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
Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing Ta F' Wit
GZA/Genius Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuttin ta Fuck Wit
Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuttin ta Fuck Wit
Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuttin ta Fuck Wit
Yo there's no place to hide as I step inside the room
Dr. Doom, prepare for the boom
I be tossing and flossing my style is awesome
I'm causing more Family Feuds than Richard Dawson
And the survey said, you're dead
Fatal Flying Guillotine chops off your fucking head
MZA who was that? Ayo, the Wu is back
Making niggas go Bo! Bo! like I'm Super Cat
Me fear no-one, oh no, here come
The Wu-Tang shogun, killer to the eardrum
Put the needle to the groove I gets rude and I'm forced
To fuck it up, my style carries like a pick-up truck
Cross the clear blue yonder, sea to shining sea
I slam tracks like quarterback sacks from L.T
Now why try and test, the Rebel INS?
Blessed since the birth, I earth-slam your best
Cause I bake the cake, then take the cake
And eat it, too, with my crew while we head state to state
And if you want beef, then bring the ruckus
Wu-Tang Clan ain't nuttin ta fuck with
Straight from the motherfucking slums that's busted
Wu-Tang Clan ain't nuttin ta fuck with
Hah! Step up, boy!
Represent! Chop his head off, kid!
The Meth will come out tomorrow
Styles, conditions, bizarre, bizarro
Flow, with more afro than Rollo
Coming to a fork in the road which way to go just follow
Meth is the legend, niggas is sleepy hollow
In fact I'm a hard act to follow
I dealt for dolo, Bogart coming on through
Niggas is like "Oh, my God, not you!"
Yes, I, come to get a slice of the punk and the pie
Rather do than die, check my flavor, coming from the RZA
Which is short for the razor who make me reminisce true
Like Deja, Vu! I'm rubber, niggas is like glue
Whatever you say rubs off me sticks to you
Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuttin ta Fuck Wit
Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuttin ta Fuck Wit
Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuttin ta Fuck Wit
Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuttin ta Fuck Wit
In "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing Ta F' Wit," GZA/Genius showcases the infectious nature of his rhymes by delivering alliterative, unpredictable verses that send a message to the hip-hop world: "Don't mess with the Wu-Tang Clan." He begins the song with a fierce Tiger style, comparing himself to the ferocious beast. GZA's style is so unique and impressive that it causes mass havoc, similar to the impact Richard Dawson's Family Feud caused in households across America.
The song's chorus is the ultimate message: "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuttin Ta Fuck Wit," which is delivered by fellow member Method Man in his signature gruff and confident voice. The members of the Wu-Tang Clan are so strong and powerful that they will not hesitate to bring the ruckus whenever someone tries to step to them. The Wu-Tang Clan is known for their dark, moody beats, and "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing Ta F' Wit" is no different. The production is provided by the RZA, who constructs a menacing instrumental that fits perfectly with the Clan's aggressive flows.
The song's lyrics boast about the Wu-Tang Clan's fearlessness, ferocity, and lyrical prowess. It hints at the idea that the Clan stays true to its roots no matter their level of success, rather than changing for the sake of commercial viability. Ultimately, "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing Ta F' Wit" celebrates the Wu-Tang Clan's bonding power, their influence on the industry, and their refusal to bow down to anyone.
Line by Line Meaning
Tiger style
The Wu-Tang Clan is coming with ferocity and power
Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuttin ta Fuck Wit
The Wu-Tang Clan demands respect and will not be messed with
Yo there's no place to hide as I step inside the room
I am entering the room and there is nowhere to escape
Dr. Doom, prepare for the boom
I am like Dr. Doom, ready to make a big impact
Bam! Aw, man! I, slam, jam, now scream like Tarzan
I hit hard and yell like Tarzan
I be tossing and flossing my style is awesome
I have a great style and am showing it off with confidence
I'm causing more Family Feuds than Richard Dawson
I am creating more conflict than the host of Family Feud
And the survey said, you're dead
You have lost, as if in the game show Family Feud
Fatal Flying Guillotine chops off your fucking head
I am lethal and dangerous, like a violent martial arts move
MZA who was that? Ayo, the Wu is back
Another member of the Wu-Tang Clan is entering the scene
Making niggas go Bo! Bo! like I'm Super Cat
I am causing excitement like the reggae artist Super Cat
Me fear no-one, oh no, here come
I am not afraid and am ready for any challenge
The Wu-Tang shogun, killer to the eardrum
I am a powerful leader of the Wu-Tang Clan who dominates with sound
Put the needle to the groove I gets rude and I'm forced
When I hear music, I am compelled to act out aggressively
To fuck it up, my style carries like a pick-up truck
My style is powerful and has a great impact
Cross the clear blue yonder, sea to shining sea
I am traveling far and wide, all across the country
I slam tracks like quarterback sacks from L.T
I tackle the tracks like a football player and get a big win
Now why try and test, the Rebel INS?
Why bother trying to challenge me, the Rebel INS?
Blessed since the birth, I earth-slam your best
I have been talented since birth and can defeat anyone who challenges me
Cause I bake the cake, then take the cake
I am able to create great things and then take even more
And eat it, too, with my crew while we head state to state
I am able to enjoy the fruits of my labor with my team as we travel across the country
And if you want beef, then bring the ruckus
If you want to start a fight, then get ready for a big brawl
Straight from the motherfucking slums that's busted
We are coming from difficult, poverty-stricken areas
The Meth will come out tomorrow
My style and talent will endure and remain relevant in the future
Styles, conditions, bizarre, bizarro
My style is unique and unusual, with strange conditions and effects
Flow, with more afro than Rollo
My flow is wild and untamed, much like a large afro hairstyle
Coming to a fork in the road which way to go just follow
When faced with a decision, follow my example and make the right choice
Meth is the legend, niggas is sleepy hollow
I am a respected and revered artist, while others are lacking in comparison
In fact I'm a hard act to follow
It is difficult for others to match the quality and difficulty of what I do
I dealt for dolo, Bogart coming on through
I am a solo artist who takes control and dominates the scene
Niggas is like "Oh, my God, not you!"
Others are surprised and overwhelmed by my presence
Yes, I, come to get a slice of the punk and the pie
I am here to take my share of success and rewards in the industry
Rather do than die, check my flavor, coming from the RZA
I would rather take risks and try new things than fail to succeed
Which is short for the razor who make me reminisce true
My name is derived from the RZA, who inspires me and brings back good memories
Like Deja, Vu! I'm rubber, niggas is like glue
My style is familiar and recurring like déjà vu and others are easily influenced by me
Whatever you say rubs off me sticks to you
My powerful influence causes others to adopt my attitudes and behaviors
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: CLIFFORD SMITH, COREY WOODS, DENNIS DAVID COLES, GARY E. GRICE, JASON HUNTER, LAMONT HAWKINS, ROBERT F. DIGGS, RUSSELL T. JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind