RZA: Guided Explorations Review

By Jason Arline
Music Journalist

With stay-at-home orders being in effect across the country, many of us find ourselves in isolation and separated from the daily events in our lives that keep us in serenity. Many of us have had to adjust to being isolated these past few months and while some have been able to maintain their composure others are on the verge of a mental breakdown. It is at times like these when we have to make sure we are taking steps to protect not only our physical health but also our mental health.

There are many ways that we can achieve mental stability one that I found to be a great help is guided meditation. While there are many different guided meditation tracks I found The RZA’s Guided Explorations to be perfect for the hip-hop head trying to unwind. 

The album features 6 tracks including an intro. On each track, RZA speaks to you over beats to help you unlock your own potential and find balance in your everyday life. Throughout the explorations, RZA speaks upon his own mental journey as it relates to the founding of Wu-Tang. He takes his own experiences as examples and guides you toward taking similar steps towards your personal serenity.

As I listened to each track throughout my own week I started to build my own serenity. The first track “Kill the Noise” helped me minimize distractions in my life and focus on what matters most. The second track “Fan Your Flames” guided me to find my own mental island to go to whenever I need to be alone. On my third day “Bite or Stop Barking” encouraged me to let my goals be known to those most influential in my own life.

In “If Not You” RZA showed me my power stance that I can take whenever I feel adversity within my way. At the end of my week “Making Moves” invited me to get outside and take a walk as I planned my goals, assessed my obstacles and gained a new perspective on my journey. 

After listening to each track and following along with the instructions given I felt both calm and focused at the end of my week. I had gained tools and insight needed to balance my goals and my inner peace while learning about the RZA along the way. RZA’s voice and the combination of serene beats make Guided Explorations the perfect start to the day for anyone seeking both successes in the real world as well as within their minds.

Featured image via The RZA and Tazo Tea.