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 Ya 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
Your soundman came with the feedback like we need that
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 "Did Ya Say That," GZA/Genius highlights the struggles and obstacles he has faced in the music industry. He boasts about his lyrical skills, and how his audiences go wild off his style. He mentions how the promoters who are initially hesitant end up suing for cash rule, but the court does not grant them anything. He also references how the record executives want to delay his album release and hold back on his advance, and how producers want seven points but he refuses to play that game. He speaks of the addictiveness of music and how Wu Tang Clan's songs have a strong following with loyal fans. He addresses other rappers who use gimmicks and radio to get ahead in the industry and implies that they are immature and unoriginal.
GZA/Genius is known for his calculated and thoughtful lyrics, and "Did Ya Say That" is no exception. The song, while boasting his skills, also hits hard on the realities and harshness of the music industry, especially for new and up-and-coming artists. The song is a reminder that music is not just about the art itself but also about the intricate business surrounding it.
Line by Line Meaning
I keep your heart is PZA-pumping, the beat is GZA-jumping
My music is so good that it gets your heart racing and the beat makes you jump
The crowd get wild off my style, they want something
The audience loves my style and wants more from me
The herds start stomping, the promoters that be fronting
The fans start getting rowdy and promoters who were hesitant before want to work with me
They sue for Cash Rule but the courts they give 'em nothing
Promoters try to sue me for money, but the court doesn't give them anything
Your soundman came with the feedback like we need that
The sound technician tells us we need more feedback on our music
Security's shining flashlights like where the weed at?
Security is shining flashlights around looking for weed
Stay in your place, see you guys smoke blowing in your face
Stay in your designated space because your smoke is blowing towards us
And it's hard to stop it once we came to drop it
It's hard to stop the music once we start playing it
Who bold enough to challenge this deadly reportation
Who is brave enough to challenge my reputation as a deadly MC?
Of keeping MC's in a hopeless situation
I am known for ruining the careers of other MCs
No comparison, if you put the darts side by side
If you compare my skills to others, there is no competition
One will weigh out the other like friend next to brother
One MC will be better than the other like a friend against a brother
Try to take cover as the battle comes to a closion
Try to hide as the rap battle comes to an end
That structure that supported your rap started implosion
Your music has started to collapse and fail
Your whole chest and your world caved in
Your whole career has crumbled and failed
They completely gave in, they just sparks and brave men
They were defeated easily and were just pretending to be brave
Did ya say that?
Is what I heard true?
Record execs wanna push the album way back
The record executives want to delay the release of my album
And hold out on my advance
They are also holding back on my advance payment
They didn't pay that
They haven't paid me what they owe me
Producers want seven points
The producers want a larger cut of the profits
He didn't play that, yo did they say that?
He refused to agree to their demands, did I hear that correctly?
Raindrops keep falling on your head
You are having a tough time and facing challenges
So heavy that it's tearing what you're wearing
These challenges are taking a toll on you
Ain't caring, so you're hearing what I said
You're not paying attention, but you should listen to what I have to say
I'm making sure it stick like a stamp you don't lick
I'm making sure my words stick with you
Or a snare with no kick, so you know it be authentic
My music is authentic and genuine like a snare drum without any extra effects
Like the hand-made works of a carpenter
My music is crafted carefully like a carpenter's hand-made works
The 64 squares make 'em use a sharpener
Playing chess requires sharpening your mind and skills
Kept a fine point with the lead, then it's thread
My lyrics are sharp like a fine-point pencil and sewn together like thread
On the paper then like cancer it would rapidly spread
Once my words are on paper, they spread quickly like cancer
This music is addictive but can't live without it
My music is addictive and you can't live without it
At times you shout it 'The Wu, they be about it'
Sometimes you shout that The Wu-Tang Clan is the best
A strong following with the die-hard supportedly
I have a strong following of die-hard fans who support me no matter what
The loyalty came from the songs that went accordingly
My fans remain loyal because my music consistently delivers what they expect
I couldn't be more wrong if I changed the format
If I were to change up my music, it wouldn't be the same and wouldn't be as good
Did ya say that?
Is what I heard true?
Record execs wanna push the album way back
The record executives want to delay the release of my album
And hold back on my advance
They are also holding back on my advance payment
They didn't pay that
They haven't paid me what they owe me
Producers want seven points
The producers want a larger cut of the profits
He didn't play that, yo did they say that?
He refused to agree to their demands, did I hear that correctly?
Positive elevation always correct errors
Staying positive is the key to correcting mistakes
That's the fire till my Clansmen starts to spread terror
My music is so powerful, it inspires my fellow members of Wu-Tang Clan to spread fear among the competition
Spin your wig back like we DJ'ing, he ain't playing
My words are so powerful, they will blow your mind like a DJ scratching vinyl records
My songs set a trap, catch 'em laying
My lyrics are like a trap that catches people off guard
Now we stuck but he's overwhelmed by what he came across
Now we're stuck, but the other MC can't handle the power of my music
Not to play it is a terrible loss at whose cost?
Not to play my music is a terrible loss, but whose loss is it really?
People wait like never before for the ball to drop
Fans are eagerly anticipating the release of my new music
At the gate lined up for a tape to cop
Fans are lined up at the stores to buy my new music
I still run into students banging my first joint
I still meet fans who love my earliest music
Wrote a essay off the second LP to prove a point
Fans even write essays about my music to express their love and appreciation
That a rhyme is a terrible thing to waste
Using words to create rhymes is a valuable and important thing
Gimmicks and radio, the God don't chase
I don't need gimmicks or radio airplay to be a successful rapper
But I replace your wackness, it shows in your flows
My music replaces the wackness in other MCs' flows
Immaturenesses, all of your hoes, case closed
Other MCs are immature and their lyrics are about women, but my case against them is closed
Most of your strength is in the pocket of your clothes
Most of their strength comes from their image
That you endorse in every rhyme like it's Garbeson robes
They endorse their clothing brands in their music like they're high-fashion robes
Did ya say that?
Is what I heard true?
Record execs wanna push the album way back
The record executives want to delay the release of my album
And hold out on my advance
They are also holding back on my advance payment
They didn't pay that
They haven't paid me what they owe me
Producers want seven points
The producers want a larger cut of the profits
He didn't play that, yo did they say that?
He refused to agree to their demands, did I hear that correctly?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALFRED LEWIS, GARY E. GRICE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind