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
Fame
GZA/Genius Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And stay out of Charles' mansion
Took Abraham's Lincoln through the Todd Bridges expansion
Willis Reeds a map that marks the spot showin'
On his left George burns a blunt William's holding
Tyra banked the money that Chaka Khaned her for
Alicia keyed his car for givin' Melba more
For the Redd Foxx she bought off the block, but though twice
When Rosa parked the truck on the farm that Kim fields
Linda tripped for tryna to walk in Lauryn's heels
Water dripped outta Farrah's faucett in the glass
She was "Superfly", Curtis Mayfield her ass
Chris Tucker to a show, Ted Turner to a ho
Robert digs the beat, but ain't feelin' the flow
But he signed it fast, for half of Johnny's cash
Nia longed for the album to drop, cameras flashed
Tom saw her at the Lucielle Ball up at the foyer
He confronted Richard Pryor to hiring his lawyer
Suge's knight removed the rook off the board
Don King was checked and Al sharpened the sword
Wettin cream, I ain't wettin fame
(Fame is the measure)
Rap celebs
The place where stars are born
The saints marched in, Kurtis blowing his horn
Tom cruised the boulevard, Chris rocked the song
For the hundredth time, they pressed rewind to the beginning
They toast to the rhyme, the juice spilt from John's linen
They took her to Elizabeth tailor to dry clean
The lone seamstress, who was schemin' on Al's Green
You know they shoot for the stars and buckwild
Like the kids in the yard who play with Jane's child
A beautician laced Erykah's ba do'
Sean Combed through the evidence, just to get a clue
The needle in the haystack, from outta Eartha's Kitt
The Tiger would kill him once thrown in Brad's Pitt
Jesse owing the money from the weed Bubba sparked
They was journeys seen far as he walked in Dick's Clarks
Jeffery Lyons stuck with a thorn from George's bush
Paul pierced in the heart as the crowd pushed
Acting alone Drew bury more bones
Of the victims, three blocks from Jim's brownstone
They shared the same bowl, he caught Natalie's cold
The producer, threw the butter on Esther's roll
Nipsey rustled him down, got his jaw wired
In a instant, Brooke shields him from the gunfire
Angie Sstoned him to death, with those vocals
Keith sweat from the workout, just from runnin' local
Wettin cream, I ain't wettin fame
Fame is the measure
Rap celebs
The place where stars are born
Larry's bird flew outta Nicolas cage
Joe text messages from Satchel's page
Betty write letters with ink from Sean's pen
Infinite bars, you couldn't tell where the song end
Glenn close enough to quickly duck the tapes
Richard gear revved while he was climbin' Bill gates
He was a southerner, posing as a, native New Yorker
The Jason kid took his first steps in Jimmy's walker
He stayed on line chattin' with rap celebs
Used Bernie's Mac to search Veronica's Web'
It cost them their life for the advice you gave
Now Pete rose lay on Vanessa's red grave
Wettin cream, I ain't wettin fame
Fame is the measure
Rap celebs
The place where stars are born
Wettin cream, I ain't wettin fame
Fame is the measure
Rap celebs
The place where stars are born
The track starts with a series of references to famous people whose material wealth and knowledge of how to get things done often helped them prosper in life. GZA runs a game of six degrees of separation with a group of famous people whose experiences run aground on one occasion or another. Some of the references are notable or obscure, such as Patty Hearst (granddaughter of William Randolph Hearst, who was kidnapped and brainwashed by the Symbionese Liberation Army in 1974) and Todd Bridges (child actor who portrayed Willis Jackson in the TV comedy "Diff'rent Strokes"). GZA references more obscure people such as Willis Reed (a retired New York Knicks player), Charles (not specified), George Burns, William, Tyra Banks, Chaka Khan, Alicia, Melba, Redd Foxx, Debora, Kelly, Rosa (Parks?), Kim Fields, Linda, and Lauryn. The purpose of this focus on big names is meant to explore the concept of fame, which the chorus double down on.
The chorus of the song explicitly highlights that "fame" is the measure of one's success in the rap game. It connects with the start of the song, where GZA is describing famous people who have been largely successful despite the weird things they had in common. The song proceeds with a whole set of other celebrity references that touch most of them in some way, even if only tangentially. The focus then shifts to the idea that the concept of fame is toxic, and can be deadly even for those who are famous. The chorus notes that "the place where stars are born" is inextricably linked to the risks of the world, as evidenced by the lyrics to the verses, and it is not enough to sell out an arena or sign endorsement deals; it is about dealing with the cost of fame.
Line by Line Meaning
They was told not to ride in Patty's Hearse
They were warned to avoid certain people like Patty to stay safe.
And stay out of Charles' mansion
They were advised to avoid dangerous situations like visiting Charles' mansion.
Took Abraham's Lincoln through the Todd Bridges expansion
They drove through the Todd Bridges expansion in Abraham's Lincoln.
Willis Reeds a map that marks the spot showin'
Willis provides a map that marks a place of interest.
On his left George burns a blunt William's holding
George is smoking a blunt and William is holding him.
Tyra banked the money that Chaka Khaned her for
Tyra saved the money that Chaka Khan paid her.
Alicia keyed his car for givin' Melba more
Alicia damaged his car for giving Melba more than her.
For the Redd Foxx she bought off the block, but though twice
She bought Redd Foxx off the block but still had second thoughts.
