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
Auto Bio
GZA/Genius Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I was born, with the mic in my hand
Then I took it from Medina, to the S.I. land
I pulled up on the block, go out the truck, tt was the first of pit stops
The era of the spinnin' tops, the birth of hip hop
That was somethin', I had identified with
So I, made it my point to exploit this fly gift then
Myself and RZA, made trips to the B.X.
Giants in every ways, rap flows for every day
We knew we would get a reward for the price we'll pay
The basic training was beyond entertainment
Just the caters of the verbal expressions, self explainin'
Were my boots out in constant walks across the borough
Tore the troops out the frame when they challenge the most thorough
From well concealed firing positions we let off the most
Dangerous with that, slang that just shatter the coast
They say I rhyme like the bank that stop
Cause M.C.'s be more shook then the dice that drop
Especially if I'm rollin', then the point is definitely proven
Cause with the GZA holdin', that keep a nigga movin'
I walk Broadway, from Quincy to Myrtle
Back to Quincy, cut careers whatever the expense be
They heard the Legend, run to the reverend
With headaches and blackouts, worse then severe seven
[Chorus: GZA]
And when my job is done
And it's time to get those that's comin' up some runs
So you can see where they from, from, from...
They say the product is good
We gonna sling it from the slums of the hills of the hood
'Til it's understood
[GZA]
We still search through the crates of songs that just breaks
At times we play legendary battles on tapes
Unlikely confrontation with a clash of swords
In a G that was stored, be rain that just poured
On cats and dogs, water that, flooded the stance
The violence and nature had trigged the violence of man
That was bloodshed, from which said, audible threats
Publicize regrets, wanted alive or dead
A hand full recovered from the dramatic plunge
While the rest kept babblin' and speakin' in tongues
Since the competition already slaked them in a scrimmage
He continued tarnish that, already faded image
Any sport, when they come short, majors don't need 'em
Then they broke, lose they homes, lively hood and freedom
The rhyme could be a blunt object that make you choke
Like too many tokes, that'll recharge in growth
This Witty Unpredictable Talent or Natural Game
With non added of slang, it's all actual fact
The high roller knock the chip off the shoulder
Strike like the perfect bowler, with catastrophic damage
My other's hard to vanish, punishment, swift to sudden
Unparalleled advantage, brought to a level where you froze and can't speak
Trapped in the frigid temperatures of that peak
[Chorus]
In these lyrics of "Auto Bio," GZA reflects on his personal and artistic journey as an MC, from his birth with a microphone in hand to the pinnacle of his rap career. He describes his travels from Medina to Staten Island, where he discovered the birth of hip hop and began his mission to exploit his talent. He formed a musical partnership with RZA and made trips to the Bronx, where he encountered the ferocity of MCs like T-Rex and found inspiration in their flows.
GZA highlights the rigorous training he endured as an MC and the constant battles he faced as he walked across the borough, tearing down all who challenged him. He infuses his experiences with metaphorical references to the violence and nature that surrounded him, likening his rhymes to a blunt object that can make the listener choke, or to the frigid temperatures of a peak that can trap one in its clutches.
Overall, these lyrics paint a portrait of an artist who has paid his dues through arduous training and countless battles. Through his understated but powerful flow, GZA declares that he has emerged as a master of his craft, ready to sling his product from the slums of the hills of the hood until it is understood.
Line by Line Meaning
I was born, with the mic in my hand
I was destined to be a rapper from birth.
Then I took it from Medina, to the S.I. land
I started my career in Medina and transitioned to Staten Island.
I pulled up on the block, go out the truck, tt was the first of pit stops
I made my first stop in the neighborhood to perform and showcase my talent.
The era of the spinnin' tops, the birth of hip hop
I witnessed the beginning of hip hop.
That was somethin', I had identified with
I related to the art form and saw myself as a part of it.
So I, made it my point to exploit this fly gift then
I worked hard and used my talent to my advantage.
Myself and RZA, made trips to the B.X
I worked collaboratively with RZA, traveling to the Bronx to find inspiration.
A mass of ferocious M.C.'s and talent T-Rex
We encountered numerous skilled rappers.
Giants in every ways, rap flows for every day
The rappers we encountered were talented in diverse ways.
We knew we would get a reward for the price we'll pay
We anticipated eventual success due to our hard work and dedication.
The basic training was beyond entertainment
The learning process was challenging.
Just the caters of the verbal expressions, self explainin'
The power of words alone is self-explanatory.
Were my boots out in constant walks across the borough
I tirelessly walked around and performed in different neighborhoods.
Tore the troops out the frame when they challenge the most thorough
I impressively defeated competitors who challenged me.
From well concealed firing positions we let off the most
We attacked from hidden positions with force.
Dangerous with that, slang that just shatter the coast
Our slang was powerful and influential.
They say I rhyme like the bank that stop
My rhymes are so good that they stop people in their tracks.
Cause M.C.'s be more shook then the dice that drop
Other rappers are intimidated by my skills.
Especially if I'm rollin', then the point is definitely proven
My skills are proven when I am performing.
Cause with the GZA holdin', that keep a nigga movin'
My talent keeps the energy of the crowd going.
I walk Broadway, from Quincy to Myrtle
I have performed in many different parts of the city.
Back to Quincy, cut careers whatever the expense be
I have ended many careers with my performances.
They heard the Legend, run to the reverend
People who have heard of me come to hear me perform.
With headaches and blackouts, worse then severe seven
People feel overwhelmed and emotional after hearing me perform.
And when my job is done
After I perform.
And it's time to get those that's comin' up some runs
I like to help up-and-coming rappers gain exposure.
So you can see where they from, from, from
I want people to know where these rappers are from.
They say the product is good
People recognize the quality of music we are producing.
We gonna sling it from the slums of the hills of the hood
We will distribute this music from urban neighborhoods.
'Til it's understood
Until people recognize the value of our music.
We still search through the crates of songs that just breaks
We dig through old records to find beat samples.
At times we play legendary battles on tapes
We listen to classic rap battles as inspiration.
Unlikely confrontation with a clash of swords
Rap battles are like clashes between swordsmen.
In a G that was stored, be rain that just poured
Our lyrics are like a storm that has been brewing and is finally unleashed.
On cats and dogs, water that, flooded the stance
Our lyrics impact everyone, even those not involved in the rap scene.
The violence and nature had trigged the violence of man
The violent nature of rap battles leads to further violence.
That was bloodshed, from which said, audible threats
Rap battles can get so intense that audible threats are made.
Publicize regrets, wanted alive or dead
After a particularly intense battle, some people feel regret and others want revenge.
A hand full recovered from the dramatic plunge
A few people were able to recover after the intense experience.
While the rest kept babblin' and speakin' in tongues
Others were left in a state of shock and confusion.
Since the competition already slaked them in a scrimmage
The competition was already too much for them.
He continued tarnish that, already faded image
He went on to continue ruining his already diminishing reputation.
Any sport, when they come short, majors don't need 'em
If you are not successful in a sport, the big leagues won't want you.
Then they broke, lose they homes, lively hood and freedom
People often lose everything after failing to succeed in a sport or profession.
The rhyme could be a blunt object that make you choke
Rap lyrics can be so powerful that they leave you speechless.
Like too many tokes, that'll recharge in growth
They can be like taking too many drugs that recharge and stimulate growth.
This Witty Unpredictable Talent or Natural Game
The combination of my talent and unpredictability make my rap unique.
With non added of slang, it's all actual fact
My lyrics are truthful and don't rely on slang to make an impact.
The high roller knock the chip off the shoulder
I confidently take risks and challenge others.
Strike like the perfect bowler, with catastrophic damage
My lyrics are powerful and can have a huge impact.
My other's hard to vanish, punishment, swift to sudden
My reputation cannot easily be ruined and I can be punishing to my competitors.
Unparalleled advantage, brought to a level where you froze and can't speak
My talent is so impressive that it can leave people speechless.
Trapped in the frigid temperatures of that peak
People are left feeling overwhelmed and stuck in the moment.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GARY E. GRICE, JULIAN I. JR. GARFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Ginga
I thank my friend for loaning me his "Legend of the Liquid Swords" CD. Great album by an incredible artist.
@4LB3GoesHugE
Brought to a level where your froze and can't speak, trapped in the frigid temperatures of that peak...wow.
@guru3614
its sad that this vid only gets 1000 views when soldier boy gets 4 million
@davidpepin6443
Talent versus popularity unfortunately.
@moussathiam5031
You're a right
@mberk
2021=corona
@lewchootrain
produced by GZA as well
@Departur3z93
say that crap if Ol Dirty Bastard, Tupac and Big were still alive
@mertarslanvac
Guys, are you still alive ?
@Vicsage_
je hebt toch zeker niet je telefoonnummer als username of wel :P