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
Fam Members Only
Masta Killa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you think you can fuck with the Wu Clan
Get ya nose swollen up like Toucan
If you think you can fuck with the Wu Clan
Check it out, listen
Prepare for the mic onslaught, swift with the sword
Slick Lord, holdin' my weight homin' abroad
I reaped and sowed, scriptures weaved and woved, behold
Gold for my people, equal, fresh on the weekend
Wu-Tang, biggie smalls live at the beacon
Backstage, drinks on the house the show was bangin'
Brothers Grey Goosin', Wu was Tanquerayin'
Allah teachin' schools in session, the Gods speakin'
I'm just knowledgin', snake handshakes and fake hugs
Waitin' for the hour to devour and splatter ya heads of powder
I'm a slave to the rhythm but never to a mental deaf and power
The hour has come, we got y'all eleven to one, son
You done off, too late to break off, tactics are hazardous
To the health, bomb stealth, rifle stay M-16
Know what I mean? Know what I mean?
Yo, just what we stand for?
Loyalty
What we strive for?
Righteousness
What we live and die for?
Strictly Clan members only
What?
Strictly Clan members only
What?
Aiyo, just what we stand for?
Loyalty
What we strive for?
Righteousness
What we live and die for?
Strictly Clan members only
What?
Strictly Clan members only
Come on
I grew up around block, parties ready to rock
Behind a roll nigga with my rhyme on cock
First shot, first nigga who had shit to pop
Bad weather blew the feathers off a hundred flocks
Seventy percent goose, thirty duck
Get stuck if each link in ya chain is truck
Can't come in this rhyme cipher with nine snipers
Charged off the juice from the Pied Piper
You walk around B-Boys, DJ's, MC's
Through rap, never thinkin' their ways of TV
It was strictly all about magnificent rhyme clout
The R.E.C. Room and three without
Now his wig's pushed back
Name's removed off the plaque, too wild to reenact
With tax, that's the price to pay
My goal is to aim and spray, my night is the same as day
Yo, just what we stand for?
Loyalty
What we strive for?
Righteousness
What we live and die for?
Strictly Clan members only
What?
Strictly Clan members only
What?
Aiyo, just what we stand for?
Loyalty
What we strive for?
Righteousness
What we live and die for?
Strictly Clan members only
The song "Fam Members Only" by Masta Killa is a powerful ode to the Wu Clan's loyalty and their unwavering commitment to righteousness. The lyrics begin with a warning to anyone who thinks they can mess with the Wu Clan. Masta Killa paints a vivid picture of what happens to those who try: their nose will swell up like a Toucan. He then launches into a detailed description of what it means to be a Wu Clan member: "Prepare for the mic onslaught, swift with the sword/Slick Lord, holding my weight homing abroad/ The crowd roared for the peeps playing for the streets."
Throughout the verse, Masta Killa refers to the Wu Clan's legendary status in the rap community: their concerts were always jam-packed and filled with energy, their backstage parties featured free drinks flowing like water, and everyone knew that they were the best in the business. Above all, though, the Wu Clan valued loyalty and righteousness. They stood for something greater than just making money or being famous. Masta Killa reminds listeners that they would live and die for what they believe in.
Overall, "Fam Members Only" is a testament to the power of a tight-knit community that shares a common bond. The Wu Clan is more than just a group of rappers who work together; they are brothers who have each other's backs and who stand up for what they believe in no matter what. This song celebrates that bond while issuing a warning to anyone who doesn't respect it.
Line by Line Meaning
If you think you can fuck with the Wu Clan
Challenging those who underestimate the Wu-Tang Clan
Get ya nose swollen up like Toucan
The consequences of challenging the Wu-Tang Clan will result in physical harm
Prepare for the mic onslaught, swift with the sword
Masta Killa is ready to deliver powerful rhymes and defeat any opponents in his way
Slick Lord, holdin' my weight homin' abroad
Masta Killa is confident in his abilities and carries his weight wherever he goes
The crowd roared for the peeps playin' for the streets
Masta Killa's music resonates with the community and is celebrated by his fans
I reaped and sowed, scriptures weaved and woved, behold
Masta Killa puts in the work to create meaningful lyrics and music
Gold for my people, equal, fresh on the weekend
Masta Killa works hard to provide for his community and give them a good life
Wu-Tang, biggie smalls live at the beacon
Masta Killa pays homage to the legendary rappers that have paved the way before him
Backstage, drinks on the house the show was bangin'
Masta Killa enjoys the perks of being a successful musician
Allah teachin' schools in session, the Gods speakin'
Masta Killa shares his wisdom and knowledge with his audience
I'm just knowledgin', snake handshakes and fake hugs
Masta Killa is aware of the deception and betrayal that can happen in the music industry
Waitin' for the hour to devour and splatter ya heads of powder
Masta Killa is eager to take on any challenges and come out victorious
I'm a slave to the rhythm but never to a mental deaf and power
Masta Killa is dedicated to his craft but remains independent and true to himself
The hour has come, we got y'all eleven to one, son
Masta Killa and the Wu-Tang Clan are primed and ready to take on any challengers
You done off, too late to break off, tactics are hazardous
Opponents who challenge the Wu-Tang Clan will face dire consequences
Yo, just what we stand for?
Masta Killa asks his listeners to reflect on the values and principles that the Wu-Tang Clan represents
Loyalty
The Wu-Tang Clan values loyalty above all else
What we strive for?
The Wu-Tang Clan strives for righteousness and justice
What we live and die for?
The Wu-Tang Clan lives and dies for their members and their community
Strictly Clan members only
The Wu-Tang Clan is a tight-knit community and outsiders are not welcome
Contributed by Jackson R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.