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
Genius Is Slammin'
GZA/Genius Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The average hip hop fiend couldn't cope
Or explain my style because it's hard to define
So the fiend scratch and think and nod to the rhyme
While beats are just flowin' off a modern phonograph
Bass loud, high hats crisp and clear
That'll never let a weak MC interfere
Or bring about some technical difficulties
So I got prepared and I wrote these
Rhymes That just broke loose from the brain
Searching for dope beats on the same plane
For you to write new rhymes it is a must
But I come off with rhymes old as dust
Even as a speck of dust it existed
Ya got that?
Forget it, ya missed it
CHORUS:
I'm slammin'
The Genius is slammin'
You flip me on the mic, no way
That's me being played in April on the 1st day
Now who's a fool? What do you strive for?
Prime time juice on the box and fans galore
Forget it, cause you're not hype as they want you
With a maximum of 200 your rhymin' IQ
Is 10, meaning thin, you'll never win
So erase that, I'm not gonna lose friend
I know you're gassed, ya charged, and kinda stuck up
But I define your challenge, a total fuck up
And it's critical, a crying shame
How many MC's challenge me, and die in vain
But you should've came with ya whole rap
Community, now where's your unity
Cause what I see right now is you and I
And you're too weak to stop me from doin' my
Damage, you know, type of body and fender
NAH!, not the same way I did Brenda
But you had the audacity to step to me
Thinking you was Butch Cassidy and you could do me
How can you do me when you don't know me
And out of the hip hop styles ya couldn't show me
One style that may have damaged me
But that's something you'll never see
CHORUS
M.C. means mic constructor I build
That have suckers running like what track and field
When I conduct please don't interrupt
With ya if's or and's or but's keep ya mouth shut
The hip hop style that I own is highly known
To bury MC's like a dog bury bones
And in this field, yo, I'm extraordinary
And in my back yard there's a cemetary
Of meek MC's who try to speak
And off preak technique that's soft and very weak
Yet they still have the heart to ask me to duel
And like Mr. T, I pity the fool
The shining chrome microphone is the device
That makes me stand out like men amongst mice
So respond to the stimuli then fly
Straight to the sky on a natural high
Cause I'm the transmitter buck wild and bitter
Thinking about tryingme then reconsider
Cause if it sounds tempting boy, I'll Double Dare you
And speaking of your low life, I won't spare you
Cause you're not worthy of the mercy
Anyway The Genius is just blood thirsty
So take a lickin' as the plot thickens
While ya head is took, ya be pumping like a chicken
How can you ever say my style was played
When my rhymes be chopping shit like a switchblade
CHORUS
In the song "The Genius Is Slammin'," GZA/Genius portrays himself as a lyrical virtuoso who is confident in his skills and unafraid to take on challengers. The song speaks to the idea that his style is hard to define, making it difficult for others to replicate. He describes beats that allow him to flow effortlessly and never let a weak MC interfere. He highlights the importance of unity in hip hop and how many MCs challenge him and die in vain. He also boasts about his style, which is known to bury MCs like a dog buries bones, and how he stands out from others with his unique microphone device.
Overall, the song is a testament to GZA's lyrical prowess, confidence, and ability to stand out in the competitive rap industry. He delivers his flow with ease and skill, making it clear that he is a force to be reckoned with.
Line by Line Meaning
What I'm about to flow on is so dope
I am about to spit bars that are amazing.
The average hip hop fiend couldn't cope
Most listeners of hip hop wouldn't be able to handle the intense rhymes that are about to come.
Or explain my style because it's hard to define
My rap style is unique and difficult to describe.
So the fiend scratch and think and nod to the rhyme
Listeners will be in awe and think deeply about my lyrics.
That I lay down in a straight narrow path
I lay down my rhymes in a focused and straightforward manner.
While beats are just flowin' off a modern phonograph
The modern beats complement the style of my rap quite well.
Bass loud, high hats crisp and clear
The bass is strong and the high-hats can be easily heard in the beat.
That'll never let a weak MC interfere
The beat is so good that it won't even allow weaker MCs to stand a chance on it.
Or bring about some technical difficulties
The quality of the beat is so good that it won't cause any technical issues.
So I got prepared and I wrote these
I was ready for this beat and wrote my rhymes in advance.
Rhymes That just broke loose from the brain
These rhymes came to me naturally and spontaneously.
Searching for dope beats on the same plane
I searched for a beat with the same level of quality as the rhymes I had written.
For you to write new rhymes it is a must
To be good at rapping, you must constantly come up with new rhymes.
But I come off with rhymes old as dust
My rhymes are so good that they can stand the test of time like dust.
Even as a speck of dust it existed
My rhymes have always been present, even in the smallest conceivable form.
Ya got that?
Do you understand me?
Forget it, ya missed it
If you didn't get it the first time, it's too late now.
I'm slammin'
I am rapping with great intensity.
The Genius is slammin'
My rap persona, The Genius, is dominating the mic.
You flip me on the mic, no way
You can't beat me when it comes to rapping.
That's me being played in April on the 1st day
You're just joking or lying if you say you're better than me.
Now who's a fool? What do you strive for?
You're a fool for thinking you can match my level of skill in rapping.
Prime time juice on the box and fans galore
I have many fans and a great reputation in the rap industry.
Forget it, cause you're not hype as they want you
You're not as exciting or talented as people want you to be in the rap industry.
With a maximum of 200 your rhymin' IQ
You don't have the intelligence it takes to be a top-notch rapper.
Is 10, meaning thin, you'll never win
Your skills as a rapper are weak and you will never be able to beat me.
So erase that, I'm not gonna lose friend
Don't even think about winning - I won't lose.
I know you're gassed, ya charged, and kinda stuck up
I know you're overconfident and arrogant.
But I define your challenge, a total fuck up
You will completely fail if you try to challenge me.
And it's critical, a crying shame
It's sad that you even think you can beat me - it's not going to happen.
How many MC's challenge me, and die in vain
Many rappers have tried and failed to beat me in the past.
But you should've came with ya whole rap
You should have brought your very best to try and challenge me.
Community, now where's your unity
You should have worked with others to help you compete with me, but you didn't.
Cause what I see right now is you and I
It's just me and you battling, and you're no match for me.
And you're too weak to stop me from doin' my
You're not strong enough to interrupt my rap.
Damage, you know, type of body and fender
My rhymes will cause a lot of damage, like a car accident.
NAH!, not the same way I did Brenda
But not in the same way that Brenda was hurt (as referenced in a previous GZA song).
But you had the audacity to step to me
You were bold enough to challenge me and my skills.
Thinking you was Butch Cassidy and you could do me
You thought you could beat me like the famous outlaw Butch Cassidy.
How can you do me when you don't know me
You can't beat me if you don't understand me or my rap style.
And out of the hip hop styles ya couldn't show me
You couldn't even demonstrate a single rap style that could compare to mine.
One style that may have damaged me
You don't have any rhymes that could harm me in any way.
But that's something you'll never see
You'll never find a rhyme style that could beat me.
M.C. means mic constructor I build
As an MC, I craft intricate rhymes and construct a perfect rap performance.
That have suckers running like what track and field
My rhymes are so good that they leave other rappers speechless and fleeing.
When I conduct please don't interrupt
Please don't interfere with my flow when I'm rapping.
With ya if's or and's or but's keep ya mouth shut
Don't start talking about hypotheticals or excuses - just appreciate my rap.
The hip hop style that I own is highly known
My personal rap style is very popular and well-known.
To bury MC's like a dog bury bones
My rap style is so good that it will completely overshadow and defeat other MCs.
And in this field, yo, I'm extraordinary
I am an exceptional rap performer in the rap industry.
And in my back yard there's a cemetary
I have defeated so many other rappers that there's a graveyard in my backyard.
Of meek MC's who try to speak
I have defeated countless weaker rappers who have tried to challenge my skills.
And off preak technique that's soft and very weak
These weaker rappers always use softer techniques that are just not good enough to beat me.
Yet they still have the heart to ask me to duel
Despite knowing they can't beat me, they still ask for a rap battle.
And like Mr. T, I pity the fool
I feel sorry for these rappers who think they can beat me.
The shining chrome microphone is the device
The microphone is the tool that I use to bring out the best in my skills and performance.
That makes me stand out like men amongst mice
The microphone allows me to distinguish myself clearly from other rappers who can't match my skills.
So respond to the stimuli then fly
React to my rhymes and let yourself be taken away by them.
Straight to the sky on a natural high
Enjoy the high of the rap performance as it takes you higher and higher with each new line.
Cause I'm the transmitter buck wild and bitter
I am the source of the electrifying rap experience that no one can duplicate.
Thinking about trying me then reconsider
Don't even think about trying to challenge me in a battle of rhymes.
Cause if it sounds tempting boy, I'll Double Dare you
If you're tempted to challenge me, I'll double down and make you regret it.
And speaking of your low life, I won't spare you
I won't show mercy to someone as small and insignificant as you.
Cause you're not worthy of the mercy
You don't deserve my mercy as you're too far beneath me in terms of rap talent.
Anyway The Genius is just blood thirsty
My rap persona, The Genius, is always hungry for more victories and battles.
So take a lickin' as the plot thickens
Prepare to be defeated as the rap battle heats up and becomes more competitive.
While ya head is took, ya be pumping like a chicken
You'll be overwhelmed and stunned by my rhymes and your head will be spinning.
How can you ever say my style was played
It's ridiculous to say that my rap style is overdone or boring.
When my rhymes be chopping shit like a switchblade
My rhymes are sharp, fast, and powerful - like a switchblade.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Heath Overledgerly
Still fresh like I heard it for the first time! So much more appreciation for the “Pre Wu” joints. Perfect time to release another pressing of the vinyl by now as the album approaches its 30th chamber
ThaRealERAQ
Damn, Wu was always ill. I wish they had some acapellas so I could flip this shit!
MainOffenderKZ
damn i really need to buy that album!!!!
onemanarmyasonrip
Sick Lyricism All through The Album, The Shits well Slammin' Liquid Swords a Different Style more Hard This Shits Strong in Lyrics But has a Ol' School in the Beats more Layed back
Maik
this album is da fuckin' KILLAH !!!! jizah's best , that's what I think bout it
Brundlefly
luvin the old school gza!
Khemt291223
Of course!he's slammin'!
Caleb Oberrath
nothin to take away from this but thus is nothin to liquid swords
Lowkey Ben
Intriguing
Bryan Screene
this album is the shit