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
Sparring Minds )
GZA/Genius Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Designer and most of man
stands the front-end loader
hold enough weight that'll compensate the share-holders
Powerful motor controls are mad stable
No room for error, injury proves fatal
Hundred ton air-jack, quickly raise the steel
After blowin' out the belt drive, Math' change the wheels
There's always potential full-on scale disasters
In the rec' [?] narrowly missin'
My camp be forced into periless proposition
We must come see ya, despite imminent danger
Was short on fuel, before he flew out the hangar
From the cold dirt, rocks and all, rap galore
Watch the river flow backwards once we storm the shore
Nigga, mark with razor-sharp eyes of the scope
On the ropes, hanging from the towel and cliffs and slopes
The magnitude of the devastation untold
The collective laws of countless souls lay in the road
[Inspectah Deck]
Insane flower, vein blower
Aim and it's game over
You know the name, flame-thrower
Got to go to the game and I hold the main controller
Soldiers from the jump, and today the same soldier
I stay low, play close to bank rolls
Polly with the greatest who walk the same road
Oh you ain't hear? Ain't nuttin' new but the gear
The crew of the year, kid too much to bear
Find out what I'm about, know the legend
This light is reflective, his name for pro-tension
No threat, bringin' the force like Robo-fet'
The old vet' [?] alone control the set
I'm next level, ya best settle, bless Rebel
I shine like a vessel, with strength to bend metal
Guns, head first in the grunge, become emerged the drums
The verse is murder one
[GZA]
We rhyme back-to-back, deangerous emcees
Move on track-to-track 100 bar measure
Lost treasure, those crews who never gave us much pleasure
Agreed the sound was good, shoppin' in the state, city, town and hood
eventually they would
Lay down the trademark with god that built wealth
To dip-dive in the beehive was on self
For the power struggle, never clown but did juggle
The heavy load made it explode to mad rubble
I thought of this tune on a blackout guided by the light of the moon
on a camp-out, the kerosine lamp out, so we walked the road we paved
with trails that left vinyl foot-steps engraved
In the song Sparring Minds by GZA/Genius featuring Inspectah Deck, the rappers boast about their skills and success while also referencing the potential risks and dangers that come with their industry. In the first verse, GZA raps about heavy machinery and the potential for devastating disasters. He uses this metaphor to compare it to the rap game, where one mistake can lead to fatal consequences. He also references the hard work and dedication required to achieve success, noting that it is not always easy and can be risky. In the second verse, Inspectah Deck continues the theme of dominance and control, boasting about his skills and asserting that he holds the “main controller” in his field. He also references his reputation and status within the industry, noting that he is a legend and is too much for his competitors to handle. The two rappers collaborate on the chorus, declaring that they are “dangerous emcees” and capable of rhyming back-to-back for 100 bars.
Overall, the song Sparring Minds is a powerful declaration of the rappers’ skill and success, while also acknowledging the risks and dangers that come with their profession. The use of metaphors and vivid imagery creates a sense of intensity and urgency, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication in order to achieve success.
Line by Line Meaning
Designer and most of man stands the front-end loader
The strongest and most capable individuals are the ones who carry the weight of the work.
hold enough weight that'll compensate the share-holders
The work done by these individuals is worth the investment, as it yields success.
Powerful motor controls are mad stable
The individuals doing the work are skilled and experienced, leading to consistent success.
No room for error, injury proves fatal
Mistakes can have disastrous consequences in this line of work.
Hundred ton air-jack, quickly raise the steel
Equipment is powerful and efficient, allowing for ease and speed in the work being done.
After blowin' out the belt drive, Math' change the wheels
When faced with unexpected challenges or setbacks, the team is able to adapt and find solutions.
Bust ya, slash ya, we still thick like plaster
Even in the face of conflict or adversity, the team remains strong and united.
There's always potential full-on scale disasters
The work being done is high-risk and has the potential for catastrophic consequences.
In the rec' [?] narrowly missin'
Despite being in dangerous situations, the team has narrowly avoided disaster.
