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
Stay In Line )
GZA/Genius Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Plus the wack shit in the game might tempt me
Quickly drop non-stop rec shot
What I took on the road on the lap and desktop
A mixture from up-tempo to slow grooves
8-Track figure that's mixed wit Pro Tool
I rhyme wit sense the paragraph was intense
Engine powered by five hundred horses
Press by a threat of joint forces
For emcee's who spit rap to cause beef
'Cause they depend on wild kill for fresh meat
On the board, you're just a piece that's captured
Weak is the land that's laying in the pasture
The plug that gave ya juice, I might pull it
Can't escape these endless waves of rap bullets
[Chorus]
They got no place for me
In my life can't you see?
I must not push or bite it tell me
Stay in line, Stay in line (Stay in line)
Stay in line, Stay in line (Stay in line son)
Stay in line, Stay in line (Stay in line kid)
Stay in line
I'm not insane in fact I'm kinda rational
Chrome-plated serrated swords slashing you
I shine light to the mic
That's filled with the unspoiled water that sprits with light
But um, you get high of the wealth and livin' large
We rely of the stealth of camouflage
Cut supply lines, flood ya mans market
From high altitude cover the land target
Lost in the desert, the journey is stressful
Where the rescues are unsuccessful
They perish while they search for it, intriguing treasures
Should of taken precautionary measures
The rhyme with the shank in the yard that kept stabbing ya
A shakedown from Alcatraz to Attica
Because we rock the jails
Wit it and mase write the verse on the walls of cells
[Chorus]
Ya out cold, ya styles old
Allah just rolled, attack his skull wit a plan less bone
Hit ya king with a Check that caused directly damage ya disco tech
Shoulda' Protect ya Neck
And do they think they got me? I don't know
They seen ya picture baby? Don't think so
Now do your mission and while you were thinking
Ain't no collision that'll stop me from screaming
Involving movements, controlling the squares that's closed in
Wit impact, in fact ya zone is frozen
Submerged in deep blocks of ice
Sceaming a wise by the high-tech devise
The slightest fame can bring pain and torture
The author, who came with a burning offer
Published by whoever made it must own it
Is just symatomic for one chaotic moment
[Chorus]
In the song Stay in Line, GZA/Genius and Santi White/The Genius are rapping about standing out in a crowded, repetitive hip-hop scene that often glorifies violence and materialism. They criticize other rappers who rely on beef and shock value for attention, instead of pushing themselves creatively. The lyrics touch on themes of identity, individuality, and resistance to conformity. GZA/Genius boasts about his abilities as an emcee and his dedication to honing his craft, while Santi White/The Genius emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and avoiding negative influences.
Line by Line Meaning
Throw down ya mic son, ya gauge is empty
Your attempts at rapping are no longer effective and there's nothing left in your arsenal.
Plus the wack shit in the game might tempt me
The low-quality rap in the music industry may lead me to make similar music.
Quickly drop non-stop rec shot
I'm continuously releasing high-quality music.
What I took on the road on the lap and desktop
I've created music on the go and in the studio.
A mixture from up-tempo to slow grooves
My music is a blend of fast and slow beats.
8-Track figure that's mixed wit Pro Tool
My music is a mix of old and new technology.
I rhyme wit sense the paragraph was intense
My lyrics are thoughtful and impactful.
Area's dense with the flow from the sentence
The words in my songs are powerful.
Engine powered by five hundred horses
I'm a force to be reckoned with in the rap industry.
Press by a threat of joint forces
I'm feeling the pressure from my peers.
For emcee's who spit rap to cause beef
Rappers who start feuds with others just to gain attention are annoying.
'Cause they depend on wild kill for fresh meat
These rappers rely on beefs to maintain relevance.
On the board, you're just a piece that's captured
In the music industry, you're just another pawn.
Weak is the land that's laying in the pasture
The music industry is suffering due to lack of innovation.
The plug that gave ya juice, I might pull it
I have the power to end a rapper's career.
Can't escape these endless waves of rap bullets
The constant barrage of new rap music is impossible to ignore.
I'm not insane in fact I'm kinda rational
Contrary to popular belief, I'm not crazy.
Chrome-plated serrated swords slashing you
My lyrics are sharp and cutting.
I shine light to the mic
I bring a unique energy to my music.
That's filled with the unspoiled water that sprits with light
My music is pure and full of energy.
But um, you get high of the wealth and livin' large
Some rappers are too obsessed with money and fame.
We rely of the stealth of camouflage
I prefer to stay under the radar instead of seeking attention.
Cut supply lines, flood ya mans market
I have the power to disrupt the music industry.
From high altitude cover the land target
I'm always on the lookout for new talent.
Lost in the desert, the journey is stressful
The path to success in music is difficult.
Where the rescues are unsuccessful
Many aspiring musicians don't succeed.
They perish while they search for it, intriguing treasures
Some musicians don't make it and leave behind a legacy.
Should of taken precautionary measures
It's important to take steps to protect yourself in the music industry.
The rhyme with the shank in the yard that kept stabbing ya
My lyrics are sharp and lethal.
A shakedown from Alcatraz to Attica
My music is spreading like wildfire.
Because we rock the jails
My music is being listened to even in prisons.
Wit it and mase write the verse on the walls of cells
My music is so impactful that it can inspire people to write it down.
Ya out cold, ya styles old
Your style of rap is outdated and not popular anymore.
Allah just rolled, attack his skull wit a plan less bone
My lyrical skills are divinely inspired.
Hit ya king with a Check that caused directly damage ya disco tech
My music can disrupt the traditional norms of the industry.
Shoulda' Protect ya Neck
You should protect your reputation and brand.
And do they think they got me? I don't know
People may think they know me, but they don't.
They seen ya picture baby? Don't think so
You're not as famous as you think you are.
Now do your mission and while you were thinking
While you're planning your next move, I'm already making progress.
Ain't no collision that'll stop me from screaming
I'm not afraid to speak my mind in my music.
Involving movements, controlling the squares that's closed in
I have control of my career despite obstacles.
Wit impact, in fact ya zone is frozen
My music has a powerful impact on its listeners.
Submerged in deep blocks of ice
The music industry can be cold and unforgiving.
Sceaming a wise by the high-tech devise
I'm using the latest technology to get my message across.
The slightest fame can bring pain and torture
Fame can come at a cost.
The author, who came with a burning offer
I have a lot to offer in the music industry.
Published by whoever made it must own it
I have creative control over my music.
Is just symatomic for one chaotic moment
Music can cause a stir and create change temporarily.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: SANTI WHITE, GARY GRICE, SULAYMAN ANSARI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind