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
Shadowboxin
GZA/Genius Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ill speaking Scud missile heat seeking
Johnny Blazing, nightmares like Wes Craven
Niggas gunning, my third eye seen it coming before it happen
You know about them fucking Staten kids, they smashing
Everything huh, in any shape form or fashion
Now everybody talking bout they blasting, hmmm
Is you busting steel or is you flashing, hmmm
You shoulda learnt about the flow and peasy afro
Ticallion stallion, chinky-eye and snot-nosed
From my naps to the bunion on my big toe
I keeps it moving, know just what the fuck I'm doing
Rap insomniac, fiend to catch a nigga snoozing
Slip the cardiac arrest me, exorcist hip-hop possess me
Crunch a nigga like a Nestle, you know my steez
Burning to the third degree, sneaky ass alley cat top pedigree
The head toucher, industry party bum rusher
You don't like it dick up in you fuck ya
Allow me to demonstrate
That's right, you corny-ass
The skill of Shaolin, rap motherfuckers
The special technique, better go back and check
Of shadowboxing, your fucking stacks
Shadowboxing, cause your naps ain't nappy enough
And your beats ain't rugged enough, bitch
I slayed MC's back in the rec room era
My style broke motherfucking backs like Ken Patera
Most rap niggas came loud but unheard
Once I pulled out, round em off to the nearest third
Check these non-visual niggas, with tapes and a portrait
Flood the seminar, trying to orbit this corporate
Industry, but what them niggas can't see
Must break through like the Wu, unexpectedly
Protect Ya Neck, my sword still remain imperial
Before I blast the mic, RZA scratch off the serial
We reign all year round from June to June
While niggas bite immediately if not soon
Set the lynching, and form the execution date
As this two thousand beyond slang suffocate
Amplify sample through vacuum tubes compressions
Cause RZA, to charge niggas twenty G's a session
When my mind start to clicking and the strategy
Is mastered the plot thickens, this be that Wu shit
I don't give a cotton-pickin' FUCK
About a brother tryin to size a nigga up, I hold my own
Hard-hat protect your dome
Look at Mama baby boy acting like he grown
No time for sleep, I gets deep as a baritone
Killa bee, that be holding down his honeycomb, lounging son
Wu brother number one, protect your neck
Flying guillotines here they come, bloody bastards
Hard times and killer tactics, spitting words plus
Semi-automatic slurs, peep the graphic
Novel from the genie bottle, hit the clutch
Shift the gear now, full throttle, time to bungee
To the next episode, I keeps it grungy
Hand on my nut sack, and spitting lunghies
At a whack nigga dat, don't understand the fact
When it come to RZA tracks I don't know how to act
Real rap from the Stat, killa hill projects
How to be exact, break it down
All in together now
Things are getting good looking better now
In the lyrics to "Shadowboxin'” by the Wu-Tang Clan’s GZA/Genius, he demonstrates the skill of Shaolin in the form of shadowboxing. He confidently refers to himself as a rap insomniac and plays with words without hesitation. The song highlights the rap game as a battlefield where one must be prepared for attacks from all angles. GZA/Genius uses boxing metaphors to express the idea of fighting with words, slaying rappers with his lyrical prowess. The line, “I breaks it down to the bone gristle,” represents how he dissects his opponents' rhymes and beats, leaving nothing left to chance. The song intends to demonstrate that GZA/Genius stands out from other rappers in the game as an undefeated champion lashing out with sharp rhymes on any provocations.
From his lyrics, it is evident that GZA/Genius is not afraid of being himself, pulling inspiration from his environment and upbringing. He refers to himself as a ticallion stallion and describes his physical appearance, from his chinky eyes to the bunion on his big toe. He says he "knows what the fuck he's doing," as he continues to move with a purpose in the rap game. GZA/Genius is not afraid to call out other rappers who talk big without being able to back up their words. He refers to them as "talking out of their assholes" and tells them to learn about the flow and peasy afro.
Line by Line Meaning
I breaks it down to the bone gristle
I analyze things in depth to its core
Ill speaking Scud missile heat seeking
My words are powerful and strike with precision
Johnny Blazing, nightmares like Wes Craven
My presence and skill instill fear in others
Niggas gunning, my third eye seen it coming before it happen
I can sense danger before it even happens
You know about them fucking Staten kids, they smashing
The people from Staten Island are known for causing trouble
Everything huh, in any shape form or fashion
They are capable of causing chaos in any way
Now everybody talking bout they blasting, hmmm
Everyone is claiming to be tough and dangerous
Is you busting steel or is you flashing, hmmm
Are you really carrying a weapon or just pretending?
Talking out your asshole
You're talking nonsense
You shoulda learnt about the flow and peasy afro
You should have learned about rap music and style
Ticallion stallion, chinky-eye and snot-nosed
I am proud of my Asian heritage and don't care about others' opinions
From my naps to the bunion on my big toe
I am confident and comfortable with myself, flaws and all
I keeps it moving, know just what the fuck I'm doing
I keep going forward and am aware of my actions
Rap insomniac, fiend to catch a nigga snoozing
I am constantly creating and working in rap, trying to catch others off guard
Slip the cardiac arrest me, exorcist hip-hop possess me
Rap music takes over my body and mind
Crunch a nigga like a Nestle, you know my steez
I am tough and won't hesitate to take someone down
Burning to the third degree, sneaky ass alley cat top pedigree
I am smooth and sly
The head toucher, industry party bum rusher
I am respected and in control
You don't like it dick up in you fuck ya
If you don't like what I do or say, tough luck
Allow me to demonstrate
Let me show you what I'm capable of
That's right, you corny-ass
You're lame and boring
The skill of Shaolin, rap motherfuckers
I have the skill of a martial arts master in rap
The special technique, better go back and check
My technique is unique and impressive, go check if you don't believe me
Of shadowboxing, your fucking stacks
I'm fighting alone, and beating you without even trying
Shadowboxing, cause your naps ain't nappy enough
You're not good enough and need to step up your game
And your beats ain't rugged enough, bitch
Your music isn't good enough, and I'm calling you out
I slayed MC's back in the rec room era
I've been doing this for a long time and have defeated many other rappers
My style broke motherfucking backs like Ken Patera
My style is so powerful it can defeat anyone, like Ken Patera in wrestling
Most rap niggas came loud but unheard
Many rappers are noisy and obnoxious but don't have anything meaningful to say
Once I pulled out, round em off to the nearest third
As soon as I start rapping, others are immediately put in their place
Check these non-visual niggas, with tapes and a portrait
I am more skilled and creative than other rappers who rely on recording to be heard
Flood the seminar, trying to orbit this corporate
I am taking over the rap industry, and nothing can stop me
Industry, but what them niggas can't see
Other rappers are blind to what's happening, and can't keep up
Must break through like the Wu, unexpectedly
I will rise to the top like the Wu-Tang Clan did, and it will come as a surprise to everyone
Protect Ya Neck, my sword still remain imperial
I am still in control and powerful, like a sword-wielding emperor
Before I blast the mic, RZA scratch off the serial
I am ready to perform, and RZA is preparing the equipment
We reign all year round from June to June
We are in control all year long
While niggas bite immediately if not soon
Other rappers copy us immediately
Set the lynching, and form the execution date
Others are in trouble, and their downfall is imminent
As this two thousand beyond slang suffocate
New styles and slang are overpowering the old ones
Amplify sample through vacuum tubes compressions
We are making music using new and innovative methods
Cause RZA, to charge niggas twenty G's a session
RZA is so skilled and so in-demand that he can charge a lot of money for his services
When my mind start to clicking and the strategy
When I start planning and strategizing
Is mastered the plot thickens, this be that Wu shit
Once I have a plan, things will start to fall into place, and it will be clear that it's Wu-Tang style
I don't give a cotton-pickin' FUCK
I don't care at all
About a brother tryin to size a nigga up, I hold my own
I am confident and capable of defending myself
Hard-hat protect your dome
Be prepared to protect yourself
Look at Mama baby boy acting like he grown
Others are trying to act tough and mature, but they're not fooling anyone
No time for sleep, I gets deep as a baritone
I am fully committed and focused
Killa bee, that be holding down his honeycomb, lounging son
I am strong and determined, and always at the center of the action
Wu brother number one, protect your neck
I am the leader of the Wu-Tang, and I will defend myself and my fellow members
Flying guillotines here they come, bloody bastards
Danger is looming, and it's going to get violent
Hard times and killer tactics, spitting words plus
Times are tough, but I am still speaking my truth and using my skills
Semi-automatic slurs, peep the graphic
My words are powerful and cut like a weapon
Novel from the genie bottle, hit the clutch
My music is innovative and surprising
Shift the gear now, full throttle, time to bungee
It's time to go all out and take risks
To the next episode, I keeps it grungy
I will keep pushing forward, keeping my style raw and gritty
Hand on my nut sack, and spitting lunghies
I am confident and unafraid
At a whack nigga dat, don't understand the fact
Others may underestimate me or not grasp the truth
When it come to RZA tracks I don't know how to act
My music is so good that it brings out a primal reaction in me
Real rap from the Stat, killa hill projects
I am representing my hometown and my real-life experiences in my music
How to be exact, break it down
I am being specific and truthful in my raps
All in together now
We are all united and moving forward together
Things are getting good looking better now
We are making progress and things are starting to look up
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CLIFFORD SMITH, GARY E. GRICE, ROBERT F. DIGGS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@hectorhervas3749
@@tool27 I have slightly different top 5s depending if it's my favorites or the ones I think are the best, with a more objective point of view.
My Favorites would be:
- To Pimp A Butterfly
- Illmatic
- Stankonia
- A Piece of Strange by Cunninlynguists
- Funcrusher Plus by Company Flow.
And What I think are the best:
- A Piece of Strange
- To Pimp A Butterfly
- Illmatic
- Madvillainy
- Liquid Swords
@rodcarew1353
Who’s here in 2024🤚🏽
@omancripe5686
Thast how rap's supposed to sound
@rhyme70Four
Just watched it. I remember losing my mind when this video first dropped. #WuTangForever
@hanswurst9437
Still here, never left...
@rodcarew1353
@@hanswurst9437 word
@SkyIsTheLimitEntertainment
Yessss'Siiiirr 🙌🙌🙌
@TJiscool1
Method Man could literally rap a bunch of gibberish and it would still sound better than 99% of other emcees.... his flow is so cool and has never grown old... same too for The GZA...
@haliburtonhighlandshouseof8759
Cadence
@ojmosby5755
Oh god 🙏
@naturalvibemusic3021
no jibberish, pure mathematical bars fa yuh intellect