Tang Clan mastermind RZA recently revealed a fascinating shortlist of notable figures he would love to see induct the group into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later this year. Known for his visionary leadership that has kept the iconic hip-hop collective together for over three decades, RZA did not hold back when asked about his ideal inductors during a conversation with Rolling Stone.

When asked who would be on his list, RZA mentioned a unique blend of cultural icons spanning politics, film, and sports. “I’m doing one that’s going to be super egotistical, but probably the only person that I’m a superfan of that I never met: Barack Obama,” he said. The former president is a fitting choice given his past public endorsement of Wu-Tang-adjacent artists like Method Man and Mary J. Blige, who appeared on his 2016 summer playlist with the track “I’ll Be There For You/You’re All I Need.”

RZA also highlighted the influence of renowned filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, quoting the director’s self-description as a “rock & roll director.” He added Leonardo DiCaprio to his list, and in a surprising twist, included NBA superstar LeBron James, citing his unique cultural significance. This eclectic mix demonstrates RZA’s broad view of influence beyond just the music industry.

Not stopping there, RZA also mentioned the possibility of having legendary rock band Rage Against the Machine induct the Wu-Tang Clan. Rage, who were inducted into the Rock Hall in 2023, could offer a symbolic passing of the torch. “What if Rage f-kin’ inducted us?” RZA mused, imagining the impact of a one-night-only concert to celebrate the moment. Rage Against the Machine canceled what is likely their last tour in 2022 after singer Zack De la Rocha suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon early in the run, adding emotional weight to the idea of a reunion for such an event.

Wu-Tang Clan has been eligible for induction since 2018, and their official induction ceremony is slated for later this year. They will be honored alongside other legendary artists such as Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, and Luther Vandross. For RZA, this recognition marks “one of those pillars in life.” He fondly recalled that the first house he ever purchased was in Cleveland, the city home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and noted that he has visited the museum “hundreds of times” throughout the years.

Reflecting on the moment he learned about the induction, RZA shared a heartfelt story. “A friend invited me and my wife to dinner on Monday night and I noticed a bottle of champagne on the table,” he said. “He pops the bottle, pulls the glasses, and then my wife told me.” They watched the East Coast and West Coast versions of American Idol that night, anticipating the announcement. The next morning, his wife greeted him with, “Good morning, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer.” The child in me feels it.

Since the announcement, RZA has been in contact with every member of the group, sharing mutual gratitude for their journey. “It’s been all love,” he said. “The thanking each other. Knowing where we came from to where we’re at and being grateful to each other. Everybody just chimed in. ‘Thank you, brother.’ ‘I love you, brother.’ It was a lovefest.”

Although not every member participated in the recent Australian tour, RZA expressed confidence that the entire Wu-Tang Clan will join the induction ceremony. “I don’t see nobody taking some type of boycott,” he assured. When informed that Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band set the record for the longest acceptance speech at the Hall in 2014, clocking over half an hour, RZA promised a more concise approach.

“Some of us could talk. Some of us don’t talk,” he explained about the group members, which include GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna. The late Ol’ Dirty Bastard, an original member, passed away in 2004. RZA indicated that they would likely decide among themselves who would speak, “We’ll probably have a conversation like, ‘Who wants to talk? Let’s regulate this.’”

The induction ceremony is scheduled for November 14, 2026, in Los Angeles and will be broadcast on ABC and Disney+ in December, allowing fans to witness this historic milestone. For RZA and the Wu-Tang Clan, it is not only a recognition of their monumental impact on music but also a celebration of brotherhood and cultural influence that spans generations and genres.