He has also released solo albums under the alter-ego Bobby Digital. In addition to the Wu-Tang Clan and his solo releases, RZA was also a founding member of the rap group Gravediggaz where he used the name The Rzarector.
He has made cameos in several movies including Coffee and Cigarettes, American Gangster, Gospel Hill, Life Is Hot in Cracktown, Ghost Dog, Funny People, Repo Men. About.com named him 3rd on their list of best hip hop producers of all time
Born in Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York, RZA spent time in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as a child, where his father had a convenience store in the Hill District.[1] A young RZA also spent many years living in North Carolina with his uncle. RZA began his hip hop career in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a member of the trio Force of the Imperial Master (which subsequently became known as the All in Together Now Crew after they had a successful underground single of that name). The group consisted of future Wu-Tang members and his cousins GZA (then known as the Genius) and Ol' Dirty Bastard (then known as Ason Unique, the Specialist, and the Professor).
Once this local band dissolved, both he and the GZA attempted to kick start solo careers. With the help of GZA's friend (then owner of Jamaica Records) they both secured single deals with album options at successful labels, GZA going to Cold Chillin and RZA to Tommy Boy. GZA ultimately released the Words from the Genius album, but RZA's stint at Tommy Boy ended with only the 1991 EP Ooh I Love You Rakeem to show for it when he went to jail soon after its release. GZA's album flopped, and the two cousins became determined to conquer the hip hop industry on their own terms. Throughout most of his youth he enjoyed watching various kung-fu movies and purchasing countless albums which he would later sample in most of his music
Daily Routine
RZA Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Spread my knowledge through your projects
Straight up, word up
The chief noble oble same total controller of the global
Over law the thousand MC's grab proposal
Jakes that mold you taste will hold you hostage
Peace will fold you like a wallet flies get swatted
Yo, we smoke blunts, throw weight, bust shots
Attend wakes baby make, pay rent stay bent
Drink Red Label duck from Jakes we flagrant
Keep the gear pressed
I'm paranoid of loizoid
We fight like Guiver against the hyperzoid noids high achiever
Mind computes like a thiever
Thoughts connect like the quarterback to the wide receiver
Stay blunted drinking cokey nine hundred
Never fronting on my niggas on the battle zone
Thoughts flip before they change your whips on the
Good ship Jesus before Kimet was called Egypt
Before the bloods and crypts tomahawks and pimps
Eighteen pumas spazed we still had balds and braids
Amplify the sound of the earth rotation
Who could pin-point the exact location in space
It's to see hear and feel the earth rotation
That's why knowledge is the basic foundation of
All days and creation, like man is the foundation of
His family and the sun's the foundation of the solar system
Wisdom is the manifestation when words and actions
Are put Into activation, escape this captivation niggas busting
Wasting shots like masturbation, transforming like go bots
They created a race of robots our new rulers are computers
Abbott's been known now come through to us
Heads drifting in space like asteroids
Pass the roids, savages trading places like Dan Akyroid
The truth is ignored, these devils must be destroyed
Yo, we smoke blunts, throw weight, bust shots
Attend wakes baby make, pay rent stay bent
Drink Red Label duck from Jakes we flagrant
Keep the gear pressed
Search for the better things in life
Beef wid wife make a nigga live a street life
We smoke blunts, throw weight, pay rent
Yo, check it out, yo, one two, yo
Soon to smooth litigating, camouflage educating
Biretta Nines berating, only smoke rounds a day and
Ain't nothing to overdo the shit, y'all niggas best to come up quick
We gonna start and finish it 'cause I'm sure watch me murder it
Undersiege fatigue get bat at major league
Nine industry forms that be forced from catigues
We live righteous TC they go up do the same
Fuck the fame we hear the bill better keep your eyes peeled
Fuck around get killed it ain't safe no fucking more
C-Ciphers at my door and I got more than one war
I'm gonna stay on my toes and do the one to two timers
We gon' make this year our year to beware peace to rhymers
Our life is in a bond-a, swear we gotta find a
Way out we took the crypt ride we all about
On these streets trying to make ends meet, stay on my feet
Gotta eat God you things is deep peep the sleep
How you see camouflage these cats, we on that bullshit
