Gary Grice (born August 22, 1966), better known by his stage name GZA (pron… Read Full Bio ↴Gary Grice (born August 22, 1966), better known by his stage name GZA (pronounced /ˈJizzah/) and The Genius, is an American hip hop artist best known as a founding member of the seminal hip hop group the Wu-Tang Clan and for his inclusion on their group albums, his group mates' solo releases and a successful solo career.

When it comes to thought provoking, street-bred raw lyricism, the Wu-Tang Clan's fountain of wisdom, GZA takes his job very seriously. The way he crafts his double-edged rhyme flow mirrors the skill and precise technique of one who works with fine ceramics. GZA's metaphoric and multi-layered lyrics are often touted by critics as his rap name implies; genius.

Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in every borough of New York City, The GZA's workmanship can be found three albums deep with classics dating back to 1991 including the albums Words From The Genius, the gold-selling Liquid Swords and Beneath The Surface. Before his days of microphone notoriety, GZA found himself, during the early ages of rap music, travelling throughout New York City sharpening his rap skills in scattered rhyme battles. "I've studied rap in every borough," the GZA says proudly. "I've been rhyming before a lot of these cats out here were born. We've [Wu Tang Clan] always drank, ate and slept hip-hop. I love it." On his latest blockbuster album Legend Of The Liquid Sword, The GZA makes reference to his hip- hop foundation on the reflective Fam (Members Only) "I grew up around B-Boys, DJs, MCs, through rap, never thinking in ways of TV," the Genius raps. "It was strictly all about magnificent rhyme clout."

During GZA's travels, he encountered other rap veterans that recognized his promise and helped to nurture his talent. "I watched a lot of people come up that are big now," Genius says earnestly. "I used to make demo tapes with cats that rocked with Russell Simmons and people like that. The history goes so far back; I've always been really focused on writing dope rhymes."

The GZA's dream of perfection has been realized once again on his fourth album to date. Legend Of The Liquid Sword not only regains the powerful momentum started by the last three releases, it adds to the Genius' verbal legacy with uncompromising integrity. Heat-seeking darts like the introspective, Auto Bio where GZA breaks down the elements of his life that created the man he is and the crime thriller Luminal.

What has always set The GZA apart from the ordinary is his ability to create complex images with simple context. In the same way it's said that a picture is worth a thousand words, Genius assembles his words to create thousands of vivid pictures. "I don't like to just be simple," he explains. "Even though some of my stuff can seem simple at times, I like to write in a way that when you listen to it over and over again, you hear something new and it requires you to think." Legend Of The Liquid Sword does just that. Whether the listener gets captured by the vocal acrobatics of Santi White (who has written songs for Res) on GZA's Stay In Line or the authentic old school soul production on the masterpiece Animal Planet, Genius weaves satisfying brain food through his lyrics. In his phenomenally cerebral use of metaphors, The Genius flawlessly equates human city dwellers to animals in the jungle onAnimal Planet , which was produced by rhythm doctor Bink (who has produced heavyweight joints for Fat Joe, Nate Dogg, Mr. Cheeks and Faith Evans). With beats by fellow Wu Tang brother RZA, Jaz-O (Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt album), DJ Muggs (who has produced for Cypress Hill, Mobb Deep), Wu producer Mathematics (Ol' Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Sunz of Man), Arabian Knight and other sonic masterminds, GZA's talents come across even heavier. On the adrenaline raising Hip Hop call to arms, Knock, Knock (the album's shining debut single), The GZA asks on the chorus, "knock, knock, who the f*** is banging at my door, is it abstract, commercial or hardcore?" In his signature way of ill rhyme construction, GZA further defines the parameters of whatrap music should be.

Don't call GZA's comeback just a comeback, it's a return of an entirely revolutionary thought process. "When we did Back In The Game on the Wu-Tang Iron Flag album, I did a verse about gambling," he explains solidly. "I didn't want to be 'back in the game' or 'back on the block,' that's typical. I made it all metaphorical." It's those same metaphors that makes the Genius' liquid sword a living legend in it's own time.
Name: GZA/Genius
Real Name: Gary Grice
Label: N/A
Web: N/A

7 Pounds
GZA/Genius Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Speakin' of this art form this slang is dangerous
MC's are like sperm cells, a gang of us
Fightin' to reach the egg
Bitin' or loose a leg
Odds are like one in ten million, a thin thread

One from a thousand speaks in his own voice
The other 999 imitate without choice

Never even knowing it until the going gets rough
See the amplified sample I've grown with.

I grab the microphone the unthinkable happens
See the rocket's red glare like the guns; clappin'
They still cage matchin' MC's is scrappin'
Not the UFC but my opponent's tappin'

So don't let a little bit of fear turn to hatred
I was sent as the savior to revive what is sacred
Also stop this uncalled-for behavior
Sylphic rap cats they lactate the flavor

Got word from the wise to let it drop
Set this on fire, take aim and let it pop
Because regardless of who or what
Even with doors shut
I'm givin' 'em straight raw you're givin' 'em raw cut
Like Bolivian rock, your watered down hip hop
Rap so outta shape and far from tip-top
Girls next to pebbles
Spoons against shovels
Dictators next to rebels and
Gods against Devils.

No time for backwards thinkin' let's think ahead,
If you wanna sleep when you awake then make your bed

A lot of MCs came to see me on referrals
Not even knowing that they would undergo great perils
This cutting edge methods from the most specialized
[?]
The lord of the art strikes a chord in your heart
Your ear love to hear the guard rip the track apart
To me hip hop is like Einstein to science;
A match made in heaven, most likely alliance

Complex individual that you dream of being
Intellectual charlatan, the all-high-seeing

Got an appetite for heat so then come and bite the beat and
Digest the rest and don't stress the part you couldn't eat.

Overall Meaning

The song "7 Pounds" by GZA/Genius is a commentary on the state of hip hop and the importance of individuality in the genre. The first verse likens MCs to sperm cells competing to reach the egg, only one in ten million having a chance to succeed. GZA is suggesting that in a crowded field of rappers all vying for attention, it's essential to stand out and speak in one's own voice rather than imitating others blindly. The second verse describes the intensity of battle rap and the importance of not succumbing to fear or hatred. GZA sees himself as a savior sent to revive the sacred art of hip hop, in contrast to the "watered down" and "outta shape" rap that dominates the mainstream. The final verse proclaims the value of complexity and individuality in hip hop, and urges listeners to embrace their own unique voice and style.

Line by Line Meaning

Speakin' of this art form this slang is dangerous
Referring to hip hop as an art form, its language can cause harm.

MC's are like sperm cells, a gang of us
Rappers are similar to sperm cells, competing to fertilize the egg, which in this case is the music industry.

Fightin' to reach the egg, Bitin' or loose a leg, Odds are like one in ten million, a thin thread
The odds of becoming successful in music are extremely low, with dire consequences of failure.

One from a thousand speaks in his own voice
Only a tiny fraction of rappers have authentic styles and original voices.

The other 999 imitate without choice
Most rappers copy other styles, lacking creativity and originality.

Never even knowing it until the going gets rough
Imitators may not realize their lack of originality until they face challenges in their careers.

See the amplified sample I've grown with
The artist has developed and expanded his unique style over time.

I grab the microphone the unthinkable happens
The artist's performance is so good that it seems impossible.

See the rocket's red glare like the guns; clappin'
The artist's rapping style is explosive and powerful, like the sounds of guns.

They still cage matchin' MC's is scrappin', Not the UFC but my opponent's tappin'
The artist's competition is strong and intense, but he always emerges victorious.

So don't let a little bit of fear turn to hatred, I was sent as the savior to revive what is sacred
The artist believes in music as a sacred art form that has been corrupted by hatred and fear.

Also stop this uncalled-for behavior, Sylphic rap cats they lactate the flavor
The artist is critical of rappers who lack sincerity and substance in their music.

Got word from the wise to let it drop, Set this on fire, take aim and let it pop
The artist has been advised to end the negativity and criticism, and instead focus on making great music.

Because regardless of who or what, Even with doors shut
The artist is determined to succeed in music, no matter what the obstacles or challenges may be.

I'm givin' 'em straight raw you're givin' 'em raw cut, Like Bolivian rock, your watered down hip hop
The artist's music is powerful and authentic, while other rappers produce weak and imitation music.

Rap so outta shape and far from tip-top
Many rappers lack the skills and dedication needed to succeed in the music industry.

Girls next to pebbles, Spoons against shovels, Dictators next to rebels and Gods against Devils
The artist highlights the intense competition and conflicts in music and human society as a whole.

No time for backwards thinkin' let's think ahead
The artist urges listeners to focus on the future and progress, rather than dwelling on the past.

If you wanna sleep when you awake then make your bed
The artist encourages listeners to take responsibility for their actions and choices, and not be complacent.

A lot of MCs came to see me on referrals
Many rappers are interested in working with the artist due to his reputation and success.

Not even knowing that they would undergo great perils
Rappers who work with the artist may face immense challenges and risks in the music industry.

This cutting edge methods from the most specialized
The artist uses innovative and unique methods in his music, demonstrating his expertise.

The lord of the art strikes a chord in your heart
The artist's music resonates with listeners, inspiring emotions and passion.

Your ear love to hear the guard rip the track apart
Listeners enjoy hearing the artist's powerful and impressive rapping style.

To me hip hop is like Einstein to science;
The artist sees hip hop as a highly significant and influential force, comparable to Einstein's impact on science.

A match made in heaven, most likely alliance
Hip hop and the artist are a perfect match, with a strong and mutually-beneficial relationship.

Complex individual that you dream of being
The artist is a highly skilled and talented individual who represents a role model for others to aspire to.

Intellectual charlatan, the all-high-seeing
The artist is highly intelligent and insightful, with a deep understanding of music and human society.

Got an appetite for heat so then come and bite the beat and
The artist loves intense and passionate music, and encourages others to embrace this style as well.

Digest the rest and don't stress the part you couldn't eat.
The artist encourages listeners to appreciate and enjoy the parts of his music that they understand, without worrying about the parts that are beyond their comprehension.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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