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
Love Spell feat. Startel
Masta Killa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
And you can have anything
Baby, if you roll with me
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
[Masta Killa]
Tell us, who is this refine black queen, eyes so innocent
Vanilla cherry scented, can I get to know you?
Let's exchange digits, slide, so we can pick it
The night is almost over, here, but she know to the sofa
Your place, or mines, she said "Mines'll be fine
I rarely found the time to dine and unwind
With working full time, you know, with school, partime
Are you listening?" I said "Yes, love, I'm knowledging
The ball game is on, kinda distracting my attention
Not to ignore you, I didn't mean to bore
Just thought I'd speak lessons, strive to listen more"
My cheri amore, you make the heart skip a beating
I miss your warm greeting, when we're not speaking
How's L.A. for the weekend, sound?
'Nuff deniro, shopping spree, Reserdero?
Momma said never trust him, it's only logic
I scope out every exit, and open and reposit
[Chorus: singer]
And you can have anything
Baby, if you roll with me
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I choose the best, but for myself
That makes you my queen
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
[Masta Killa]
How beautiful is she, to have the God Degree ready
Veggie stirred fried, with the cabbage inside
Pretty feet, pretty hands, there she lie tanning
Bending with the sand, I docked the yacht
Stepped a shore, greeted the queen
As only a king should, unvailed the hood
Kneel as she stood, before me
She spoke softly, but as, she stood naked
With the bow-legged stance, so sexy
Sweet temptation, look how the rain come down
Your hormones pound, you moan with passion
Uteris contracting, time for some action
Cream rising, your breast at attention
Who is the original man? Got your quoting
Lookin' in the mirror, you ride, I hold it open
Short long stroking to death... (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
[Chorus]
[Masta Killa]
And the drama stay major, I need a genie
If you can hold away, then come and see me
I'm guaranteed to make it rain, every spring but ahh
I know you love me, even when you cursing me out
Waited up til the candles burnt out
Ahhh -- please forgive me, I'm out here scrapin'
Drapin' niggaz up, stackin' and takin'
A whole lotta paper, it's gonna take years and years
For me to express, the love elevation
The hell we go through, gives me the motivation
To get it right, makin' up at night
It's all worth the aggrivation, black woman through you
I'mma build me a nation, nation... Gods and Earths (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
[Chorus]
[Outro: singer]
I choose the best, but for myself
That makes you my queen
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Lovin' you, it looks so sweet
So sexy, and still discrete
Lovin' you, it looks so sweet
So sexy, and still discrete
The verses in Masta Killa's song "Love Spell" feature the story of a man who meets a beautiful and refined black queen. He is enamored by her vanilla cherry scent, innocent eyes, and overall grace. They exchange numbers and agree to spend more time together, but he is initially distracted by a basketball game. However, he apologizes for not giving her his full attention and acknowledges the importance of listening to her. The chorus repeats the idea that if she rolls with him, she can have anything she wants.
In the second verse, Masta Killa continues to describe the queen's beauty and how he admires and respects her. He paints a sensual picture of them together on the beach, where they engage in sexual activity. He also mentions that they have had their share of issues and challenges but is confident in their relationship's love and elevation. The outro repeats the chorus, emphasizing the idea that loving her looks so sweet, sexy, and still discrete.
Overall, "Love Spell" tells a story of a man's attraction to a woman's beauty and grace, but it also highlights the importance of listening and respecting a partner. Furthermore, the song celebrates black love and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell us, who is this refine black queen, eyes so innocent
Masta Killa is asking about the identity of a beautiful and innocent-looking black woman.
Vanilla cherry scented, can I get to know you?
He is expressing his attraction to her and asking if he can know her better.
Let's exchange digits, slide, so we can pick it
He suggests exchanging phone numbers and going out to spend some time together.
Your place, or mines, she said "Mines'll be fine
The woman agrees to go to Masta Killa's place for their get-together.
I rarely found the time to dine and unwind
With working full time, you know, with school, partime
She tells him that she has a busy schedule with work and school, so she doesn't get much time to relax.
Are you listening?" I said "Yes, love, I'm knowledging
Masta Killa assures her that he is listening to her and paying attention to what she is saying.
The ball game is on, kinda distracting my attention
Not to ignore you, I didn't mean to bore
Just thought I'd speak lessons, strive to listen more"
He explains that he is watching a basketball game but doesn't want to ignore her. Instead, he engages in discussions with her and tries to learn from her.
My cheri amore, you make the heart skip a beating
I miss your warm greeting, when we're not speaking
He expresses his love for her and how much he misses her when they are apart.
How's L.A. for the weekend, sound?
'Nuff deniro, shopping spree, Reserdero?
He suggests going to LA for the weekend and spending money on shopping and having fun.
Momma said never trust him, it's only logic
I scope out every exit, and open and reposit
He acknowledges that some people don't trust him, so he checks every possible exit and is always vigilant.
How beautiful is she, to have the God Degree ready
Veggie stirred fried, with the cabbage inside
He admires her beauty and intelligence and talks about the food they are having together.
Pretty feet, pretty hands, there she lie tanning
Bending with the sand, I docked the yacht
He describes her physical beauty and the setting they are in, where they are relaxing and tanning on a yacht.
Stepped a shore, greeted the queen
As only a king should, unvailed the hood
Kneel as she stood, before me
Masta Killa meets the woman and greets her respectfully as a queen. He humbly kneels before her.
She spoke softly, but as, she stood naked
With the bow-legged stance, so sexy
Sweet temptation, look how the rain come down
He finds her alluring and sexy as she stands naked and in a bow-legged stance, and he describes their intimate moment together.
Your hormones pound, you moan with passion
Uteris contracting, time for some action
He describes the physical responses they are both feeling as they engage in sexual activity.
Cream rising, your breast at attention
Who is the original man? Got your quoting
He describes her physical arousal during sex and also notes that they are discussing philosophical ideas.
It's gonna take years and years
For me to express, the love elevation
Masta Killa acknowledges that it will take years for him to express the depth of his love for her.
The hell we go through, gives me the motivation
To get it right, makin' up at night
He sees the struggles they go through as motivation to make their relationship better and resolve conflicts together.
It's all worth the aggrivation, black woman through you
I'mma build me a nation, nation... Gods and Earths
He sees the value in their relationship and how it represents a larger goal to him of building a community and culture.
Lovin' you, it looks so sweet
So sexy, and still discrete
The singer expresses his love for the woman and how they maintain their relationship discreetly and still look sweet and sexy together.
Lyrics © JELLYBEAN MUSIC GROUP
Written by: DAVE NATHANIEL WEST, ELGIN TURNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind