Masta Killa was the last member to join the Wu-Tang Clan; consequently he did not appear on the group's debut single "Protect Ya Neck". He was also the only member not to already be an experienced rapper at the time of the group's formation. He was extensively mentored by the GZA during his early days with the group, evident in the similar flow they both employ. He derived his rap name from the 1978 kung-fu film Shaolin Master Killer, (Shao Lin san shi liu fang). Masta only appeared on one track on the Wu-Tang Clan's first album in 1993, though his only verse on the album, the closing verse to "Da Mystery of Chessboxin", is considered by many fans to be one of its most memorable. Masta only narrowly made the track, and was almost left off in favor of Killah Priest. In fact, on the No Said Date DVD, Killah Priest claims that he and Masta Killa were in competition for the spot on Da Mystery of Chessboxin', and while Killah Priest fell asleep, Masta Killa stayed up all night writing rhymes and Killah Priest woke up the next morning to Masta Killa's verse. Since he was a developing rapper at the time Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) was being written, his verse in "Da Mystery of Chessboxin" was the only one that could hold up with the other, more experienced Wu-Tang members.
During the first round of solo projects, he made several appearances on tracks now considered Wu-Tang classics, such as "Winter Warz", "Duel of the Iron Mic", and "Glaciers of Ice". His flow at the time attracted attention for being very slow and laid-back, in contrast to the more manic, forceful styles of members like Inspectah Deck and Ghostface Killah. Masta Killa is also the Clansman fondest of Chinese martial arts imagery. In 1997, the Wu-Tang Clan's second album Wu-Tang Forever saw Masta become a mainstay in the group's line-up with regular appearances throughout the double album.
Masta Killa was the last member to release a solo project, after it was delayed for several years and finally released in June 2004 (2004 in music) with the title No Said Date. It was critically acclaimed and heralded by fans as a return to form for the Clan, with an ethos and sound reminiscent of the early and mid-1990s Wu-Tang and affiliate albums. His second album, Made in Brooklyn, was released in August 8, 2006, and includes production from Pete Rock and MF DOOM. "Ringing Bells", the Bronze Nazareth-produced lead single from the album, was released in March 2006. Also in 2006, Masta Killa became the latest in a succession of hip hop artists to endorse PETA, also participating in an advertisement for the organization and is also vegetarian.
He is known for being the most quiet and mysterious member of the Wu-Tang Clan, and little is still known about him. He rarely speaks in Wu-Tang interviews, and does not give many independent interviews. "I know I seem serious and quiet to a lot of the fans. That's because I take my work seriously. It's not a game. The Clan and I work hard to give you the best," says Masta Killa.
Name
Masta Killa takes his name from the 1978 film by Lau Kar-leung called Master Killer also known as The 36th Chamber of Shaolin. The main character in the movie is played by Gordon Liu who can be seen in many other films including a double role in Kill Bill.
Aliases
Jamel Irief (pron. Juh-mel I-reef)
High Chief
Noodles (from the film Once Upon a Time in America)
Cereal Man
Luongo
E.N.Y. House
Masta Killa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo, when the East is in da house
GOD DAMN! we slam Mic
40 Days - 40 Nights fights Erupt from the Energy
Givin' off me, Crowd movin' Wattage
It's Electric, shockin' the body
Rise Nazareth, party wit the God body
Here's a Hotty, see the chief is like a Dr.
Just a thought for you to snort
If you like it then light it up
Smoke it, tot it, shotgun blast it
Pass it to your homey let 'em sample the example
How to MC
[Verse 2]
When the East is da house - WATCH OUT!
We on the get it, don't bet it
Cuz we know to said it
Beat the case then split your fuckin' face
You terribly mistaken, I beat the terrible Reign
Ladies wanna stroke the Mane of the Lion
When I step up to the Mic zone, hell get thrown
And its provin' is shown
Out the Womb I was born to Rule
Lead Men to water
Now school is in session, take lesson
[Verse 3]
Yo, yo, uh, When the East is da house
We gets the party jumpin'
Beat pumpin', make the ladies wanna flex
Time to have sex
Halftime back of the Range, at the next game
Mo' Money scheme, red beam for Glocks
Sad love ballets, hollow tip Black Talons
Nobel, Vocal, known to Ring Bells Global
Background Criminal Social, Skin Opal
Official seal of Approval
Label lethal, people under pressure
Swords kill Hundred Men
Heads roll, knees bend, Times Ten
Flow roll on the ball or in the Pen
In Masta Killa’s song, “E.N.Y. House,” the rapper starts by proclaiming that when the East is in the house, they are electrifying and bring the energy that erupts into 40 days and 40 nights of fights. The crowd movement is electric, shocking the body, and rising to party with the God body. Then, he offers a line that focuses on the thought of doing drugs: “Just a thought for you to snort, if you like it then light it up, smoke it, tot it, shotgun blast it, pass it to your homey let 'em sample the example, how to MC.” In the second verse, Masta Killa warns people that when the East is in the house, they mean business. They’re not to be bet against because they know what they’re doing. He also mentions how he beats the terrible reign, and ladies can’t get enough of him.
The third verse of the song talks of the party picking up more momentum. The beat is pumping, and the ladies want the jump-off to happen—the halftime with the Range Rover, and there’s mo’ money and red beam for Glocks. The third verse mentions several events and items that add to the success and fun of the party, such as sad love ballets, Nobel vocals, and black talon tips. It ends with Masta Killa’s flow, flying on the ball or living in the pen; their times are running out.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, when the East is in da house
When the people from the Eastern region are present in the vicinity,
GOD DAMN! we slam Mic
We deliver impressive musical performances on the microphone,
40 Days - 40 Nights fights Erupt from the Energy
Our energy causes violent confrontations to occur that last for a long time,
Givin' off me, Crowd movin' Wattage
I'm exuding an exciting and captivating energy that causes the audience to move,
It's Electric, shockin' the body
Our performance is electric, and it provides a stimulating experience to the body,
Rise Nazareth, party wit the God body
We are successful and popular, and people want to be around us and party with us,
Here's a Hotty, see the chief is like a Dr.
There's an attractive person here, and I'm like a doctor who can help you find love,
And I'm gon' Prescribe
I'll tell you how to attract that hotty,
Just a thought for you to snort
Here's some advice for you to consider,
If you like it then light it up
If you find my advice helpful, embrace it and make it part of your life,
Smoke it, tot it, shotgun blast it
Use it extensively and with enthusiasm,
Pass it to your homey let 'em sample the example
Share it with your friend so they can see the positive outcomes of your actions,
How to MC
I'm teaching you the right way to be a successful MC.
When the East is da house - WATCH OUT!
When the people from the Eastern region are around, be alert and cautious since we're known for trouble,
We on the get it, don't bet it
We're proactive and making things happen, so don't doubt us,
Cuz we know to said it
We're confident because we know what we're doing,
Beat the case then split your fuckin' face
We'll fight and win against any adversary before we deal with them,
You terribly mistaken, I beat the terrible Reign
You're wrong to challenge me, I'm able to defeat any obstacle,
Ladies wanna stroke the Mane of the Lion
Women are attracted to my success and power,
When I step up to the Mic zone, hell get thrown
My performance is fierce and intense that can cause chaos,
And its provin' is shown
It's evident that I'm a formidable performer,
Out the Womb I was born to Rule
I was born to be a leader and dominate,
Lead Men to water
I guide men towards success and prosperity,
Now school is in session, take lesson
I'm teaching right now and it's time to learn.
We gets the party jumpin'
We create a fun, active and lively atmosphere wherever we go,
Beat pumpin', make the ladies wanna flex
Our beats are strong and catchy that make women want to dance and show off their moves,
Time to have sex
It's a great time to hook up with someone,
Halftime back of the Range, at the next game
I'll take a break during halftime, in the back of my SUV, before to the next event,
Mo' Money scheme, red beam for Glocks
We're scheming to get more money, and we have firearms for our protection,
Sad love ballets, hollow tip Black Talons
Our love life is complex and we have weapons of choice,
Nobel, Vocal, known to Ring Bells Global
My talent as a musician is notable and recognized around the world,
Background Criminal Social, Skin Opal
I have a criminal past but I still have a strong social standing, and I have light-coloured skin,
Official seal of Approval
I have an official endorsement of my talents,
Label lethal
My music label is powerful and dangerous to those who oppose us,
people under pressure
We're under extreme pressure and scrutiny,
Swords kill Hundred Men
Our words are powerful and can affect great change,
Heads roll, knees bend, Times Ten
Our impact is significant and reverberates many times over,
Flow roll on the ball or in the Pen
Our flow is smooth and effective, whether we're on stage or incarcerated.
Contributed by Jayden K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.