My camp be forced into periless proposition
The team has been forced into dangerous or risky situations in pursuit of their goals.
We must come see ya, despite imminent danger
Despite the risks, the team is committed to their mission and will not back down.
Was short on fuel, before he flew out the hangar
The team is operating with limited resources and must make the most of what they have.
From the cold dirt, rocks and all, rap galore
The team is working in harsh conditions, but their creativity and talent shines through.
Watch the river flow backwards once we storm the shore
The team is able to accomplish the impossible and overcome great obstacles.
Nigga, mark with razor-sharp eyes of the scope
The team is skilled and laser-focused on their goals.
On the ropes, hanging from the towel and cliffs and slopes
The team is in a precarious position, but they will not give up or back down.
The magnitude of the devastation untold
The impact of the work being done is immense and difficult to fully comprehend.
The collective laws of countless souls lay in the road
The work being done affects the lives of many and carries great responsibility.
Insane flower, vein blower
The individual speaking is powerful and intense.
Aim and it's game over
The artist is skilled and capable, able to achieve success easily.
You know the name, flame-thrower
The artist is confident and well-known for their abilities.
Got to go to the game and I hold the main controller
The artist is in charge and has control over the situation.
Soldiers from the jump, and today the same soldier
The singer and their team have always been fighters and will continue to be so.
I stay low, play close to bank rolls
The artist is cautious and strategic in their actions, particularly when it comes to finances.
Polly with the greatest who walk the same road
The singer surrounds themself with other skilled and capable individuals.
Oh you ain't hear? Ain't nuttin' new but the gear
The singer does not need flashy or new equipment to succeed, as their talent speaks for itself.
The crew of the year, kid too much to bear
The singer and their team have achieved great success and recognition.
Find out what I'm about, know the legend
The artist is skilled and legendary in their field, with much to offer.
This light is reflective, his name for pro-tension
The artist's talent and skill is evident and speaks for itself.
No threat, bringin' the force like Robo-fet'
The singer is not intimidated by any challenge, and has great power to bring to the table.
The old vet' [?] alone control the set
The experienced veteran of the team is skilled and capable of taking control and leading the team to success.
I'm next level, ya best settle, bless Rebel
The artist is ahead of the game, and others should recognize and respect their skills.
I shine like a vessel, with strength to bend metal
The artist is powerful and capable, able to overcome great obstacles with ease.
Guns, head first in the grunge, become emerged the drums
The team is unafraid to face danger head-on and will come out victorious.
The verse is murder one
The singers are serious and skilled, with their words hitting hard and making a big impact.
We rhyme back-to-back, deangerous emcees
The artists are skilled and capable performers, able to quickly adapt to any situation.
Move on track-to-track 100 bar measure
The singers are creative and innovative, able to come up with endless new ideas for their work.
Lost treasure, those crews who never gave us much pleasure
Other teams or groups have not been successful or satisfying to work with.
Agreed the sound was good, shoppin' in the state, city, town and hood
The singer and their team have found success in many different locations and situations.
eventually they would
Despite initial difficulties or disagreements, the team is able to find success and make things work.
Lay down the trademark with god that built wealth
The artist and their team have a successful approach or technique that has brought them great prosperity.
To dip-dive in the beehive was on self
The team took risks and faced danger in order to achieve success on their own terms.
For the power struggle, never clown but did juggle
Despite facing competition and hostility, the team remained composed and adaptable.
The heavy load made it explode to mad rubble
The stresses of the work being done can lead to unexpected and chaotic situations.
I thought of this tune on a blackout guided by the light of the moon
The artist became inspired to create this song during a difficult and unexpected situation.
on a camp-out, the kerosine lamp out, so we walked the road we paved
Despite facing unexpected challenges, the team remained committed to their goals and continued to move forward.
with trails that left vinyl foot-steps engraved
The team's work and accomplishments have a lasting impact and influence on the industry they are in.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GARY E. GRICE, JASON RICHARD HUNTER, SULAYMAN ANSARI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind