GZA Cancels European Tour to Work in the Studio with Vangelis

BY Gregory AdamsPublished Aug 29, 2015

Wu-Tang Clan rapper GZA has revealed over Facebook that he's cancelled his upcoming European tour, but there's a pretty good reason why. That same post included news that he's currently working in the studio with noted Greek artist Vangelis.

GZA is apparently under a time-crunch and looking to wrap up sessions behind his in-the-works Dark Matter, explaining that he's taking the time to finish the LP instead of heading overseas next week.

He writes: "Due to circumstances beyond our control and a narrow window to finish Dark Matter, with a very rare collaborator, I regret to inform my fans that I must cancel these upcoming European dates. I'll be back next Spring with brand new material."

The picture, which you can see up above, shows GZA staring into the camera as another man is seated in front of a bunch of keyboards. Though the second artist's face is obscured, this "rare collaborator" is alleged to be Vangelis, most famous for his score work on Chariots of Fire and Blade Runner. He had also performed in Greek pop group the Formynx in the '60s, and later with progressive rock ensemble Aphrodite's Child.

As Pitchfork notes, the collaboration is notable as this would be Vangelis' first full-on collaboration with a hip-hop artist.

It's not, however, the only recent collaboration GZA has delivered in the lead up to Dark Matter. Earlier this year, he issued his "The Mexican" track with Tom Morello, and released the "Planetary Energy" single with Wavves offshoot Sweet Valley for Converse.

While GZA's European dates were to start later next week, he's still expected to play the Denver Riot Fest on Sunday (August 30).



Pre-order GZA's Liquid Swords: The Singles Collection art box edition now.

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