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
Words From A Genius
GZA/Genius Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I just can't wait to get my hands on him
The Big Fish Boss, the Big Fish Boss
This is a conflict that I know we must win
My special sense tells me the time is nigh for the Final Charge to begin
Once upon a time when things were peaceful
Saving the day for those in need, yes indeed
Now we're locked in a titanic struggle
We fight for freedom from tyranny
Even if that means we sacrifice everything
I'm on my way to meet with destiny
I have the biggest nets you ever will see
I have always dreamt about the biggest catch
Now I'll get to see history
We hitched a ride aboard Old Fingerhead's great ship
What is that I hear
We have to be there when the Starship is shifted
Something's down below
Hoo hoos know the codes to link realities
And they just might need our expertise
Eating fish for Ratboy Genius
Eating fish for Ratboy Genius
Eating fish for Ratboy Genius
Yum yum
Making last inspection of the ship
Making last inspection of the ship
Making last inspection and we're
Almost done
Commander Clyde status report please
Inspections are nearly complete and we have full power
Yay for us
Ratboy help the fish are in the ship
Help! Get away! Get away
Ratboy genius
Get away from Baby
Get away from Baby
Get away from Baby
The lyrics of GZA Genius's song Words From the Genius depict a grandiose and high-stakes battle occurring in a far-off galaxy. The lyrics convey a sense of eagerness and anxiety to initiate the conflict and defeat the enemy, referred to as the Big Fish Boss. The singer's intuitive and special sense tells him that the timing is right for the final charge. The lyrics take a nostalgic turn as they reminisce about peaceful times when they traveled around the galaxy, saving those in need. However, they now find themselves caught in a fierce battle against tyranny that they must win, even if it costs them everything.
The singer appears to be the leader of the group and is responsible for leading the charge against the Big Fish Boss. He is excited to meet his destiny and dreamt of making the most significant catch. They travel aboard Old Fingerhead's great ship, where they come across a disturbance that might require their expertise. However, their focus is on completing their mission and making sure that their ship is ready for the final charge.
The lyrics convey the singer's desperation to win against a powerful enemy and a willingness to fight against all odds to achieve their goals. The lyrics' complexity and grandiosity are typical of Genius's style, immersing listeners in a vivid universe filled with danger, excitement, and adventure.
Line by Line Meaning
I get so anxious before a battle begins
My anticipation for the upcoming fight is immense
I just can't wait to get my hands on him
I eagerly await the opportunity to defeat my opponent
The Big Fish Boss, the Big Fish Boss
I am referring to the leader of the opposing side
This is a conflict that I know we must win
I am confident that victory is necessary
My special sense tells me the time is nigh for the Final Charge to begin
My intuition informs me that it's time for the decisive attack
Once upon a time when things were peaceful
I'm recalling a time when things were more relaxed and less stressful
We used to fly around the galaxy
We once traveled throughout space freely
Saving the day for those in need, yes indeed
We frequently helped those who were in trouble
Now we're locked in a titanic struggle
However, we are now engaged in a large-scale conflict
We fight for freedom from tyranny
We are battling for our independence from oppression
Even if that means we sacrifice everything
We are willing to give our all to achieve victory
I'm on my way to meet with destiny
I am heading towards my fate
I have the biggest nets you ever will see
I possess large and effective tools for capturing my target
I have always dreamt about the biggest catch
I have long imagined capturing my biggest target
Now I'll get to see history
I am about to witness a memorable event
We hitched a ride aboard Old Fingerhead's great ship
We found transportation on a vessel commanded by Old Fingerhead
What is that I hear
I hear something, what could it be?
We have to be there when the Starship is shifted
We must be present when the Starship is moved
Something's down below
Something seems to be situated beneath us
Hoo hoos know the codes to link realities
A group of Hoo hoos may possess knowledge on connecting different realities
And they just might need our expertise
Our aid may be required in this matter
Eating fish for Ratboy Genius
Ratboy Genius is consuming fish
Eating fish for Ratboy Genius
Ratboy Genius is consuming fish
Eating fish for Ratboy Genius
Ratboy Genius is consuming fish
Yum yum
These fish are enjoyable to eat
Making last inspection of the ship
I am carrying out a final check on the vessel
Making last inspection of the ship
I am carrying out a final check on the vessel
Making last inspection and we're
We are conducting our final inspection and
Almost done
It's nearly complete
Commander Clyde status report please
I am requesting a status update from Commander Clyde
Inspections are nearly complete and we have full power
The inspection is almost finished and we have full electrical power
Yay for us
This is good news for our team
Ratboy help the fish are in the ship
Ratboy, the fish are inside the vessel and we require your assistance
Help! Get away! Get away
Somebody, please help! Get out of here!
Ratboy genius
This phrase is referring to Ratboy Genius, who may provide assistance
Get away from Baby
I need to move away from the Baby
Get away from Baby
I need to move away from the Baby
Get away from Baby
I need to move away from the Baby
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Ryan Dorin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Crafty Spirit
This album is too good to be ignored, doesn't matter that it was a commercial failure. It may not reach the heights of Liquid Swords but the rapping here is dense, smooth, intelligent and very confident. GZA is truly a talented artist.
Marlon Daniels
I know he kind of disavowed this album once he became the GZA, but this shit bumps hard. Easy Mo Bee was mad underated in the 90s.
Adam Silva
He did? This shit was dope. Cold Chillin Records was thick.
Fantasy Guru
I never heard that. Not sure if he should this album was dope. This knocks. Classic '91 the most underrated year in hip hop.
G.O.L.D.K
Easy was the opposite of underrated. He's produced songs for all of ur favorite 90s hip albums. If anything after ready to die he became even more popular
Robert Harwood Jr
"MCs wonder what's hip-hop thunder..." I love how Gza remixed his own lyrics for Wu-Tang classics... 2:39-3:15 is the verse for "Severe Punishment"... He remixed it like only a Genius can!!!
Omegah TV
Lyrics even back THEN GZA was light years beyond the average MC.
Apreme
alot of emcees from 86 -92 was game changers fareal
The Extraordinary Ordinary
the sound of this is so ahead of its time
young budda
Highly underrated album.