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 feat. GZA
Masta Killa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo, yea check it...yo, yo yo yo
Yo, if you think you can fuck wit the Wu Clan
Get ya nose swolled up like Toucan
If you think you can fuck wit the Wu Clan
You get ya nose swolen up like Toucan
If you think you can fuck wit the wu clan
you get ya nose swolen up like Toucan
Bullets soaked in oil so the Tec can't jam
Sippin on Carribean run, cocanut juice
Smokin on that chocolate stick
Open up two bottles of that brass monkey on some drunkie shit
You R&B fake rappers suck a monkey dick
I'm from back in the days
with the Christmas for haze
on my back, stripped out black
You like that?
Seven braids in my head
My girl stays in the bed and she love to lay the eggs
[Masta Killa]
Prepare for the mic onslaught swift with the sword
Slick Lord, holdin my weight homing abroad
The crowd roared for the peeps playing for the streets
I reeped and sewed, scriptures weeved and woved
Behold gold for the 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 teaching schools in session
The Gods speakin
I'm just knowledging
Snake handshakes and fake hugs
Waiting 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?
[Break: Masta Killa (both)]
Yo just what we (stand for?) Loyalty
What we strive for? Righteousness
What we live and (die for?)
Strictly fam members only
Yo (strictly fam members only)
Yo, yo just what we (stand for?) Loyalty
What we strive for? Righteousness
what we live and (die for?)
(Strictly fam members only)
(Strictly fam members only)
[RZA]
Ayo ayo
Great minds think alike
We used to drink all night
Think about things thats wrong and how to make it right
Ice cold bottles of brass, time flashes
A hundred blunts passes
Before the God asked us
What's the square miles of the planet?
Why is the axis slanted?
How much is covered by water?
How much is granite?
True-I-Master-Equality
God body be flowing like the chi energy inside your artery
Faithful as a polished rock against a tank
The force of my wheel still kill shooting blanks
Just from the sound alone ya heads blown
Still scorin in the red zone you best of head home
or get thrown to the dead zone
Son we need to ill, interupt the Grammy show and teach the kids
[Break: RZA]
Yo Just', what we stand for?
What we strive for?
What we live for?
What we give for?
What we die for?
Strictly fam members only
Strictly fam members only
[GZA]
I grew up around block parties ready to rock
Behind a roll nigga wit my rhyme on cock
First shot first nigga who had shit to pop
My bad weather blew the feathers off a hundred flocks
Seventy precent goose, thirty duck
Get stuck if each link in ya chain is truck
Can't come in this rhyme cypha wit nine snipers
Charged off the juice from the pied pipers
Walk around B-Boys, DJ's, MC's
Through rap, never thinkin their ways of TV
It was strictly all about about magnificent rhyme clout
The R.E.C. Room, two dollars with the flyer, three without
Now his wigs pushed back, name's removed off the plaque
Too wild to reanact, with tax
Thats the price to pay, my goal is to aim and spray
My night is the same as day
[Chorus x2: RZA]
Yo Just', what we stand for?
What we strive for?
What we live for?
What we give for?
What we die for?
Strictly fam members only
Strictly fam members only
The song Fam by Masta Killa, Rza, and The Genius (GZA) is a powerful anthem of loyalty and righteousness in the face of opposition. The lyrics describe how the Wu Clan is not to be messed with and will defend themselves relentlessly against any perceived threats. The recurring motif of Toucan's swollen nose provides a vivid picture of the consequences of crossing the Wu Clan. The lyrics also touch on political and philosophical topics, such as questioning the nature of the planet and the force of chi energy. The chorus emphasizes that the Wu Clan is family and that loyalty to each other is paramount. The song overall is a statement of power and unity, both within the Wu Clan and in a wider sense.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, if you think you can fuck wit the Wu Clan
Get ya nose swolled up like Toucan
If you think you can fuck wit the wu clan
you get ya nose swolen up like Toucan
If you think you can fuck wit the Wu Clan
You get ya nose swolen up like Toucan
Sam, and we don't give a damn
If you mess with Wu-Tang Clan, there will be consequences. Your nose will swell up like Toucan's, and the Wu-Tang Clan won't care.
Bullets soaked in oil so the Tec can't jam
Sippin on Carribean run, cocanut juice
Smokin on that chocolate stick
Open up two bottles of that brass monkey on some drunkie shit
You R&B fake rappers suck a monkey dick
I'm from back in the days
with the Christmas for haze
on my back, stripped out black
You like that?
Seven braids in my head
My girl stays in the bed and she love to lay the eggs
The Wu-Tang Clan's bullets are soaked in oil to prevent gun malfunctions. They enjoy drinking Caribbean run and smoking cannabis. They mock R&B musicians who aren't true rappers. RZA reminisces about his Christmas memories and his hairstyles. He also mentions his girlfriend who loves to lay eggs.
Prepare for the mic onslaught swift with the sword
Slick Lord, holdin my weight homing abroad
The crowd roared for the peeps playing for the streets
I reeped and sewed, scriptures weeved and woved
Behold gold for the 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 teaching schools in session
The Gods speakin
I'm just knowledging
Snake handshakes and fake hugs
Waiting 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?
Masta Killa prepares for an energetic performance with his sword-like flow. He receives love from the crowd and records his positive experiences. Killa praises others for equal sharing of wealth. He attends an upbeat party cheering and drinking Grey Goose and Tanqueray. Killa discusses God and teaches his invaluable knowledge while also recognizing fakeness. The hour for Wu-Tang to shine has come, and they are on a mission to destroy their competition. They are willing to use any tactic for success. Killa ends by asking if the listener knows what he means.
Great minds think alike
We used to drink all night
Think about things thats wrong and how to make it right
Ice cold bottles of brass, time flashes
A hundred blunts passes
Before the God asked us
What's the square miles of the planet?
Why is the axis slanted?
How much is covered by water?
How much is granite?
True-I-Master-Equality
God body be flowing like the chi energy inside your artery
Faithful as a polished rock against a tank
The force of my wheel still kill shooting blanks
Just from the sound alone ya heads blown
Still scorin in the red zone you best of head home
or get thrown to the dead zone
Son we need to ill, interupt the Grammy show and teach the kids
RZA and his friends drink while brainstorming solutions to global problems. They discuss scientific facts such as the square miles and composition of the planet. They express their desire for peace and equality. RZA discusses the power of their rhymes and their resilience, and that even without weapons, they can destroy their opponents. They excel in performance, and even the sound of their music is powerful. RZA ends by expressing his willingness to teach the younger generation by disrupting the Grammy Awards ceremony.
I grew up around block parties ready to rock
Behind a roll nigga wit my rhyme on cock
First shot first nigga who had shit to pop
My bad weather blew the feathers off a hundred flocks
Seventy precent goose, thirty duck
Get stuck if each link in ya chain is truck
Can't come in this rhyme cypha wit nine snipers
Charged off the juice from the pied pipers
Walk around B-Boys, DJ's, MC's
Through rap, never thinkin their ways of TV
It was strictly all about about magnificent rhyme clout
The R.E.C. Room, two dollars with the flyer, three without
Now his wigs pushed back, name's removed off the plaque
Too wild to reanact, with tax
Thats the price to pay, my goal is to aim and spray
My night is the same as day
GZA grew up in a neighborhood with block parties where everyone was ready for music. He was confident with his rap skills and ready to defend himself. He was the first to shoot if anyone made trouble. His rap game is so powerful that it causes chaos wherever he goes. GZA discusses the hierarchy of people and warns that one's weaknesses can make them vulnerable in the rap world. He then reflects on his early days and how people were only focused on music, not commercial success. He talks about the cost of success and his obsession with rapping day and night.
Yo Just', what we stand for?
What we strive for?
What we live for?
What we give for?
What we die for?
Strictly fam members only
Strictly fam members only
The chorus reiterates the Wu-Tang Clan's values of loyalty, righteousness, and family. They ask what they stand and strive for, live and give for, and even die for, and the answer is their family. They emphasize that only family members are allowed in their inner circle.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELGIN EVANDER TURNER, GARY E. GRICE, ROBERT F. DIGGS, RONALD MAURICE BEAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind