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
Straight Up the Block
RZA Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
David, David Banner
And I'm straight off the block and I'm straight off the block
Lon, London, Japan, Lon, London, Japan
And I'm straight off the block and I'm straight off the block
Lon, London, Japan to the top of the pop
Lon, London, Japan, Lon, London, Japan
And I'm straight off the block and I'm straight off the block
Lon, London, Japan to the top of the pop
Yo, yo who got the biggest dick? Who got the phattest whip?
Who got the baddest bitch? Who got the fullest clip?
Crib in Paris, France, plus in Maryland
In Baltimore, I bought the cabstand
Up in Burbank, the crib, I smiled at Hillary
Bless the valley with the hundred dollar chivalry
Got the UFC Bodog on my catalog
Mayor Koch Records, they the landlord
It's the Digitech, you ain't get a check
You better get a deal, better make a bet
Get ya money right, what an appetite
I see ya'll cats later, about to catch a flight
And I'm straight off the block and I'm straight off the block
Lon, London, Japan, Lon, London, Japan
And I'm straight off the block and I'm straight off the block
Lon, London, Japan to the top of the pop
And I'm straight off the block and I'm straight off the block
Lon, London, Japan, Lon, London, Japan
And I'm straight off the block and I'm straight off the block
Lon, London, Japan to the top of the pop
J m'appel, Bobby Digital
Comme ta le vous, mademoiselle
La original, pouf e tranquille
Ai ont pope ordinal, ladite
Baobabs, tre be on
Savait, let's get it on
Plus the yacht, we just docked
Yo Kinetic, son, yeah, let 'em flop
A box of Belvedere, private stock
My Karachi jacket, Gucci watch
Yo, Rugged Monk, scotch on rocks
Aiyo, Bobby D, what's up with Goldielocks?
And I'm straight off the block and I'm straight off the block
Lon, London, Japan, Lon, London, Japan
And I'm straight off the block and I'm straight off the block
Lon, London, Japan to the top of the pop
And I'm straight off the block and I'm straight off the block
Lon, London, Japan, Lon, London, Japan
And I'm straight off the block and I'm straight off the block
Lon, London, Japan to the top of the pop
Yeah, it's ya boy David Banner, south side to the day I die
You know what Im talkin about?
They weren't expectin us to hook this one up
You know what Im talkin about?
N.Y.C., straight to Mississippi
You know what Im talkin about?
Get your money pimpin
It don't matter where you are
You in London, you in Japan
You know what Im talkin about
You in Spain, you in Italy
Wherever the hell you are
Get up on your money pimpin
You know what Im talkin about?
And this beat is so fresh, watch this
The song "Straight Up the Block" by RZA ft. David Banner is an energetic hip-hop track that celebrates their success and achievements while urging the listeners to chase their own dreams. The song features catchy hooks and punchy verses from both RZA and David Banner. Throughout the lyrics, the two rappers boast about their wealth, power, and success, mentioning their expensive cars, luxurious homes, and beautiful women. They also talk about their business ventures and collaborations in the music industry.
The chorus of the song repeats the line, "And I'm straight off the block," which suggests that the two rappers have come a long way from their humble beginnings and are proud of their accomplishments. The mention of different cities like London, Japan, Paris, and Maryland indicates their global reach and influence in the music industry. The song encourages the listeners to work hard and achieve their dreams, no matter where they come from or what obstacles they face in life.
Overall, "Straight Up the Block" is an upbeat and confident hip-hop track that highlights the success and achievements of RZA and David Banner. The song also serves as an inspiration for the listeners to pursue their goals and dreams relentlessly.
Line by Line Meaning
David, David, David
Repetition of David's name for emphasis
And I'm straight off the block and I'm straight off the block
Lon, London, Japan, Lon, London, Japan
And I'm straight off the block and I'm straight off the block
Lon, London, Japan to the top of the pop
I'm from the streets and I'm traveling across the world to reach the top of the music scene
Yo, yo who got the biggest dick? Who got the phattest whip?
Who got the baddest bitch? Who got the fullest clip?
Crib in Paris, France, plus in Maryland
In Baltimore, I bought the cabstand
Bragging about wealth, possessions, and power acquired from living the street life
Up in Burbank, the crib, I smiled at Hillary
Bless the valley with the hundred dollar chivalry
Got the UFC Bodog on my catalog
Mayor Koch Records, they the landlord
More bragging about wealth and connections in high society
It's the Digitech, you ain't get a check
You better get a deal, better make a bet
Get ya money right, what an appetite
I see ya'll cats later, about to catch a flight
Encouraging others to make money and gain success, as he is about to leave for his next big opportunity
J m'appel, Bobby Digital
Comme ta le vous, mademoiselle
La original, pouf e tranquille
Ai ont pope ordinal, ladite
Introducing himself as Bobby Digital and using some French phrases to show his sophistication
Baobabs, tre be on
Savait, let's get it on
Plus the yacht, we just docked
Yo Kinetic, son, yeah, let 'em flop
More nonsensical language, possibly referring to parties and extravagance
A box of Belvedere, private stock
My Karachi jacket, Gucci watch
Yo, Rugged Monk, scotch on rocks
Aiyo, Bobby D, what's up with Goldielocks?
More name-dropping and bragging about possessions and luxury goods
Yeah, it's ya boy David Banner, south side to the day I die
You know what Im talkin about?
They weren't expectin us to hook this one up
You know what Im talkin about?
Introducing himself and expressing surprise at the collaboration with RZA
N.Y.C., straight to Mississippi
You know what Im talkin about?
Get your money pimpin
It don't matter where you are
You in London, you in Japan
You know what Im talkin about
You in Spain, you in Italy
Wherever the hell you are
Get up on your money pimpin
You know what Im talkin about?
And this beat is so fresh, watch this
Encouraging listeners to make money and seize opportunities, no matter where they are, and praising the beat of the song
Contributed by Max O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.