Playboy.com: It's rumored that you want to retire after the next RZA album and become a filmmaker.

RZA: That's my aspiration. To visually show my expression of art. They say a picture can say a thousand words, and so at thirty frames per second, just imagine the possibilities.

Playboy.com: What kind of movies would you like to make?

RZA: I think I'd probably tread the same path I started with Wu-Tang. First start with something cool and aggressive, like 36 Chambers. But just make good movies, you know? Some deep, some funny, and some kung-fu entertainment. Same way I do my music. When you listen to our albums...I mean you got the Godfather mafia thing on (Raekwon's) Cuban Linx, the next you've got a samurai silent film on (GZA's) Liquid Swords, with the Gravediggaz you've got your horror. So I would love to now do what I did sonically in a visual way. It's not an easy job, I know that, but I'm working on it.

Playboy.com: You have a close relationship with Quentin Tarantino. Has he mentored you at all?

RZA: I've been taught by the best, baby! I got it right from the horse's mouth. He's my teacher when it comes to film. I've got a kung fu teacher, a shaolin teacher of martial arts, and Quentin Tarantino is my teacher of film. I accept him as my mentor. I pull his drink, you know what I mean? The way you pour the tea for your master.

Playboy.com: Film isn't your only other creative pursuit outside of music. When did your interest in chess start?

RZA: Chess is a funny thing. OK, this is Playboy, so I can talk about this. I learned chess at the age of 11, and the same person who taught me to play chess is the same girl that took my virginity. So that's crazy, funny and true. But it's a fascinating game for me. It's the best way that I can unload the stress off my day. I think it's a good mental exercise.

Playboy.com: Membership on WuChess.com is growing quickly. Do you feel that you've brought chess to a larger audience that might otherwise not get into the game?

RZA: I do think I'm helping spread the chess culture. One thing about me is, if I see something I like, and I think it's good and healthy for me, I prescribe it to somebody else. I'm not selfish with it. So chess is good medicine, like a guitar. I never knew what a stress reliever and how musically expressive a guitar could be. But chess is one of those things -- and I'm not a master at it yet, I'm studying hard at it -- but I think it's a good exercise for us. And WuChess came about out of my love for it. You can just sit down, relax, do a few calculations, go to war with your buddy on a game of chess, strategize, and think before you do things. Just as you do in life.

Playboy.com: Of all your interests, is music still your first love?

RZA: Yeah, music got me hooked.

Playboy.com: Can you imagine your life without it?

RZA: I feel blessed that I got the opportunity to make music. I love listening to it. It's the most addictive thing in the world.

Playboy.com: What part of your career would people most like to remember you for?

RZA: I came into the entertainment world because of Wu-Tang, but I hope they just see me as one of those good men. A man who sat on the good side of the table.