1. Genius … Read Full Bio ↴There are at least eight artists who have used this name:
1. Genius is a rapper from New York, he released one album "Words from the Genius" under the name Genius before changing his name to GZA/Genius with the formation of Wu-Tang Clan.
2. Genius is a Rock-Opera made by Daniele Liverani.
3. Genius is a short lived UK rock group which originally contained 3/5 of The Feeling. Unfortunately the band folded in 2006 and their debut album was never completed or released.
4. Genius was a popular dance trio band back in 90s in Romania consisted by Cesar, Oana and Ovi. They had hits like In Orasul trist, Vara and Macho Man. The band split-up in 2000.
5. Genius was born from the remains of the US Rock-Pop band Neve. They have since split and formed Stars Align
6. Genius is a punk band from Pusan, Korea.
7. Genius is the artist name of Robert de Wit, a Harder Styles DJ/Producer from Dordrecht, The Netherlands.
8. Genius was a Japanese pop/rock band, active from 1999 until 2006.
duel of the iron mic
Genius Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like these murderous rhymes tight from genuine craft
Check the print, it's where veterans spark the letterings
Slow moving mc's is waitin for the editin
The liquid soluble that made up the chemistry
A gaseous element, that burned down your ministry
Herbal vapors, and biblical papers
Smokin exodus, every square yard is plush
Leaves impressions, try to keep a shark nigga guessin
Give crazy shouts son here's the outcome
Cut across the semi-gloss rhymes you floss
Shit is outdated, just like neckloads of sterlings
Suede-fronts, bell-bottoms, and tri-colored shearlings
I ain't particular, I bang like vehicular homicides
On July 4th in bed-stuy
Where money don't grown on trees and there's thievin mc's
Who cut-throat to rake leaves
They can't breathe, blood splash, rushin fast
Like runnin rivers, I be that whiskey in your liver
Duel of the iron mic, it's the fifty-two fatal strikes!
This is not a eighty-five affair, made clear
When the gods get on to perform storms blew up
Wu's up, causin the crowd to self-destruct
Killer bees are stingin somethin while I reveal
Science, that's heavily guarded by the culprit
Bombin your barracks, with aerodynamic
Swordplay, poison darts by the doorway
Minds that's laced with explosive doses
Damagin lyrical launcher
Lunge at the youthful offender then injure
Any contender, testin the murderous master
Could lead to disaster, dynamite thoughts
Explode through your barrier, rips the retina
Who can withstand the astonishing punishing
Stings to the sternum, shocked in the hip-hop livestock
Seekin for a serum, to cure em
Adults kill for drugs plus the young bucks bust
Duckin handcuffs, throats get cut when dough rush
Out of town foes look shook but still pose
We move lioke real pros through the streets we stroll
Bullet holes lace the windows in one-six oh
So control the avenues that's the dream that's sold
Building lobbies are graveyards for small-timers
Bitches caught in airports, keys in they vaginas
No peace, yo the police mad corrupt
You get bagged up, dependin if you're passin the cut
Plus shorty's not a shorty no more, he's livin heartless
Regardless of the charges, claims to be the hardest
Individual, critical thoughts, criminal minded
Blinded by illusion, findin it confusin
Duel of the iron mics
It's that fifty-two fatal strikes
Duel of the iron mics
It's that fifty-two fatal strikes, nuh
In "Duel of the Iron Mic," Genius (also known as GZA) paints a picture of deadly scenarios, both verbal and literal. He contrasts true masters of the art of rap with those who are slower and less skilled. The rhyme schemes are tight and precise, with each line landing like a well-placed punch. The lyrics are dense and filled with wordplay, clever analogies, and cultural references. He speaks of elements and chemistry, vapors and papers, alluding to the power and importance of the written and spoken word. He warns of the dangers of complacency and outdated styles, encouraging artists to stay sharp and agile. He recognizes the harsh realities of living in New York City, where violence and drugs are a constant presence, and survival is key. Throughout the song, Genius flexes his lyrical prowess, showing why he is worthy of being a Wu-Tang Clan member.
Line by Line Meaning
Picture bloodbaths and elevator shafts
Imagery of violence and danger
Like these murderous rhymes tight from genuine craft
Lyrics are well-crafted and deadly
Check the print, it's where veterans spark the letterings
Only experienced rappers can create such powerful lyrics
Slow moving mc's is waitin for the editin
Less skilled rappers need help to sound good
The liquid soluble that made up the chemistry
The combination of different elements makes the perfect rap
A gaseous element, that burned down your ministry
The lyrics are so powerful they can destroy one's career
Herbal vapors, and biblical papers
Wordplay of drug and religious references
Smokin exodus, every square yard is plush
Enjoying the high life with references to biblical themes
Fuck the screw-faced photo sessions facial expression
Disdain for posed or fake images
Leaves impressions, try to keep a shark nigga guessin
Leaves a lasting impression on one's mind
Give crazy shouts son here's the outcome
Boldly proclaiming success
Cut across the semi-gloss rhymes you floss
Ripping apart pretentious rhymes
Shit is outdated, just like neckloads of sterlings
Rejecting outdated fashion or ideas
Suede-fronts, bell-bottoms, and tri-colored shearlings
Specific examples of outdated fashion
I ain't particular, I bang like vehicular homicides
Will fight or attack anyone, anywhere
On July 4th in bed-stuy
Specific reference to a location and date
Where money don't grown on trees and there's thievin mc's
Tough neighborhood where people steal to survive
Who cut-throat to rake leaves
Will do anything to make money, even something menial
They can't breathe, blood splash, rushin fast
Violent imagery of attacking and injuring others
Like runnin rivers, I be that whiskey in your liver
Comparing oneself to something addictive and powerful
This is not a eighty-five affair, made clear
This is current and not outdated
When the gods get on to perform storms blew up
When the best rappers perform, it's intense and exciting
Wu's up, causin the crowd to self-destruct
When Wu-Tang Clan performs, the audience goes wild
Killer bees are stingin somethin while I reveal
Creating wordplay with the group name and hinting at secret knowledge
Science, that's heavily guarded by the culprit
Knowledge and power that many want but few have
Bombin your barracks, with aerodynamic
Attacking opponents with precision and skill
Swordplay, poison darts by the doorway
Use of different weapons and techniques
Minds that's laced with explosive doses
Thoughts that are shocking and powerful
Damagin lyrical launcher
Destroying opponents with words
Lunge at the youthful offender then injure
Targeting young rappers and hurting them
Any contender, testin the murderous master
Anyone who challenges Wu-Tang Clan will face defeat
Could lead to disaster, dynamite thoughts
Going up against them will have explosive results
Explode through your barrier, rips the retina
Breaking through defense and attacking the core
Who can withstand the astonishing punishing
No one can take the brutal attacks
Stings to the sternum, shocked in the hip-hop livestock
Hurting deeply and causing a reaction in the rap community
Seekin for a serum, to cure em
Searching for a way to counter the Wu-Tang's vicious attacks
Adults kill for drugs plus the young bucks bust
Drug use leads to violence and even young people are caught up in it
Duckin handcuffs, throats get cut when dough rush
Violence and death come with illegal money-making
Out of town foes look shook but still pose
Even opponents who are intimidated still act tough
We move lioke real pros through the streets we stroll
Experienced and skilled at navigating dangerous areas
Bullet holes lace the windows in one-six oh
Guns are common and violence is a frequent occurrence
So control the avenues that's the dream that's sold
The goal is to gain control in order to survive
Building lobbies are graveyards for small-timers
Dangerous areas where low-level criminals meet their demise
Bitches caught in airports, keys in they vaginas
Even women are involved in illegal activities and hide drugs in their bodies
No peace, yo the police mad corrupt
Even law enforcement is corrupt and there is no justice
You get bagged up, dependin if you're passin the cut
Getting caught depends on who you know and how well you keep secrets
Plus shorty's not a shorty no more, he's livin heartless
Even young people are hardened and ruthless
Regardless of the charges, claims to be the hardest
Pride and toughness are valued above all else
Individual, critical thoughts, criminal minded
Thinking for oneself and disregarding societal norms
Blinded by illusion, findin it confusin
Fooled by false promises and feeling lost
Duel of the iron mics
A battle of the best rappers
It's that fifty-two fatal strikes
Wu-Tang Clan has 52 members ready to destroy their opponents
Nuh
An interjection used for emphasis or agreement
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HERBERT MAGIDSON, ALLIE WRUBEL, GARY GRICE, ROBERT DIGGS, RUSSELL JONES, AUTHOR UNKNOWN COMPOSER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind