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
Skit
Masta Killa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Off the datas, for, my father gonna get home by now
And Uncle Justice, we gotta hurry up
Do this video, Wu-Tang
Yo, I block the bronze, the Kid Golden Arms
I tear by shorty, with the Iron Palm of Dragon Breath
Burn through your body, you see about
Scratchin' the trashboard, lost laws
Of Dragon Breath, is like an Iron fire
Quote getter
I'm a snake cat from way back, that'll snap on y'all eenie
'Cause y'all too wack, and plus I need a snack
This is a dangerous fact, so step back
Before I pull a whole clip in my
Be in subzero, my ice power go like a river
My nigga Tero, I'm all set, with my ice power
Niggaz don't mess with me, I'm the Assassin
AS to a S, AS, IN, you can't mess with me
My praying mantis is deadly, my praying mantis is poisonous
It goes through your bloodstream
It goes through your bloodstream
Everybody go through they bloodstream
My praying mantis is deadly, you end up in a hospital
You better shut up, before I put one
In your praying mantis, man
The song "The Future" by Masta Killa is a track that is featured on the Wu-Tang Clan's second studio album, "Wu-Tang Forever." The beginning of the song is a skit where someone is discussing that they urgently need to create a video for Wu-Tang, and they need to hurry up before someone gets home. The song then transitions into a verse by Masta Killa, who is a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. In the verse, Masta Killa brags about his fighting style, which is a reference to his martial arts training. He uses imagery of dragons and fire to describe his strength, and he talks about how he can defeat anyone who stands in his way.
The second verse is performed by Ghostface Killah, who is another member of the Wu-Tang Clan. In his verse, Ghostface talks about his dangerous reputation and how he can quickly become violent if someone crosses him. He uses an extended metaphor of being a sub-zero ice power, which indicates that he is cold and ruthless. He also mentions his "praying mantis," which is a reference to his fighting style. The praying mantis is a type of martial arts move that involves quick strikes and evasive movements. Ghostface warns anyone who stands against him that they will end up in the hospital if they mess with him.
Overall, the song is a showcase of the Wu-Tang Clan's raw talent and unique style. It also highlights their love of martial arts and their dedication to their craft. The lyrics are full of violent imagery and aggressive language, which is typical of the Wu-Tang Clan's style.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, yo, Wu-Tang Clan, still fatter
Wu-Tang Clan is still relevant and powerful in the hip-hop industry.
Off the datas, for, my father gonna get home by now
I have been busy with music production since my father left, but he should be home soon.
And Uncle Justice, we gotta hurry up
We must complete our video soon because Uncle Justice is waiting for it.
Do this video, Wu-Tang
Let's create this video together as Wu-Tang Clan.
Yo, I block the bronze, the Kid Golden Arms
I, Masta Killa, block my enemies' attacks with my martial arts expertise.
I tear by shorty, with the Iron Palm of Dragon Breath
I can defeat anyone with my powerful Iron Palm technique.
Burn through your body, you see about
My attacks can burn through people's bodies.
A head Gotti, for Balardi, for Malatti, I'm scratchin' the table
I am writing and scratching my rhymes about powerful and influential people.
Scratchin' the trashboard, lost laws
I am writing and scratching my rhymes with such intensity that I am breaking the laws of music production.
Of Dragon Breath, is like an Iron fire
My Dragon Breath technique is as powerful as an Iron fire.
Quote getter
I am known for my memorable and powerful lines in my rap verses.
I'm a snake cat from way back, that'll snap on y'all eenie
I am a dangerous and skilled rapper, and will easily defeat my opponents.
'Cause y'all too wack, and plus I need a snack
I will easily defeat you because you are a weak, uninspired rapper.
This is a dangerous fact, so step back
My skills are so dangerous that you should step back and reconsider your opponent.
Before I pull a whole clip in my
I will unload a clip of bullets in my gun if necessary to defeat my enemy.
Be in subzero, my ice power go like a river
I am as cold and dangerous as Sub-Zero from Mortal Kombat, and my powers are as unstoppable as a river of ice.
My nigga Tero, I'm all set, with my ice power
I have my friend Tero with me, and I am fully prepared to use my ice powers.
Niggaz don't mess with me, I'm the Assassin
I am a skilled and dangerous assassin, and no one should challenge me.
AS to a S, AS, IN, you can't mess with me
I am too skilled to be messed with, and I have the support of my fellow Wu-Tang Clan members.
My praying mantis is deadly, my praying mantis is poisonous
My martial arts technique, the praying mantis, is both deadly and poisonous.
It goes through your bloodstream
My praying mantis technique can enter your bloodstream and cause harm.
Everybody go through they bloodstream
Everyone who I defeat will feel the pain of my praying mantis technique in their bloodstream.
My praying mantis is deadly, you end up in a hospital
If I use my deadly praying mantis technique on you, you will end up in the hospital.
You better shut up, before I put one
You should be quiet and avoid challenging me, or I will use my dangerous technique on you.
In your praying mantis, man
I will use my praying mantis technique to defeat and harm you, so be careful not to challenge me.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ROBERT F. DIGGS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind