General Principles
GZA/Genius Lyrics

Castle points you too
The game of chess can guide one in life.

You're black takes on C4
Make intelligent moves, in order to succeed.

Then white could C4
Success follows when one is strategic in life.

I must put in time to get mine, many hours to earn power
Hard work and persistence are needed to achieve goals.

Like the ashy hand, he should wear only the rope flower
Stay true to oneself, no matter how difficult it may seem.

I can't be a broke nigga, better in showers
Poverty is not an option; one must work hard to achieve success.

Sellin' CD's on the corner of Sunset and Dower
Success comes from taking advantage of opportunities, even if they seem small.

A small fry nigga in a baked potato world
Struggles and obstacles are part of life, but they can be overcome.

Sizzling in some beef full of grease like jheri curls
Life can be messy, but it is important to stay determined.

Shout out to DJ's who kept it real
Respect those who stay true to themselves and their craft.

Shook a few in the thou', but some never broke the seal
Some people may be swayed by fame, but it is important to remain grounded.

Fuck them, I stick to college radios, mix shows
Stay true to one's roots and never compromise values.

Historic university to freestyle sick flows
Greatness can come from humble beginnings.

Might give a lecture about your rap texture
One can teach, even while pursuing their own goals.

M.C. be-Boy, DJ, slash director
Multi-talented individuals can achieve much in life.

The name was a bell that rang through the hall
Success can bring recognition and respect.

Popular is the tag in the bathroom stall, check it
Popularity can have its downsides, including a lack of privacy.

This language is so captivating
The power of words can move and inspire people.

When we lose a rap nigga, the news is devastating
The loss of a talented artist can be felt deeply in the music industry.

Whether to the prison or grave, you know this rap shit
The harsh realities of life can be reflected in music.

Is built from the strength of those to hunger the crave
The drive to succeed can lead to great accomplishments.

My Clan got rhymes for days to be skilled, it pays
Hard work and talent can bring success and financial rewards.

Most of them can't escape the solar rays
Success can come with a price, including unwanted attention and criticism.

Name a crew that can stop the force that I strike with
Greatness cannot be denied or stopped.

Let alone try to hold the pen that I write with
One's unique talents cannot be duplicated by others.

You can even chop off my fingers I type with
One's talents are so innate that they cannot be taken away.

Those I hold a mic with, thinking I might quit
Critics may doubt one's abilities, but it is important to persevere.

They didn't know, that only makes me more determined
Criticism can fuel one's motivation to succeed.

Ich lebe fur hip hop, you can ask the Germans
Hip hop has a global reach and impact.

Some say I never got this for recognition
Success is not always about fame and recognition.

So I drop another, they shocked and still listen
One's talents can continue to inspire even after gaining success.

Plus I, ran into a well known musician
Meeting other successful artists can offer new opportunities and inspiration.

He said, this sample shit got too many cooks in the kitchen
The music industry can be overcrowded and competitive.

Now he's back to flipping love borns and cipher says
Artists may change their styles over time, in order to stay relevant.

To support his kids, much even hyper wiz
Artists may need to support their families by any means necessary.

A bad amigo, will stroke your ego
Some people may flatter and use others for their own gain.

You see the flash in the dash, weed blast with Buick-Regal
People may show off their wealth and status through material possessions.

The same brother you was throwing your key to
People may use their friends and connections to get ahead in life.

Brought the seven niggaz in the building to see you
Some people may not have one's best interests at heart.

You know these god damn streets is so gritty
Life can be tough and challenging, especially in urban areas.

With sour milk from titties, that'll spoil the city
Negative influences and experiences can affect a community.

The hood corner backs, strong attack is a blitz
One must be constantly vigilant and aggressive in order to succeed in life.

But we don't lie down for shit, not even direct hits
Staying strong and persevering can lead to success.

From graffiti in New York on the walls and trains
Hip hop culture has its roots in urban creativity.

DJ's in California, to the shores of Maine
Hip hop culture has had a wide reach in the US.

Be-Boys on the floor who be doing they thang
Dancers and other artists have been integral to hip hop culture.

To MC's, behind ropes, who had titles to claim
Hype and competition have been part of hip hop culture since its inception.

My teams about shoot outs, the fans shout with loud mouths
Hip hop is a genre that celebrates competition and rivalry.

The clock ran out, the ref throw the sign, it's over time
Hip hop artists must be constantly working to stay relevant and successful.

The rambling, visiting teams scheme
Hip hop culture can be challenging and competitive.

The championship ring fending, they must be dreaming
Success in hip hop can be difficult and hard-won.

These rap players and slayers got a lot of endorsements
Successful hip hop artists can profit from sponsorships and endorsements.

Make them hire law enforcements
Hip hop culture can bring scrutiny from law enforcement and other authorities.

Plus, I just turned down tracks, can't remember the
Hip hop artists must be selective and strategic in their collaborations.

Producer with the beats is wack, sound similar
Hip hop artists must have high standards and stay true to their own sound.

It gotta be exciting, striking, lightning
Hip hop music must be innovative and engaging to thrive.

Bring the best out, to dawn through Harlem
Hip hop music can be a beacon of hope and inspiration for urban communities.

Writing, light stroke from my pen might choke
Hip hop lyrics can be powerful and emotional.

The tape lent, got a little air, then half the spins
Hip hop music can be a reflection of the artist's unique vision and style.

M.C.'s be stuck with fear fascination
Hip hop artists may struggle with issues of fear and self-doubt.

The nature in the scale of events, shook the station
Hip hop music can challenge societal norms and expectations.

I stick up the track, armed only with the pen
Hip hop artists must be powerful and authentic in their lyrics and delivery.

Terrorize it vocally with the force of wind
Hip hop artists can use their music as a platform to express themselves and effect change in society.