A$AP Rocky and Rihanna named their first child RZA after the Wu-Tang Clan legend, and Jason Lee connected Rocky and RZA on a FaceTime call during RZA’s recent appearance on The Jason Lee Show.
Rocky recalled seeing RZA on a flight to a festival in New Mexico. “You said, ‘I’ma show you better than I can tell you or some s–t,’” RZA remembered. Rocky replied at the time, which appears to be before his son was born: “In a couple months, it’s gonna make sense.”
The Harlem native continued to give RZA his flowers and respect while explaining the thought process behind giving his son the name. “I’m named after one of the greatest rappers [Rakim], and my son, he’s named after one of the greatest producers and artists. So we had to carry on tradition.”
RZA called it an “honor” to have his name passed on to Rocky and RiRi’s child. “It’s a name and a title at once. It’s an honor,” he said. “All praises due to Allah that every letter of that word resonates in your young God and he shines that light on the word.”
Rocky appreciated RZA giving his blessing and hopes his son gets to meet the Wu icon in the future. “Your blessing means a lot. You gotta meet little RZA though,” he added before hopping off the call.
Rihanna gave birth to RZA Athelaston Mayers on May 19, 2022; perhaps the Wu-Tang leader could pull up to baby RZA’s fourth birthday party next month.
Rihanna and Rocky have brought another two children into the world in the years since: son Riot (Aug. 1, 2023) and daughter Rocki (Sept. 13, 2025).
RZA is currently promoting his upcoming One Spoon of Chocolate film, which hits U.S. theaters on Friday (May 1). RZA’s sitting in the director’s chair for the action-thriller film starring Shameik Moore, Paris Jackson and RJ Cyler. This fall, RZA will join the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, as the Wu-Tang Clan is set to be inducted into the Rock Hall’s Class of 2026.
Watch the full interview below. Rocky and RZA connect around the 1:08:00 mark.
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