High Price Small Reward
GZA/Genius feat. Masta Killa Lyrics


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I wiped the chrome off with the dustcloth 'fore I bust off
What's the cost, life loss?
High price to pay for a small reward
Kill for that Bushwick and Halsey broad
I provided the jumper cables through the booster mini-packs
Based on the drama unfolding in the track
I don't hold back, I spare no one
Swords swing like shogun, now who want it?
You see the truth, then act upon it
Or feel the fire's full view
Ain't a MC that I hit can pull through
Y'all niggas are like kids, flashing plastic tools
Unaware of the multi-year dynastic rule
What?! Stupid!

Without a doubt, it's in the heart
Where the best darts were written
Sitting at the window of the Grand Old Earths
Youths thirst for knowledge, I teach but hold heat
'Cause some savage niggas are lost beyond reach
Broken homes breed seeds of no guidance
Left to wander the streets and experiment with devilishment
Violent, felon offenders, supreme folders
One-twenty bomb holders let 'em off and explode
The battlefield haunting, the daunting
Wu-Tang dance, deadly emits six pence
Spiral, rifle barrel pointed, elastic noose
Plastic head wrap stifle, survival
Tribal, title - Secret Rival
Article subliminal message throwing
Bitch niggas hoeing on labels
Mic cables, capable of slowing down jets on deck
Fucking you straight through continuously
Justice, the war of the critical penital
Some long overdue, now served by the chiefs on cheat
Drama builds, it's the street prophecies fulfilled
Bitter chill currents to the invited




Bang for the phones, live niggas on their way home
Snatch poems from clones, we got it sewn

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "High Price Small Reward" by GZA/Genius feat. Masta Killa delve into the harsh realities of life and the consequences of seeking material gain at any cost. The opening lines signify the urgency and seriousness of the situation, as the singer prepares for a dangerous act. The phrase "What's the cost, life loss?" poses a rhetorical question, highlighting the high price one might pay for a small reward.


The song explores the theme of violence and its impact on communities. The lyricist references specific locations like Bushwick and Halsey, suggesting a connection to a neighborhood plagued by violence and crime. The mention of "jumper cables" and "booster mini-packs" implies a metaphorical role in providing energy or impetus to a dangerous situation. The line "I spare no one" underscores the ruthless nature of the singer, willing to harm anyone who stands in their way.


The lyrics also touch on the ignorance and superficiality prevalent in the music industry, using the metaphor of "flashing plastic tools" to represent artists who rely on materialistic image without substance. The lyricist asserts his own knowledge and authority, claiming that those unaware of a long-established legacy are bound to fail.


Overall, "High Price Small Reward" conveys a sense of urgency, aggression, and a commentary on the struggles faced in certain communities. It explores themes of violence, materialism, and the need for knowledge and awareness to navigate a treacherous world.


Line by Line Meaning

I wiped the chrome off with the dustcloth 'fore I bust off
I cleaned my gun before shooting


What's the cost, life loss?
What is the price of taking a life?


High price to pay for a small reward
The consequences of our actions outweigh the benefits


Kill for that Bushwick and Halsey broad
Willing to commit violence for a woman from a specific area


I provided the jumper cables through the booster mini-packs
I supplied the means for others to access power


Based on the drama unfolding in the track
Drawing inspiration from the ongoing events in the music


I don't hold back, I spare no one
I don't restrain myself, I show no mercy


Swords swing like shogun, now who want it?
I'm skilled in combat and ready to fight anyone


You see the truth, then act upon it
Once you recognize the truth, you must take action


Or feel the fire's full view
Otherwise, you'll face the consequences in full force


Ain't a MC that I hit can pull through
No rapper I attack can withstand my assault


Y'all niggas are like kids, flashing plastic tools
You all are like children, pretending to have power


Unaware of the multi-year dynastic rule
Uninformed about the long-lasting dominance


What?! Stupid!
How foolish!


Without a doubt, it's in the heart
Certainly, it resides in one's core


Where the best darts were written
The place where the most impactful lyrics originated


Sitting at the window of the Grand Old Earths
Observing the world from a wise perspective


Youths thirst for knowledge, I teach but hold heat
Young people desire wisdom, I educate them but also possess weapons


'Cause some savage niggas are lost beyond reach
Because some violent individuals cannot be saved


Broken homes breed seeds of no guidance
Dysfunctional families raise children without proper direction


Left to wander the streets and experiment with devilishment
Left to roam the streets and engage in sinful behavior


Violent, felon offenders, supreme folders
Criminals with a history of violence and serious crimes


One-twenty bomb holders let 'em off and explode
Those who possess powerful firearms unleash their destructive potential


The battlefield haunting, the daunting
The memory of war lingers, intimidating


Wu-Tang dance, deadly emits six pence
The Wu-Tang Clan's style is lethal, symbolizing power


Spiral, rifle barrel pointed, elastic noose
Twisting, aiming a gun, ready to inflict harm


Plastic head wrap stifle, survival
A fake persona suppresses the true self for survival


Tribal, title - Secret Rival
Embracing a tribal identity, the hidden competition


Article subliminal message throwing
Utilizing subtle messages within my writing


Bitch niggas hoeing on labels
Weak individuals conforming to record labels


Mic cables, capable of slowing down jets on deck
Audio equipment that possesses immense power


Fucking you straight through continuously
Continuously dominating and overpowering you


Justice, the war of the critical penital
Seeking justice through the power of impactful lyrics


Some long overdue, now served by the chiefs on cheat
Justice that was delayed is finally being delivered by those in power


Drama builds, it's the street prophecies fulfilled
Tensions rise, fulfilling the predictions of the streets


Bitter chill currents to the invited
Cold tensions affecting those involved


Bang for the phones, live niggas on their way home
Gunshots fired as a signal, indicating the return of dangerous individuals


Snatch poems from clones, we got it sewn
Taking unique and original lyrics from imitators, proving our dominance




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Elgin Evander Turner, Gary E. Grice, Ronald Maurice Bean

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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