After “pharma douche” Martin Shkreli was reported as the buyer of the $2 million, one of a kind Once Upon A Time In Shaolin album, there were more than a few people that were upset about who the purchaser was, especially the RZA.
RZA aka Robert Diggs criticized Shkreli’s buy after learning about the history of the 32-year old pharmaceutical giant who is best known for his extreme price hikes on life-saving drugs for cancer and AIDS patients. Their conflict spilled into the public arena, with Shkreli claiming bragging rights for ownership of the album. According to the pharma CEO, all money is good.
“I bought the album. [There’s a ] big fucking check in RZA and Cilvaringz’ pocket now.”
He goes on saying, “This [Wu-Tang Clan] thing is starting to get pretty tense. You probably see that increasingly. I’m getting pretty frustrated by it. I bought the most expensive album in the history of mankind and fucking RZA is talking shit behind my back and online in plain sight. I’m just getting pissed off. That’s not the way I do business. If I hand you $2 million, fucking show me some respect. At least have the decency to say nothing or ‘no comment.’ The guy [told Bloomberg] ‘…before his business practices came to light.’ What the fuck does that mean? I fucking make money. That’s what I do. That’s why I can fucking afford a fucking $2 million album. What do you think I do, make cookies? No, motherfucker. I sell drugs. [Laughs] I felt insulted.”
Shkreli also attempted to confirm a tough-guy persona in conflicts. After describing his street-tough collection method for a $3 million debt, the pharmaceutical giant turned his attention back to the RZA. “I don’t think RZA knows that. I think he thinks I’m some powder puff white guy CEO that’s got too much money. No. No, no, no. I definitely don’t spend $2 million for nothing. That’s a lot of money, even if you’re Carl Icahn. I’d encourage him to shut the fuck up before he goes a little too far. We’ll see what happens. I think he’s a smart man. He definitely acts like his shit doesn’t stink and he invented rap. This concept of selling one album, this shit’s backfiring for him now…”