Duel of the Iron Mic
GZA/Genius feat. Ol' Dirty Bastard Rebel Ins & Masta Killa Lyrics

Picture bloodbaths and elevator shafts
Imagine scenes of violence and death in everyday places

Like these murderous rhymes tight from genuine craft
These are expertly crafted lyrics with deadly intent

Check the print, it's where veterans spark the letterings
Watch the masters at work as they manipulate words

Slow moving mc’s is waitin for the editing
Incompetent rappers will need major revisions to keep up

The liquid soluble that made up the chemistry
The combination of skills and styles that make up the Wu-Tang Clan

A gaseous element, that burned down your ministry
Their flow is a volatile force that destroys weak opponents

Herbal vapors, and biblical papers
They use drugs and holy texts to fuel their creativity

Smokin exodus, every square yard is plush
They achieve a state of liberation through their rhymes

Fuck the screw-faced photo sessions facial expression
They reject the fake facade of image-focused media

Leaves impressions, try to keep a shark nigga guessin
They make a lasting impact and keep their enemies on edge

Give crazy shouts son here's the outcome
Their unexpected actions will have dramatic results

Cut across the semi-gloss rhymes you floss
They easily slice through flashy but hollow verses

Shit is outdated, just like neckloads of sterlings
Old-fashioned jewelry is as irrelevant as outdated rhymes

Suede-fronts, bell-bottoms, and tri-colored shearlings
Fashion trends may change but true talent endures

I ain't particular, I bang like vehicular homicides
They are indiscriminate in their destruction of other rappers

On July 4th in bed-stuy
They strike with explosive force, like fireworks on Independence Day

Where money don't grown on trees and there's thievin mc's
Their tough upbringing in a rough neighborhood inspired their rhymes

Who cut-throat to rake leaves
Even the simplest tasks are fraught with danger in their environment

They can't breathe, blood splash, rushin fast
Their violent rhymes leave their opponents helpless and bloody

Like runnin rivers, I be that whiskey in your liver
Their rhymes are intoxicating and addictive, like alcohol

This is not a eighty-five affair, made clear
Their style is unique and not like anything that came before them

When the gods get on to perform storms blew up
Their rhymes are godlike and have a powerful impact

Wu's up, causin the crowd to self-destruct
The Wu-Tang Clan's energy is infectious and overwhelming

Killer bees are stingin somethin while I reveal
Their rhymes are like a swarm of deadly bees, attacking their opponents

Science, that's heavily guarded by the culprit
Their unique approach to music and lyrics is a closely kept secret

Bombin your barracks, with aerodynamic swordplay
They are attacking with precision and skill, like expert swordsmen

Poison darts by the doorway
Their rhymes are deadly and can strike at any moment

Minds that's laced with explosive doses
Their lyrics are powerful and dangerous, like a bomb waiting to go off

Damagin lyrical launcher
Their skills are so potent that they can cause harm with words alone

Lunge at the youthful offender then injure
They attack those who disrespect their authority and skill

Any contender, testin the murderous master
Challenging the Wu-Tang Clan is a dangerous mistake

Could lead to disaster, dynamite thoughts
Their rhymes are explosive and can cause destruction

Explode through your barrier, rips the retina
Their lyrics are so vivid and powerful that they can physically harm the listener

Who can withstand the astonishing punishing
No one can withstand the strength and impact of their rhymes

Stings to the sternum, shocked in the hip-hop livestock
Their rhymes hit hard and can take down even the strongest in the hip-hop game

Seekin for a serum, to cure em
Those who are hurt by their rhymes are seeking a way to recover

Adults kill for drugs plus the young bucks bust
People of all ages are involved in drug-related violence

Duckin handcuffs, throats get cut when dough rush
Those who are involved in illegal activity are at risk of violence and arrest

Out of town foes look shook but still pose
Rivals from other locations may be intimidated, but they still try to put up a fight

We move like real pros through the streets we stroll
The Wu-Tang Clan navigates their dangerous neighborhood with the skill of professionals

Bullet holes lace the windows in one-six oh
Gun violence is a common occurrence in their neighborhood

So control the avenues that's the dream that's sold
Their ultimate goal is to gain power and control over their environment

Building lobbies are graveyards for small-timers
Even the entrances to their buildings are dangerous places

Bitches caught in airports, keys in they vaginas
Even women are involved in illegal activity in their environment

No peace, yo the police mad corrupt
The law enforcement in their area is corrupt and unreliable

You get bagged up, depending if you're passing the cut
If you're not careful, you can get caught up in illegal activity and be arrested

Plus shorty's not a shorty no more, he's living heartless
Their tough life has caused them to grow up quickly and with a hardened demeanor

Regardless of the charges, claims to be the hardest
They are still proud and unbreakable, even when facing legal trouble

Individual, critical thoughts, criminal minded
They are independent thinkers who are not afraid to break the law

Blinded by illusion, finding it confusing
They are skeptical of mainstream culture and find it hard to navigate

Duel of the iron mic, it's the fifty-two fatal strikes!
The Wu-Tang Clan is at the top of their game, with an arsenal of deadly rhymes

Duel of the iron mics
Their rhymes are so powerful that it's like they are dueling with iron mics

It's that fifty-two fatal strikes
They have an incredible 52 deadly rhymes at their disposal

Nuh
A final exclamation to emphasize their power and skill