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
Winter Warz
RZA Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Start to scream out loud, Wu-Tang's back for more
Yes the hour's four, I told you before
Prepare for mic fights (and plus the cold war)
This rhyme you digest through the RZA console
Ask why I slam nine diagram pole
Raekwon dropped the bomb, Hunchback, Norte Dame
It blows extreme, mean stream be the theme
Supreme team, America's Cream Team, redeemed
Vidal Sassoon, chrome tones hear the moans of Al Capone
Gun POW to the dome
And split the bone, wig blown off the ledge
By the alledged, full-fledged, sledge RZA edge
One dose of my feroc(ious) handheld trigger cuts
Acapella spitting shell paralyzed when you get touched
And critical mic cords, hanging like umbilical
Cords, dope swords, five star general
Raw be the quote rap style sore throat
Through the fully operational, handheld tote mm-hmm
Yes the shit is raw, coming at your door
Start to scream out loud, Wu-Tang's back for more
A hundred thousand times one, snatch up my styles get done
I hold a title, and here's how my belt was won, check it
Slick majestic, broke mics are left infected
Germs start to spread through your crew through lack of effort
You asked for it, shot up the jams like syringes
My technique alone blows doors straight off the hinges
Masked Avenger, I appear to blow your ear like wind
With a freestyle, sharper than the Indian spear
So sit back and let the king explore
Describe me, the kid's nice and he holds swords
And his name, black attack's the nerve like migraines
With more gains than beggars on trains, livid sharp pains
Poisonous Rebel like Deck, you can't destroy this
You get ambushed, skate, try to avoid this
Side effects of, hot raps and hot tracks
A duffle bag full of guns son, dipped in black
My culture, glides and attacks just like a vulture
Ghostface in Madison Square is on your poster
Yes the shit is raw, coming at your door
Start to scream out loud, Wu-Tang's back for more
Yes the hour's four, I told you before
Prepare for mic fights (and plus the cold war)
Be on the lookout for this mass murderous suspect
That fills more body bags than apartments in projects
And as far as the coroners know
The autopsy show, it was a Shaolin blow
Put on by my family brought to the academy
Of the Wu and learned how to
Fuck up yo' anatomy, steadily, calm and deadly
Spatter-head lyrics I lick through your transmit
MC's submit to the will as I kill your
Juvenile freestyle, civilize the men-tal
Devils worship this like an icon
Bear-hugging mics with the grips of a python
Yes the shit is raw, coming at your door
Start to scream out loud, Wu-Tang's back for more
Yes the hour's four, I told you before
Prepare for mic fights (and plus the cold war)
You heard other raps before but kept waiting
For the Son of Song, I keep dancehalls strong
Beats never worthy of my cause, I prolong
Extravangza, time sits still
No propaganda, be wary of the skill
As I bring forth the music, make love to your eardrum
Dedicated to rap nigga beware of the fearsome
Lebanon Don, Malcolm X beat threat
CD massacre, murder to cassette
I blow the shop up, you ain't seen nothing yet
One man ran, trying to get away from it
Put your bifocal on, watch me a-cometh
Into your chamber like Freddy enter dream
Discombumberate your technique and your scheme
Four course applause, like a black dat to dat
You're stuck on stupid like I'm stuck on the map
Nowhere to go except next show bro
Entertaining motherfuckers can't stop O
In battling, you don't want me to start tattling
All up on the stage cause y'all snakes keep rattling
Bitch, you ain't got nothing on the rich
Every other day my whole dress code switch
So just in case you want to clock me like Sherry
All y'all crab bitches ain't got to worry
Can't get a nigga like Don dime a dozen
Even if I'm smoked out I can't be scoped out
I'm too ill, I represent Park Hill
See my face on the twenty dollar bill
Cash it in, and get ten dollars back
The fat LP with Cappachino on the wax
Pass it in your thing, put valve up to twelve
Put all the other LP's back on the shelf
And smoke a blunt, and dial 9-1-7
1-6-0-4-9-3-11
And you could get long dick Hip Hop affection
I damage any MC who step in my direction
I'm Staten Island's best son fuck what you heard
Niggas still talking that shit is absurd
My repertoire, is U.S.S.R
P.L.O. style got thrown out the car
And ran over, by the Method Man jeep
Divine can't define my style is so deep
Like pussy, my low cut fade stay bushy
Like a porcupine, I part backs like a spine
Gut you like a blunt and reconstruct your design
I know you want to diss me, but I can read your mind
Cos you weak in the knees, like SWV
Trying to get a title like Wu Killa Bee
Kid change your habit, you know I'm friends with the Abbott
Me and RZA Rob name printed in the tablet
Under vets, we paid our debts for mad years
Hibernate the sound, and now we out like bears
In Born Power, born physically, power speaking
The truth in the song be the pro-black teaching
"Winter Warz" is a song by RZA that features nine other Wu-Tang Clan members. The title refers to the idea of a cold war where there is no actual fighting but tensions are high. The opening lines are a proclamation that the Wu-Tang Clan is back and ready to fight. RZA's verse references his position as the leader of the group, using the metaphor of the RZA console to describe how he delivers his rhymes. He also references Raekwon's nickname as "Hunchback" and likens Ghostface Killah to a vulture. The chorus repeats the warning to be ready for more action.
The song is known for its aggressive lyrics and complex rhymes. It features a variety of references to hip-hop culture, martial arts, and crime dramas, all woven together in a way that showcases the Wu-Tang Clan's unique style. The song has been praised for its hard, gritty sound and the way the various members of the group come together to create a powerful track. It is widely considered to be one of the standout tracks on the album "Wu-Tang Forever."
Line by Line Meaning
Yes the shit is raw, coming at your door
The music is unfiltered and powerful, arriving directly to your doorstep.
Start to scream out loud, Wu-Tang's back for more
Express your excitement as Wu-Tang Clan returns with new material.
Yes the hour's four, I told you before
It's late at night, as I previously mentioned.
Prepare for mic fights (and plus the cold war)
Get ready for intense rap battles and the confrontation of the current political climate.
This rhyme you digest through the RZA console
You consume these lyrics through the RZA's artistic perspective.
Ask why I slam nine diagram pole
Inquire why I deliver powerful words in a complex and structured manner.
Raekwon dropped the bomb, Hunchback, Norte Dame
Raekwon unleashed an explosive verse, reminiscent of Quasimodo's troubled character from Norte Dame.
Golden Arms is bronze, buddah palm hit Qu'ran
Golden Arms' skill surpasses his own expectations, delivering a strike as powerful as a Buddhist monk hitting a sacred text.
It blows extreme, mean stream be the theme
The music is intense and the consistent theme is aggression.
Supreme team, America's Cream Team, redeemed
We are the elite group, the best of America, seeking redemption through our art.
Vidal Sassoon, chrome tones hear the moans of Al Capone
The stylish appearance combined with menacing undertones evoke the spirit of Al Capone.
Gun POW to the dome
The impact of my words hits you like a gunshot to the head.
And split the bone, wig blown off the ledge
Breaking you down to your core, leaving you stunned and disoriented.
By the alledged, full-fledged, sledge RZA edge
Delivered by the reputed and experienced RZA with full force and impact.
One dose of my feroc(ious) handheld trigger cuts
A single exposure to my aggressive and skillful rap style.
Acapella spitting shell paralyzed when you get touched
When I attack with my lyrics without any musical accompaniment, it leaves you incapacitated.
And critical mic cords, hanging like umbilical
The importance and vulnerability of the microphone cables, symbolizing the connection between the artist and the audience.
Cords, dope swords, five star general
These cords resemble sharp swords, and I possess the skills of a high-ranking military officer.
Raw be the quote rap style sore throat
My rap style is unrefined, causing discomfort and agitation to those who hear it.
Through the fully operational, handheld tote mm-hmm
Using a fully functional handheld microphone, expressing approval and agreement.
A hundred thousand times one, snatch up my styles get done
No matter how many imitators there are, they can never match my unique style.
I hold a title, and here's how my belt was won, check it
I possess a significant achievement, and I'm about to explain how I attained it.
Slick majestic, broke mics are left infected
I am smooth and impressive, leaving broken microphones in my wake.
Germs start to spread through your crew through lack of effort
Due to their lack of dedication, the laziness of your crew allows negative influences to infiltrate.
You asked for it, shot up the jams like syringes
You requested this intense experience and I'm delivering it like a rush of drugs.
My technique alone blows doors straight off the hinges
My skill and style alone have the power to overpower and demolish any competition.
Masked Avenger, I appear to blow your ear like wind
Disguised as a superhero, I come forth to captivate your attention and deliver powerful words.
With a freestyle, sharper than the Indian spear
Through a spontaneous expression of my thoughts, my rap style is as piercing as an indigenous warrior's spear.
So sit back and let the king explore
Relax and allow the master to delve into various topics and ideas.
Describe me, the kid's nice and he holds swords
Let me introduce myself, I am a talented artist with exceptional rap skills.
And his name, black attack's the nerve like migraines
My name shocks and disrupts like a severe headache.
With more gains than beggars on trains, livid sharp pains
I accumulate wealth and success beyond what beggars on trains can imagine, causing intense jealousy and pain.
Poisonous Rebel like Deck, you can't destroy this
Like a rebellious and toxic force, I am invulnerable and cannot be defeated.
You get ambushed, skate, try to avoid this
You are caught off guard and attempt to escape, but you cannot avoid the inevitable confrontation.
Side effects of, hot raps and hot tracks
The consequences of my fiery lyrics and exceptional beats are felt throughout the industry.
A duffle bag full of guns son, dipped in black
I possess a bag containing numerous firearms, coated in darkness and secrecy.
My culture, glides and attacks just like a vulture
My background and heritage move gracefully yet assertively, embodying the predatory nature of a vulture.
Ghostface in Madison Square is on your poster
Ghostface Killah, a member of Wu-Tang Clan, receives recognition and is prominently featured on posters in Madison Square Garden.
Be on the lookout for this mass murderous suspect
Stay vigilant, there is a dangerous individual on the loose.
That fills more body bags than apartments in projects
This suspect is responsible for a high volume of casualties, surpassing the occupancy of apartments in low-income housing.
And as far as the coroners know
According to the medical examiners, based on the available information,
The autopsy show, it was a Shaolin blow
The examination reveals that the fatal strike was delivered with the force and precision of Shaolin martial arts.
Put on by my family brought to the academy
Performed by the Wu-Tang Clan, my musical family, presented to the audience for study and appreciation.
Of the Wu and learned how to
Within the Wu-Tang Clan, we gained knowledge and expertise on how to
Fuck up yo' anatomy, steadily, calm and deadly
Disrupt and damage your physical structure with calculated precision, remaining composed and lethal.
Spatter-head lyrics I lick through your transmit
I smear my impactful lyrics all over the airwaves, infiltrating your consciousness.
MC's submit to the will as I kill your
Other rappers give in and conform to my dominance, as I metaphorically destroy your
Juvenile freestyle, civilize the men-tal
Your immature and spontaneous rap style is refined and elevated, cultivating intellectual thought.
Devils worship this like an icon
Evil forces revere and idolize my music like a sacred religious symbol.
Bear-hugging mics with the grips of a python
I tightly embrace the microphones, possessing a strength similar to that of a constricting python.
Beats never worthy of my cause, I prolong
Most instrumentals are inadequate for my lyrical purpose, so I extend and elevate their significance.
Extravangza, time sits still
This performance is a grand and lavish spectacle that freezes time for the audience.
No propaganda, be wary of the skill
There is no deceptive information being spread; instead, appreciate and be cautious of the creativity and talent.
As I bring forth the music, make love to your eardrum
Through my music, I create a sensual and pleasurable experience for your sense of hearing.
Dedicated to rap nigga beware of the fearsome
This song is a tribute to the rap genre, and I warn fellow artists to be cautious of my intimidating presence.
Lebanon Don, Malcolm X beat threat
I am the powerful and influential Lebanon Don, comparable to the threat that Malcolm X posed.
CD massacre, murder to cassette
I deliver a massacre of superior music, rendering cassettes obsolete in the process.
I blow the shop up, you ain't seen nothing yet
I cause a commotion and outshine any previous artists, demonstrating my capabilities.
One man ran, trying to get away from it
A single individual attempted to escape the impact and influence of my music.
Put your bifocal on, watch me a-cometh
Focus your attention and observe my imminent arrival and performance.
Into your chamber like Freddy enter dream
I infiltrate your mental space with a presence comparable to Freddy Krueger invading nightmares.
Discombumberate your technique and your scheme
I dismantle and disrupt your established methods and plans.
Four course applause, like a black dat to dat
The applause I receive is extensive and enthusiastic, much like the recording of a live event on DAT tapes.
You're stuck on stupid like I'm stuck on the map
You exhibit foolishness and confusion, similar to how I am geographically disoriented.
Nowhere to go except next show bro
There are no options but to move forward to the upcoming performance, my friend.
Entertaining motherfuckers can't stop O
I am a captivating performer, unstoppable in delivering memorable entertainment.
In battling, you don't want me to start tattling
During a rap battle, it would be unwise for you to provoke me into revealing incriminating information.
All up on the stage cause y'all snakes keep rattling
I dominate the stage, as you deceptive and treacherous individuals continue to make noise and stir up trouble.
Bitch, you ain't got nothing on the rich
You, a lowly individual, possess nothing comparable to the wealth and success I have achieved.
Every other day my whole dress code switch
On a regular basis, I change my appearance and fashion style completely.
So just in case you want to clock me like Sherry
If you decide to confront or challenge me like Sherry, be prepared.
All y'all crab bitches ain't got to worry
All of you petty and envious individuals have no reason to be concerned or threatened.
Can't get a nigga like Don dime a dozen
Finding someone as extraordinary and unique as me is rare, not something easily obtained.
Even if I'm smoked out I can't be scoped out
Even if I am under the influence of drugs, my presence and influence cannot be underestimated.
I'm too ill, I represent Park Hill
My skills and talent are exceptional, and I proudly represent the Park Hill neighborhood.
See my face on the twenty dollar bill
My influence and impact are significant, reflected in the metaphorical representation of my face on currency.
Cash it in, and get ten dollars back
When you embrace and appreciate my music, you receive far more value and satisfaction in return.
The fat LP with Cappachino on the wax
The high-quality vinyl record featuring Cappachino's performance.
Pass it in your thing, put valve up to twelve
Play it on your audio device, turn the volume up to maximum.
Put all the other LP's back on the shelf
Disregard the other albums and focus solely on mine.
And smoke a blunt, and dial 9-1-7
Enjoy some marijuana and then call my studio number.
1-6-0-4-9-3-11
The digits of my studio number.
And you could get long dick Hip Hop affection
You will receive an extended and fulfilling experience of Hip Hop music and culture.
I damage any MC who step in my direction
I harm and defeat any rapper who dares to challenge me.
I'm Staten Island's best son fuck what you heard
I am the most talented artist from Staten Island, disregarding any opposing claims.
Niggas still talking that shit is absurd
Other individuals continue to speak nonsense and lies, which is ridiculous and nonsensical.
My repertoire, is U.S.S.R
My collection of skills and abilities is vast and comparable to the Soviet Union.
P.L.O. style got thrown out the car
My distinct rap style, influenced by the Palestine Liberation Organization, is prominently displayed and acknowledged.
And ran over, by the Method Man jeep
Yet, my style is overshadowed and overwhelmed by the impact of Method Man's presence.
Divine can't define my style is so deep
Even a divine being would struggle to comprehend the depth and complexity of my rap style.
Like pussy, my low cut fade stay bushy
Similar to the appearance of pubic hair, my short and trimmed haircut remains dense and full.
Like a porcupine, I part backs like a spine
My intimidating demeanor and sharp words cause discomfort, resembling a porcupine's quills as I expose people's weaknesses.
Gut you like a blunt and reconstruct your design
I metaphorically dissect and destroy you, then rebuild and reshape your identity.
I know you want to diss me, but I can read your mind
You have the desire to disrespect and criticize me, but I can easily discern your thoughts and intentions.
Cos you weak in the knees, like SWV
You feel weak and powerless when confronted by my skills, similar to the way SWV's song made people weak-kneed.
Trying to get a title like Wu Killa Bee
Attempting to achieve the esteemed status and recognition of a member of the Wu-Tang Clan.
Kid change your habit, you know I'm friends with the Abbott
You should alter your behavior and lifestyle, as I have a close relationship with the leader of the Wu-Tang Clan.
Me and RZA Rob name printed in the tablet
Both RZA and I have our names immortalized and recorded in history.
Under vets, we paid our debts for mad years
We, as experienced veterans, have fulfilled our obligations and responsibilities for many years.
Hibernate the sound, and now we out like bears
We temporarily withdraw and silence our music, just like bears entering a period of hibernation.
In Born Power, born physically, power speaking
Within the Wu-Tang Clan's record label, we possess immense physical strength and powerful voices in our music.
The truth in the song be the pro-black teaching
The essence of this song is a sincere dedication to uplifting and empowering the black community.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ROBERT F. DIGGS, DENNIS DAVID COLES, LAMONT HAWKINS, DARRYL ROBERT HILL, ELGIN EVANDER TURNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tony DeGregorio
The older i get, the more i realize that EVERY SINGLE MEMBER of the Wu could be in the list of the illest rhyme spitters of all time. The talent these dudes had is massively understated.
Adam Maskell
totally agree
Tony DeGregorio
I'm startin to lean more towards Raekwon bein my favorite. Then somedays i think Ghostface is the best. You really can't have a favorite for long cuz they all outshine each other constantly haha.
Wormanatti
+Tony DeGregorio Same struggle for me. Rae my favorite been when I go thru Ghost catalog I'm like dang Ghost got some heat & crazy underated.
Tony DeGregorio
Wormanatti Real talk.
Jordan McKnight
real talk! 💪
Marcos Mejia
it's hard to compare one to another in this group. Let's just appreciate them as the best hip hop group of all-time
Mario V
Sorry bone thugs gets my vote
daniel wilson
Word!! Wu is Forever.. nobody touching that crew..
FettyWapsMissingEye
If we count OutKast I gotta give it to them but if not Wu tang absolutely