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
Did U Say That
GZA/Genius Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The crowd get wild off my style, they want something
The herds start stomping, the promoters that be fronting
They sue for Cash Rule but the courts they give 'em nothing
Security's shining flashlights like where the weed at?
Stay in your place, see you guys smoke blowing in your face
And it's hard to stop it once we came to drop it
Who bold enough to challenge this deadly reportation
Of keeping MC's in a hopeless situation
No comparison, if you put the darts side by side
One will weigh out the other like friend next to brother
Try to take cover as the battle comes to a closion
That structure that supported your rap started implosion
Your whole chest and your world caved in
They completely gave in, they just sparks and brave men
Did ya say that?
Record execs wanna push the album way back
And hold out on my advance
They didn't pay that
Producers want seven points
He didn't play that, yo did they say that?
Yo, did he say that?
Record execs wanna push the album way back
And hold back on my advance
They didn't pay that
Producers want seven points
He didn't play that, yo did he say that?
Yo, did he say that?
Raindrops keep falling on your head
So heavy that it's tearing what you're wearing
Ain't caring, so you're hearing what I said
I'm making sure it stick like a stamp you don't lick
Or a snare with no kick, so you know it be authentic
Like the hand-made works of a carpenter
The 64 squares make 'em use a sharpener
Kept a fine point with the lead, then it's thread
On the paper then like cancer it would rapidly spread
This music is addictive but can't live without it
At times you shout it 'The Wu, they be about it'
A strong following with the die-hard supportedly
The loyalty came from the songs that went accordingly
I couldn't be more wrong if I changed the format
Did something different from the most explored rap
Did ya say that?
Record execs wanna push the album way back
And hold out on my advance
They didn't pay that
Producers want seven points
He didn't play that, yo did they say that?
Yo, did he say that?
Record execs wanna push the album way back
And hold back on my advance
They didn't pay that
Producers want seven points
He didn't play that, yo did he say that?
Yo, did he say that?
Positive elevation always correct errors
That's the fire till my Clansmen starts to spread terror
Spin your wig back like we DJ'ing, he ain't playing
My songs set a trap, catch 'em laying
Now we stuck but he's overwhelmed by what he came across
Not to play it is a terrible loss at whose cost?
People wait like never before for the ball to drop
At the gate lined up for a tape to cop
I still run into students banging my first joint
Wrote a essay off the second LP to prove a point
That a rhyme is a terrible thing to waste
Gimmicks and radio, the God don't chase
But I replace your wackness, it shows in your flows
Immaturenesses, all of your hoes, case closed
Most of your strength is in the pocket of your clothes
That you endorse in every rhyme like it's Garbeson robes
Did ya say that?
Record execs wanna push the album way back
And hold out on my advance
They didn't pay that
Producers want seven points
He didn't play that, yo did they say that?
Yo, did he say that?
Record execs wanna push the album way back
And hold back on my advance
They didn't pay that
Producers want seven points
He didn't play that, yo did he say that?
Yo, did he say that?
In GZA/Genius's song "Did U Say That", he touches on a variety of important issues in the music industry. He starts off by boasting about his skills as a rapper and how he gets the crowd pumped up with his music. He then goes on to mention how the industry is set up in a way that benefits the record executives and producers, rather than the artists themselves. For example, he talks about how the executives want to push back the album release and withhold his advance, while the producers want more points. This kind of greediness leads to a hopeless situation for many artists.
Throughout the song, GZA/Genius also touches on the addictive nature of music and how it can easily spread like wildfire. He mentions the strong following of Wu-Tang Clan and how their fans are loyal because of the authenticity of their music. He also discusses how the music industry is filled with gimmicks and radio play, which is not what he's about. He wants his music to stand on its own and not be reliant on trends or popular opinion.
Overall, "Did U Say That" is a commentary on the music industry and how it can be difficult for artists to navigate. It sheds light on the greed and manipulation that can be present and how it can affect an artist's career.
Line by Line Meaning
I keep your heart is PZA-pumping, the beat is GZA-jumping
I create music that excites and energizes the listeners, making their hearts pump with the beat.
The crowd get wild off my style, they want something
My music drives the audience crazy and they want more of it.
The herds start stomping, the promoters that be fronting
They sue for Cash Rule but the courts they give 'em nothing
The audience becomes aggressive and the promoters resort to suing for damages, but they get little to no compensation in court.
Your soundman came with the feedback like we need that
Security's shining flashlights like where the weed at?
The soundman brings feedback and security is searching for drugs, disrupting the vibe of the performance.
Stay in your place, see you guys smoke blowing in your face
And it's hard to stop it once we came to drop it
Stay where you are and endure the smoke, as once we start playing music, it's hard to stop the party vibes.
Who bold enough to challenge this deadly reportation
Of keeping MC's in a hopeless situation
Who is brave enough to challenge the reputation of the Wu-Tang Clan for keeping other rappers in hopeless positions.
No comparison, if you put the darts side by side
One will weigh out the other like friend next to brother
There is no comparison between our music and other rappers, as one is significantly better than the other.
Try to take cover as the battle comes to a closion
That structure that supported your rap started implosion
Other rappers should try to hide when they see us approaching, as the credibility of their music starts to crumble under the weight of our superiority.
Your whole chest and your world caved in
They completely gave in, they just sparks and brave men
Did ya say that?
Other rappers crumble under the pressure of our music and become nothing but faint sparks of their former selves.
Record execs wanna push the album way back
And hold out on my advance
They didn't pay that
Producers want seven points
He didn't play that, yo did they say that?
Record executives want to delay our album and hold back our payment. Producers want more financial compensation, but the terms were not agreed upon. Is this true?
Raindrops keep falling on your head
So heavy that it's tearing what you're wearing
Ain't caring, so you're hearing what I said
I'm making sure it stick like a stamp you don't lick
The intensity of our music and message is so great that it's tearing apart your world, and we don't care. Our message will stick with you like a stamp that doesn't need to be licked.
Or a snare with no kick, so you know it be authentic
Like the hand-made works of a carpenter
The 64 squares make 'em use a sharpener
Our music is authentic, like a snare drum without a kick, and it's like the hand-made work of a carpenter. The 64 squares refer to the chessboard, where one needs to keep sharpening their moves to win.
Kept a fine point with the lead, then it's thread
On the paper then like cancer it would rapidly spread
This music is addictive but can't live without it
At times you shout it 'The Wu, they be about it'
Our music is like a sharp pencil lead or thread on paper that rapidly spreads like cancer. You get addicted to it and can't live without it, and sometimes you shout out, 'The Wu-Tang Clan is all about it.'
A strong following with the die-hard supportedly
The loyalty came from the songs that went accordingly
I couldn't be more wrong if I changed the format
Did something different from the most explored rap
Did ya say that?
Our music has a dedicated following of loyal fans who appreciate our consistent style. It would be a mistake to change our format or try something different. Did someone suggest this?
Positive elevation always correct errors
That's the fire till my Clansmen starts to spread terror
Spin your wig back like we DJ'ing, he ain't playing
My songs set a trap, catch 'em laying
Positive growth can correct mistakes, and it's the fuel that makes the Wu-Tang Clan unleash terror. We will make you spin your wig with our music, and trap you in our message.
Now we stuck but he's overwhelmed by what he came across
Not to play it is a terrible loss at whose cost?
People wait like never before for the ball to drop
At the gate lined up for a tape to cop
People are captivated by our music and it's a loss if you don't play it. People are eagerly waiting for our music to drop and are lined up to buy it.
I still run into students banging my first joint
Wrote a essay off the second LP to prove a point
That a rhyme is a terrible thing to waste
Gimmicks and radio, the God don't chase
Students still listen to my first song and wrote essays about my second album to prove a point that a good verse shouldn't be wasted on gimmicks and radio play. Wu-Tang Clan doesn't follow radio trends as it's below our standards.
But I replace your wackness, it shows in your flows
Immaturenesses, all of your hoes, case closed
Most of your strength is in the pocket of your clothes
That you endorse in every rhyme like it's Garbeson robes
Did ya say that?
I replace your bad music, and it's apparent in your poor rap flows and your lack of maturity. Your strength comes from your wealth, which you endorse in every song. Is that true?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind