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
Uncut Material
GZA/Genius Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know a lot
Can you demonstrate something?
Why not?
That's all I got
The raw un-cut material
That's all I drop
The nucleus of hip hop, rap's hallmark
They had a citywide effort to keep us in the dark
To the new details, distant wisp of light
Evidence of a terrifying threats on microphone
Rhyme stone, numerous parts combine
Strands of heavy metal form the steel arch design
Fit together seamlessly, everlasting rap
Heat-pressure generated by a blasted cap
The chamber when ya rollin' the dice everything count
Clan royalty where the loyalty is paramount
Couldn't be more wrong prior to your perusings
When ya spoke of us, you understated the influence
As I bury my motor-action, implode a fraction
Of ya investigation when ya action
Aware about in ya suit and tie, cruising by
The intrepid workmen that sharpen ya shooting eye
What you know about I'm sayin'
I know a lot
Can you demonstrate something?
Why not?
I'm speaking about stacks, GZA
That's all I got
The raw un-cut material
That's all I drop
What you know about I'm sayin'
I know a lot
Can you demonstrate something?
Why not?
I'm speaking about stacks, GZA
That's all I got
The raw un-cut material
That's all I drop
Like a child I have infinite patience when I write
The victim's dental records showed they loved to bite
The under like removed off a charged battery
Someone had his ear stuffed wit the sweets of flattery
A live wire, fired the shot in the booth
It wasn't even in the shooting distance of truth
Who broke the barrier causing mass hysteria?
At the darkest hour in the most densed area
In a stocking cap, undercover, while disguising
I'm rapidly advancing our horizons
This path of trade with the sharp blade, open to all across the globe
They simply heard my call
We hit up the remote and primitive land
Left walking reminders that saw it first-hand
The music was a secure link we all think
On the same page as holding the ink, now whatchu think?
What you know about I'm sayin'
I know a lot
Can you demonstrate something?
Why not?
I'm speaking about stacks, GZA
That's all I got
The raw un-cut material
That's all I drop
What you know about I'm sayin'
I know a lot
Can you demonstrate something?
Why not?
I'm speaking about stacks, GZA
That's all I got
The raw un-cut material
That's all I drop
The song "Uncut Material" by GZA / Genius is a reflection on the rapper's career, his perspective on hip-hop, and his artistic process. In the first verse, he refers to himself as the "raw un-cut material," suggesting that he presents himself honestly and without any artificiality. He also claims that he is the "nucleus of hip hop," highlighting his crucial role in the genre's development. He then criticizes those who have tried to suppress hip-hop's growth, saying that they have attempted to "keep us in the dark."
In the second verse, GZA continues to discuss the way in which hip-hop has been attacked and misunderstood. He describes himself as a "live wire," suggesting that he poses a danger to those who try to contain him. He also reflects on his travels to "remote and primitive land[s]," hinting at the way in which hip-hop has spread around the world. He compares his artistic process to a "sharp blade," suggesting that he carves his own path through the world of rap.
Line by Line Meaning
What you know about I'm sayin'
Do you understand what I'm saying?
I know a lot
Yes, I have a lot of knowledge and experience.
Can you demonstrate something?
Can you show me something to prove your capabilities?
Why not?
Sure, I'll demonstrate my skills and abilities.
I'm speaking about stacks, GZA
I'm referring to a lot of money, GZA.
That's all I got
That's all I have to offer.
The raw un-cut material
My music is made with authentic, unfiltered material.
That's all I drop
All I produce is this raw, original content.
The nucleus of hip hop, rap's hallmark
Authentic, original hip hop music is the core of the genre.
They had a citywide effort to keep us in the dark
The authorities tried to suppress and censor the music.
To the new details, distant wisp of light
The emergence of new information was a faint glimmer of hope.
Evidence of a terrifying threats on microphone
The music contained powerful, provocative messages and themes.
Rhyme stone, numerous parts combine
The music is comprised of many different elements and techniques.
Strands of heavy metal form the steel arch design
The music is composed of strong, robust elements that create a sturdy framework.
Fit together seamlessly, everlasting rap
All the elements come together perfectly to create a timeless, classic rap sound.
Heat-pressure generated by a blasted cap
The intensity of the music is generated by a powerful energy source.
The chamber when ya rollin' the dice everything count
When making decisions, every choice and detail is important and can make a difference.
Clan royalty where the loyalty is paramount
The group and its members are treated like royalty and loyalty is the most important trait to have.
Couldn't be more wrong prior to your perusings
The critics and naysayers were completely wrong after examining the music.
When ya spoke of us, you understated the influence
The people who spoke about the group and its impact didn't fully understand or appreciate their cultural significance.
As I bury my motor-action, implode a fraction
As I focus and hone my skills, I become even more powerful.
Of ya investigation when ya action
When you investigate, you must also take action to make a real difference.
Aware about in ya suit and tie, cruising by
While you're wearing your fancy suit and driving by, I'm doing real, impactful work.
The intrepid workmen that sharpen ya shooting eye
I am the one who inspires and motivates people to be better and more successful.
Like a child I have infinite patience when I write
When writing music, I have endless patience and take my time crafting the perfect sound.
The victim's dental records showed they loved to bite
The person who was killed had a dangerous and aggressive nature.
The under like removed off a charged battery
The negative influence has been taken away and things are improving for the better.
Someone had his ear stuffed wit the sweets of flattery
This person was fed lies and flattery to gain their trust and loyalty.
A live wire, fired the shot in the booth
The music was powerful and charged with energy and intensity.
It wasn't even in the shooting distance of truth
The false narrative was completely misleading and untrue.
Who broke the barrier causing mass hysteria?
Who was responsible for paving the way and creating a cultural phenomenon?
At the darkest hour in the most densed area
In the most difficult and dangerous situations and places.
In a stocking cap, undercover, while disguising
While trying to remain anonymous and undisclosed, wearing a hat to cover their face.
I'm rapidly advancing our horizons
I am working quickly to expand our understanding and knowledge.
This path of trade with the sharp blade, open to all across the globe
The music is a tool and a platform for connecting with and reaching people all over the world.
They simply heard my call
People simply responded to and appreciated the music I created.
We hit up the remote and primitive land
We traveled to faraway, isolated locations to share our music and culture.
Left walking reminders that saw it first-hand
The people who experienced the music and culture firsthand will always remember and appreciate it.
The music was a secure link we all think
Music is a universal language and a common bond that brings people together.
On the same page as holding the ink, now whatchu think?
We are all working together and aligned in our goals and passions. What do you think about that?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind