AUDIO Listen to Destiny Bends, a tribute to Paul Walker from Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA

Although he’s better known as a rapper for Wu-Tang Clan, RZA was moved to produce a heartfelt ballad in memory of his friend, Paul Walker. Released just one day after the actor’s death, Destiny Bends is both a raw and beautiful tribute to Paul.

RZA posted the song on Sunday night, noting he wrote it immediately after learning of Paul’s death. The men recently bonded while working together on Brick Mansions, an upcoming action film.

This song, entitled “Destiny Bends” was written last night after hearing the tragic news of the loss of a good man named Paul Walker. I met Paul on the set of the film Brick Mansion, where we talked, laughed, and exchanged ideas of life and fatherhood. I only knew him personally for less than a year, but we knew each other through our work and art. We saw in each other a kindred spirit of men coming from unlikely circumstances, and rising to be the light and beacon of our family and loved ones. Men who learned the joy and pains of love in life, and success, while coming to realize that nothing is more important than family, friendship, and the brotherhood of humanity. Millions of people get to know an artist or movie star through their work, but few are allowed to cross each others’ paths and see through the veil of stardom and find the common denominator that we share. As all physical things will decay and wither away, film, art, and music remain longer than the vessel that delivered them. In this vein, the one thing we can’t take away or give back is time. So, thus, time is the most precious gift. I dedicated my time to compose this song with my two sons and new friend Will Wells, who was kind enough to sing and perform it for me. We dedicate it to Paul Walker. A good man. We had plans to continue working with each other in the future. It seemed destined, but “destiny bends.”

RZA added the song — which was performed by Will Wells — is a sketch demo that he released for the enjoyment of Paul’s fans. At this point, that seems to be exactly what many are doing: Nearly 250 have commented that the song is a wonderful tribute.