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
Phony As Ya Wanna Be
GZA/Genius Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Then I began flowing in a smooth steady motion
'Cause I'm contented to know that I've invented
Poetry which has been highly complimented
Thus how I rhyme is what I feel on stage
And from a fraction of a thought I can write a whole page
I'll just pull a notebook from off the shelf
And like Salt-N-Pepa I express myself
But when it comes to cold challenging, I bet none of you won't
Arrange a battle, improve your style
Against a brother with a totally different profile
Most of you flake cold front ya flex
And hesitate on rhymes that should've been Memorex
But you forgot I remember you're an amateur
Mystery worshipper, now I prefer
That I remind you or tease ya on who's the boss
'Cause you suffer amnesia, that's memory loss
Well get this, just as quiet as it's kept
MC's on the chart from the start has slept
Let's shake them, wake them, they should be woke
For what? They take MC'ing for a practical joke
You don't have what it takes to be an MC
Ya just as phony as ya wanna be
You present yourself to be the quiet storm
You're a sneaky little snake in a devilish form
But as they say, yo, to each its own
And to each one who plays with a microphone
Abbreviate microphone and M.I.C.
Meaning what, myself, I, you see
I invite those to battle me, then they're through
Bust it, I'm not prejudiced, you're invited too
The rap convention or the MC show
I have rhymes to block those who hit below
The belt, that means biting a rhyme
Yes, I'll wax you, tax you and plus save time
Now who is known to uphold his own
And words are heard like a strong baritone
Freestyle techniques that's wild and bold
That'll smile in your face and still come so cold
That I'll freeze you to the point of non-defrost
Now you're trapped in the Land Of The Lost
Should I, could I, would I lose
When it's a selfish sore loser like you I choose
To roll your big eyes and suck your buck teeth
Because you're upset that you ever caused beef
Yo homeboy, I never meant to tease
But it's a slaughter, can someone help him please
Feeling uncomfortable, then loosen your belt
Once The Genius gets heated up, suckers will melt
Then after ya melt, ya start dripping like water
Then you can say this was a Goddamn slaughter
You don't have what it takes to be an MC
Ya just phony as ya wanna be
Ain't no rhymes like the one I got
They put competitors in a trance, y'all
Radio stations ran them a lot
They made children play and dance y'all
How dare ya mention you're an MC
When the crowd disagrees on who claim to be
'Cause your battle piece are the rhymes you release
And that only make the crowd boos increase
Hey, may I say I'll stay a DJ
MC who try to defeat me or portray
One who claims he gain much respect
But in a battle, straight up and down, ya getting wrecked
'Cause getting with me is definitely a slaughter
Or diving in a pool head first without water
So don't set yourself up to get brutalized
That only happens when you're not energized
Bit I'm so damn energized, I'm energetic
That I can wreck a microphone 'til it's pathetic
Okay, got it in your head, correct
That I'm victorious on any subject
You disbelieve, then huh, call the title
Then after one rhyme, you'll be calling me your idol
It's like... zap... another one on my jock strap
Now you walk around praising my name
'Cause I'm slamming and I make you feel the pain
You don't have what it takes to be an MC
Ya just phony as ya wanna be
In GZA’s song “Phony as Ya Wanna Be,” the lyrics express the art and craft of poetry and rap, particularly in the context of competition with other MCs. GZA presents himself as a master of the art, someone who can craft a full page of rhymes from a single idea in his mind. In battles against other MCs who try to challenge him or bite his lines, GZA sees himself as the inevitable victor, a skilled artist who can deliver lines that get under his competitors’ skin. He belittles MCs who don’t have what it takes to compete at a high level and accuses them of being phony, pretending to be something they’re not. Ultimately, GZA’s lyrics celebrate the power of hip hop and the art of MCing, while cautioning against those who don’t have the skill or devotion to compete at a high level.
Throughout the song, GZA’s use of wordplay and metaphor underscores his skill as an MC. For instance, he compares MCs who are too scared to battle him to Memorex, a reference to an old advert that promised the company’s tapes would perfectly replicate sound. The MCs may try to sound like GZA, but they’re ultimately just poor imitations of the real thing. Similarly, GZA uses a baritone voice to make his words sound powerful and imposing, underscoring his idea that he’s an unstoppable force in the world of hip hop. Overall, “Phony as Ya Wanna Be” is a celebration of hip hop prowess and skill, a warning to those who would try to challenge GZA or any other talented MC, and a powerful meditation on the art of rap itself.
Line by Line Meaning
When I hold a mic in my hand, it's devotion
I hold the microphone with great reverence when performing because it's a key element in my expression of poetry and music.
Then I began flowing in a smooth steady motion
Once I begin performing, my creative process flows easily and effortlessly.
'Cause I'm contented to know that I've invented
Poetry which has been highly complimented
I take pride in creating original poetic works that have been well received and acclaimed by others.
Thus how I rhyme is what I feel on stage
The words and rhythms I use in my performances are inspired by my emotions and feelings in the moment.
And from a fraction of a thought I can write a whole page
Even a small idea or thought can trigger the creation of an entire page's worth of lyrics and poetry.
I'll just pull a notebook from off the shelf
And like Salt-N-Pepa I express myself
I always have a notebook on hand to jot down my thoughts and ideas, much like the musical group Salt-N-Pepa expresses themselves through their music.
To make most of you know me, and some of you don't
But when it comes to cold challenging, I bet none of you won't
While some people may not know me, I am confident in my ability to stand up to any challenge thrown my way.
Arrange a battle, improve your style
Against a brother with a totally different profile
I welcome the opportunity to engage others in a creative battle to improve my own skills, even against those who are vastly different from me.
Most of you flake cold front ya flex
And hesitate on rhymes that should've been Memorex
Many people pretend to be tough and confident, but actually lack the skills and creativity to truly excel in the realm of music and poetry.
But you forgot I remember you're an amateur
Mystery worshipper, now I prefer
That I remind you or tease ya on who's the boss
'Cause you suffer amnesia, that's memory loss
While some may underestimate my skills, I remember their amateur status and intend to remind them of who is truly in charge when it comes to musical expression.
MC's on the chart from the start has slept
Let's shake them, wake them, they should be woke
For what? They take MC'ing for a practical joke
Many well-known MCs are simply coasting on their earlier successes rather than pushing the boundaries of their creativity and expression, and it's time to wake them up to the true meaning of their craft.
You present yourself to be the quiet storm
You're a sneaky little snake in a devilish form
Some individuals try to present a calm and collected demeanor, but are actually deceitful and sneaky in their actions.
Now who is known to uphold his own
And words are heard like a strong baritone
I am confident in my own abilities and my words are delivered with a strong sense of conviction and authority.
That I'll freeze you to the point of non-defrost
Now you're trapped in the Land Of The Lost
My lyrical skills are so powerful that they can leave others feeling stuck and unable to move forward in their own artistic endeavors.
So don't set yourself up to get brutalized
That only happens when you're not energized
Those who lack energy and enthusiasm during a performance are more likely to be defeated and humiliated by their opponents.
It's like... zap... another one on my jock strap
Now you walk around praising my name
'Cause I'm slamming and I make you feel the pain
My performances are so powerful and impactful that others are left in awe of my skills and praising my name.
You don't have what it takes to be an MC
Ya just phony as ya wanna be
Many people pretend to have the skills and creativity to excel as an MC, but in reality they are simply putting on a front and are not truly talented or dedicated to their craft.
Contributed by Elizabeth S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
JDankens
Good Find. Can't believe this came out 2 years before Wu-tang did. GZA is the lyrics master.
Vic Vega
If I made a hood movie, I wish to put this song in a scene.
imclimbminds
DAMN RIGHT !!
Eglinton West
@Oldazzbroad these guys are still making music i listen to their new shit too and theres nothing wrong with old school hip-hop those were the good days you can't hate on people listening to old school i grew up in that era and you grew up to this bullshit rap era and don't know what the real is
zomot33
damn thas a fuken clasic.
Illijah Da Profit
@EWCMILK yeah yeahh but gza had "come do me" which was a DANCE/HIPHOP track for its time so if he can do it then why can't 50 do a club or dance themed track????
Eglinton West
@rudebwooooy every track he makes now is a dance song
Illijah Da Profit
@EWCMILK okay first off I'm a major Wu head......but 1) 50 does have a classic album 2) 50 brought new york back when no one was feeling nyc 3) even 50 cent bigs up method man all the time 4) this genius album was not that great even for its time need i say more????
Illijah Da Profit
look this is a message for everyone wu-tang clan ain't nothing to fuck with ....... but there are still many newer artists that rep the same maybe you should dig and look further instead of using the radio to find your music. and to my real ol school headz even when wu tang was fresh there was still wack emcees on the radio so in those days we had to dig through mixtapes to find what we wanted without relying on hot97 or rapcity to tell us what was hot.
Portal Ov Tha Torn Veil
this cam out in 90