GZA a.k.a. The Genius
Founding Member of Iconic Hip-Hop Group Wu Tang Clan, Co-founder of The Science Genius Program
On stage, Gary Grice shares anecdotes from his childhood and the genesis of his scientific curiosity growing up in the inner city of Staten Island. With deft lyrical skill, he recites narrative “freestyles”—often off the top of his head—that truly tell the story of the powerful relationship between hip-hop, rhythm, wordplay, and science.
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Full Bio
Considered one of the founding fathers of hip-hop music, GZA is one of the most recognizable music artists in the world. His program combines STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) with Music in a way never before seen by a speaker or artist on the lecture circuit. GZA will demonstrate firsthand on stage the power of combing scientific concepts, lyrical rap, and storytelling by performing freestyles during his talk.
Gary Grice, better known by his stage name GZA a.k.a. The Genius, is an American hip-hop artist and founding member of the seminal hip-hop group the Wu-Tang Clan. Within the group, he is known as the “spiritual head,” being both the oldest and the first to receive a record deal. Steve Huey of Allmusic has called him “one of the best lyricists of the 1990s,” while the editors of About.com ranked him #17 on their list of the Top 50 MCs of Our Time (1987–2007), making him the highest-ranking Wu-Tang Clan member on the list.
As a co-founder of the Science Genius program, GZA educates students about science through hip-hop, one of today’s most dominant cultural forces. He enters classrooms as an artist and provides a model for students to communicate what they learn in science class.
As a child, GZA’s interest in science far outmatched his interest in school. His enthusiasm for the sciences heavily influenced his music, however, GZA doesn’t just rap about science. He educates listeners about fundamental scientific principles in a new and exciting way, helping audiences understand how we are all connected to the natural world and the universe around us.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
Dark Matter: An Afternoon/Evening of Songs and Science with GZA aka The Genius
Videos
The genius of science: GZA & Science Genius at TEDxTeen 2014
GZA & The Soul Rebels: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert
Books
News
Testimonials
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