Hunter routinely mentions the Park Hill Projects in Clifton, Staten Island, NY, where he grew up, going to school with the future Ghostface Killah, Raekwon and Method Man. Coming from a musical family, his father died when he was 6, and seeing his mother support the family contributed to his laid-back, quiet mentality; this led to his stage name, as he decided to play a low-key counterbalance to the antics of RZA, Method Man and Ol' Dirty Bastard. This is also referenced by Method Man at the end of the track "Can it Be All So Simple?" on "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)', stating.
However, Deck was featured as much, if not more, than any other of his fellow clansmen on the group's 1993 debut album, "Enter the Wu Tang (36 Chambers)". While keeping a relatively high profile on Wu-Tang group releases — including highly-praised verses on the singles "C.R.E.A.M." and "Triumph", from 36 Chambers and Wu-Tang Forever, respectively — Deck has had less success with his own solo career. Originally set to release an album in 1997, his first effort, Uncontrolled Substance, was delayed until 1999, after a flood in RZA's basement destroyed over a hundred beats, including those meant for Deck's album. According to Wu affiliate Cilvaringz, "Recently Deck pulled out some disks from the flood and they worked again and he used 1 for his upcoming album on Koch."[4]
In the years following the release of the highly successful debut album of the Wu-Tang Clan, Hunter would appear on several Wu members' solo albums, including the critically acclaimed trio "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…" by Raekwon, "Liquid Swords" by GZA and "Ironman" by Ghostface Killah. On the Clan's second group album, "Wu-Tang Forever" (1997), Deck produced the track "Visionz" and contributed a solo track, "The City." He also provided production for some of his Wu cohorts, including "Kiss of a Black Widow" for RZA's "RZA as Bobby Digital in Stereo", and "Elements" and "Spazzola" from Method Man's sophomore "Tical 2000: Judgement Day". In 1999, he finally released his debut solo album, featuring a number of less-exposed Wu-Tang affiliates as guests and more of Deck's own production. The album received strong reviews but failed to garner him the popularity enjoyed by some of his groupmates; Deck subsequently returned to the Wu-Tang fold for the albums "The W" and "Iron Flag", also providing beats for GZA's sophomore "Beneath the Surface" and Ghostface Killah's "Supreme Clientele". In 2003 the rapper released his follow-up, "The Movement". That album failed to live up to Deck's expectations, and soon he was back to planning his next album, "The Rebellion"; three years later, in 2006, he released "The Resident Patient", intended as a precursor to the album. The rapper took a hiatus to record "8 Diagrams" with the group, partaking in the controversy sparked when Raekwon and Ghostface Killah disparaged RZA's tight control of the album, championing Ghost's album "The Big Doe Rehab"
“I feel like we have to give them a newer, better album such as the new Ghost album. I’m not saying that’s the truth either. I’m just saying that his album sounds like what a Wu-Tang album should sound like, but it’s him by himself.”
He has also mentioned "The Rebellion" again, confirming production by RZA and the Wu-Elements; it is now set to come after "The Resident Patient 2" and will, reportedly, be Deck's final album as a solo artist. Deck is also featured on several tracks of Raekwon's most recent album, "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II".
On March 23rd, 2010 he will drop his 3rd album entitled "The Manifesto", with guest-appearances from Raekwon, Cormega,Termanology , Planet Asia, Cappadonna, Kurupt and M.O.P.'s Billy Danze. Deck himself will be producing on the album as well as having outside contributions: most notably, The Revelations who produced on Wu-Tang's Chamber Music[9].
