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
Brooklyn Zoo
GZA/Genius Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm the one-man army, Ason
I've never been tooken out, I keep MCs lookin' out
I drop science like girls be droppin' babies
Enough to make a nigga go crazy
And energy buildin', takin' all types of medicines
Your ass thought you were better than Ason
While I be comin' with teeth, bitin' more shit
Enough to make you break and shake yo' ass
'Cause I create rhymes good as a tasty cake mix
This style, I'm mastered in
Niggas catchin' headaches, what, what? You need Aspirin?
This type of pain, you couldn't even kill with Midol
Fuck around, get sprayed with Lysol
In your face like a can of mace, baby
Is it burnin'? Well, fuck it, now you're learnin'
How, I don't even like your motherfuckin' profile
Give me my fuckin' shit, ch-ch bloaw!
Not seen and heard, no one knows
You forget, niggas be quiet as kept
Now you know nothin'
Before you knew a whole fuckin' lot
Your ass don't wanna get shot
A lot of MCs came to my showdown
To watch me put your fuckin' ass low down
As you can go, below zero
Without a doubt I've never been tooken out
By a nigga, who couldn't figure
Yo by a nigga, who couldn't figure
Yo by a nigga, who couldn't figure
How to pull a fuckin' gun trigger
I said, "Get the fuck outta here!"
Nigga wanna get too close, to the utmost
But I got stacks that'll attack any wack host
Introducin', yo fuck that nigga's name
My hip-hop drops on your head like rain
And when it rains it pours
'Cause my rhymes hardcore
That's why I give you more of the raw
Talent that I got will riz-ock the spot
MCs, I'll be burnin', burnin' hot
Whoa-hoa-hoa! Get me like slow-mo with the flow
If I move too quick, oh, you just won't know
I'm homicidal when you enter the target
Nigga get up, act like a pig tryin' to hog shit
So I take yo' ass out, quick, the mics
I've had it my nigga, you can suck my dick
If you wanna step to my motherfuckin' rep'
Ch-ch bloaw! Bloaw! Bloaw! Blown to death
You got shot 'cause you knock, knock, knock
"Who's there?" Another motherfuckin' hardrock
Slackin' on your mackin' 'cause raw's what you lack
You wanna react? Bring it on back
Shame on you, when you step through to
The ol' dirty bastard, Brooklyn Zoo!
Shame on you, when you step through to
The ol' dirty bastard, Brooklyn Zoo!
Shame on you, when you step through to
The ol' dirty bastard, Brooklyn Zoo!
Brooklyn Zoo, Brooklyn Zoo!
The opening lines of "Brooklyn Zoo" immediately magnetize the listener's attention to the artist, GZA/Genius, who refers to himself as Ason. The intimidating opening asserts that he is the "one-man army," distinguished from other MCs. He then proceeds to drop knowledge and skilfully crafted lyrics akin to the art of dropping babies, fancying himself as a force of nature, figuratively holding planets in orbit as he spits bars. He shares a few possible references to his usage of medicine for creative energy, though it is debatable if it's literal or just metaphoric. Throughout the song, GZA/Genius boasts his mastery of the flow, and how he can make an art out of biting pieces of rhymes from other artists.
The centerpiece of "Brooklyn Zoo" is GZA/Genius's elocution, marked by his ability to throw rhymes at breakneck speed, densely packed phrases, and sci-fi-inspired imagery. He also makes references to Lysol, an astringent used for cleaning surfaces, and Midol, a medicine marketed to alleviate menstrual cramps for women, adding an extra layer of irreverence to the lyrics. GZA/Genius concludes the song by defying anyone who steps to his reputation, assuring that he would not hesitate to shoot them, effectively summarizing the song's aggressive and defiant mood.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm the one, I'm the one, I'm the one, I'm the one
I am the most important person here
I'm the one-man army, Ason
I am unstoppable on my own
I've never been tooken out, I keep MCs lookin' out
I've never been defeated and other rappers know it
I drop science like girls be droppin' babies
I drop knowledge and rhymes with ease
Enough to make a nigga go crazy
My rapping is so good it can drive someone crazy
And energy buildin', takin' all types of medicines
I am full of energy and take whatever I need to keep it up
Your ass thought you were better than Ason
You thought you were better than me
I keep planets in orbit
I have a lot of power
While I be comin' with teeth, bitin' more shit
I am always ready to take on new challenges and conquer them
Enough to make you break and shake yo' ass
My rhymes are so good they can make you dance uncontrollably
'Cause I create rhymes good as a tasty cake mix
My rhymes are deliciously good
This style, I'm mastered in
I am an expert in this style of rap
Niggas catchin' headaches, what, what? You need Aspirin?
Other rappers can't keep up with me and become frustrated
This type of pain, you couldn't even kill with Midol
The pain of trying to keep up with me is unbearable
Fuck around, get sprayed with Lysol
Mess with me and suffer the consequences
In your face like a can of mace, baby
I am confrontational and not afraid to assert myself
Is it burnin'? Well, fuck it, now you're learnin'
Deal with it, because that's just how it is
How, I don't even like your motherfuckin' profile
I don't like you or what you stand for
Give me my fuckin' shit, ch-ch bloaw!
Hand over what's mine or face the consequences
Not seen and heard, no one knows
I am mysterious and keep my true self hidden
You forget, niggas be quiet as kept
Don't underestimate me or other quiet people
Now you know nothin'
You thought you knew something, but you actually know nothing
Before you knew a whole fuckin' lot
You thought you knew a lot about me
Your ass don't wanna get shot
You better not mess with me or suffer the consequences
A lot of MCs came to my showdown
Other rappers came to compete against me
To watch me put your fuckin' ass low down
They wanted to see you lose to me
As you can go, below zero
You are worthless and have nothing to offer
Without a doubt I've never been tooken out
I have never been beaten or defeated
By a nigga, who couldn't figure
You couldn't even figure out how to defeat me
Yo by a nigga, who couldn't figure
It's pathetic that you couldn't even figure out how to beat me
Yo by a nigga, who couldn't figure
It's shameful that you couldn't figure out how to win against me
How to pull a fuckin' gun trigger
You couldn't even use violence to defeat me
I said, "Get the fuck outta here!"
Leave me alone, you have no chance against me
Nigga wanna get too close, to the utmost
You're getting too close for comfort
But I got stacks that'll attack any wack host
I have resources that can take down anyone who opposes me
Introducin', yo fuck that nigga's name
I don't care to even acknowledge my competition's name
My hip-hop drops on your head like rain
My rhymes hit you hard and fast
And when it rains it pours
My rhymes come at you hard and fast
'Cause my rhymes hardcore
My rhymes are tough and intense
That's why I give you more of the raw
I don't hold back and give you everything I've got
Talent that I got will riz-ock the spot
My talent is so good it will rock the place
MCs, I'll be burnin', burnin' hot
I'm on fire when it comes to rapping
Whoa-hoa-hoa! Get me like slow-mo with the flow
My flow is so smooth it's like watching a slow-motion replay
If I move too quick, oh, you just won't know
My rhymes can be hard to keep up with
I'm homicidal when you enter the target
I'm aggressive and will take you down when you challenge me
Nigga get up, act like a pig tryin' to hog shit
You're acting selfishly and trying to take everything for yourself
So I take yo' ass out, quick, the mics
I'll take you down quickly when rapping
I've had it my nigga, you can suck my dick
I'm done with you and don't want to hear from you ever again
If you wanna step to my motherfuckin' rep'
If you want to challenge my reputation
Ch-ch bloaw! Bloaw! Bloaw! Blown to death
You will be quickly defeated
You got shot 'cause you knock, knock, knock
You messed with the wrong person and now you have to face the consequences
"Who's there?" Another motherfuckin' hardrock
I'm here to take you down
Slackin' on your mackin' 'cause raw's what you lack
You're not good enough and can't keep up with me
You wanna react? Bring it on back
If you want to fight back, I'm ready for it
Shame on you, when you step through to
You made a mistake by trying to challenge me
The ol' dirty bastard, Brooklyn Zoo!
I am the best at what I do, and I come from Brooklyn
Shame on you, when you step through to
You made a huge mistake by challenging me
The ol' dirty bastard, Brooklyn Zoo!
I am the best and come from Brooklyn
Shame on you, when you step through to
You were foolish to think you could take me on
The ol' dirty bastard, Brooklyn Zoo!
I am the champion and represent Brooklyn
Brooklyn Zoo, Brooklyn Zoo!
Brooklyn is the best, and that's where I come from
Lyrics ยฉ Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DERRICK HARRIS, RUSSELL JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Habeev07
Big Daddy Kane, A Tribe Called Quest, Del The funkee Homosapien, Rakim, EPMD, Souls of Mischief, Wu-Tang, DMX, Big L, Tupac, Hieroglyphics, Nas, Biggie Smalls, O.D.B, The Pharcyde, Eminem.
93' Til Infinity - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXJc2NYwHjw
Make Your Mind Up - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYGYEn3K-CA
Brooklyn Zoo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRblYfKwa88
Midnight - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ljie-zx-pXw&list=OLAK5uy_ncxk2dzMeB4E9vgbWeMvM_O_SydgJR2C0
Ain't no half steppin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqPlF5Mn32M&list=PLgpdlaRTTGdIELIg3KH-9ijaUkqFO5uIw&index=1
You Never Knew - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k729U5AMIKI&list=RDOYGYEn3K-CA&index=8
Drop - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqVsfGQ_1SU&list=PLgpdlaRTTGdIELIg3KH-9ijaUkqFO5uIw&index=43
Catch a bad one - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CblQx874Eqo&list=PLgpdlaRTTGdIELIg3KH-9ijaUkqFO5uIw&index=3
Mics Of The Round Table - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSCSApoXc3Q
@Trinigals
Whoโs here in 2024๐ฅ๐ฅ
@antoniohoward9812
1/20/24
@user-hb6pu7sg6i
๐๐ค
@joycejohnson3657
2/3/2024
@lashonnawallace8689
Me๐
@mikereid7125
Yerrr
@LTLyrics.
ODB is like that one cool uncle your dad doesn't want you to hang out with.
@tupachec
hahahahha true
@88katanas
More like youโre clinically insane uncle who your dad absolutely forbids you from hanging with, because he has warrants out
@88katanas
@TheBestFighter I was really just kidding. I love ODB, and from what I can tell he was actually a really kind person, but had issues. None of his trouble with the law was for anything based on violence