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 You Wanna Be
GZA/Genius Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Then I began flowing in a smooth steady motion
Cause I'mcontended to know that I've invented
Poetry which has been highly complimented
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
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
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, nowI prefer
ThatI 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 teh 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 littlesnake 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'mnot 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
Cauise 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
Oka, got it in your head, correct
That I'm victoriouson any subect
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 "Phony As You Wanna Be", GZA/Genius reflects on his dedication and passion for the art of MCing. He describes holding a mic as a sacred act, expressing his devotion to the craft. The smooth flow of his rhymes demonstrates his confidence in his abilities, knowing that he has created poetry that has received high praise. GZA/Genius emphasizes that his lyrical style is influenced by his personal thoughts and experiences, showing that he can write extensively with just a fraction of an idea.
He compares himself to iconic hip-hop duo Salt-N-Pepa, using their famous song "Express Yourself" as a metaphor for his own expression through music. GZA/Genius challenges other MCs to battle him and improve their own style, highlighting his uniqueness in both his style and profile. He criticizes those who pretend to be skilled and hesitate on delivering rhymes that should be memorable. He reminds these amateurs that he remembers who they are, exposing their lack of talent and their forgetfulness regarding his own abilities.
GZA/Genius discusses the insincerity and deceptive nature of some MCs, referring to them as phony and likening them to snakes. He acknowledges that every artist has their own style and approach, but he invites them to battle him to prove their skills. He believes that many MCs underestimate the art of rapping, taking it lightly as if it were just a practical joke. GZA/Genius asserts that these pretenders do not possess the necessary qualities to be true MCs.
The third verse of the song highlights GZA/Genius's prowess as an MC and his ability to command attention and respect. He mentions how his rhymes captivate listeners and are played extensively on radio stations, inciting children to dance. He points out the irony of other MCs claiming to be skilled when the crowd disagrees with their self-proclaimed titles. GZA/Genius emphasizes that in a battle, his opponents' rhymes fail to impress, causing the crowd to boo them. He asserts that he is a DJ and an MC, and anyone who tries to challenge him will ultimately be defeated. He is confident in his ability to energize a crowd and deliver powerful lyrics that leave a lasting impact.
In the final verse, GZA/Genius continues to assert his dominance as an MC. He warns other aspiring artists not to set themselves up for humiliation by attempting to battle him. He compares his skill to diving headfirst into a pool without water, emphasizing just how detrimental it is for his opponents. GZA/Genius's energy and passion for music are unmatched, and he boasts that his victories are guaranteed regardless of the subject matter. He challenges anyone who doubts his abilities to challenge him and witness his superiority firsthand. Ultimately, GZA/Genius highlights the phoniness of those who claim to be MCs but lack the talent and skill to back it up.
Line by Line Meaning
When I hold a mic in my hand, it's devotion
I feel a deep connection and dedication when I have a microphone in my hand
Then I began flowing in a smooth steady motion
I start rapping with a smooth and consistent delivery
Cause I'mcontended to know that I've invented
I am satisfied to know that I have created
Poetry which has been highly complimented
My poetry has received high praise from others
Thus how I rhyme is what I feel on stage
I express my true emotions and thoughts when I perform
And from a fraction of a thought I can write a whole page
I can easily turn a small idea into a complete song or set of lyrics
I'll just pull a notebook from off the shelf
I simply take out a notebook where I keep my lyrics
And like Salt-N-Pepa I express myself
I express my thoughts and emotions just like the group Salt-N-Pepa does
To make most of you know me, and some of you don't
I want the majority of people to be familiar with me, but it's fine if some are not
But when it comes to cold challenging, I bet none of you won't
When it comes to competing and facing challenges, I doubt any of you won't
Arrange a battle, improve your style
Organize a rap battle and work on enhancing your own style
Against a brother with a totally different profile
Go up against someone who has a completely different approach and characteristics
Most of you flake cold front ya flex
Many of you act tough and boast, but it's all a facade
And hesitate on rhymes that should've been Memorex
You struggle with delivering rhymes that should be smooth and flawless
But you forgot I remember you're an amateur
You seem to have forgotten that I know you're not experienced or skilled
Mystery worshipper, nowI prefer
I used to admire you, but now I find it better to distance myself
ThatI remind you or tease ya on who's the boss
I want to remind you and playfully taunt you about who is in control
Cause you suffer amnesia, that's memory loss
You seem to have forgotten things and suffer from memory loss
Well get this just as quiet as it's kept
Pay close attention to this, even though it's not widely known
MC's on the chart from teh start has slept
Rappers who have been on the charts from the beginning have become complacent
Let's shake them,wake them, they should be woke
We should awaken and challenge these complacent rappers
For what? They take MC'ing for a practical joke
They treat the art of MC'ing as a mere joke or entertainment
You don't have what it takes to be an MC
You lack the necessary skills and qualities to be a true MC
Ya just as phony as ya wanna be
You are simply being fake and pretending to be something you're not
You present yourself to be the quiet storm
You portray yourself as a calm and powerful force
You're a sneaky littlesnake in a devilish form
In reality, you are a deceptive and wicked individual
But as they say, yo, to each its own
As the saying goes, everyone has their own preferences and choices
And to each one who plays with a microphone
And for anyone who engages with a microphone
Abbreviate microphone and M.I.C.
I'm abbreviating 'microphone' as 'M.I.C.'
Meaning what, Myself, I, you see
It represents 'Myself, I, you see'
I invite those to battle me then they're through
I challenge those who dare to battle me, knowing they will fail
Bust it, i'mnot prejudiced you're invited too
I'm not biased, even you are invited to compete
The rap convention or the MC show
Whether it's a rap convention or an event focused on MC'ing
I have rhymes to block those who hit below
I have lyrics to counter those who aim to insult or attack me
The belt, that means biting a rhyme
Targeting the belt refers to copying or stealing someone's rhymes
Yes, I'll wax you, tax you and plus save time
I will defeat you convincingly, while also making it efficient
Now who is known to uphold his own
Now, who is recognized for maintaining their own identity and integrity
And words are heard like a strong baritone
My words are delivered with a deep and powerful tone
Freestyle techniques that's wild and bold
I possess improvisational techniques that are daring and adventurous
That'll smile in your face and still come so cold
I can appear friendly and pleasant, but still maintain a ruthless and cold attitude
That I'll freeze you to the point of non-defrost
I can paralyze you to the extent that you cannot recover
Now you're trapped in the Land Of The Lost
Now you are stuck and lost, unable to escape
Should I, could I, would I lose
Is there a possibility that I might lose?
When it's a selfish sore loser like you I choose
When it comes to selecting an opponent, I prefer someone who is selfish and bitter about losing
To roll your big eyes and suck your buck teeth
I enjoy seeing you react with surprise and disappointment
Because you're upset that you ever caused beef
You're angry at yourself for starting a conflict
Yo homeboy, I never meant to tease
Hey, my friend, I never intended to mock or make fun of you
But it's a slaughter, can someone help him please
But the outcome is one-sided and overwhelmingly in my favor, can someone provide assistance to my opponent?
Feeling uncomfortable, then loosen your belt
If you're feeling uneasy, then relax and let go of your insecurities
Once The Genius gets heated up, suckers will melt
Once I, The Genius, become passionate and intense, weak individuals will crumble
Then after ya melt, ya start dripping like water
After you break down, you become weak and defenseless
Then you can say this was a Goddamn slaughter
Then you can admit that this was a complete and merciless defeat
Ain't no rhymes like the one I got
There are no lyrics that compare to mine
They put competitors in a trance, y'all
My lyrics mesmerize and captivate my opponents
Radio stations ran them a lot
Radio stations played my songs frequently
They made children play and dance y'all
My music brought joy and got children to dance
How dare ya mention you're an MC
How dare you claim to be a true MC
When the crowd disagrees on who claim to be
When the audience doesn't agree with your self-proclaimed title
Cause your battle piece are the rhymes you release
Because your battle repertoire consists of the lyrics you put out
And that only make the crowd boos increase
This only leads to the audience booing you even more
Hey, may I say I'll stay a DJ
Allow me to say that I will remain a DJ
MC who try to defeat me or portray
MCs who attempt to challenge or imitate me
One who claims he gain much respect
Someone who boasts about earning a lot of respect
But in a battle, straight up and down ya getting wrecked
But in a battle, you are clearly being defeated
Cauise getting with me is definitely a slaughter
Because going up against me will undoubtedly result in a one-sided defeat
Or diving in a pool head first without water
It's like diving into a pool headfirst without any water, foolish and painful
So don't set yourself up to get brutalized
Therefore, don't put yourself in a position to be severely beaten
That only happens when you're not energized
That can only happen when you lack energy and enthusiasm
Bit I'm so damn energized, I'm energetic
But I am extremely energized, filled with energy and enthusiasm
That I can wreck a microphone 'til it's pathetic
I can rap so passionately and powerfully that it renders the microphone useless
Oka, got it in your head, correct
Alright, understand and remember this clearly
That I'm victoriouson any subect
That I emerge victorious in any subject or area of expertise
You disbelieve, then huh, call the title
If you doubt me, then go ahead and challenge my title
Then after one rhyme you'll be calling me your idol
But after hearing one of my rhymes, you will start admiring and idolizing me
It's like..zap...another one on my jock strap
It's like...bam...another person showing admiration and following my lead
Now you walk around praising my name
Now you go around speaking highly of me
Cause i'm slamming and I make you feel the pain
Because I'm delivering powerful and impactful lyrics that make you feel the pain
You don't have what it takes to be an MC
You lack the necessary skills and qualities to be a true MC
Ya just phony as ya wanna be
You are simply being fake and pretending to be something you're not
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind