March 18, 2010 Brooklyn Beats, Classic, Multi/Media, Music Profiles, Video

Who-Tang? GZA Bails on BrooklynVegan Appearance

By Nicole Brydson tags: Bands, Featured Beats, Hip Hop, Local Shows, SXSW

AUSTIN, TX — Revelers at BrooklynVegan’s showcase at SXSW on Wednesday were disappointed when the GZA, a founding member of rap syndicate the Wu-Tang Clan, billed as the headliner, did not make his promised appearance at Emo’s.

Luckily, Killah Priest and the 9th Prince – a younger brother of the RZA – were in town and ready to fill in.

"Cash rules everything around me!" said Killah Priest as he took the mic from Damian Abraham, singer of Toronto-based hardcore band Fucked Up.

"CREAM!" responded the crowd, as the duo broke into a tribute to the legacy of the Ol’ Dirty Bastard, a former colleague.

Killah Priest and 9th Prince, both raised in Bed-Stuy, then broke into a freestyle rap, dropped their album dates (May and April, respectively) and made their exit.

"GZA? He just couldn’t make it," Killah Priest told BrooklynTheBorough.com later. "He told us to come and help him out. He’ll be here though – somewhere – he’ll be here."

In an attempt to keep the crowd interested after the departure of the "Wu-Tang" Mr. Abraham teased the crowd, "This is the first time I’ve taken my shirt off on stage." Though, it was evident his tongue was planted firmly in cheek.