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
Samurai Showdown
RZA Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Samurai showdown
(Aight, A.T.M.) How dare you challenge me?
You will die from the tip of my sword today
Huh, the trenches, we must remain calm
Right, prepare to die
Yo, it's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
Yo, it's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
Yo, it's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
Yo, yo
Hailin' from the slums of Shaolin', golden claw, talon twirl
And one swirl of the fatal sword splits your Island
Wu Killa Bees' stingers back on the swarm again
Bzz, the alarm again, six direction weapon deflectin'
Bones connect like opposite sides of magnets
Steel fragments bein' chipped off a slingin' sword slash
With the force of big crash in your dash board with no airbag
He drove a ninety-nine Jaguar
Quick to pick a lock, lick a shot
Respect the Bloods and Crips a lot
Plus the God from Ride saggin' in his seat, blastin' Wu beats
Tryin' to plot his next hit
He took a drag of the eight elements that composed, atmospheric gas
'Bout to let off his sword, and full blast
Kept his mind focused, meditation position half lotus
Abbot's sword novas couldn't match his magnum opus
Deluxe stroke, son move like a ghost
Struck in an instance, unnoticed like a lamp post
Radar sharp precision gunfire, explode
Till his clips unload, it's a samurai code
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
Time for everyone to go record
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
Time for everybody to go record
Crept in silent, the steel wind
Chrome silencers screwed on tight kept the gunshots just sealed in
We attack, full fledge
with Chicago Bull red bandanas tied tight around our heads
Swing with the force of a sledge
Single-edge stainless steel blade chopped the wedge
Slit this analog derelicts head
Who even thought that
he could go against the truth and the Gods and fall back?
From the will of Allah, you'll be facin the firing squad
of a thousand archers out to mark ya
The bill top scully king blocks bullets like jelly beans
Birds in my nest restin up, on the telly scene
Murderous rap track to me, is ego felony
Can't accept what you analog cats be tellin me
I get the verbal weapon, won't hesitate for one second
to break your back like Big Jack from Tekken
It's born-born, young Lord so raise your swords
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
RZA’s Samurai Showdown is a song that speaks to the inherent spirit of samurais as warriors not just in battle, but in life. The opening lines, “Yo, it's a samurai showdown/ Samurai showdown/ (Aight, A.T.M.) How dare you challenge me?/ You will die from the tip of my sword today/ Huh, the trenches, we must remain calm/ Right, prepare to die” set the scene for the showdown between two samurais. The lyrics continue with a vivid portrayal of the battle, highlighted by the lines, “Hailin' from the slums of Shaolin', golden claw, talon twirl/ And one swirl of the fatal sword splits your Island/ Wu Killa Bees' stingers back on the swarm again/ Bzz, the alarm again, six direction weapon deflectin'”. The song also touches on the idea of meditation and focus, with lines like, “Kept his mind focused, meditation position half lotus/ Abbot's sword novas couldn't match his magnum opus/ Deluxe stroke, son move like a ghost/ Struck in an instance, unnoticed like a lamp post”.
The repetition of the line “It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords” reinforces the idea of being ready to fight at any moment, to defend oneself and one’s beliefs. The final lines, “Crept in silent, the steel wind/ Chrome silencers screwed on tight kept the gunshots just sealed in/ We attack, full fledge/ with Chicago Bull red bandanas tied tight around our heads/ Swing with the force of a sledge” further emphasizes the importance of being prepared for battle, even when using modern-day weapons.
Overall, the lyrics of Samurai Showdown provide a powerful image of the indomitable spirit of a samurai, one who is always ready and willing to defend themselves and their honor. It speaks to the importance of staying focused and meditated in times of conflict and the idea that battles can be won even with modern-day weapons, as long as one is prepared.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, it's a samurai showdown
This is a battle where only the strongest will prevail.
Samurai showdown
A fierce battle that will decide the fate of opponents.
How dare you challenge me?
Don't underestimate me or you will pay the price.
You will die from the tip of my sword today
I will defeat you with my superior skills and weapons.
The trenches, we must remain calm
It is important to stay composed and focused in times of danger.
Right, prepare to die
Get ready to face your demise at my hand.
Yo, it's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
This is a call to arms for all the warriors to prepare for battle.
Hailin' from the slums of Shaolin', golden claw, talon twirl
I come from a rough area and have honed my fighting skills through intense practice and training.
And one swirl of the fatal sword splits your Island
I possess a deadly weapon that can easily defeat my enemies.
Wu Killa Bees' stingers back on the swarm again
My group is reassembling and ready to take on all challenges.
Bzz, the alarm again, six direction weapon deflectin'
I am prepared to defend against attacks from any direction.
Bones connect like opposite sides of magnets
My strikes are precise and devastating, like opposing magnetic forces coming together.
Steel fragments bein' chipped off a slingin' sword slash
My sword strikes are so powerful that they chip off fragments of steel.
With the force of big crash in your dash board with no airbag
My attacks are like a car crash, with no way to protect yourself from the impact.
He drove a ninety-nine Jaguar
I am describing an opponent, who is wealthy and powerful.
Quick to pick a lock, lick a shot
My opponent is skilled in covert operations and combat.
Respect the Bloods and Crips a lot
My opponent has connections and alliances in dangerous street gangs.
Plus the God from Ride saggin' in his seat, blastin' Wu beats
My opponent is listening to our music on his car stereo.
Tryin' to plot his next hit
My opponent is planning his next move, but I am ready for anything he throws at me.
He took a drag of the eight elements that composed, atmospheric gas
My opponent may be using intoxicants to try to gain an edge, but it will not help him win this battle.
'Bout to let off his sword, and full blast
My opponent is preparing to attack me with his weapon at full force.
Kept his mind focused, meditation position half lotus
I maintain my composure and mindfulness even in the heat of battle.
Abbot's sword novas couldn't match his magnum opus
Even the best swords in the world can't match my skill and power.
Deluxe stroke, son move like a ghost
My moves are fluid and precise, like a ghost haunting its prey.
Struck in an instance, unnoticed like a lamp post
I can strike my opponent so quickly and quietly that he won't know what hit him.
Radar sharp precision gunfire, explode
My attacks are highly accurate and explosive in their impact.
Till his clips unload, it's a samurai code
I will fight with honor and integrity until I have emerged victorious or have fallen in battle.
Time for everyone to go record
This is a pause in the song and a shift in tone.
Crept in silent, the steel wind
This line describes the stealthy and deadly approach of a warrior.
Chrome silencers screwed on tight kept the gunshots just sealed in
This line describes a silenced gun, which can kill silently without being heard by others.
We attack, full fledge
I and my allies are launching a full-scale attack on our opponents.
with Chicago Bull red bandanas tied tight around our heads
This line describes the gang affiliations of the warriors.
Swing with the force of a sledge
Our attacks are powerful and have the weight of a heavy hammer.
Single-edge stainless steel blade chopped the wedge
This line describes another warrior's weapon and his deadly accuracy with it.
Slit this analog derelicts head
I have just killed an opponent, who is outdated and weak in comparison to me.
Who even thought that he could go against the truth and the Gods and fall back?
This is a warning to those who challenge us, that they will be punished for their foolishness.
From the will of Allah, you'll be facin the firing squad of a thousand archers out to mark ya
This line describes an epic punishment for those who cross me, implying their inevitable defeat.
The bill top scully king blocks bullets like jelly beans
This is a boast about my invincibility and skill in dodging bullets.
Birds in my nest restin up, on the telly scene
This line seems to imply I have a comfortable life in which I can relax and enjoy entertainment while others suffer.
Murderous rap track to me, is ego felony
I consider my music to be deadly and powerful, and I take great pride in it.
Can't accept what you analog cats be tellin me
I don't trust people who aren't prepared to adapt to new situations or who don't understand my message.
I get the verbal weapon, won't hesitate for one second to break your back like Big Jack from Tekken
This line boasts of my verbal skill, suggesting that I can defeat opponents with just my words, and compares me to a legendary fighting game character.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ROBERT F. DIGGS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@PodClipsNow.
wdown (Raise Your Sword)"
[Intro: The RZA]
Yo, it's a samurai showdown
Samurai showdown...
(Aight, A.T.M.) How dare you challenge me?
You will die from the tip of my sword today
Huh, the trenches, we must remain calm
Right, prepare to die
[Chorus x2: The RZA]
Yo, it's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
Yo, it's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
[The RZA]
Yo, yo
Hailin from the slums of Shaolin, golden claw, talon twirl
And one swirl of the fatal sword splits your Island
Wu Killa Bees' stingers back on the swarm again
BZZZZZZ, the alarm again, six direction weapon deflectin
Bones connect like opposite sides of magnets
Steel fragments bein chipped off a slingin sword slash
With the force of big crash in your dash board with no airbag
He drove a ninety-nine Jaguar
Quick to pick a lock, lick a shot
Respect the Bloods and Crips a lot
Plus the God from Ride saggin in his seat, blastin Wu beats
Tryin to plot his next hit
He took a drag of the eight elements that composed, atmospheric gas
'Bout to let off his sword, and full blast
Kept his mind focused, meditation position half lotus
Abbot's sword novas couldn't match his magnum opus
Deluxe stroke, son move like a ghost
Struck in an instance, unnoticed like a lamp post
Radar sharp precision gunfire, explode
Till his clips unload, it's a samurai code
[Chorus]
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords [x5]
Time for everyone to go record
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
Time for everybody to go record
[The RZA]
Crept in silent, the steel wind
Chrome silencers screwed on tight kept the gunshots just sealed in
We attack, full fledge
with Chicago Bull red bandanas tied tight around our heads
Swing with the force of a sledge
Single-edge stainless steel blade chopped the wedge
Slit this analog derelicts head
Who even thought that
he could go against the truth and the Gods and fall back?
From the will of Allah, you'll be facin the firing squad
of a thousand archers out to mark ya
The bill top scully king blocks bullets like jelly beans
Birds in my nest restin up, on the telly scene
Murderous rap track to me, is ego felony
Can't accept what you analog cats be tellin me
I get the verbal weapon, won't hesitate for one second
to break your back like Big Jack from Tekken
[Chorus]
It's born-born, young Lord so raise your swords
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords [x2]
[Instrumental for the next 1:17]
@Lazarus_81
2022 🙏🏽
Yo, it's a samurai showdown
Samurai showdown
(Aight, A.T.M.) How dare you challenge me?
You will die from the tip of my sword today
Huh, the trenches, we must remain calm
Right, prepare to die
Yo, it's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
Yo, it's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
Yo, it's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
Yo, it's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
Yo, yo
Hailin' from the slums of Shaolin', golden claw, talon twirl
And one swirl of the fatal sword splits your Island
Wu Killa Bees' stingers back on the swarm again
Bzz, the alarm again, six direction weapon deflectin'
Bones connect like opposite sides of magnets
Steel fragments bein' chipped off a slingin' sword slash
With the force of big crash in your dash board with no airbag
He drove a ninety-nine Jaguar
Quick to pick a lock, lick a shot
Respect the Bloods and Crips a lot
Plus the God from Ride saggin' in his seat, blastin' Wu beats
Tryin' to plot his next hit
He took a drag of the eight elements that composed, atmospheric gas
'Bout to let off his sword, and full blast
Kept his mind focused, meditation position half lotus
Abbot's sword novas couldn't match his magnum opus
Deluxe stroke, son move like a ghost
Struck in an instance, unnoticed like a lamp post
Radar sharp precision gunfire, explode
Till his clips unload, it's a samurai code
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
Time for everyone to go record
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
Time for everybody to go record
Crept in silent, the steel wind
Chrome silencers screwed on tight kept the gunshots just sealed in
We attack, full fledge
with Chicago Bull red bandanas tied tight around our heads
Swing with the force of a sledge
Single-edge stainless steel blade chopped the wedge
Slit this analog derelicts head
Who even thought that
he could go against the truth and the Gods and fall back?
From the will of Allah, you'll be facin the firing squad
of a thousand archers out to mark ya
The bill top scully king blocks bullets like jelly beans
Birds in my nest restin up, on the telly scene
Murderous rap track to me, is ego felony
Can't accept what you analog cats be tellin me
I get the verbal weapon, won't hesitate for one second
to break your back like Big Jack from Tekken
It's born-born, young Lord so raise your swords
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
@goodvibes2192
Yo, it's a samurai showdown
Samurai showdown
(Aight, A.T.M.) How dare you challenge me?
You will die from the tip of my sword today
Huh, the trenches, we must remain calm
Right, prepare to die
Yo, it's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
Yo, it's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
Yo, it's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
Yo, it's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
Yo, yo
Hailin' from the slums of Shaolin', golden claw, talon twirl
And one swirl of the fatal sword splits your Island
Wu Killa Bees' stingers back on the swarm again
Bzz, the alarm again, six direction weapon deflectin'
Bones connect like opposite sides of magnets
Steel fragments bein' chipped off a slingin' sword slash
With the force of big crash in your dash board with no airbag
He drove a ninety-nine Jaguar
Quick to pick a lock, lick a shot
Respect the Bloods and Crips a lot
Plus the God from Ride saggin' in his seat, blastin' Wu beats
Tryin' to plot his next hit
He took a drag of the eight elements that composed, atmospheric gas
'Bout to let off his sword, and full blast
Kept his mind focused, meditation position half lotus
Abbot's sword novas couldn't match his magnum opus
Deluxe stroke, son move like a ghost
Struck in an instance, unnoticed like a lamp post
Radar sharp precision gunfire, explode
Till his clips unload, it's a samurai code
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
Time for everyone to go record
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
Time for everybody to go record
Crept in silent, the steel wind
Chrome silencers screwed on tight kept the gunshots just sealed in
We attack, full fledge
with Chicago Bull red bandanas tied tight around our heads
Swing with the force of a sledge
Single-edge stainless steel blade chopped the wedge
Slit this analog derelicts head
Who even thought that
he could go against the truth and the Gods and fall back?
From the will of Allah, you'll be facin the firing squad
of a thousand archers out to mark ya
The bill top scully king blocks bullets like jelly beans
Birds in my nest restin up, on the telly scene
Murderous rap track to me, is ego felony
Can't accept what you analog cats be tellin me
I get the verbal weapon, won't hesitate for one second
to break your back like Big Jack from Tekken
It's born-born, young Lord so raise your swords
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
It's born-born, young Lord, raise your swords
@moexus
I am a metalhead myself, but when it comes to hip hop; I say Wu-Tang Forever
@bassmaster1965a
you got that right
@bryanlopez4994
🙌
@jamesjewett6875
Agreed
@svincentr
🤘🏽
@himwhoisnottobenamed5427
\m/ MUYA!, but also Wu-Tang Forever!
@sunnygirlz4real
Ghostdog, what a masterpiece of a movie, soundtrack is out this world too. I never get bored of this film or album
@trackerbuckmann1627
And you liked Ghost Dog... nice.
@sunnygirlz4real
Do you like this film too?
@trackerbuckmann1627
+11thHourSalvation.. Yeah. I like a lot of Jim Jarmusch movies. "limits of control" I wasn't crazy about, but I absolutely loved "dead man."