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
Grab The Mic
Masta Killa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, it's like salutation, greeting
Ladies and gents, good evening
I'm the speaker for the evening
Get up out your chair, throw your hands in the air
Have drinks on me, hit it slow, though
Each to those, well potent
Some particle, compound into one article
Hell yeah, well let the turntable spin
Like the chrome on the G wag' Benz, let's begin
(Chorus: Masta Killa)
Aiyo, spit that shit, that make niggaz wanna lick they glock
When I grab the microphone, I can't stop
To drop that shit that make you get "ahh"
Down on your face, with your the gun to your --
Ladies in the club, they frontin' like --
My brothers in the club, we try'nna get "ahh"
(Masta Killa)
Look, another smash hit, my niggaz from the boulevard
East New York squad, in the yard gettin' ripped
'Least twenty five a clip, a hundred men stomp in ya face
The wolves barkin', careful, you might get trampled
Caught flashin', wrap him in the masking tape
Jimmy Basking, murder was the case when the crowd break fool
Iron Mic Duel held down by the poolside
Along came a spider, spun spools in a cypher
Screamin' on your mic, leads spray from the sawed off pipe
Stenographer type, the ghetto hype slang, flow gold
Like water off the brim when it rain
Iron Maiden, checkmating, no escaping, we takin' it
(Chorus)
(Masta Killa)
So terrorfyin', so electrifyin'
Ya'll niggaz can't deny, it's so death defyin'
Also, unique, it's so much heat
On the turntable wax, when I speak on the beat
One-two, throw it up, like you came to gave it up
Drop something in the collection cup, for the cause
Of the sixteen bars, fast cars and jewelry
Fine silk, Cantanose wine make the rhyme shine
Bright on the seven continent
Take it to the fullest extent
Go anywhere, and live
(Chorus 2/3)
(Masta Killa)
Yeah, P. Diddy, I know you dancin'
Crowd still movin', ladies groovin'
When the God show and provin'
(Outro: Masta Killa)
Shit went something like that, I can't remember how that go..
Knawhatimean?
In Masta Killa's "Grab The Mic," the rapper opens with a greeting, acknowledging both ladies and gentlemen in the room. He then tells the crowd to get out of their seats and throw their hands in the air, inviting them to have drinks on him. He proceeds to rap about his unique article, the headline of which he reads aloud. Masta Killa then encourages the DJ to start spinning like the chrome on a G-wagon Benz. The chorus boasts of his rhymes being so intense that it makes people want to shoot their gun, while the ladies and gangsters in the club are all trying to get their respective parties’ attention. In the second verse, Masta Killa describes his East New York squad, which he suggests is a group of fierce, unstoppable men that will make a scene in order to get what they want. The verse also includes references to running scams, and intimidation. The third verse speaks on the power of his rhymes, which he suggests are electrifying and unique, making them stand out from the crowd. He encourages the audience to throw something in the "collection cup" if they appreciate his performance.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, it's like salutation, greeting
I am addressing the audience with a polite greeting.
Ladies and gents, good evening
I am addressing both men and women in the audience and wishing them a good evening.
I'm the speaker for the evening
I am the designated person to speak for the duration of the event.
Get up out your chair, throw your hands in the air
I want the audience to stand up and raise their hands in a show of excitement and enthusiasm.
Have drinks on me, hit it slow, though
I am offering to buy drinks for the audience and suggesting they take their time drinking them so as not to get too intoxicated.
Each to those, well potent
These drinks are very strong and should be consumed responsibly.
Some particle, compound into one article
The different elements of the event come together to make a cohesive whole.
The headline read, shall I proceed?
This is the main event everyone came for, should I begin my performance?
Hell yeah, well let the turntable spin
Yes, I am ready to start performing, let the music begin.
Like the chrome on the G wag' Benz, let's begin
This event is going to be flashy and impressive, much like the shiny car.
Aiyo, spit that shit, that make niggaz wanna lick they glock
I am asking the audience to perform their best and most impressive rap verses.
When I grab the microphone, I can't stop
I am a very skilled rapper and once I start performing, I don't want to stop.
To drop that shit that make you get "ahh"
I want the audience to react with excitement and enthusiasm to my performance.
Down on your face, with your the gun to your --
The audience will be so excited and into the performance, they'll be crouched down with their guns out.
Ladies in the club, they frontin' like --
The women in the audience are being standoffish or hesitant to participate.
My brothers in the club, we try'nna get "ahh"
The male audience members are trying to get the crowd excited and enthusiastic.
Look, another smash hit, my niggaz from the boulevard
Here comes another great song from me and my collaborators from the same neighborhood.
East New York squad, in the yard gettin' ripped
We are from the East New York area and we are getting intoxicated while performing.
'Least twenty five a clip, a hundred men stomp in ya face
We are heavily armed and have many people on our side, so don't mess with us.
The wolves barkin', careful, you might get trampled
We are a dangerous group and we shouldn't be underestimated.
Caught flashin', wrap him in the masking tape
If someone draws unwanted attention to themselves, we will silence them.
Jimmy Basking, murder was the case when the crowd break fool
Someone named Jimmy Basking became violent and caused a murder when the crowd got out of control.
Iron Mic Duel held down by the poolside
There is a rap battle competition happening by the pool.
Along came a spider, spun spools in a cypher
A clever or cunning person arrived and started a freestyle rap competition.
Screamin' on your mic, leads spray from the sawed off pipe
Someone is screaming excitedly while rapping and spit is flying everywhere.
Stenographer type, the ghetto hype slang, flow gold
The person rapping is speaking in a language and style native to the ghetto and they are very skilled at it.
Like water off the brim when it rain
The rapping style is smooth and flows effortlessly.
Iron Maiden, checkmating, no escaping, we takin' it
We are skilled at rap and won't be beaten by anyone, we are the best.
So terrorfyin', so electrifyin'
Our performance is so intense and powerful.
Ya'll niggaz can't deny, it's so death defyin'
The audience can't resist or ignore our gripping performance.
Also, unique, it's so much heat
Our style and performance is completely original and impressive.
On the turntable wax, when I speak on the beat
Our music is being played on turntables and I am rapping to the beat.
One-two, throw it up, like you came to gave it up
I want the audience to dance and show their enthusiasm for the performance.
Drop something in the collection cup, for the cause
I am asking the audience to contribute money to the event or the performers.
Of the sixteen bars, fast cars and jewelry
I am rapping about the typical things that are associated with a life of luxury and success.
Fine silk, Cantanose wine make the rhyme shine
I am rapping about the luxuries that can make a performance shine, like fine clothing and expensive wine.
Bright on the seven continent
Our performance is so great that it will be appreciated all around the world.
Take it to the fullest extent
We are giving it our all and pushing ourselves to the maximum.
Go anywhere, and live
We are free to go anywhere and enjoy our success while we are alive.
Yeah, P. Diddy, I know you dancin'
I am acknowledging that a famous person in the audience, P. Diddy, is enjoying the performance.
Crowd still movin', ladies groovin'
The audience is still enthusiastic and dancing, particularly the women.
When the God show and provin'
I have proven myself to be a skilled rapper and performer.
Shit went something like that, I can't remember how that go..
I am recalling the details of the performance and admitting that I can't remember all of it clearly.
Knawhatimean?
Do you understand what I'm talking about?
Contributed by Kayla W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.