Highway Robbery
GZA/Genius Lyrics

An MC stepped to me, lying about one
A rapper approached GZA and lied about a deceased crew member, attempting to gain respect or recognition.

Kid that rolled with him who died in the outcome
The deceased crew member was allegedly killed while with the lying rapper.

Thinking he could get with me, gain victory
The lying rapper believed that he could impress GZA and win in a battle or competition.

When the season's all on his beef was hickory
The lying rapper's insults or attacks were weak and ineffective, especially during a competitive season.

The situation at hand still remained critical
Despite the lying rapper's attempts to impress GZA, the tension between the two remained intense and problematic.

The check analytical, reaction was pitiful
GZA analyzed the situation and the lying rapper's performance, and found it lacking and disappointing.

He pushed his pawn up, yo that's a wrong move
The lying rapper made a strategic error or misstep by trying to challenge or confront GZA.

A hog move, some rap cat on dog food
The lying rapper was acting selfishly or foolishly, like a hog or a lesser animal that eats dog food.

Microphone competition we devour
GZA and his crew excel at and dominate in rap battles or contests.

You pull plugs but take no source of power
Other rappers may try to silence or interrupt GZA's performance, but they cannot take away his ability or influence.

Cause then in MCing, the contours of the land
Rap is a dynamic and evolving art form, shaped by different styles or regions.

Intricate architects that's linked to a plan
Successful rappers are like skilled architects, with a clear vision or strategic plan for their music.

The W U hyphen T A N G
GZA is part of the rap collective Wu-Tang Clan, known for their distinctive style and lyrics.

My rap flow automatic and never empty
GZA's rapping abilities are natural and effortless, and he never runs out of ideas or energy.

Don't tempt me, quick to bust off another
GZA warns other rappers not to challenge or provoke him, or he will respond with a strong verse or comeback.

Flee in that direction you could get it from my brother
If someone runs away from GZA's confrontational rap style, they may still encounter similar challenges from other members of his crew or family.

At least then you know that you up against G-O-D
GZA considers himself to be a divine or powerful figure in the rap world, with unmatched skills and influence.

So when we throw those grenades you better be
When GZA and his crew release new music or fire back at critics, their impact will be explosive and far-reaching.

Ready, not iced out and petty
Rappers who want to compete with GZA should be prepared and serious, not overly concerned with flashy jewelry or petty feuds.

Neckful couldn't match one oil drop from Getty
Even the most expensive or extravagant jewelry cannot compare to the wealth and power of the Getty family, including their oil business.

That's ran by the icon who just left Exxon
The Getty family's wealth and influence in the oil industry comes from their connection to Exxon, a major corporation.

And spilled oil so he could cash checks on
Despite causing environmental damage or disasters, the wealthy and powerful still profit from their businesses and careers.

The strength cause local niggas be hating
GZA and his crew face criticism or opposition from people in their own community, who are jealous or resentful of their success and power.

But the sound still travels from state to state and
Despite local challenges, GZA's music and influence reach far beyond their immediate neighborhood or city.

No dress code, boot, hats and all metal
GZA and his crew do not conform to mainstream fashion or styles, preferring a more eclectic and unique look.

Strictly hip hop underground and all ghetto
GZA and his crew remain committed to the authentic and raw style of hip hop, rooted in urban neighborhoods and culture.

Stick it up like it's a highway robbery
GZA and his crew are taking over the rap industry and dominating other rappers, like robbing a highway.

True gangstas we run New York City
GZA and his crew are the real gangsters and leaders of the rap scene in New York City.

We come fi takeover the industry
GZA and his crew are determined to dominate and control the music industry, by force if necessary.

Cause you know them have fi too 'fraid of we
Other rappers and industry insiders are afraid or intimidated by GZA and his crew, because of their power and influence.

How come so much rap [shit] sound so similar
GZA questions why many rappers follow the same trends or styles, creating a lack of originality in the rap world.

Is it confusing for you to remember the
GZA notes that this lack of originality makes it difficult to distinguish or recall different rappers or songs.

Originator, paint sprayer, crafts innovators
GZA values creativity and originality in rap, recognizing the importance of those who start new trends or styles, like graffiti artists or craftsmen.

Quick close ups of the artform's life savors
GZA appreciates the details and intricacies of rap, recognizing them as essential elements that make it a meaningful and valuable art form.

From tapes to decks, beats with raps, streets with gats
Rap music spans different formats and media, from cassette tapes to turntables, and deals with a range of topics, from beats and rhymes to violence in urban areas.

Speaking of tracks, I've ran plenty laps
GZA has recorded many songs and albums, and has been active in the rap scene for a long time.

The crates were packed, Farms were Phat
There were many records and samples available for GZA and his crew to use, and their productions were often high quality and impressive.

Thieves would chat to stab my back, detect many traps
Rival rappers or music industry insiders would conspire against GZA and his crew, trying to undermine their success or reputation and force them into traps or mistakes.

Hazardous enterprise, the youths energized
Being a successful rapper is risky and challenging, but young people are often excited and passionate about pursuing it anyway.

Not seeing the truth till it's in your eyes
People may be blind or ignorant to the dangers or realities of the rap industry, until they experience them directly.

Burning, you learning to power your rhyme
Struggling or facing obstacles in rap can be painful or intense, but these experiences can also inspire or motivate rappers to improve and find their own unique style or voice.

Exert maximum damage in minimum time
GZA and his crew aim to have a powerful and efficient impact on the rap industry, making the most of their skills and resources in a short amount of time.

Road L's are lit, my spears start to hit
GZA and his crew are confident and prepared for their journey, and their music hits hard and effectively like spears.

Strange translation of words of wit
Rap lyrics may use unusual or creative language to convey clever or intelligent ideas or commentary.

Through the cable transmit' and once the shoe fit
Rap music is transmitted through various media, and when a listener connects with or appreciates the lyrics or message, it is like finding the right shoe that fits perfectly.

Unlock the secret of prophecies and that's it
Rap music can contain prophetic or insightful ideas that reveal important truths or perspectives on the world and life.

Stay submerged deep as we cruise the seas
GZA and his crew remain grounded and focused as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of the rap industry.

Beneath the Surface just like Adidas and Lee's
GZA and his crew appreciate and value cultural icons like Adidas and Lee's that have long histories and deep roots, just like their own style of rap music.

Or a croke head that used to walked the length
GZA recognizes and respects people from all walks of life, including drug addicts or former criminals who may have had difficult or troubled pasts.

From Brooklyn to get a beat on 43rd and 10th
GZA and his crew are from Brooklyn, and they are accustomed to traveling to different parts of the city to find creative inspiration and opportunities.

And that's just a short trip to flip without a whip
GZA and his crew often travel short distances without a car or other vehicle, relying on their own skills and abilities to navigate the city and succeed in rap.

Tried to shop this most extravagant gift
GZA and his crew have worked hard to create valuable and impressive music, and they are eager to share it with others and receive recognition and rewards for their efforts.

To a cat who wasn't hemped and never opened doors
Some people may be resistant or uninterested in GZA's music, perhaps because they are unfamiliar with or closed-minded to the genre.

Till he accidently seen it on the shelves of stores
Despite some initial resistance, GZA's music has gained popularity and success, and can now be found in record stores around the world.

That's more frightning than strikes of lightning
The power and influence of rap music is more significant and unpredictable than mere natural disasters like lightning strikes.

Tearing up the storm in your average college dorm
Rap music can have a disruptive or influential impact on young people and college culture, challenging norms and creating new perspectives or movements.

So think about it when you trying to flow
GZA advises other rappers to consider the history and meaning of rap, and to be mindful of their own contributions and responsibilities to the genre.

When you wanna step to us I think you should know
GZA and his crew are confident and wary of other rappers who try to challenge or compete with them, and believe that they are unmatched in their skills and influence.