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
Mic Trippin
GZA/Genius Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mic trippin, from rock skipping
Off the local brooks, not knowing
Heavy weight, throwin vocal hooks
Ryming off Apache, the Rza scratch thee
Records borrowed from Home Alone kid known as latchkey
Break beat fanatic, crates deep in attics
Forty-fives marked up, looped with static
Flare ripped from the magic lair, of medley
But deadly I merge foward, with a sharp spear
He must return now his flight departs here
Like Sittin Bull, I lay with my bow pulled
Arrow poisonous 'cause my enemy clip's full
Stay in the venue, with the party promoters, life parolers
Half the crowd wild, 9 m&m holders
Apply boulders, smash your allied soldiers
Intimate footage roll off the cameraman's shoulder
Many-a-die for fame movin like Leroy
Can't be one and the same, nah it ain't be -boy
The decoy, scan this with high tech radar
Til my mic strike, leave a state-size crater
I came into this with the writer's block
To prevent a sudden shock, on a large flock
Clips are uncut episode, invinciable armor
I blaze one, once I struck the match off my bomber
Adjust this, til its EQ'ed like never
Watch a mega watt bang spot, raise the lever
Its operation cobra, its over
Control the globe slowly, the bold soldier
[Genius]
My rough cut metal tapes, quick to break labelmates
Won't hesitate to negotiate your table stake
First lesson came from the session, room one
From the longest awaited, but the strongest made it
Complex, complicated, compressed elongated
Homicidial sub-title, Wu claw banga off the ocean shore
Kid jaw, cut with the jig-saw
Intern engineer, vest on the youth
Make the mic booth bulletproof from sparked wires
From autofire, rapid from the verbalist slangster's gat
Two hit Tucker she labeled it gangstar rap
Unseen heard, struck the vital nerves
of some sort, courts got papers to serve
Still bang em in the head, just lead no eraser
One shot, no chaser, who gonna replace her
You punch-drunk swingin your keys on your index
Showin off your Rolex
didn't see the joe text, you filmed it on bolex
Smashed with the largest full finger name ringer,life clinger
In "Mic Trippin", GZA/Genius raps about his passion and dedication for hip-hop and his mic skills. He starts by referencing skipping rocks off the local brooks metaphorically as his humble beginnings with rap. He then boasts about his skills, throwing vocal hooks and rhyming off Apache while the Rza scratches the records borrowed from the "Home Alone" kid known as Latchkey. GZA's love for breakbeats is evident as he talks about crate digging for forty-fives and marking them up to loop with static in his attic. He mentions the weight of his rap game, with each link in his chain being heavy while he rides in a Chevy truck with a flare ripped from the magic lair of medley.
GZA's lyrical prowess is deadly as he blends references to Native American warriors like Sitting Bull and arrows that are poisonous to his enemy's clips being full. He performs in front of a wild crowd, half of whom are carrying nine-millimeter guns, intimating that the life of a rapper is always under threat. He continues to smash his allied solders with boulders and puts his intimate footage out there for the world to see. GZA mentions Leroy, the singer from the movie "The Last Dragon," to emphasize that he can't be one of the same as he is far too unique. He enters the rap game with writer's block, but he manages to overcome it once he strikes his match off his bomber jacket.
Line by Line Meaning
Mic trippin, from rock skipping
My microphone is malfunctioning, possibly due to wear and tear from too much use.
Off the local brooks, not knowing
I was recording in various locations without a clear understanding of the technical challenges that each environment would present.
Heavy weight, throwin vocal hooks
I am a skilled rapper, capable of delivering powerful performances.
Ryming off Apache, the Rza scratch thee
I'm using samples from Apache and Rza to enhance my lyrics and delivery.
Records borrowed from Home Alone kid known as latchkey
I used to borrow records from a latchkey kid who loved the movie Home Alone.
Break beat fanatic, crates deep in attics
I have a deep passion and knowledge for break beats, often seeking out rare recordings in hard-to-find locations.
Forty-fives marked up, looped with static
I've used scratchy old 45 records and repeated loops to create unique soundscapes in my music.
Rap ring heavy, each link in my chain, trucks Chevy
I'm a prominent figure in the rap scene, and my success has led to significant respect and financial rewards.
Flare ripped from the magic lair, of medley
I've taken inspiration from a diverse range of musical sources to create my own unique style.
But deadly I merge foward, with a sharp spear
Despite obstacles, I continue to move forward and improve as an artist.
He must return now his flight departs here
My competition should give up now, as I'm ascending to new heights of success.
Like Sittin Bull, I lay with my bow pulled
I'm ready to unleash my powerful artistry, like Sitting Bull preparing for battle.
Arrow poisonous 'cause my enemy clip's full
My music is so powerful and lethal that it can damage the careers of my rivals.
Stay in the venue, with the party promoters, life parolers
I'm a regular presence in the hip hop scene, both on stage and in the business realm.
Half the crowd wild, 9 m&m holders
My music excites and energizes audiences, leading to wild reactions from some fans.
Apply boulders, smash your allied soldiers
I can destroy my opponents, no matter how strong they are or how many allies they have.
Intimate footage roll off the cameraman's shoulder
I often document my performances and behind-the-scenes moments to share with fans.
Many-a-die for fame movin like Leroy
Some people are willing to do anything, even die, for fame and success like Leroy from The Last Dragon.
Can't be one and the same, nah it ain't be-boy
I'm not following the crowd or conforming to common stereotypes associated with hip hop culture.
The decoy, scan this with high tech radar
I am attracting attention from critics and experts in the music industry due to my innovative style and creativity.
Til my mic strike, leave a state-size crater
When I perform, my music is so powerful that it has the potential to leave a lasting impact on a large scale.
I came into this with the writer's block
I started my hip hop career struggling to write lyrics, but I've overcome those challenges and become a successful artist.
To prevent a sudden shock, on a large flock
I made a conscious effort to avoid alarming or disturbing my fans as my career progressed and my music evolved.
Clips are uncut episode, invinciable armor
My music is raw and unfiltered, and I am confident in my abilities and creative vision.
I blaze one, once I struck the match off my bomber
I'm prepared to deliver a fierce and unforgettable performance at any moment, like lighting a fuse on a bomb.
Adjust this, til its EQ'ed like never
I'm committed to perfecting my music and ensuring that it sounds incredible, even to the most discerning ears.
Watch a mega watt bang spot, raise the lever
When I perform, the energy is explosive and electrifying, and I have the power to move and inspire audiences.
Its operation cobra, its over
My music career has reached a new level of success, and there's no stopping now.
Control the globe slowly, the bold soldier
I'm a dominant force in the hip hop world, using my skill and creativity to shape the industry and inspire other artists.
My rough cut metal tapes, quick to break labelmates
My music is unique and unconventional, often standing out from other labelmates and breaking conventions in the industry.
Won't hesitate to negotiate your table stake
I'm not afraid to assert my power and negotiate favorable terms for myself and my music career.
First lesson came from the session, room one
I learned valuable lessons and gained experience from early hip hop recording sessions in the industry.
From the longest awaited, but the strongest made it
I've faced challenges and adversity in the industry, but I've persevered and grown stronger as a result.
Complex, complicated, compressed elongated
My style and approach to hip hop are intricate and multifaceted, requiring great skill and attention to detail.
Homicidial sub-title, Wu claw banga off the ocean shore
My music is aggressive and lethal, with elements of the Wu-Tang Clan's famous approach to hip hop.
Kid jaw, cut with the jig-saw
I'm capable of delivering sharp and precise lyrics and rhymes, like a jigsaw cutting through wood or metal.
Intern engineer, vest on the youth
I've worked hard and gained experience in the hip hop industry, starting as an intern and building my way up as a young artist.
Make the mic booth bulletproof from sparked wires
I take great care to ensure that my recording environment is optimized and protected against electrical hazards that could damage my equipment.
From autofire, rapid from the verbalist slangster's gat
My rhymes and lyrics come out quickly and forcefully, like a machine gun firing on automatic mode.
Two hit Tucker she labeled it gangstar rap
I've had notable successes in my music career, including a song that a popular producer labeled as part of the gangsta rap genre.
Unseen heard, struck the vital nerves
My music has touched people deeply and left a lasting impact, even though my approach and style may not be familiar or well-known to all.
of some sort, courts got papers to serve
My success and impact in the hip hop industry have not gone unnoticed, and I may face legal challenges or other obstacles as a result.
Still bang em in the head, just lead no eraser
My music is so impactful that it can leave a lasting impression on listeners' minds, even without the use of an eraser to correct mistakes or flaws.
One shot, no chaser, who gonna replace her
My music is unique and powerful, and there will be no easy replacement for my style and approach in the industry.
You punch-drunk swingin your keys on your index
My competition are like boxers who have taken too many blows, flailing wildly and without direction.
Showin off your Rolex
My competition may try to flaunt their material possessions or status symbols, but it won't help them in the end.
didn't see the joe text, you filmed it on bolex
My competition may be too caught up in their own egos to see the reality of the hip hop scene and the challenges they face.
Smashed with the largest full finger name ringer,life clinger
My power and impact in the hip hop industry are like a heavy object smashing into my competition, leaving them stunned and defeated.
Adjust this, til its EQ'ed like never
I'm committed to perfecting my music and ensuring that it sounds incredible, even to the most discerning ears.
Watch a mega watt bang spot, raise the lever
When I perform, the energy is explosive and electrifying, and I have the power to move and inspire audiences.
Its operation cobra, its over
My music career has reached a new level of success, and there's no stopping now.
Control the globe slowly, the bold soldier
I'm a dominant force in the hip hop world, using my skill and creativity to shape the industry and inspire other artists.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GARY E. GRICE, RONALD MAURICE BEAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind