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
R U Listening
Masta Killa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Many of you tonight have traveled for many miles
To hear the master of the art display styles and techniques
Now with this piece of steel that I hold so firmly
I conduct y'all accordingly, one time for your mind
Authentically designed and crafted by the hand of god
Autograph, camera folds, flash as I enter
A glimpse of the ninja, real they see that hurt
Dealing with a lost son, what they talking bout
What they talking bout, who they talking bout, ha, ha
Who they talking bout, me
Who they talking bout, you keep my mikey in mouth
Well beat so banging and base drum kicking
And melody so for strings are calling
It's like back against the electrical fence, but I'm a winner
My mike's like my only defense, brothers locked
Aunties that changed my pampers, or sponsors
I won't fail the mission, with self knowledge got in me
Nothing can contain me from seeing everything is mine
Economically, nothing is given, we know steps are taken
People couldn't see it, until it bursted to existence
Rust it start us, fuck a sleeze up my jacket
What they talking bout, who they talking bout, ha, ha
Who they talking bout, me
Who they talking bout, you keep my mikey in mouth
See this is how you rhyme gotta be young
I'm a rhymer, not a rapper, emc
Building destroyers, some overstand
But I understand that we are students to life
True divine order must be restored in order for us to live right
Y'all stay trippin like birds, words travel at the speed that I'm slappin you
Actually, as the world revolves, caliente, it's about 100 degrees with no breeze
Can you swim 9000
Up ends press hills and mountains from the highest peak
I fear is no evil as I walk through the valley
I'm like the father at the first rally, are you listening?
In the opening of Masta Killa's song R U Listening, he addresses the audience, acknowledging their presence and expressing his gratitude for their attendance. He then proceeds to introduce himself as an artist in control of his craft and his audience, starting a show that is both entertaining and powerful. The opening lines also imply that his rhymes and delivery are so strong that they have the power to hurt or damage his listeners. He then proclaims himself as a lost son, asking the audience who they are talking about, implying his insecurities and self-doubt.
Moving on, Masta Killa declares his microphone as his most potent weapon, the only defense mechanism that he has in his life. He acknowledges the strifes of his past, including familial issues and lack of sponsorship. Despite these hardships, he believes in himself and his abilities, stating that he is destined for greatness, and no one can stop him from achieving his dreams. He talks about life in philosophical terms, acknowledging that humans are lifelong students, and divine order must be restored for everyone to live moral and just lives.
Overall, the song R U Listening is a tale of an artist's struggles and the journey of self-discovery. Masta Killa addresses the audience, taking them on a powerful journey with his words and music, aiming to leave an impact on their minds and souls.
Line by Line Meaning
Party people, welcome to the gathering,
Welcome to the event where the master of the art will showcase his unique styles and techniques
Many of you tonight have traveled for many miles
The audience has come from far and wide to witness the display of the master's art
To hear the master of the art display styles and techniques
The audience has come to listen to and admire the unique styles and techniques of the master of the art
Now with this piece of steel that I hold so firmly
The artist is holding the microphone with confidence and strength
I conduct y'all accordingly, one time for your mind
The artist intends to properly guide and inspire the audience with his art and music
Authentically designed and crafted by the hand of god
The artist claims that his talent and skills are a gift from God and genuine
Autograph, camera folds, flash as I enter
The artist is greeted with excitement and admiration, as fans seek autographs and take photos
A glimpse of the ninja, real they see that hurt
The artist is often associated with ninjas and is respected for his authentic style
But these words so powerful, catch the at the show and prove
The artist's lyrics are meaningful and impactful, and resonate with the audience
Dealing with a lost son, what they talking bout
The artist is exploring the theme of a lost son, and is questioning what others are saying about it
What they talking bout, who they talking bout, ha, ha
The artist is mocking those who are talking about the lost son
Who they talking bout, me
The artist suspects that the gossipers are talking about him
Who they talking bout, you keep my mikey in mouth
The artist is warning those who spread rumors to keep his name out of their mouths
Well beat so banging and base drum kicking
The beat is powerful and intense, with heavy bass drum hits
And melody so for strings are calling
The melody is soft and emotive, with strings evoking an emotional response from the audience
It's like back against the electrical fence, but I'm a winner
The artist is facing obstacles and challenges, but he is confident in his ability to overcome them
My mike's like my only defense, brothers locked
The artist's microphone is his only weapon and his only way to express himself, especially in situations where he feels locked or trapped
Aunties that changed my pampers, or sponsors
The artist is grateful to those who supported him in his formative years, including his aunties and sponsors
I won't fail the mission, with self knowledge got in me
The artist is determined to accomplish his goals, and believes in himself and his abilities
Nothing can contain me from seeing everything is mine
The artist feels unstoppable and believes that there is nothing that can stand in the way of his success
Economically, nothing is given, we know steps are taken
The artist acknowledges the economic struggles that come with pursuing a career in the arts, but is determined to take the necessary steps to succeed
People couldn't see it, until it bursted to existence
The artist's success seemed impossible to others, until it happened
Rust it start us, fuck a sleeze up my jacket
The artist is referencing his humble beginnings and acknowledging that even when he was struggling, he still wore his jacket with pride
See this is how you rhyme gotta be young
The artist is reminding everyone that rhyming is an art form that requires creativity and youthfulness
I'm a rhymer, not a rapper, emc
The artist is a purist, and prefers to be referred to as a 'rhymer' rather than a 'rapper'
Building destroyers, some overstand
The artist is referencing his experience of witnessing both the construction and destruction of his community, and the need for others to understand it
But I understand that we are students to life
The artist is humbly acknowledging that we are all constantly learning and growing throughout our lives
True divine order must be restored in order for us to live right
The artist believes that a higher power must be acknowledged and respected for people to live in harmony and prosperity
Y'all stay trippin like birds, words travel at the speed that I'm slappin you
The artist is admonishing those who engage in petty gossip, and asserting that his words have the power to impact people and travel quickly
Actually, as the world revolves, caliente, it's about 100 degrees with no breeze
The artist is painting a vivid picture of the heat and intensity of the moment, using the Spanish word for 'hot'
Can you swim 9000
The artist is challenging the audience, asking if they are strong enough to swim 9000 miles
Up ends press hills and mountains from the highest peak
The artist is referencing his experience of overcoming obstacles and succeeding in the face of adversity
I fear is no evil as I walk through the valley
The artist is referencing his faith and belief that he can overcome any struggle or challenge
I'm like the father at the first rally, are you listening?
The artist is referencing the role of a father figure in leading and guiding others, and questioning if the audience is truly paying attention to his message
Writer(s): jamel irief
Contributed by Josiah L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.