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
No Said Date
Masta Killa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Time to ride..
Yo... yeah..
Lord, when you droppin'?
[Chorus 2X: Masta Killa]
No said date, no said date, no said date
No said date, no said date (Lord, when you dropping?)
[Masta Killa]
They said the God wasn't never comin' home
Grandma in a nursin' home, my mind is blown
I'm known to walk alone, but the fam
It's deep, yeah we all love heat
These military arm' marine, sub machine gun
Legend of Brooklyn, master craftsman
Lord, when you droppin'?" No said date
Thought premeditated, well calculated
The air's been tested, the people can't wait
So, ahh -- we agreed to send one, to swim from lost and found
See truth be the life preserve, we can't drown
Drunk with the victory, the Wu cavalry
Bomb the seminar, the last "hoo-ra" for chivalry
Classical, Yo-Yo Ma, laced in the bulletproof fabric
Crafted and mastered in space
What better place of birth than the Earth
When a star is born, but the path was narrow
Float across the Verrazano, stack ya ammo
Hit 'em while we got the muscle, in the streets we hustle
For survival, what the God reign, build me a brain
Support it with a physical frame, imperial Asiatic material
Scratch the serial, smoking him, he gonna need a miracle
repare for burial, it's time, .45 to your head, drop your nine
We came to collect, the debt is overdue yo
Set to connect with Deck, we pushin' through
Yvette with the red Corvette from Lafayette
Pussy stay wet and she hold Tec
Respect to the six, she sexy wit a switch
Gun never stick when 'victions for the brick
Shots lick
[Chorus 2X]
[Masta Killa]
Heh, yo, this is No Said Date
Peace, I'm Jamel Arief, pleasure to meet you
Not to affend you, somethin' for the mental
Straight from the Shaolin Temple, so simple
Ain't enough ink for the thoughts I think
They travel so rapid, it's hard to grasp it
No assumption, Kay Slay get the shit thumpin'
Darts stay lethal, blaze one for the people
They travelled so far to witness
The killin' of a mastermind line-for-line
Half-time, center stage, 50 yard line
Long time, man for dead
Should've been, put one in his head
Before the poison spread to the body
Partly done, 'nough said... {*echoes*}
Masta Killa's song "No Said Date" opens with the artist proclaiming it is time to ride, indicating that he is ready for the next phase of his musical career. The song features a repeated chorus of "No said date," which could be interpreted in a few different ways. On one hand, it suggests that Masta Killa is free from any contractual commitments or deadlines and can release music at his own pace. On the other hand, it could represent the idea of living in the moment and not being bound by any specific timeline or schedule. As the song progresses, Masta Killa touches on a range of topics, from family and military imagery to the importance of truth and the struggle for survival. He incorporates unique lyrical stylings, such as "scratch the serial, smoking him, he gonna need a miracle" and includes a reference to the Wu Tang Clan's "last hoo-ra for chivalry."
Overall, "No Said Date" is a testament to Masta Killa's skills as a rapper and his ability to weave together a variety of themes and images into one cohesive narrative. The repetitive chorus serves as a strong anchor for the song and reinforces the idea that Masta Killa is in control of his own creative process.
Line by Line Meaning
Time to ride..
It is time to get into action.
Yo... yeah..
An expression to grab someone's attention and to signify agreement.
No said date, no said date, no said date
There is no specific release date planned for an upcoming project.
They said the God wasn't never comin' home
People didn't expect me to return from being away.
Grandma in a nursin' home, my mind is blown
I am still in disbelief that my grandmother has to live in a nursing home.
I'm known to walk alone, but the fam
I prefer to be alone, but I have a close-knit family.
It's deep, yeah we all love heat
We have strong love and loyalty for each other.
These military arm' marine, sub machine gun
We possess powerful weapons for protection.
Legend of Brooklyn, master craftsman
I am a legendary artist from Brooklyn with exceptional skills.
Thought premeditated, well calculated
My plans are well thought out and strategically planned.
The air's been tested, the people can't wait
Anticipation is high for my upcoming project.
We agreed to send one, to swim from lost and found
We decided to send someone to retrieve something that was lost.
See truth be the life preserve, we can't drown
The truth will protect us from harm.
Drunk with the victory, the Wu cavalry
We are confident in our success and strength.
Bomb the seminar, the last "hoo-ra" for chivalry
We will make a bold statement of our presence during this final gathering.
Classical, Yo-Yo Ma, laced in the bulletproof fabric
Our approach is classic and refined but we are also well-protected.
Crafted and mastered in space
We have perfected our skills in a unique environment.
What better place of birth than the Earth
There is no better place to come into existence than on Earth.
When a star is born, but the path was narrow
Despite facing obstacles, great things can come from humble beginnings.
Float across the Verrazano, stack ya ammo
We will cross this bridge with confidence and be well-armed.
Hit 'em while we got the muscle, in the streets we hustle
We will attack while we have the advantage and continue to work hard for survival.
For survival, what the God reign, build me a brain
We need to use our intelligence and strength to survive in difficult situations.
Support it with a physical frame, imperial Asiatic material
Physical strength and resources are necessary to complement our intelligence and adaptability.
Scratch the serial, smoking him, he gonna need a miracle
We will eliminate and destroy our enemies completely, they will require supernatural intervention to survive.
Prepare for burial, it's time, .45 to your head, drop your nine
Your time is up, we will take you down with force.
We came to collect, the debt is overdue yo
We have come to demand payment that is long overdue.
Set to connect with Deck, we pushin' through
We are determined to succeed and will connect with others to achieve our goals.
Yvette with the red Corvette from Lafayette
I am acquainted with a woman named Yvette who drives a red Corvette from Lafayette.
Pussy stay wet and she hold Tec
Yvette is sexually active and carries a firearm.
Respect to the six, she sexy wit a switch
I respect the Sixth Commandment and Yvette is attractive with a switching waistline.
Gun never stick when 'victions for the brick
The use of firearms is always smooth and efficient during drug transactions.
Heh, yo, this is No Said Date
This is a project that does not have a specific release date.
Peace, I'm Jamel Arief, pleasure to meet you
Hello, I am Jamel Arief, it is nice to meet you.
Not to affend you, somethin' for the mental
I do not want to cause any offense, but this is something for you to think about.
Straight from the Shaolin Temple, so simple
This is a simple yet profound message from the Shaolin Temple.
Ain't enough ink for the thoughts I think
My thoughts and ideas are too vast to be captured in written form.
They travel so rapid, it's hard to grasp it
My thoughts move so quickly that it is difficult to fully comprehend them.
No assumption, Kay Slay get the shit thumpin'
Let's get right to business, Kay Slay.
Darts stay lethal, blaze one for the people
My rhymes are sharp and powerful, let's smoke one for the people.
They travelled so far to witness
People have come from afar to witness my skills.
The killin' of a mastermind line-for-line
They have come to see me perform my skills as a mastermind rapper, line by line.
Half-time, center stage, 50 yard line
This is a crucial moment in the performance, we are at center stage on the 50-yard line.
Long time, man for dead
I have been gone for a long time and people may have thought I was dead.
Should've been, put one in his head
Some may have wished to kill me.
Before the poison spread to the body
Before negativity and hate could destroy me.
Partly done, 'nough said...
It is not yet fully complete, but that is enough information for now.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TN
The album is criminally underrated. It holds it place in the best albums of 2004 and the 2000s in general. Frankly, it finds its place in the best Wu albums too
Samson Peter
Facts!
John Smith
@bboydd Hit0_San this is old school bboy song but true.
Daniel K
Maybe its 3rd place for 2004 because in 2004 MF DOOM drop Madvillainy and MM..FOOD?? And they are great
But Masta Killa's album is very good!
bboydd Hit0_San
41000 view? Its only bboy and bgirl who watch it or some Pures oo 😊💪😋
John Smith
This song is slept on but is legendary
leo limas
BACK THEN IT WAS CRAZY TO HEAR MASTA KILLA ON A SOLO TRACK
Jake Ramsey
This whole cd is amazing; they need ti add it to spotify like yesterday
The Truth about de Blasio
spotify is for 12 year old girls and gay swedish men
Steevin Harris
This shit was so dope. Still is to this day