RZA Named in 'Blade' Lawsuit

Wu-Tang Clan rapper/producer RZA has become embroiled in a lawsuit over money due from his work on the soundtrack to the movie Blade: Trinity. According to reports, United Talent Agency filed court papers Friday (Sept. 22) against RZA and his New York-based company, RZA Productions, for money owed for the beat-crafter's work on the soundtrack. RZA, born Robert Diggs, was paid $430,000 for his work on the soundtrack, according to reports. The amount was decided from an agreement UTA made with RZA. According to the agreement, the agency was to receive 10 percent "on all consideration received by Defendants from, among other things, services performed as a composer in connection with any theatrical motion picture, which agreement was obtained or substantially obtained, by Plaintiff for defendants, during the period of Plaintiff's representation of Defendants," the suit stated. UTA claimed that they booked a deal for the rapper and his company to work on the project from May 1, 2004 to Sept. 30, 2004. The company also alleged that RZA "failed and refused, and continues to fail and refuse to pay the principal sum of $43,000 or any part thereof. UTA is seeking its regular commission of $43,000 plus interest.