Last days thinkings of snakes and either pull it soft you know
Like an afro other cats sit like Castro
I murder that snitch ass Donnie Brasco, we dissatisfied
Of your devils running running high, my mind and my physical be unified
To the day we testify, we wanna be penalized
From God Allah motherfuckers best recognize
Yo, we smoke blunts, throw weight, bust shots
Attend wakes baby make, pay rent stay bent
Drink Red Label duck from Jakes we flagrant
Keep the gear pressed
A bag of dast mixed wit' stress, search for the better things in life
Beef wit' wife make a nigga wanna live a street life
We smoke blunts, duck Jakes, pay rent, stay bent
Attend wakes, baby make, search for better things in life
Beef wit' wife, make a nigga wanna live a street life
I'm paranoid of Loizoid
We fight like Guiver against the hyperzoid noids high achiever
Mind computes like a thiever
Thoughts connect like the quarterback to the wide receiver
RZA's "Daily Routine" is a track focused on societal issues and the daily struggles of those living in urban environments. The opening lines express the artist's intention of spreading knowledge to those living in areas plagued with poverty, crime, and violence. The chorus emphasizes the routine, almost obligatory nature of illegal activities such as drug use and violence, seen as coping mechanisms for the harsh reality of life in the projects. The lyrics delve into themes of paranoia, the desire for survival, and the need to stay informed about the world outside of one's immediate surroundings.
The verses make references to various aspects of life in the projects. The artist mentions the control that the police and other authority figures have over residents, the ubiquity of drug use and gang activity, and the importance of social status through clothing and material possessions. The lines "Thoughts connect like the quarterback to the wide receiver" could be seen as a metaphor for the necessity of communication and teamwork within communities facing adversity. The repeated references to "searching for better things in life" suggest a longing to escape the continuous cycle of poverty and violence.
Overall, "Daily Routine" is a poignant reflection on the challenges faced by those living in urban areas and the ways in which they cope with them.
Line by Line Meaning
Word up, straight up
Greetings, I'm being honest
Spread my knowledge through your projects
I'll share my wisdom with your community
The chief noble oble same total controller of the global
I am the leader and ruler of the world
Over law the thousand MC's grab proposal
I dominate all hip-hop artists and control their opinions
Jakes that mold you taste will hold you hostage
Police that shape your preferences will restrict your freedom
Peace will fold you like a wallet flies get swatted
If you're too peaceful, you'll be crushed like an insect
Once they spotted infra-red dotted head red targets
Once they target you, there's no escaping the authorities
Yo, we smoke blunts, throw weight, bust shots
We consume marijuana, sell drugs, and use firearms
Attend wakes baby make, pay rent stay bent
We go to funerals, earn money, and stay high on drugs
Drink Red Label duck from Jakes we flagrant
We boldly drink expensive whiskey while dodging the police
Keep the gear pressed
Maintain your clothing and style
I'm paranoid of loizoid
I'm afraid of police surveillance
We fight like Guiver against the hyperzoid noids high achiever
We struggle against powerful enemies to reach our goals
Mind computes like a thiever
My mind processes information quickly and stealthily
Thoughts connect like the quarterback to the wide receiver
My ideas connect smoothly, like a football pass
Stay blunted drinking cokey nine hundred
Stay high on drugs and drink expensive champagne
Never fronting on my niggas on the battle zone
I'll never abandon my friends during difficult times
Thoughts flip before they change your whips on the
Be quick to adapt and make decisions before it's too late
Good ship Jesus before Kimet was called Egypt
The world has a long history, dating back to ancient times
Before the bloods and crypts tomahawks and pimps
There were different gangs and lifestyles in the past
Eighteen pumas spazed we still had balds and braids
Different fashion and style trends have come and gone throughout history
Amplify the sound of the earth rotation
Listen to and appreciate the natural world
Who could pin-point the exact location in space
It's impossible to accurately pinpoint your place in the universe
It's to see hear and feel the earth rotation
It's important to be aware and appreciate the natural world around us
That's why knowledge is the basic foundation of
Education and awareness is the key to progress
All days and creation, like man is the foundation of
Just like humans are the foundation of their families
His family and the sun's the foundation of the solar system
The sun is the center of our universe
Wisdom is the manifestation when words and actions
True wisdom is when words and actions align
Are put Into activation, escape this captivation niggas busting
Act on your ideas and escape from oppressive situations
Wasting shots like masturbation, transforming like go bots
Don't waste your energy and transform into something better
They created a race of robots our new rulers are computers
Technology has advanced to a point where computers are highly influential
Abbott's been known now come through to us
The truth about something is now being revealed
Heads drifting in space like asteroids
People are lost and struggling to find their place in society
Pass the roids, savages trading places like Dan Akyroid
People are constantly changing and taking on different roles
The truth is ignored, these devils must be destroyed
The truth is often suppressed and evil must be eradicated
Search for the better things in life
Strive for success and happiness
Beef wid wife make a nigga live a street life
Relationship problems can lead to a dangerous lifestyle
Soon to smooth litigating, camouflage educating
Smooth talking while hiding one's true intentions
Biretta Nines berating, only smoke rounds a day and
Carrying firearms and smoking marijuana daily
Ain't nothing to overdo the shit, y'all niggas best to come up quick
Don't overindulge and get ahead quickly
We gonna start and finish it 'cause I'm sure watch me murder it
We'll complete what we've started and excel at it
Undersiege fatigue get bat at major league
Being constantly attacked and struggling in a high-pressure environment
Nine industry forms that be forced from catigues
Hip-hop artists are forced to conform to industry standards
We live righteous TC they go up do the same
We live a moral lifestyle while others continue to indulge in negative behavior
Fuck the fame we hear the bill better keep your eyes peeled
Don't prioritize fame, focus on your goals and stay vigilant
Fuck around get killed it ain't safe no fucking more
It's dangerous out here and people are getting killed
C-Ciphers at my door and I got more than one war
The police are after me and I have multiple battles to fight
I'm gonna stay on my toes and do the one to two timers
I'll stay alert and act accordingly
We gon' make this year our year to beware peace to rhymers
We'll make this year successful and shoutout to fellow hip-hop artists
Our life is in a bond-a, swear we gotta find a
Our lives are constrained and we need to find a way out
Way out we took the crypt ride we all about
We took a dangerous path and we're committed to it
On these streets trying to make ends meet, stay on my feet
We're struggling to survive in a harsh environment, but we won't give up
Gotta eat God you things is deep peep the sleep
We must eat to survive, life is complicated and difficult
How you see camouflage these cats, we on that bullshit
We're good at pretending and hiding our true selves
Last days thinkings of snakes and either pull it soft you know
People are deceitful and may betray you at any moment
Like an afro other cats sit like Castro
We stand out and are different from others
I murder that snitch ass Donnie Brasco, we dissatisfied
I'll take out a traitor, we're not satisfied with the status quo
Of your devils running running high, my mind and my physical be unified
We're fighting against evil and are mentally and physically ready
To the day we testify, we wanna be penalized
We're ready to testify and want justice, even if it means punishment
From God Allah motherfuckers best recognize
Don't forget, there's a higher power that watches over us
A bag of dast mixed wit' stress, search for the better things in life
A mixture of negative experiences and stress, but still striving for success
Beef wit' wife make a nigga wanna live a street life
Problems with one's significant other can lead to a dangerous lifestyle
We smoke blunts, duck Jakes, pay rent, stay bent
We smoke marijuana, dodge the police, pay bills, and stay high on drugs
Attend wakes, baby make, search for better things in life
We go to funerals, sell drugs, and are still trying to achieve success
I'm paranoid of Loizoid
I'm afraid of being caught by the police
We fight like Guiver against the hyperzoid noids high achiever
We struggle against powerful enemies and strive for success
Mind computes like a thiever
I think quickly and efficiently
Thoughts connect like the quarterback to the wide receiver
My ideas flow together smoothly and precisely
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BARETTA NINE, ROBERT F. DIGGS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind