Between working on films like his recently released Brick Mansions and getting studio time in for the upcoming Wu-Tang Reunion album, the RZA could do work for the New York City Tourism Bureau. His latest single “NY Anthem,” a collaboration with rock band Faulkner, is a soaring ode to the concrete jungle, where “the lights light up the show.” (The song served as the theme for ESPN NFL’s mini-series Draft Academy.) Recorded at Rick Rubin’s Shangri La studio in January, the track is featured on Faulkner’s new Americaneur EP, and will also be the new home-field opener for the New York Yankees. Says RZA on the collaboration: “It turned out to be a great energy…it’s never hard to find something new to say about New York.” The video captures the song’s reverence for the big city, as long shots of the concrete jungle are bathed in gorgeous black-and-white, while RZA spits a few gritty bars to remind you he’s not too far from the slums of Shaolin. Stream the video for “NY Anthem” above.
