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
Older Gods Part 2
Masta Killa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo God I got the Top Ten
Yo God - Quiet down, I got the Top Ten Liquor
Yea yea, y'all, yea, Peace Gods
Peace to the Gods, Yea Peace to the Gods
Up here chillin' wit Jamel Irief LIVE!!
Yes, we all up here just chillin' we tryin' to get it right y'all
Yea, yea, yea, Lord shot I see ya
[Man #2:]
Yo, Quiet there, wussup baby ?
[Man #2:]
You, haha, yea we gon' drop the Science on 'em real fast
You know how we do, Yo Free ?
I remember back in the days God (Yea)
When Individuals that didn't know they Math wasn't allowed to come Outside
You remember them days ?
[Man #1:]
Yea God man, you know what we had to do God)
Ain't no forgot we had to make them show and improve, yea be honest without
A doubt)
[Man #1:]
Just to show and improve everythin' was real
We had to keep this in its text
In order to make a seed grow you gotta constantly water it
And that Water was the Knowledge that we had
Through extensive Research we obtained and we gave it to the Young
[Man #2:]
Yea God, you know that See Allah..
Allah Believed if you taught Nine People
And that Nine People taught Nine People
And that Nine People taught Nine People
Guess What (That's right)
[Masta Killa:]
Let the track wind in your Mind, flow free
Remain Conscience on this rock 'til your best Ability
Infinity, back to your Saucer that you came
Energy see a change form, Atoms being born, neva endin'
All on and on and on, travel wit me
Not tryin' to convince the Pack that it's a fact
But for those that can Adapt, I live it, shit it and back
We have agreed, you'll feel the Impact of the truth
Now squeeze the Brain 'til somethin' pop
Hip-Hop, Glocks and Tech's, Fat Checks
Fly Whip Chicks, Fresh Kicks, especially Fitted Crown
Wouldn't down, Open White Tee underneath
.9's and .4 Pounds, 45 Minutes of Menacin'
Dismantlin', any MC opponent steppin' in the Zone
Get ya Face Blown
[Man #3:]
I would like to let y'all know the History
Of how the first Bones Began
Allah Met Messiah - Allah Met Bismillah
Allah Met Prince Salam - Allah Met Uehara
Allah Met Akbar - Allah Met -> Kaheem
Allah Met Abiji - Who was Black -> at the time
Allah Met Al-Jamal - Allah Met Salam
And that's Three Elders that dealt with this Knowledge with him
And these Three Elders was - Fred Bone Justice Who was Akbar
He had Shaheem - and He had each beaker
Along wit each 12 - We became the 13th Men from 12 Disciples
I like to let y'all know from my Perspective
That the Mathematics was Revealed to us by Almighty God Allah
He gave us One and Nine, and A to Z
[Masta Killa:]
When I speak to wake the Mourn
That should surely die fuckin' wit I
Stealin', tellin' lies, to Master the Original Man
Home and Abroad the Sword is stay Justice
Reward is the price of food and Tony Blair
That killed Fred Hampton in Bed
Penalties to Enemies couldn't musket the seal in they heads
Show and Prove, make the mouth move
We build wit the MC Skill, Drop Math, nuttin' grabbed
Crafted - Mastered for the people
Then sling to the Rhythm if you feelin' what I'm givin' is real
True livin' Iron Pole, Microphone Steel
Thought Imprisonment, Big Business for Government Officials
Address the Issue, blow the Whistle
Take your face, value how fast the light travel
Swan Poison Animal eaters and Wife Beaters
Savage and Pursuit, false move and I'll shoot
Blast you, back to gas you, you can't last in the square wit the Truth
[Man #4:]
And that's Peace God
It always comes back to Knowledge
And that Knowledge is our Foundation
And the Foundation of all Life emanated from Allah - The Father
Manifested himself as a true and livin' God
Throughout Eternity - or even time Immortal
Man has always been God - 'Fore we under Supreme Being
Manifested and Taught by Almighty God Allah
[Masta Killa:]
Another Start Child is Born, Straight from the Vine
Before there was time, someone had to wind the Clock
And it's Understood, Wit the Body of the Universe
No Religion, just Universal Law
Wit except Existence, everythin' right in Exact
Universal Flag tagged up in your Head piece
The lyrics of Masta Killa's song, "Older Gods Part 2," features several individuals reminiscing about the early days of hip-hop and the role of knowledge in their experiences. These individuals reflect on the importance of showing and proving oneself through knowledge, especially in the early days of hip-hop when individuals without knowledge of the culture were not allowed to participate. The song also emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge with others, as this will allow the knowledge to grow and expand.
One of the most powerful aspects of "Older Gods Part 2" is its emphasis on the transformative power of knowledge. The lyrics suggest that through extensive research and sharing, individuals can transform themselves and their communities. The song also touches on themes of mortality and the infinite nature of the universe, suggesting that knowledge is essential for understanding the world around us and finding meaning in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo God I got the Top Ten
Quiet down, I have the top ten liquor
Peace to the Gods
Greetings to our fellow respected individuals
Up here chillin' wit Jamel Irief LIVE!!
We are currently relaxing with Jamel Irief who is present among us
When Individuals that didn't know they Math wasn't allowed to come Outside
In the past, those who couldn't calculate were not permitted to leave their home
In order to make a seed grow you gotta constantly water it
Continual nurturing is required to cultivate a thriving seed
That's right
Indeed
Let the track wind in your Mind, flow free
Allow the music to flow through you without restraint
But for those that can Adapt, I live it, shit it and back
This lifestyle is adopted by those who are able to adjust to it
45 Minutes of Menacin'
A threatening situation lasting 45 minutes
Dismantlin', any MC opponent steppin' in the Zone
Easily defeating any rapper who challenges us
And these Three Elders was - Fred Bone Justice Who was Akbar
The three elders were Fred Bone Justice, who was Akbar
We became the 13th Men from 12 Disciples
We were the thirteenth man to join the twelve disciples
The Mathematics was Revealed to us by Almighty God Allah
God showed us the principles of mathematics
Home and Abroad the Sword is stay Justice
We promote justice both locally and internationally
Penalties to Enemies couldn't musket the seal in they heads
Punishments for enemies couldn't penetrate their stubbornness
Crafted - Mastered for the people
The music was created and perfected for public enjoyment
Address the Issue, blow the Whistle
Raise awareness on an issue and demand change
Savage and Pursuit, false move and I'll shoot
We are a fierce group who will retaliate if provoked
Another Start Child is Born, Straight from the Vine
A new individual is born with a pure spirit
Wit except Existence, everythin' right in Exact
With the acknowledgement of existence, everything falls into place
Universal Flag tagged up in your Head piece
The principles of the universe should be ingrained in your mind
Contributed by Gabriel W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.