“OBD Could Be the Next ‘R’ Name”: RZA Jokes Rihanna Should Name Her Next Baby After Ol’ Dirty Bastard

In a delightfully unexpected moment of hip-hop humor, RZA, the iconic leader of Wu-Tang Clan, has dropped a memorable quip: “Rihanna should name her next baby ‘OBD’,” in honor of his legendary — and famously chaotic — bandmate Ol’ Dirty Bastard. It’s a moment both hilarious and heartfelt, peppered with reverence for the Wu-Tang legacy and a nod to the musical traditions celebrated by Rihanna and A$AP Rocky.

1. The Context: A Family Naming Tradition

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are currently expanding their family, expecting their third child together—already parents to RZA Athelston Mayers (born May 2022) and Riot Rose Mayers (born August 2023).Both of their sons’ names begin with the letter “R,” a deliberate choice the couple stands by — “It’s always going to be an R name. That’s the one thing me and Rocky don’t fight over,” Rihanna told Entertainment Tonight.

RZA, the elder, expressed how touched he was by being honored with the moniker. “RZA isn’t only a name, it’s a title,” he said, calling the gesture “a great honor”.

2. OBD — The Legend Suggests the Legend

At the August 11 premiere of Nobody 2 in Los Angeles, PEOPLE prompted RZA for his take on what Rihanna and Rocky should name their next baby. With the perfect blend of reverence and levity, RZA didn’t hesitate: “You know what? OBD,” he quipped, referencing Ol’ Dirty Bastard (often abbreviated ODB or OBD in pop culture shorthand). “Because you know the legend must live on.”

The suggestion plays on several levels. ODB—born Russell Tyrone Jones—was an erratic, electrifying figure in Wu-Tang Clan lore: unpredictable, wildly charismatic, and nothing short of legendary. Bestowing such a name would signal not just fandom, but also a salute to the unfiltered spirit of hip-hop’s golden age.

3. A Deeper Appreciation of RZA’s Humility

Reflecting on the honor of having a child named after him, RZA expressed deep gratitude. During a 2023 interview, he said it meant more than just sharing a name—“There’s another generation that’s not even of my own household that feels the strength and the inspiration of that name.”

By suggesting OBD, RZA maintains the playful yet reverent tone of a mentor cheering on those paying homage—but also acknowledging the weight and legend within the Wu-Tang name legacy.

4. The Meaning Behind the “R” Theme

Beyond family tradition, the “R” stands strong symbolically. Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, and RZA all share names rooted deeply in hip-hop lore—Rakim, RZA, etc. Their naming pattern, it seems, is about more than a starting letter—it’s a celebration of influence, legacy, and cultural lineage.

That “R” ethos has sparked curiosity. Fans have speculated—playfully—that if it’s a boy, maybe it’ll be Raekwon, Method, or GZA traditional choices that echo Wu-Tang’s expansive roster.

5. Public Reaction & Fan Theories

The suggestion has generated both smiles and debates online. In fan circles, especially on Reddit, speculation about naming traditions has taken off. One user joked:

“we named him RZA after our favorite Wu-Tang member GZA, but changed the G to an R to go with Rihanna/Rocky.”

The OBD idea fits right in—celebratory, unexpected, and exactly the kind of naming fantasy fans adore: equal parts homage and hip-hop history.

6. Looking Ahead: Who Will Baby No. 3 Be?

With Rihanna confirming the gender has not yet been revealed, but the “R” name decision solid, anticipation is high. Will they go for a powerful name like Raekwon, Risen, Reign, or perhaps Ruby if it’s a girl? Maybe they’ll surprise us with something completely new—like OBD.

The naming stakes are comedic, symbolic, and—above all—lovingly rooted in conscious artistry.

7. Why It Resonates

Hip-hop meets parenting: It’s rare to witness first-generation icons like RZA actively chiming into parenting decisions. His suggestion feels personal, warm, and culturally resonant.

Humor with Heart: The comment lands as a joke—but it carries deeper meaning, nodding toward Wu-Tang values of legacy and authenticity.

Continuity of influence: Through his sons’ names, Rihanna and Rocky’ve created a line of hip-hop kin. OBD could extend that line with irreverence and respect.

Public affection: Rihanna recently flexed her wit online when a troll mocked RZA and Riot’s names. She clapped back with class, demonstrating that this naming game is deeply personal—and defended passionately.

8. Final Thoughts

If Rihanna and A$AP Rocky do ultimately pick OBD, it will be a mic drop—a name that’s funny, fearless, and firmly planted in music history. Even if they go another route, RZA’s clever shout-out has already become part of the story—a moment where hip-hop legend gently nudged celebrity parents to keep the legacy alive.

Whether it’s OBD or something entirely fresh, one thing’s certain: the next “R” is sure to be legendary.