As Debora cocks the gun cuz she beat Kelly's price
Debora is seen with a gun because she underpriced Kelly.
When Rosa parked the truck on the farm that Kim fields
Rosa parked a truck on the Kim fields farm.
Linda tripped for tryna to walk in Lauryn's heels
Linda tripped while attempting to walk in Lauryn's heels.
Water dripped outta Farrah's faucett in the glass
Farrah's faucet was leaking water into a glass.
She was "Superfly", Curtis Mayfield her ass
She was like Superfly, and Curtis Mayfield made her feel good.
Chris Tucker to a show, Ted Turner to a ho
Chris Tucker goes to a show, and Ted Turner goes to a hotel.
Robert digs the beat, but ain't feelin' the flow
Robert likes the beat but doesn't like the flow of the song.
But he signed it fast, for half of Johnny's cash
He signed it quickly for half of Johnny's money.
Nia longed for the album to drop, cameras flashed
Nia was excited for the album release as cameras flashed around her.
Tom saw her at the Lucielle Ball up at the foyer
Tom saw her at the Lucielle Ball event at the entrance.
He confronted Richard Pryor to hiring his lawyer
He confronted Richard Pryor for hiring his lawyer.
Suge's knight removed the rook off the board
Suge's powerful move removed the challenger's strongest player.
Don King was checked and Al sharpened the sword
Don King was defeated, and Al prepares his weapon for the next battle.
The saints marched in, Kurtis blowing his horn
Kurtis leads the way, blowing his horn while they march.
Tom cruised the boulevard, Chris rocked the song
Tom drives down the boulevard while Chris plays a great song.
For the hundredth time, they pressed rewind to the beginning
They listened to the beginning of the song over and over again.
They toast to the rhyme, the juice spilt from John's linen
They celebrate the great lyrics, and the juice spilled on John's clothing.
They took her to Elizabeth tailor to dry clean
They took her to Elizabeth's tailor to have her clothes dry cleaned.
The lone seamstress, who was schemin' on Al's Green
The only seamstress was planning something related to Al Green.
You know they shoot for the stars and buckwild
They aim for success and live recklessly.
Like the kids in the yard who play with Jane's child
The kids in the yard play with Jane's child.
A beautician laced Erykah's ba do'
A beautician adorned Erykah's hairdo.
Sean Combed through the evidence, just to get a clue
Sean searched through all the evidence to find a clue.
The needle in the haystack, from outta Eartha's Kitt
The valuable item was hidden in something as insignificant as Eartha's Kitt.
The Tiger would kill him once thrown in Brad's Pitt
The Tiger would destroy him once he ends up in Brad Pitt's situation.
Jesse owing the money from the weed Bubba sparked
Jesse owes money due to the use of Bubba's marijuana.
They was journeys seen far as he walked in Dick's Clarks
They were adventurous and exciting journeys experienced while walking in Dick's Clarks shoes.
Jeffery Lyons stuck with a thorn from George's bush
Jeffery has a thorn stuck on him from George's bush or actions.
Paul pierced in the heart as the crowd pushed
The crowd's overwhelming reaction affected Paul emotionally.
Acting alone Drew bury more bones
Drew buries more bones by himself.
Of the victims, three blocks from Jim's brownstone
The victims' bodies are found three blocks away from Jim's residence.
They shared the same bowl, he caught Natalie's cold
They shared the same bowl, and he caught Natalie's cold.
The producer, threw the butter on Esther's roll
The producer placed butter onto Esther's roll.
Nipsey rustled him down, got his jaw wired
Nipsey takes down his opponent and wires his jaw shut.
In a instant, Brooke shields him from the gunfire
Brooke shields him as gunfire erupts.
Angie Sstoned him to death, with those vocals
Angie's vocals are so intoxicating that they are lethal.
Keith sweat from the workout, just from runnin' local
Keith is sweating from the workout he got just from jogging nearby.
Larry's bird flew outta Nicolas cage
Larry's bird flew out of Nicolas Cage's cage.
Joe text messages from Satchel's page
Joe receives text messages from Satchel's pager.
Betty write letters with ink from Sean's pen
Betty writes letters using Sean's pen.
Infinite bars, you couldn't tell where the song end
The song has infinite bars, and it's hard to predict where it ends.
Glenn close enough to quickly duck the tapes
Glenn is close enough to avoid the camera quickly.
Richard gear revved while he was climbin' Bill gates
Richard Gear revved his engine while driving up to Bill Gates' property.
He was a southerner, posing as a, native New Yorker
He hails from the South but is acting like someone from New York.
The Jason kid took his first steps in Jimmy's walker
Jason took his first steps using Jimmy's walker.
He stayed on line chattin' with rap celebs
He stayed online and chatted with famous rappers.
Used Bernie's Mac to search Veronica's Web'
He uses Bernie's Mac computer to search Veronica's website.
It cost them their life for the advice you gave
Someone lost their life for the advice given to them by someone else.
Now Pete rose lay on Vanessa's red grave
Pete Rose is now buried at Vanessa's grave.
Wettin cream, I ain't wettin fame
I don't care about fame, only success.
Rap celebs
Famous rappers.
The place where stars are born
The music industry and entertainment business is where successful people are created.
Lyrics ยฉ O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Gary E. Grice, Sulayman Ansari
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind