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
High Price / Small Reward
GZA/Genius Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Fore I bust off
What's the cause? Life loss, high price to pay
For a small reward
Kill for that Bush wick and Horsely broad
I provided the jump cables through to boost the mini-pack
Based on the drama unfolding in a track
Swords swing like Shogun, now who want it?
You see the truth then act upon it
Or feel the fire's fore view
Ain't a MC that I hit can pull through
That niggas are like kid, flashin' plastic tools
Unaware of the most-year dynastic rule
What stupid!
Without a doubt, it's in the heart where the best darts were written
Sittin' at the window of the grand old earths
Youths thirst for knowledge, I teach but hold heat
'cause some savage niggas are lost beyond reach
Broken homes breed seeds of no guidance
Left to wonder the streets and experiment wit devilish men
Violent, felon offenders, supreme folders
One-twenty bomb holders let 'em off and explode
The battlefield haunting the daunting
Wu-Tang dance deadly emits six pence
Spiral rifle, barrel pointed, elastic noose
Plastic head wrapped stifle, survival
Tribal, title secret rival
'Archual' subliminal message throwin'
Bitch niggas holdin' on labels
Mic cables
Capable of slowin' down jets on deck
Fuckin' you straight through continuously
Justice, wit more of the critical penital
Some long overdue, now served by the chiefs on cheat
Drummer bills is the street prophecies fulfilled
Better chill, currents to the invited
Bang for the 'phones, live niggas on they way home
Snatch poems from clones, we got it sewn
In the song "High Price Small Reward", GZA/Genius raps about the dangers of street life and the high cost of small rewards. The first verse talks about the consequences of life loss and killing over small things like turf or reputation. The line "Kill for that Bush wick and Horsely broad" refers to two neighborhoods in Brooklyn, New York that are known for gang violence and criminal activity.
In the second verse, GZA/Genius talks about his own experiences in the rap game and how he takes no prisoners when it comes to his craft. He references his knowledge and understanding of the power dynamics in the music industry, comparing himself to a Shogun who wields his sword with deadly precision. He also highlights the importance of knowledge and self-defense, knowing that there are those in the world who would prey upon the weak and vulnerable.
Overall, the song is a warning against the allure of the streets and the cost of participating in criminal activity. GZA/Genius uses vivid imagery and clever wordplay to drive home his message and make a lasting impact on his listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
I wiped the chrome off wit the dust cloth 'Fore I bust off
Before I shoot my gun, I make sure it's clean and shiny.
What's the cause? Life loss, high price to pay For a small reward Kill for that Bush wick and Horsely broad
People are willing to kill for a small reward, even if it means risking their own lives and causing the loss of others. The area of Bushwick and Horsely is especially dangerous.
I provided the jump cables through to boost the mini-pack Based on the drama unfolding in a track I don't hold back, I spare no one Swords swing like Shogun, now who want it? You see the truth then act upon it
I bring energy and intensity to my music, fueled by the things that are happening around me. I am willing to take down anyone who crosses me or my crew, with no hesitation.
Or feel the fire's fore view Ain't a MC that I hit can pull through That niggas are like kid, flashin' plastic tools Unaware of the most-year dynastic rule What stupid!
Rappers who try to imitate my style are like children playing with plastic toys, unaware of the real power and history behind my words. They are foolish and will not survive in the long term.
Without a doubt, it's in the heart where the best darts were written Sittin' at the window of the grand old earths Youths thirst for knowledge, I teach but hold heat 'cause some savage niggas are lost beyond reach
My best rhymes come from my deepest emotions and experiences. I sit and reflect on life, and try to impart wisdom to the younger generation. However, there are some people who are too far gone and need to be kept in check with force.
Broken homes breed seeds of no guidance Left to wonder the streets and experiment wit devilish men Violent, felon offenders, supreme folders One-twenty bomb holders let 'em off and explode
Growing up without proper family and community support can lead to a life of crime and violence. There are people out there who are willing to commit extreme acts of violence just for the sake of it.
The battlefield haunting the daunting Wu-Tang dance deadly emits six pence Spiral rifle, barrel pointed, elastic noose Plastic head wrapped stifle, survival
Life is like a constant battle, and being part of the Wu-Tang Clan means being prepared to fight and defend oneself at all times. The Wu-Tang style is deadly and precise, like a rifle, with a focus on survival.
Tribal, title secret rival 'Archual' subliminal message throwin' Bitch niggas holdin' on labels Mic cables Capable of slowin' down jets on deck Fuckin' you straight through continuously Justice, wit more of the critical penital Some long overdue, now served by the chiefs on cheat
The Wu-Tang Clan is a tribe with hidden powers and messages. Record labels try to hold us back, but our rhymes are too powerful to be silenced. Our music can even slow down jets in the sky, and we will keep fighting for justice and change, even if it means calling out corrupt leaders.
Drummer bills is the street prophecies fulfilled Better chill, currents to the invited Bang for the 'phones, live niggas on they way home Snatch poems from clones, we got it sewn
The streets are full of danger and uncertainty, but those who are invited to be part of the Wu-Tang Clan know how to survive and thrive. We are not afraid to confront other rappers who copy our style and we have a firm grip on the music industry.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELGIN EVANDER TURNER, GARY E. GRICE, RONALD MAURICE BEAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind