This past weekend, ESPN premiered their latest 30 For 30 documentary titled Be Water, which is centered around the life of star actor and Jeet Kune Do legend Bruce Lee. Inspired by the film, hip hop legend and Wu-Tang Clan frontman RZA has unveiled a new single titled “Be Like Water,” which sees him returning back to his classic formula of merging the worlds of music and martial arts:
“Boundless, yet when it’s surrounded, it appears to be bounded, it takes the shape of that which bounded it/
Then imprints it’s old shape and before it evaporates and move on, leaving a new landscape behind it/
So we’re reminded, be like water, don’t be bonded, sometimes we gotta dig deep into our inner selves/
Our own hurt to find itIntercept the fist, Jeet Kune Do, fluid movements, even flow, even though, that it sounds like a lethal blow/”
The track also comes accompanied by a visual that mixes shots of RZA performing and creating in the studio with footage of nature, somewhat abstract, animated shots of Bruce Lee, and more.
As part of the song’s release, RZA explained the reason behind its creation via an official statement:
“Bruce Lee’s teachings extended beyond physical martial arts. He was full of philosophy and mindfulness… His quote ‘Be Water my friend’ is profound and multi-tiered in definition. It inspires the idea that in adapting to life situations, sometimes we have to flow smoothly as a stream, while other times we have to crash like a tsunami.”
Aside from producing for the likes of Rich Brian and Miley Cyrus, RZA has remained largely quiet in regards to creating music. His latest project overall was Anything But Words alongside Interpol frontman Paul Banks. Prior to that, he released his fourth official solo release Digi Snacks in 2008.
Press play on “Be Like Water” below.