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
Soul & Substance
Masta Killa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
None could ever match my palm, I'm calm
So you know when I blow the bomb
It's gonna quake something like a migraine pain
It's gonna ache something stopping all motion
You could never move against the energy intensity knowledge my reality
Everything flow mathematically in order
My universal gravity pull is magnetic
Mentally the mind see every speck of dust and every cubic square inch
The God magnificent build and make the rhyme still back to the paper
My guitar string sing
Make me wanna like, spit that thing, thing
When I'm on the mic talking to you, how you like?
I came to bring gold from the trader, he stole
And left you with a promise that was never fulfilled
I build and make the Earth quake
Catch a thought before it escape and write it down
I'm all so blessed, these words I manifest
My universal flag on my chest, Sun, Moon, Crest
Govern by the God of course, Cause I'm a star black to the core
The mic so hot, it a blow the Fahrenheit
It's only one day, but I love it at night
Yo, let me build with you for a second
In these lyrics, Masta Killa is asserting his power and influence over the world around him. He claims to have the ability to stimulate life and matter within his own sphere of influence, and acknowledges that no one can match his level of control. He remains calm, even when using his power to wreak havoc and cause chaos. When he sets off a bomb, it causes a powerful earthquake that stops everything in its tracks.
However, Masta Killa also believes that everything in the universe follows a precise order, and that his own power is derived from an understanding of this mathematical symmetry. He envisions the world as a complex network of interconnected forces, and sees himself as a master manipulator of these forces. He refers to himself as a "God magnificent," whose rhymes can make the foundations of the earth quake. Even though he wields this great power, he remains humble and acknowledges that his reality is shaped by a higher knowledge.
Towards the end of the song, Masta Killa switches gears and reflects on his musical output. He compares his guitar strings to his rhymes, both of which are capable of producing powerful reactions in his listeners. He sees his words as a manifestation of his own blessings and a reflection of his core identity. He wears his universal flag on his chest as a badge of honor, showing that he is governed by a higher power. Throughout the song, Masta Killa asserts his dominance over both the natural world and the world of rap music.
Line by Line Meaning
I stimulate life and matter in my circumference
I have the power to bring energy and movement to everything around me.
None could ever match my palm, I'm calm
I am confident in my abilities and unshakeable in the face of any challenge.
So you know when I blow the bomb
When I speak, my words have explosive power.
It's gonna quake something like a migraine pain
My words will shake things up and cause discomfort.
It's gonna ache something stopping all motion
They will be so powerful that they will stop people in their tracks.
You could never move against the energy intensity knowledge my reality
My knowledge and experiences are so intense that they cannot be challenged or overcome.
Everything flow mathematically in order
There is a precise order to everything in the universe, and I understand its workings.
My universal gravity pull is magnetic
I have a powerful pull that can attract people and things to me.
Peace Allah victorious, Shabar B. Glorious
I am filled with peace, and my name represents my victorious spirit.
Mentally the mind see every speck of dust and every cubic square inch
I have a deep awareness of everything around me, both big and small.
The God magnificent build and make the rhyme still back to the paper
My words are inspired by a higher power, and they have the power to live on even after being written down.
My guitar string sing
The music I make has a soulful and emotional quality.
Make me wanna like, spit that thing, thing
My music inspires me to create powerful, impactful lyrics.
When I'm on the mic talking to you, how you like?
When I perform, I want to engage with my audience and make sure they are enjoying the experience.
I came to bring gold from the trader, he stole
I am here to bring back what was taken from my people by those in power.
And left you with a promise that was never fulfilled
Those in power have made empty promises that they have never kept.
I build and make the Earth quake
My words have the power to shake things up and create change.
Catch a thought before it escape and write it down
I am always thinking and have to capture my ideas before they slip away.
I'm all so blessed, these words I manifest
I am grateful for my gifts and use them to create powerful, meaningful lyrics.
My universal flag on my chest, Sun, Moon, Crest
My identity is tied to the universe and its power and beauty.
Govern by the God of course, Cause I'm a star black to the core
I am guided by a higher power and feel connected to the universe, and my blackness is a core part of my identity.
The mic so hot, it a blow the Fahrenheit
My words are so powerful that they have the ability to cause intense heat and energy.
It's only one day, but I love it at night
Even though my time in the spotlight may be fleeting, I still revel in the moments I get.
Yo, let me build with you for a second
Let's connect and collaborate for a moment.
Contributed by Sarah K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.