In 2008, a mixtape entitled "The Resident Patient 2" was leaked to the internet, featuring some original material as well as freestyles over other artists' songs. In a recent interview, Deck stated that "The Manifesto" was meant to be the originally announced full-length sequel, "The Resident Patient 2". Since the early leak of "The Manifesto", he has begun work already on his final album "The Rebellion" and has expressed his interest in having Snoop Dogg, E-40, Nas & Jadakiss as guests but wanted to involve more of his fellow Clansmen on this album. He had also stated on a interview with Conspiracy Radio he will only retire from albums if the fans show support for "The Manifesto" and "The Rebellion". He has also expressed his wish to release an instrumental album of his own production similar to the ones put out by Alchemist, Ayatollah & Pete Rock. The album is to be entitled 'Instrumartyr' & recently confirmed March, 2011 as the release for The Rebellion according to his Twitter.
9th Chamber
Inspectah Deck Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
La the Darkman
Hit 'em with the death blow
Yo
Yo, I'm known to spit poems, throw dice and hold tones
Show ice, puff bones, hit beats like Larry Holmes
Through the Valley of Kings, you catch the Killa Bee sting
Defyin' me is like startin' Rap World War 3
You rather sell your key to NYPD
My style's vicious, I rap in the lab and break dishes
My words wear jet black hoods, lookin' suspicious
Behold the struggle fire ultra harmonizer, track paralyzer
Artist he the real, blood spilled on the synthesizer
4th, turn it up a peak, make the speaker tweet
Iron Sheik camel clutch a beat, rappers take your seat
In fact punch a clock, it's my time to rock, dock the known like a Scott
Engineered this thought that I present, so just
Comprehend, while I fill you in, with a bar or ten
And clear the path for the god Sin, do 'em in kid
I stay lurkin, circlin the premises
Dart chemist sent on a search for arch nemesis
Concoctin' neurotoxins out of synonyms
Send your physical in triple shock, crippled in a detox with no remembrance
While I rocks the maximum shows for no minimum
Capacity to pack the front row but flow naturally
Killin 'em, swing on the stage like jagged pendulums
And blow like thirty shrapnel grenades with no pins in 'em
Why risk it? Killah Hill District, we flip shit
Egotistic, I hold grounds with twin biscuits
Put it up, I lay it down, my streets sound surround
Shaolin bound, flash flood watch you might drown
Headliner, move through the city like a sidewinder
Island drifter, black vagina finder
Loungin' by the seashore, switch like Bloody Roar
And slap hardcore dick to your main wiz, bitch
Toxi' on Bacardi Pina, low crawlin through Medina
Slumped in the seven-seater
Dumpin' heaters, to bite might cause seizures
Weak MC's take me to your leader
We the true source, movin' off on uncharted course
My thoughts come across with a blindin' force
Killa Bees plant seeds, log on
Or get knocked off like a pawn if you dare lock horns
You are now in the 9th chamber
Where the walls of reality close in fast on the world of make believe
And your fantasy is nothin' more but a memory
Now bear witness to the realness
Showin' and proven
We live by the sword
The song "9th Chamber" by Inspectah Deck begins with a boastful verse by La the Darkman, followed by Inspectah Deck's intricate rhymes. Inspectah Deck boasts of his ability to spit verses, roll dice, and hold his own in a fight. He also boasts of his prowess in the rap game, warning those who dare to compete against him. Deck's style is vicious, and in the lab, he breaks dishes with his rhymes. His words are dark, and he looks suspicious, wearing jet black hoods. He is the struggle fire ultra harmonizer, and his rhymes are a paralyzer. Deck's music is the real deal, and it's not uncommon for blood to be spilled in the studio while he's creating his rhymes.
Deck's verse is followed by U-God's verse, in which he boasts of his ability to pack the front row of his shows effortlessly. He moves through the city effortlessly, like a sidewinder. He is a headliner, and he's not afraid to slap hardcore dick to your main wiz, bitch. Finally, the song ends with a spoken word outro, which draws the listener into a deep sense of reality. The walls of reality are closing in fast on the world of make-believe, and your fantasy is nothing more than a memory. All that is left is the realness, which must be witnessed.
Overall, "9th Chamber" is a powerful hip-hop track that showcases the lyrical and technical proficiency of Inspectah Deck and the rest of the Wu-Tang Clan. The song's dark, menacing tone reflects the rough and tumble streets of New York City in the early 90s.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, I'm known to spit poems, throw dice and hold tones
I am recognized for reciting poetry, casting dice, and holding long notes.
Show ice, puff bones, hit beats like Larry Holmes
Display my jewelry, smoke cannabis, and play music with force like boxer Larry Holmes.
Through the Valley of Kings, you catch the Killa Bee sting
If you venture through the land of royalty, the Wu-Tang Clan will strike you with their venom.
Tryin' to pick up, you fuckin' with the archbishop
Attempting to challenge me is like challenging a high-ranking religious official.
Defyin' me is like startin' Rap World War 3
Going against me would result in a massive war in the world of rap music.
You rather sell your key to NYPD
You would rather betray your allies by giving up critical information to the police.
My style's vicious, I rap in the lab and break dishes
My rap style is aggressive, and I make a mess in the music studio.
My words wear jet black hoods, lookin' suspicious
My words are seemingly unlawful, covered in darkness, and not to be trusted.
Behold the struggle fire ultra harmonizer, track paralyzer
Watch the immense difficulty I have gone through to perfect my music, as well as its ability to stun listeners.
Artist he the real, blood spilled on the synthesizer
As an artist, I am authentic, and I will go as far as shedding blood on my synthesizer to make my music sound right.
4th, turn it up a peak, make the speaker tweet
Increase the volume on the fourth beat, making the singers produce a tweeting sound.
Iron Sheik camel clutch a beat, rappers take your seat
I will overpower the beat using the Iron Sheik's wrestling move, making other rappers feel inferior in their skills.
In fact punch a clock, it's my time to rock, dock the known like a Scott
I will keep track of time, knowing when it is the right moment to perform and outshine other artists.
Engineered this thought that I present, so just
My idea that I'm presenting has been thoroughly worked out, so please.
Comprehend, while I fill you in, with a bar or ten
Understand my message, while I keep you informed with multiple bars of music.
And clear the path for the god Sin, do 'em in kid
Make way for the almighty Sin, and defeat any opponent that comes your way.
I stay lurkin, circlin the premises
I persistently hover, investigating my surroundings.
Dart chemist sent on a search for arch nemesis
Skillful in my ways, I will hunt for my ultimate and unforgivable enemy.
Concoctin' neurotoxins out of synonyms
Formulated dangerous poisons using similar words.
Send your physical in triple shock, crippled in a detox with no remembrance
Leave you astonished physically and mentally, unable to remember anything as if in a daydream, and too weak to recover from drug detoxification.
While I rocks the maximum shows for no minimum
I perform to the optimal level with no limits, even if the show isn't at full capacity.
Capacity to pack the front row but flow naturally
Capable of filling the front row, but flow smoothly and without pressure.
Killin 'em, swing on the stage like jagged pendulums
Overwhelming the audience with great musical performance and swinging across the stage with careless abandon.
And blow like thirty shrapnel grenades with no pins in 'em
I explode onto the scene like 30 grenades with no pins controlling their explosion.
Why risk it? Killah Hill District, we flip shit
Why take unnecessary chances when the Wu-Tang Clan already dominates the Killah Hill District.
Egotistic, I hold grounds with twin biscuits
Arrogant, I proudly defend my position with firearms.
Put it up, I lay it down, my streets sound surround
I will take charge and deliver my style of music, while the sounds of the streets provide background ambiance.
Shaolin bound, flash flood watch you might drown
Connected to the Shaolin Temple, beware of the sudden outbreak of overwhelming music that might snatch your soul.
Headliner, move through the city like a sidewinder
As a headlining artist, I navigate through the city like a sidewinder, keeping to myself and avoiding danger.
Island drifter, black vagina finder
A wanderer around the islands, searching for African American female partners.
Loungin' by the seashore, switch like Bloody Roar
Chilling by the beach, swiftly changing personas aggressively like in the video game Bloody Roar.
And slap hardcore dick to your main wiz, bitch
Engage sexually with your primary partner.
Toxi' on Bacardi Pina, low crawlin through Medina
Intoxicated by Bacardi Pina, I move through the city of Medina slowly.
Slumped in the seven-seater
Sitting in a luxurious seven-seater car.
Dumpin' heaters, to bite might cause seizures
Firing firearms, an adversary that bites might suffer from severe convulsions.
Weak MC's take me to your leader
Incompetent rappers should surrender and take me to their master.
We the true source, movin' off on uncharted course
We are the legitimate source of this music genre and have begun a new path unexplored.
My thoughts come across with a blindin' force
The depth of my ideas is so intense that it can cause blindness.
Killa Bees plant seeds, log on
The Wu-Tang Clan spreads industry-changing ideas, so listen up.
Or get knocked off like a pawn if you dare lock horns
Challenge me, and you will cease being a threat, treated as an expendable pawn.
You are now in the 9th chamber
You have arrived in the most treacherous and intense level of Wu-Tang influence.
Where the walls of reality close in fast on the world of make believe
The illusionary world is quickly collapsing before the truth within Wu-Tang music.
And your fantasy is nothin' more but a memory
The wishful and imaginary world that you wanted to enjoy is nothing but a recollection.
Now bear witness to the realness
Pay attention closely to this reality.
Showin' and proven
Displaying and verifying.
We live by the sword
We thrive on power and will do whatever it takes to obtain it.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Charles Patrick, Jason Hunter, Jeryl Grant, L Jackson, Selwyn Bougard
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tecknowledgist
I stay lurking, circling the premises
Dart Chemist Sin on the search for arch-nemesis
Concoct a neurotoxin out of synonyms
Send your physical in triple shock
Crippled in the detox with no remembrance
While I rocks the maximum shows for no minimum
Capacity to pack the front row and flow naturally
Killin' 'em, swing on the stage like jagged pendulums
And blow like dirty shrapnel grenades with no pins in 'em
🔥🔥🔥🔥
Tecknowledgist
I stay lurking, circling the premises
Dart Chemist Sin on the search for arch-nemesis
Concoct a neurotoxin out of synonyms
Send your physical in triple shock
Crippled in the detox with no remembrance
While I rocks the maximum shows for no minimum
Capacity to pack the front row and flow naturally
Killin' 'em, swing on the stage like jagged pendulums
And blow like dirty shrapnel grenades with no pins in 'em
🔥🔥🔥🔥
raetheon41 y
People need to understand this level of lyricism may not be presented ever again it's just too good and all the members of the Wu family come from a place of hardship and it has produced music like this which can't be imitated unless one comes from where they did...they single handedly produced gold from nothing and it clearly shows and it's undeniable and remarkable and the full package knowledge and understanding all in one they're the definition of real respectable musicians that belong in the industry to deliver that extra dose of reality that people needed... true artwork mastery that you may never hear again!
Jason King
Killa Sin is my number one most slept on emcee. He’s too nasty
Kevin S
Nothing but fire
Graveyard Shifter
this album doesnt get the respect it really deserves..u did good deck
Chanc' Register
Fax
KevTheGOAT
Killa Sin had the best verse followed by Beretta 9 and then LA The Darkman. It's rare to hear Inspectah Deck get outshined like that especially in his prime when he was damn near untouchable.
ronald grant
I love this track and played this cut over and over again.
Oristiumpier
I made sure I picked this up when it came out. I have to admit I expected more out of him or should I say this was the point where RZA stopped producting Wu solos and the rest of the clan started to not support each other as much. Still a tight album but ain't touching Cappa's Pillage. This was the hardest track on the album.
vondior
THIS TRACK IS THE TRUTH