RZA at “The Art of Beat Making with RZA + ROLI” at Apple Store Williamsburg on Nov. 3, 2016 in New York City. (Photo credit: Laura Cavanaugh/Getty Images) Music producer and film director RZA hosted “The Art of Beatmaking” last week in NYC. The Wu-Tang co-founder unveiled the new ROLI blocks music maker. For $179.95, ROLI’s Lightpad Block is the one of three devices in the modular creation system. The system allows users to create music with a tap, press, or swipe of a finger. The 4-inch Lightpad Block is the core of the system and it features 225 surface LED lights. This module has a power capacity of up to four hours. The block is operable on an iPhone 6 and up and iPad Air, as long as the devices are running iOS 9+. It also works with desktop apps like GarageBand, Logic, Max, and several others. At the event, RZA shared insight on his production process, while artist Shantell Martin did a live demonstration using the musical blocks. “The Breakfast Club” radio host Angela Yee co-hosted the event.
