The founders of the Wu-Tang Clan were RZA, GZA, and Ol' Dirty Bastard, who had previously formed the group Force of the Imperial Master (later known as All In Together Now after the release of a popular single by that name). The group attracted the attention of some notable figures in the industry, including Biz Markie, but did not manage to secure a record deal. After the crew dissolved, GZA and RZA (then known as Prince Rakeem) embarked on their solo careers with Cold Chillin' Records and Tommy Boy Records respectively, but to little success. Their frustration with the workings of the hip hop music industry would provide the main inspiration to Wu-Tang Clan's revolutionary business plan. According to The Wu-Tang Manual, at the group's inception, RZA promised the members that if he had total control of the Wu-Tang empire, it would conquer the hip hop world within a dynastic cycle, after which he would relinquish his total control.
Wu-Tang Clan was gradually assembled in late 1992 from friends and accomplices from around Staten Island, New York, with RZA as the de-facto leader and the group's main producer. Two of the cousins, GZA (pronounced Jizza) and RZA (pronounced Rizza), created their new Wu-Tang aliases by mimicking the sound that the words "genius" and "razor" would make when scratched on a turntable.
"Wu-Tang" comes from the name of the Taoist holy mountain Wu Dang in northwest Hubei Province in central China; it was also the site of the Ming Dynasty Purple Imperial City built during the reign of the Yongle Emperor in the early 15th century. RZA and Ol' Dirty Bastard adopted the name for the group after seeing the kung fu film Shaolin and Wu Tang, which features a school of warriors trained in Wu-Tang style. The group's debut album loosely adopted a Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang theme, dividing the album into Shaolin and Wu-Tang sections and using dialogue excerpts as skits.
The group have also developed various backronyms for the name (as hip hop pioneers like KRS-One and Big Daddy Kane did with their names), including "We Usually Take All the Niggas' Garments," "Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game" and "Wisdom, Universe, Truth, Allah, Nation, and God".
Method Man has also mentioned that the "Wu" is the sound a sword makes when cutting through the air, and "Tang" is the sound it makes against a shield.
The Clan first became known to hip hop fans, and to major record labels, in 1993 (see 1993 in music) following the release of the independent single "Protect Ya Neck", which immediately gave the group a sizeable underground following. Though there was some difficulty in finding a record label that would sign Wu-Tang Clan while still allowing each member to record solo albums with other labels, Loud/RCA finally agreed, releasing their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), in late 1993. This album was popular and critically-acclaimed, though it took some time to gain momentum. Though hip hop had long had a gritty texture, the surreal aggression and minimalist production of 36 Chambers nevertheless had a huge impact on the genre, and was to prove massively influential over the next decade. By the beginning of the 21st century, the album had become a regular fixture on "Best Albums of the 90s" lists as well as a frequent choice for "Best Albums of All Time" lists. The success of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) established the group as a creative and influential force in early 1990s hip hop, allowing GZA, RZA, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Inspectah Deck, U-God, and Masta Killa to negotiate solo contracts.
www.wutang-corp.com
Gravel Pit
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I want everybody, to put your work down, put your guns down
And report to the pit, the gravel pit
Leave your problems at home, leave your children at home
We gon' take it back underground, I be Bobby Boulders
Wu-tang Clan on yo' mind one time
It's the jump off, so just jump off my nigga
Check out my gravel pit
A mystery unraveling
Wu-tang is the CD that I travel with
Don't go against the grain if you can't handle it
Ha, holocaust from the land of the lost
Behold the pale horse, off course (off course)
Follow me, Wu-Tang gotta be
The best thing since Starks and Clark Wallabees
African killer bees blackwatch
On your radio, blowin out yo' watts
From Park Hill, the house on haunted hill
Every time you walk by your back get a chill
Let's peel, who want to talk rap skills
I spit like a semi-automatic to the grill
Elbow grease, and elbow room
Baby play me, baby fall down, go boom
Party people gather round, count down to apocalypse
(I'm the kid with the golden arms)
And I'm the motherfuckin hott nikks
Pass the blunt
My nigga don't front
You had it for a minute but it seem like a month
Now I'm chokin', smokin', hopin'
I don't croakin', from overdosin'
Hey, kid, walk straight, master your high
Wu and Meth got you open (open), let's ride
Can't stand niggas that floss too much
Can't stand Bentleys they cost too much
Kid wanna get up then kid get touched
Kid wanna stick up then kid get stuck
I'm the one that called your bluff
When your boy tried to act tough
Remember what Ol' Dirty said: "I'll fuck yo' ass up!"
Now listen
Back, back and forth and forth
Check out my gravel pit
A mystery unraveling
Wu-tang is the CD that I travel with
Don't go against the grain if you can't handle it
E with the English, extinguish styles extremist
Bald head beamers run wild
It's the kid with the gold cup
Stepped out like what
What's poppin', and y'all niggas dobo
Blastin' shae shae, chocolate shortae
Rich color mocks, rock those all day
1960 shit I'm Goldie
That's right motherfucker don't hold me
The world's greatest, Las Vegas, paid as rock
Skin painted on my face look ageless
Perfect combos, Ghost bang out condos
Jeff from Hamo, ex three bangos
Bancos, stank hoes in plain clothes
Change those, bang those, same old, same old
Yeah y'all, straight up this the jump off right here
The gravel pit, word up represent, rock the boulders
All my rich gangsta style, killers, y'all know what time it is
Shorty do your thing, get up on that shit right now boo, do you
That's what I'm talkin 'bout
Yo, step to my groove, move like this
When we shoot the gift of course it's ruthless
Grab the mic with no excuses
In a sec, grab the Tecs and loot this
Executing, shaking all sets, and I'm breaking all hex
I'm taking all bets, move all best, who want the dram' next
You all stank, we got the bigger bank
Bigger shank to fill your tank
Still the same kill you for real, while you crank
Slide, do or die, fry to bake
Admire the greats, on fire wit a heart of hate
Bitter shark, every part I take, heavy darts that quake
It's okay, all fakes, get caught by the dropkicks
You know the thrill, yes it's Park Hill
Yo we hit 'em with the hot grits
On the go, check the flow, saying Wu don't rock shit
Stop quick, hold the gossip, stop sweating my pockets
I hear the hot shit
Check out my gravel pit
A mystery unraveling
Wu-tang is the CD that I travel with
Don't go against the grain if you can't handle it
You don't have to move a mountain
Just give me enough strength to climb
Oh Lord ! Don't take away my stumbling vows
And lead me a round
The lyrics to Wu-Tang Clan's song Gravel Pit are a call to unite and let go of troubles while venturing into the underground scene. Bobby Boulders and Wu-Tang Clan form part of the movement, inspiring a sense of camaraderie and unity amongst their listeners. The gravel pit is a metaphorical reference to a gathering spot, a space where people can come together and engage with art and music without the hindrance of everyday life.
The lyrics paint vivid pictures of an impending apocalypse and the need to seize the moment before the end of the world. There is a sense of urgency and a call to action by the use of words like "count down to apocalypse" and "master your high." The haunting chorus is cautionary, advising caution against going against "the grain," warning of the consequences of trying to handle something beyond your capacity.
Line by Line Meaning
1, 2, 1, 2, yo check this out, it's the jump off right now
Listen up, things are about to get started or jump off.
I want everybody, to put your work down, put your guns down
Please stop working and put your weapons away.
And report to the pit, the gravel pit
Everyone should gather in the pit or hole that's filled with rocks.
Leave your problems at home, leave your children at home
Don't bring your troubles or kids with you, just come yourself.
We gon' take it back underground, I be Bobby Boulders
We'll return to our roots or origins, and I'm Bobby Boulders.
Wu-tang Clan on yo' mind one time
Think about Wu-tang Clan for a moment.
It's the jump off, so just jump off my nigga
Since this is the start, just start up my friend.
Check out my gravel pit
Take a look at the hole filled with rocks.
A mystery unraveling
Something puzzling is being figured out.
Wu-tang is the CD that I travel with
When I'm traveling, Wu-tang music is what I play.
Don't go against the grain if you can't handle it
If you can't cope with the difficulties, don't resist and make it harder for yourself.
Ha, holocaust from the land of the lost
The situation is disastrous, coming from a long-forgotten place.
Behold the pale horse, off course (off course)
Look at the symbolic horse, definitely going the wrong direction.
Follow me, Wu-Tang gotta be
Come with me, Wu-Tang has to be there.
The best thing since Starks and Clark Wallabees
The most awesome thing since the footwear Starks and Clark Wallabees.
African killer bees blackwatch
Blackwatch, African killer bees.
On your radio, blowin out yo' watts
On the radio, blasting at full power.
From Park Hill, the house on haunted hill
Hailing from Park Hill, from a spooky building.
Every time you walk by your back get a chill
Whenever you pass by it, it gives you the creeps.
Let's peel, who want to talk rap skills
Let's go, who would like to discuss their rap abilities.
I spit like a semi-automatic to the grill
My lyrics are like bullets from a semi-automatic gun aimed at your mouth, or grill.
Elbow grease, and elbow room
Plenty of hard work and space to move.
Baby play me, baby fall down, go boom
Try me, and you'll end up getting hurt badly.
Party people gather round, count down to apocalypse
Everyone come together and prepare for the end of the world.
(I'm the kid with the golden arms)
I'm the guy with the incredible talents and skills.
And I'm the motherfuckin hott nikks
And I'm the damn good looking guy.
Pass the blunt
Give me the marijuana cigarette.
My nigga don't front
My friend, don't act like you're tough when you're not.
You had it for a minute but it seem like a month
You possessed it for a short time, but it seemed like a long time.
Now I'm chokin', smokin', hopin'
Now I'm coughing, smoking, and hoping.
I don't croakin', from overdosin'
I don't want to die from too much of it.
Hey, kid, walk straight, master your high
Hey, young person, keep your behavior in line and control your intoxication.
Wu and Meth got you open (open), let's ride
Wu-tang and Meth are making you interested and aroused, let's go.
Can't stand niggas that floss too much
Can't tolerate people who show off their wealth excessively.
Can't stand Bentleys they cost too much
Can't tolerate Bentleys, since they're too expensive.
Kid wanna get up then kid get touched
If someone wants to start trouble, they'll be harmed.
Kid wanna stick up then kid get stuck
If someone wants to rob others, they'll be hurt.
I'm the one that called your bluff
I'm the one who exposed your lies.
When your boy tried to act tough
When your friend attempted to act like a macho man.
Remember what Ol' Dirty said: "I'll fuck yo' ass up!"
Remember that Ol' Dirty threatened to hurt you.
Now listen
Now pay close attention.
Back, back and forth and forth
Going back and forth repeatedly.
E with the English, extinguish styles extremist
E is using his English style to outdo other extreme styles.
Bald head beamers run wild
Bald people driving BMWs recklessly.
It's the kid with the gold cup
The guy with the gold cup.
Stepped out like what
Emerging confidently, saying what?
What's poppin', and y'all niggas dobo
What's going on? And you guys just standing there.
Blastin' shae shae, chocolate shortae
Playing music loudly.
Rich color mocks, rock those all day
Wearing brightly colored clothes all day.
1960 shit I'm Goldie
Dressing like Goldie from the 60s.
That's right motherfucker don't hold me
Exactly, don't try to control me.
The world's greatest, Las Vegas, paid as rock
I'm the greatest person in the world, who is famous and rich like Las Vegas.
Skin painted on my face look ageless
The makeup on my face makes me look ageless.
Perfect combos, Ghost bang out condos
Amazing mixtures, Ghostface Killah dominates apartments.
Jeff from Hamo, ex three bangos
Jeff from Hamilton, who used to have three BMWs.
Bancos, stank hoes in plain clothes
Gangsters, prostitutes, pretending to be regular people.
Change those, bang those, same old, same old
Swap them, kill them, just the usual stuff.
Yeah y'all, straight up this the jump off right here
Yes, everyone, this is where it all begins.
The gravel pit, word up represent, rock the boulders
The pit with the rocks, represent, let's get started.
All my rich gangsta style, killers, y'all know what time it is
All my wealthy people who dress like gangsters and kill, you understand what's happening.
Shorty do your thing, get up on that shit right now boo, do you
Young lady, do what you do best, right now, sweetheart, be yourself.
That's what I'm talkin 'bout
Exactly what I'm trying to say.
Yo, step to my groove, move like this
Step up to my rhythm, and dance like this.
When we shoot the gift of course it's ruthless
When we showcase our talent, it's always aggressive.
Grab the mic with no excuses
Take the microphone without hesitation.
In a sec, grab the Tecs and loot this
Quickly take some weapons to rob this place.
Executing, shaking all sets, and I'm breaking all hex
Carrying out my plan, disrupting all local gangs, and destroying all bad luck.
I'm taking all bets, move all best, who want the dram' next
I'm accepting all challenges, let's find out who's next.
You all stank, we got the bigger bank
You all smell bad, while we have more money.
Bigger shank to fill your tank
Larger knives to fuel your violence.
Still the same kill you for real, while you crank
We've always been serious about murder while you're playing around.
Slide, do or die, fry to bake
Escape, take risks, struggle to survive.
Admire the greats, on fire wit a heart of hate
Respect the legends, but with a burning desire to succeed and loathe.
Bitter shark, every part I take, heavy darts that quake
Miserable shark, every move I make, bold and striking attacks.
It's okay, all fakes, get caught by the dropkicks
It's alright, pretenders will be defeated.
You know the thrill, yes it's Park Hill
You're familiar with the excitement that comes from Park Hill.
Yo we hit 'em with the hot grits
We'll attack them with boiling hot grits.
On the go, check the flow, saying Wu don't rock shit
Hustling, checking my rhythm, telling people that Wu-tang has no equal.
Stop quick, hold the gossip, stop sweating my pockets
Stop spreading rumors and mind your own finances.
I hear the hot shit
I hear the hottest trends or things.
You don't have to move a mountain
You can make impressive achievements without doing something grand.
Just give me enough strength to climb
Just provide me with sufficient opportunity or energy to succeed.
Oh Lord ! Don't take away my stumbling vows
Oh God! Please don't remove my flawed commitments or promises.
And lead me a round
And direct me toward fulfillment.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Robert F. Diggs, Lamont Hawkins, Dennis David Coles, Clifford Smith, Paulisa Moorman, Kevin Lloyd Kendrick, Larry Blackmon, Tomi Jenkins, Nathan David Leftenant, Antoine Dominique Duhamel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind