Who's Your Rhymin' Hero
GZA/Genius Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

[Sample]
Look up in the sky!

[GZA]
Who's your rhymin' hero (look up in the sky)
(Oh you that bad mutha)
(look up in the sky)
I use lyrics versatile, beat up, on any style
Treat em like step-childs and smile
I grab the mic then I check one two
Brother's look, yo what he's gonna do
Hmm, you know I don't get too hyped
I just fully load up the brain and cock the mic
And blast off rhymes, within a matter of time
I'm like a mirror of organized crime
For slaying an MC who think that he might be
The first brother who could come up and fight me
Start running like you're looking for P.C.
Protective... Custody
Cuz I'm blowing off, just for going off
You may think I'm showing off, cuz every rhyme is flowing off
A dope beat that is so sweet to the eardrum
Gets the crowd prepared to hear some
Super, high-powered lyrics, specially chosen
The battle's a snowstorm and brothers are frozen
Thirty-two degrees below zero

[Chorus: GZA]
Now who's your rhymin' hero
(Go Genius, go Genius) (look up in the sky)
Who's your rhymin' hero
(Look up in the sky) (go Genius go Genius)
(Oh you that bad mutha)
(Look up in the sky)
(go go go go Genius, go Genius)
Now who's your rhymin'-- hero
(Go Genius, go Genius, go Genius)
(Look up in the sky)
(Oh you that bad mutha)

[GZA]
The Genius, is a rap professor
Casual dresser, you may dress fresher
But the way I speak is so poetic
Describe me on the mic, I'm energetic
Even if you roll up strapped with an uzi
Still your wack lyrics couldn't (Do me!)
Yo, I'm not the type of guy
Cuz my lyrics are high powered, meaning fly
I'm not barn, I'm building hard
You thought that I was weak, well let me speak
With me being frozen this MC weather come to
All linked together
See I got wreck, wrapping things in check
You got germs, worms, plus a lack of respect
I'll be teachin', you couldn't handle
A style like mine, I dismantle
Just by pickin' up the mic, and start showin'
I cold turn it out, and yo then
I get super serious strong and then furious
Give an MC something to make them curious
On, professors, in college
I stomp em out just with supreme knowledge
Bustin' up witches, yo I give stitches
Super-suckin-fuckin-lickin-some-sexy-scali bitches
I go off, and off men often
See the December's Primateen mist coughin'
Cuz I'm the God building hard never barred
Bringin' crazy static to your attic
Now I'm known to flip a show

[Chorus]

[GZA]
You have some MC's who get too hyped
From a ten word rhyme it took em hours to type
That's not MCing, just an MC being
Weak on his words and never thinkin' bout freeing
Positive thoughts that I let come out
I'm The Genius of this, I know what it's about
Cuz on the mic I'm a leader, school I am a reader
When it comes to sex, a strong good breeder
MC's max but every one I wax
And collect the cash money without being taxed
Now that I have your attention, I'd like to mention
Don't battle me at any rap convention
If so I'll show all who wants to know
To determine who's an amateur and who is a pro
Don't mean to get ill, cuz I know how you feel
You lack words like mines, talent and skill
Now I'm known to flip a show

[Chorus]





[samples repeated]

Overall Meaning

In GZA/Genius's song Who's Your Rhymin' Hero, the rapper boasts about his skills on the mic and challenges any MC who thinks they could compete with him. GZA's trademark flow is on full display as he proclaims himself to be a "rap professor" and describes his rhymes as "high-powered" and "poetic." He warns any rapper who tries to step to him that he will "dismantle" them with his style. The chorus repeats the line "Who's your rhymin' hero?" as an ode to GZA's status as a lyrical legend.


Throughout the song, GZA employs metaphors to describe his rhymes, comparing them to an "organized crime" and a "mirror" to showcase his ability to reflect the culture around him. He also references his past beef with fellow Wu-Tang Clan member Ol' Dirty Bastard, rapping, "Don't battle me at any rap convention/If so I'll show all who wants to know/To determine who's an amateur and who is a pro." Overall, GZA's flow and lyrical dexterity make Who's Your Rhymin' Hero a standout track in his discography.


Line by Line Meaning

Who's your rhymin' hero (look up in the sky)
GZA is asking who the listener's favorite rapper is. He tells them to look up in the sky as a dramatic gesture.


(Oh you that bad mutha)
This line is not meant to convey a specific meaning and is only added for emphasis.


(look up in the sky)
This line is not meant to convey a specific meaning and is only added for emphasis.


I use lyrics versatile, beat up, on any style
GZA claims to be flexible in his rap approach and can adapt to any style of beat.


Treat em like step-childs and smile
GZA treats every beat like it's his own, and he enjoys the process.


I grab the mic then I check one two
GZA checks to make sure the mic and sound system are working properly.


Brother's look, yo what he's gonna do
GZA imagines the audience to be asking, "what is he going to do next?"


Hmm, you know I don't get too hyped
GZA doesn't overhype himself, but instead lets his skills speak for themselves.


I just fully load up the brain and cock the mic
GZA prepares himself mentally and physically for his rap performance.


And blast off rhymes, within a matter of time
GZA starts rapping and uses his rhymes to take listeners on a lyrical journey.


I'm like a mirror of organized crime
GZA sees himself as a reflection of organized crime, meaning he operates on another level of sophistication compared to other MCs.


For slaying an MC who think that he might be
If an MC thinks he can challenge GZA, he is ready to lyrically "slay" him.


The first brother who could come up and fight me
GZA challenges other rappers to come up and try to surpass his rap skills.


Start running like you're looking for P.C.
If you compete with GZA, you better be ready to flee for your protection.


Protective... Custody
This phrase again emphasizes the idea that rappers should be careful when challenging GZA.


Cuz I'm blowing off, just for going off
GZA is blowing listeners' minds with his lyrical genius.


You may think I'm showing off, cuz every rhyme is flowing off
Even though his rhymes sound effortless, GZA is not trying to boast.


A dope beat that is so sweet to the eardrum
GZA loves rhyming over beats that sound good to the ear.


Gets the crowd prepared to hear some
A good beat can get the crowd excited and ready for GZA's performance.


Super, high-powered lyrics, specially chosen
GZA's lyrics are powerful and meticulously crafted.


The battle's a snowstorm and brothers are frozen
GZA compares battles to snowstorms, meaning that other MCs are frozen compared to him.


Thirty-two degrees below zero
This line is not meant to convey a specific meaning and is only added for emphasis.


Now who's your rhymin' hero
GZA asks the listener again who their favorite MC is, challenging them to top him.


(Go Genius, go Genius) (look up in the sky)
This line is not meant to convey a specific meaning and is only added for emphasis.


The Genius, is a rap professor
GZA sees himself as a master and professor of the craft of rap.


Casual dresser, you may dress fresher
GZA is not concerned with his appearance, but instead focuses on his lyrics.


But the way I speak is so poetic
GZA's rap style is like spoken-word poetry.


Describe me on the mic, I'm energetic
GZA is lively and full of energy when he performs on the mic.


Even if you roll up strapped with an uzi
GZA is not intimidated by rappers who may try to scare him with weapons.


Still your wack lyrics couldn't (Do me!)
Even if they are armed, GZA is confident he could still lyrically defeat them.


Yo, I'm not the type of guy
GZA is not the typical rapper.


Cuz my lyrics are high powered, meaning fly
GZA's lyrics are impactful and impressive.


I'm not barn, I'm building hard
GZA compares himself to a construction project, emphasizing his hard work and dedication.


You thought that I was weak, well let me speak
GZA is proving people who underestimated him wrong with his rapping skills.


With me being frozen this MC weather come to
GZA's ability to "freeze" other MCs means that the weather has changed when he is present.


All linked together
This line is not meant to convey a specific meaning and is only added for emphasis.


See I got wreck, wrapping things in check
GZA is confident in his skills and can write clever rhymes with ease.


You got germs, worms, plus a lack of respect
GZA is looking down on other rappers who lack respect and originality in their rhymes.


I'll be teachin', you couldn't handle
GZA is the teacher of the rap world, and weaker rappers cannot handle his lessons.


A style like mine, I dismantle
Other rappers' styles are no match for GZA, and he can easily break them down.


Just by pickin' up the mic, and start showin'
GZA is so skilled, he can showcase his rhymes just by starting to rap.


I cold turn it out, and yo then
GZA can turn a performance into a masterpiece just by showing up.


I get super serious strong and then furious
GZA starts off calmly when he raps but can quickly become intensely passionate.


Give an MC something to make them curious
GZA can impress and intrigue other rappers with his skills.


On, professors, in college
GZA is among the elite of rappers and could teach college-level courses on the art of rap.


I stomp em out just with supreme knowledge
GZA can easily overpower other rappers just by having more skill and knowledge of the craft.


Bustin' up witches, yo I give stitches
GZA can defeat weak rappers with ease and deliver brutal blows to their egos.


Super-suckin-fuckin-lickin-some-sexy-scali bitches
This line is not meant to convey a specific meaning and is only added for emphasis.


I go off, and off men often
GZA's rhymes come naturally to him, and he can rap with little effort.


See the December's Primateen mist coughin'
GZA contrasts his impressive rapping skills to weak MCs who are struggling to perform.


Cuz I'm the God building hard never barred
GZA sees himself as a god-like figure in the world of rap, always working and never constrained.


Bringin' crazy static to your attic
GZA's rap energy can shake your whole house if it's loud enough.


Now I'm known to flip a show
GZA is known for putting on an incredible live show for his fans.


You have some MC's who get too hyped
GZA dislikes rappers who act excessively confident, thinking they are better than him.


From a ten word rhyme it took em hours to type
Some rappers struggle to write even a few lines for a rap, while GZA can write complete, complex rhymes with ease.


That's not MCing, just an MC being
GZA sees rappers who struggle to come up with creative rhymes as less talented and less skilled.


Weak on his words and never thinkin' bout freeing
These rappers are not creative or thoughtful in their rhymes and are missing the point of rapping and expressing themselves.


Positive thoughts that I let come out
GZA's rhymes often contain positive messages that he wants to convey to listeners.


I'm The Genius of this, I know what it's about
GZA is confident in his abilities as a rapper and knows what he wants to accomplish with his music.


Cuz on the mic I'm a leader, school I am a reader
GZA is a leader in the rap world and also has a passion for learning.


When it comes to sex, a strong good breeder
GZA is also confident in his sexual abilities and abilities to father children.


MC's max but every one I wax
GZA can easily defeat other rappers and come out on top during rap battles.


And collect the cash money without being taxed
GZA is successful and profitable as a rapper, and he doesn't have to worry about being taxed too much because of his wealth.


Now that I have your attention, I'd like to mention
GZA has the attention of his listeners and has something important to say.


Don't battle me at any rap convention
GZA advises other rappers not to try to challenge him in a rap battle at a convention or performance of some kind.


If so I'll show all who wants to know
If someone does try to challenge him, he will defeat them and show the audience who the best rapper is.


To determine who's an amateur and who is a pro
GZA will use the rap battle to show who has less skill and who is a true professional.


Don't mean to get ill, cuz I know how you feel
GZA is not trying to insult or offend anyone, but he knows some rappers may get offended.


You lack words like mines, talent and skill
Compared to GZA, other rappers are weak in terms of their lack of creativity, talent, and skill.


[samples repeated]
This line indicates the end of the song, and the samples repeat to create an outro.




Lyrics ยฉ CAK MUSIC PUBLISHING, INC
Written by: G. GRICE, P. HARVEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@cypherhawk407

thanks for postin, my new favourite album... DOPE AS FUCK!!!

@alonzomosesjr999

The genius one of the best mcees on the map no dout dj just us says peace music heads

@toussaint187

You are!...the Genius Nuff said.

@TommyFSwagg

beats changed heavily between 90-93

@tjhedgepeth9012

Especially now

@drgongshankthachef6153

2001-2004 too!

@HeathOverledgerly

Crazy how it did in that three year period!

@Sebastian-wo3vu

it was the influence of mobb deep with their deep and slow samples

@mm0g33k

gza's my rhymin' hero!

@Logicalpsycho2323

My Hero =)

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