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
Lovely Lady
Masta Killa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Intro: Governor Tools (Ski) {Masta Killa}]
Ya'll knock pon the door, push it open, man
What y'all knock pon the door, for...
(Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah) Uh...
{What's the deal, what's the deal, what's the deal}
Peace what's going on black man (what's going on)
Ahh man, I got bats in here (we came to snatch you up soon)
{See I been busting my muthafuckin' ass in here}
I been calling your ass all day, son, you ain't answered the damn phone
Take you of here son, you been here all damn night, all day, son
Come back here... tonight son {flight tonight?}
Yeah, man... ahh man, let's go, let's go
(Me have some tenderoni waiting for me) Let's go, let's go
{Sweetness?} Something nice {yo, I do need a muthafuckin' vacation
I ain't even gonna front} Yeah, son, let's go
Take a two days, man, and let's go and come back
Mellow out your brains and come back, knowhatimean
Something nice.. let's go... bredren, let's go
Lock down the shop (son, let's get outta here, man
We outta this peace man) Let's be out (yeah let's get outta here
Lock it up bredren) Turn off that thing, we gone
[Ski:]
Pretty looks and your pretty smile (pretty smile)
Pretty girl, you know I like your style (like your style)
The way you move, and the way you groove (the way you groove)
Lovely lady, put me in the right groove
You're not fighting, you're not shocking
The thing that we'll do, to make you cry
And you're so sweet, or my my my
I see my future, right in your eyes
[Chorus x2: Ski (Governor Tools)]
Lovely la-la-la-la-lady (lovely lady)
Yo, she a little la-la-la-la-lady, lady
[Governor Tools:]
Sexy lady, you gots to have my baby
Lock you down like a soldier in the Navy
Lord, say, Masta Killa, all up in your V.
It's time find tricks and smooth it
[Hook x2: Governor Tools]
Now sexy la-la-la-la-lady, y'all know
You gots to have my ba-ba-ba-ba-baby, for real
Now sexy la-la-la-la-lady, y'all know
You gots to have my ba-ba-ba-ba-baby, come on, talk to them
[Ski:]
Pretty like the sunshine (like a sunshine)
Sunny day.. (on a sunny day)
Pretty like a rose (a beautiful rose)
When it's growing (when it's growing)
Prettier than anything (prettier than anything)
Ever seen (that my eyes have ever seen)
Oh, I'd love to talk with you, talk with you
[Chorus x2]
[Masta Killa:]
It's a special dedication, to all of my lady friend
Whether you Caribbean, from any other island, them
I touching, on the scene, make the meanest gangsta roll lean
Gun clean, stay fresh, her breasts all natural
I'm impressed, her body all actual
She undressed, flexed, pretty round brown t'ing, from the back
Horny facts, fat, fat, fat, fat
Sexy Maxine, she fiend for the killing
Christine, she fiend for one killing
Sexy Justine, she fiend for one killing
And sip the Guiness, burn ganja weed
Look out for breed, picnic to feed
Me sip Guiness, burn ganja weed
Look out for breed, picnic to feed
[Hook x2]
The song "Lovely Lady" by Masta Killa, featuring Governor Tools and Ski, captures the laidback vibe of a group of friends hanging out and enjoying the company of a pretty lady. The intro sets the stage for the action: the friends want to take Masta Killa out for a night on the town, and there's a "tenderoni" waiting for him. Ski then takes over, describing the lovely lady in question as someone who moves and grooves with effortless grace. Her beauty is striking, and he sees his future in her eyes. Governor Tools jumps in with a bold declaration that he wants to have a baby with this lady, locking her down tight like a soldier in the Navy. The chorus repeats the phrase "lovely lady" with an infectious melody that's hard to forget. Finally, Masta Killa himself adds to the mix, dedicating the song to all the women in his life and reminiscing about a few specific ladies he's encountered along the way. The song captures the pure joy of being with friends and feeling the attraction of a beautiful woman.
The lyrics of "Lovely Lady" are not particularly deep or complex, but they capture a sense of light-hearted camaraderie and flirtation that's universal. One interesting aspect of the song is that it features a variety of musical genres, including R&B, hip-hop, and reggae. Governor Tools' lines are delivered in a sing-song style that's closer to traditional R&B, while Ski's verses incorporate the rhyming schemes and braggadocious tone of classic hip-hop. Masta Killa's closing verse veers into reggae territory, with references to "burn ganja weed" and a call to "look out for breed, picnic to feed." The overall effect is a melting pot of sounds that feels both modern and classic.
Another interesting fact about "Lovely Lady" is that it was released on Masta Killa's 2004 album "No Said Date." This album was his first solo effort, after years of being a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. Masta Killa is one of the lesser-known members of the group, but his solo work has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. "No Said Date" features appearances from several other Wu-Tang members, as well as some high-profile guest artists like Ol' Dirty Bastard and Streetlife. "Lovely Lady" stands out from the rest of the album in its sunny, upbeat tone.
Overall, "Lovely Lady" is a fun and catchy song that captures a moment of easy friendship and flirtation. Its blend of different musical styles and its focus on the joy of being with others make it a standout track from Masta Killa's solo debut.
Chords (if known): Unknown.
Line by Line Meaning
Ya'll knock pon the door, push it open, man
Someone is knocking on the door, and Governor Tools is telling them to push it open.
What y'all knock pon the door, for...
Governor Tools questions why someone is knocking on the door.
Peace what's going on black man
Governor Tools greets Masta Killa with a nod of respect.
Big star.. you in here? (no diggity)
Governor Tools is looking for Masta Killa and confirms he is there after saying "no diggity".
I been calling your ass all day, son, you ain't answered the damn phone
Governor Tools has been trying to contact Masta Killa but he hasn't answered his phone all day.
Come back here... tonight son {flight tonight?}
Governor Tools wants Masta Killa to leave with him tonight, perhaps to catch a flight.
Me have some tenderoni waiting for me
Masta Killa has a lovely lady waiting for him.
{Sweetness?} Something nice {yo, I do need a muthafuckin' vacation
Masta Killa agrees with Governor Tools, saying he needs something sweet, like a vacation.
Take a two days, man, and let's go and come back
Governor Tools suggests taking a two-day trip to refresh the mind and come back feeling better.
Mellow out your brains and come back, knowhatimean
Governor Tools wants Masta Killa to relax and return rested.
Pretty looks and your pretty smile (pretty smile)
Ski compliments a lovely lady's appearance.
Pretty girl, you know I like your style (like your style)
Ski compliments a lovely lady's fashion sense.
The way you move, and the way you groove (the way you groove)
Ski notices how gracefully the lovely lady moves and dances.
Lovely lady, put me in the right groove
Ski feels happy and in a good mood thanks to the lovely lady's positive energy.
Sexy lady, you gots to have my baby
Governor Tools finds a sexy lady attractive and wants to have a child with her.
Lock you down like a soldier in the Navy
Governor Tools wants to keep the sexy lady close and make her his own.
Lord, say, Masta Killa, all up in your V.
Governor Tools is dropping Masta Killa's name in the line, implying that Masta Killa is popular and attractive.
It's time find tricks and smooth it
Governor Tools wants to find ways to charm women and be smooth with them.
Pretty like the sunshine (like a sunshine)
Ski admires a lovely lady's beauty, comparing it to the brightness of the sun.
Sunny day.. (on a sunny day)
Ski thinks of a lovely lady as a ray of sunshine on a bright day.
Pretty like a rose (a beautiful rose)
Ski thinks a lovely lady is as beautiful as a rose flower.
When it's growing (when it's growing)
Ski is thinking of the lovely lady's growth and beauty over time.
Prettier than anything (prettier than anything)
Ski thinks the lovely lady is the most gorgeous thing he has ever seen.
Ever seen (that my eyes have ever seen)
Ski emphasizes that the lovely lady is the most beautiful he has seen with his own eyes.
It's a special dedication, to all of my lady friend
Masta Killa dedicates the song to all his female friends.
Whether you Caribbean, from any other island, them
Masta Killa's lady friends could be from any island, including the Caribbean.
I'm impressed, her body all actual
Masta Killa appreciates a lady's figure, noting that it is all natural.
She undressed, flexed, pretty round brown t'ing, from the back
Masta Killa describes a lovely lady's behind in detail, appreciating its shape and beauty.
Horny facts, fat, fat, fat, fat
Masta Killa makes a playful rhyme about how aroused he feels at the sight of the lovely lady's curves.
Look out for breed, picnic to feed
Masta Killa advises to be careful and aware of having children and responsibility before indulging in pleasures.
Me sip Guiness, burn ganja weed
Masta Killa enjoys drinking Guinness beer and smoking marijuana.
Look out for breed, picnic to feed
Masta Killa advises once again to be responsible about having children and being able to provide for them.
Contributed by Noah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.