Gary Grice (born August 22, 1966), better known by his stage name GZA (pron… Read Full Bio ↴Gary Grice (born August 22, 1966), better known by his stage name GZA (pronounced /ˈJizzah/) and The Genius, is an American hip hop artist best known as a founding member of the seminal hip hop group the Wu-Tang Clan and for his inclusion on their group albums, his group mates' solo releases and a successful solo career.

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

True Fresh M.C
GZA/Genius Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

CHORUS:

I rock the mic at any party

And in the place to be

I'm a true, true fresh MC

I'm a true fresh MC

I work real hard to achieve my goal

From building and bringing out my true inner soul

Which was once on a downfall and then uplifted

So why live life foul when you're talented and gifted

I've changed, rearranged my total direction

Searchin' for happiness, seeking for perfection

Living the true life, a real story

To make you realize the truth, not scream Glory

Glory, hallelujah, not here to fool ya

But to replenish your souls as I school ya

With a greeting of Purified Education

Always Correcting Errors which stops the temptation

Of you doing wrong singing the same sad song

Renewing bad histories for how long

A Long long time ago

Going for mind made The Genius a pro

And as you see who I be

I be The Genius and thus a true M.C.

CHORUS

Brothers need to study some lessons

They are the blessings to keep you from guessing

the questions that is asked by the seeker

Put on the beat and let me born it through the speaker

Peace, a lot of MC's like to say it

And some that advocate it they just spray it

Out and scream and shout, beyond the shadow of a doubt

They don't know what it's about

Just to keep you informed with the significance

How can I prove this through true evidence

Some make me laugh, think they droppin' math

Show and proven is a difficult path

Within the five percent, I am the live percent

Those who perpetrate are the jive percent

I be the universal, the Biochemical

Arm, Leg, Leg, Arm, Head is the physical

That keeps rhymin' until it's unbearable

No individual is comparable

You have aproblem inform the technician

But he's not dealing with those of superstition

Those who like dealing with it superstitiously

Cross your fingers when you steppin' to me

I don't nee beefs and problems, riffs and static

Debates and arguments thats not dramatic

I need action, it speaks louder than a word

Especially when the word is loud and unheard

Word is what? My word is bond, your word is bull

Now it's your card I'm gonna pull

Overall Meaning

In the song "True Fresh M.C." by GZA/Genius, the first chorus sets the tone for the dedication and hard work required to excel in the music industry. The artist proclaims their commitment to rocking the mic at any party and presents themselves as a true, fresh MC. This declaration of authenticity and passion is underlined by the acknowledgment of personal growth and transformation. The lyrics speak to overcoming past struggles and embracing one's talents and gifts to pursue a higher purpose. The progression from a state of downfall to one of uplifting demonstrates a deep inner journey towards self-realization and positivity.

The second verse delves into the artist's quest for enlightenment and self-improvement. Through a constant search for happiness and perfection, the MC emphasizes the importance of living authentically and sharing a real, meaningful story. The focus on truth and education serves as a guiding principle, urging listeners to reflect on their actions and choices. By correcting errors and avoiding temptations, the artist champions a path of self-discovery and growth. The mention of avoiding the repetition of negative histories highlights the value of learning from past mistakes and moving forward with clarity and purpose.

As the song progresses, the artist offers a critique of the current state of the hip-hop industry and calls for a return to genuine expression and knowledge. The lyrics emphasize the significance of peace and understanding, contrasting the superficiality of some MCs with the depth of true wisdom and awareness. The reference to the Five Percent Nation and the concept of knowledge of self adds a layer of cultural and spiritual context to the narrative. By positioning themselves as a beacon of truth and authenticity, the artist challenges listeners to elevate their consciousness and engage with music as a source of enlightenment and empowerment.

In the final section of the song, the artist asserts their lyrical prowess and unique perspective within the hip-hop landscape. The use of metaphors and wordplay underscores their mastery of the craft, while also reflecting on the limitations of superstition and ignorance. The MC's rejection of conflicts and drama in favor of meaningful action and integrity conveys a message of strength and resilience. By affirming the value of one's word and integrity, the artist asserts their authority and individuality in a competitive industry. Overall, "True Fresh M.C." by GZA/Genius is a call to authenticity, knowledge, and self-discovery in the pursuit of artistic excellence.

Line by Line Meaning

I rock the mic at any party
Performing confidently with a microphone at any social event

And in the place to be
Recognized as being in the best spot at the event

I'm a true, true fresh MC
Authentic and talented as a skilled rapper

I work real hard to achieve my goal
Put in a lot of effort to reach my objectives

From building and bringing out my true inner soul
Developing and revealing my genuine self

Which was once on a downfall and then uplifted
Was struggling but then improved

So why live life foul when you're talented and gifted
Not understanding why waste potential by living negatively

I've changed, rearranged my total direction
Adjusted my path and perspective entirely

Searchin' for happiness, seeking for perfection
Looking for joy and aiming for excellence

Living the true life, a real story
Embracing an authentic lifestyle that tells a genuine tale

To make you realize the truth, not scream Glory
Helping others understand reality rather than just celebrating