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 "AutoBio," GZA reflects on his journey to becoming a rapper and the sacrifices he made along the way. He talks about how he was born with a mic in his hand and took his talent from Medina to S.I. land. He describes his encounters with other talented rappers and the collaborations he had with RZA, including trips to the B.X. where they met ferocious M.C.'s with exceptional rap flows. GZA talks about the basic training he went through to master verbal expression, and how he was always walking the borough in his boots, ready to challenge the most thorough troops. He illustrates the power of his rhymes and how he was able to shatter the coast with his slang. GZA reflects on the many battles he fought, including unlikely confrontations with clashes of swords, and how they triggered the violence within man. He speaks about the sacrifices that came with being a rapper, such as risking his life by battling rival rappers on the street. GZA ultimately expresses his pride in being a talented rapper who can "sling it from the slums of the hill of the hood."
Line by Line Meaning
I was born, with the mic in my hand
I was born to be a rapper and my talent in music was innate.
Then I took it from Medina, to the S.I. land
I moved from Medina to Staten Island to pursue my music career.
I pulled up on the block, go out the truck, tt was the first of pit stops
I started performing on street corners and it quickly became a routine for me.
The era of the spinnin' tops, the birth of hip hop
I emerged during the early days of hip hop, when it was just starting to become popular.
That was somethin', I had identified with
Hip hop and rap culture resonated with me and I knew I had to be a part of it.
So I, made it my point to exploit this fly gift then
I decided to use my natural talent in music to pursue a career in hip hop.
Myself and RZA, made trips to the B.X.
RZA and I traveled to the Bronx to collaborate with other talented rappers.
A mass of ferocious M.C.'s and talent T-Rex
We encountered many talented rappers, including T-Rex, during our trips to the Bronx.
Giants in every ways, rap flows for every day
We were surrounded by great rappers who had unique styles and could rap about anything.
We knew we would get a reward for the price we'll pay
We knew that if we worked hard and put in the effort, we would be rewarded for our success.
Just the caters of the verbal expressions, self explainin'
Our lyrics and rap style were self-explanatory and spoke for themselves.
Tore the troops out the frame when they challenge the most thorough
We were not afraid to take on other talented rappers and prove ourselves.
From well concealed firing positions we let off the most
We held our own and made our voice heard, even when we were not in the spotlight.
Especially if I'm rollin', then the point is definitely proven
When I am at my peak and at my best, my talent shines and proves itself.
I walk Broadway, from Quincy to Myrtle
I roam through the streets of New York City, from Quincy to Myrtle, which are known for music and culture.
Back to Quincy, cut careers whatever the expense be
I am willing to take risks in my music career and cut out anything that is not viable.
They heard the Legend, run to the reverend
My talent is recognized and people come to me for my music.
With headaches and blackouts, worse then severe seven
My music can have a powerful effect on people, causing them headaches and even blackouts.
We still search through the crates of songs that just breaks
We continue to look for great music and are inspired by songs that break the mold.
At times we play legendary battles on tapes
We listen to old recordings of legendary rap battles for inspiration.
Unlikely confrontation with a clash of swords
Our music can be confrontational and powerful, like a clash of swords.
In a G that was stored, be rain that just poured
Our music is stored in our souls and flows out like rain pouring from the sky.
On cats and dogs, water that, flooded the stance
Our music can have a powerful effect, even like a flood that overwhelms everything.
The violence and nature had trigged the violence of man
Our music can be intense and trigger violent reactions in people.
That was bloodshed, from which said, audible threats
Our music can be so powerful that it can lead to violence and threats.
Publicize regrets, wanted alive or dead
Our music can be so intense that people regret ever engaging with it, and some may want us dead or alive.
A hand full recovered from the dramatic plunge
Despite the risks and intensity, some people are able to recover from the powerful effects of our music.
While the rest kept babblin' and speakin' in tongues
Others, however, are unable to handle our music and seem to speak gibberish or be unable to react.
Since the competition already slaked them in a scrimmage
Other rappers may have already defeated or demoralized some of our competition during a rap battle.
He continued tarnish that, already faded image
Despite already being past his prime, some rappers continued to harm their reputation with poor performances.
Any sport, when they come short, majors don't need 'em
Just like in any sport or competition, if you fall short or underperform, major opportunities may not be available to you.
Then they broke, lose they homes, lively hood and freedom
If some rappers fail to succeed, they may lose everything, including their homes, livelihood, and even freedom.
The rhyme could be a blunt object that make you choke
Words and rhymes can be powerful and forceful, even making people choke or stumble.
Like too many tokes, that'll recharge in growth
The power of our music can be like taking too many hits or tokes, leading to a powerful and growth-inducing experience.
This Witty Unpredictable Talent or Natural Game
Our rap style is known for being clever, unpredictable, and natural.
With non added of slang, it's all actual fact
Our lyrics are not filled with meaningless slang, but instead are based on actual facts and experiences.
The high roller knock the chip off the shoulder
We are confident and willing to take on anyone, even if they have a chip on their shoulder.
Strike like the perfect bowler, with catastrophic damage
Like a perfect bowler making a strike, our music can have a devastating and far-reaching impact.
My other's hard to vanish, punishment, swift to sudden
My presence and impact are hard to ignore, and I can swiftly and suddenly punish those who dare to challenge me.
Unparalleled advantage, brought to a level where you froze and can't speak
My talent and style are so superior that others may be intimidated, and even unable to respond or react.
Trapped in the frigid temperatures of that peak
People may be stuck or trapped in the intense and cold nature of our music, unable to escape or move on.
And when my job is done
When I have accomplished what I set out to do in my music career.
And it's time to get those that's comin' up some runs
When it is time to help and mentor the next generation of rappers and help them succeed.
So you can see where they from, from, from...
So that the next generation can proudly represent where they are from and their roots in their music.
They say the product is good
People recognize and appreciate the quality and talent in our music.
We gonna sling it from the slums of the hills of the hood
We will continue to spread our music and promote it from the most humble and overlooked corners of our community.
'Til it's understood
Until everyone finally understands and recognizes the talent and impact of our music.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GARY E. GRICE, JULIAN I. JR. GARFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind