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
Biochemical Equation
Rza Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With wild imaginings that you can't discuss
Oh, the flesh is weak, it's a struggle for peace
It's a daily conflict between man and beast
We strive for God and a better tomorrow
Still suffering from the unforgettable sorrow
Repent from thy sins, son, and walk ye straight
Stop talkin' all that trash, boy, and talk ye straight
Still, I wouldn't give an oint'
Or flinch an inch or pitch a pinch
Off the pie or ever try to try your wench
Confronted by the Devil Himself and stayed strong
You think you can take the king, now meet Kong
Strong as the base of a mountain, there's no countin'
How many MCs have sprung from our fountain
Fifty-thou' a year process to make this combination
I'm not givin' mine away to Satan
Although I know that he's awaitin'
To get a hold of my biochemical equation
I'ma slip him, son, I'ma dip him, son
When I catch the drop on him, I'ma clip him, son
Fifty-thou' a year process to make this combination
Ninety-nine elements, biochemical manifestation
I'm not giving mines away to Satan
Although, I know that he's awaitin'
I'ma slip him, son, I'ma dip him, son
When I catch the drop on him, I'ma clip him, son
Bet, ahk straight to the head with the pet rock
At least 'til I can get from out this booth it's like a sweatbox
Trade a few bars of head noddin' throw us a stack
Pay him and it's sewed up like thread and bobbin' bonus pack
Invest in the first B-boy kid's show
Live off skid row with jive-talking negros
He wear his beard like a frizzly-haired grizzly
And kept his appearances exquisitely rare, where is he?
Is he in your backyard or on your front porch?
Or standing in the corner of the club with the blunt torched? It's off
They say he rhyme like he starvin' and sold odds and bodkins
To old gods and goblins, golly
I'm just a pest and your worst best friend who mend and rip space-time fabric
Like polyester blend, not a hobby for no knobby-kneed lesser men
Or sloppy like the rest of them, they probably need estrogen (yo, yo)
Drunk or sober, son, don't lose your composure
Semi off the Remy, mixed with Henny, Moët demi'
Underneath the passenger seat, son, tuck the semi'
Israeli-issued automatic black pistol
The cop with the flashlight chew gum as he whistle
Tapped on the glass, roll it down fast
License, registration address to your lab
They made insurance
The reason why I pulled you over?
'Cause the way you were swervin', sir, you can't be sober
Have you been drinkin'? Breathe into the breathalyzer
Get out the car, please, follow this exercise, sir
Put one finger on your nose now
Now from heel to toe walk in a straight line, ten paces down the road
My homeboy, Kano used to do the mashed potato or cartwheel
And then spin out like a tornado
They used to chase him, right but, son, he would always shake 'em
Then come and puff bowls and make beats inside my basement
Drunk or sober, never lose your composure
Stress on the brain cause pain and stomach ulcers
If you can't understand then come closer
We civilized the uncivilized that we supposed to
Drunk or sober, never lose your composure
Mic in your hand, Black man stand as a soldier
Stress on the brain cause pain and stomach ulcers
If you can't understand then come closer
The lyrics of RZA/MF DOOM's "Biochemical Equation" are a reflection of the internal struggle between good and evil. The song talks about the temptation of sinful pleasures and the conflict between man and beast. It portrays the journey of striving for goodness and battling the pressures of life that attempt to push one down the wrong path. The artist reminds listeners to repent from sins, walk straight, and never give away their biochemical equation to Satan. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a determined artist, set on protecting what is valuable, using his skills as a rapper to defend himself, and his heart from evil.
Throughout the song, the artist uses metaphors to represent the battle between good and evil. The flesh is weak, representing man's carnal desires, and it's a struggle to maintain peace between one's conscience and sinful thoughts. The reference to "walking straight" implies the need to remain on the right path, resist temptations, and repent from one's sins. The biochemical equation is a metaphor for a person's unique traits and skills, which the artist is determined to protect from the evil.
Furthermore, the song represents the message of standing firm and never losing one's composure regardless of the situation. Drunk or sober, one must maintain focus, resist urges, and stay true to oneself. Stress can lead to pain and stomach ulcers, but civilized people are supposed to handle it better. The song reflects the need to rely on one's abilities, to stay true to one's passions, and stay true to oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Tempted by the sins of life, the pleasures of lust
Attracted to the worldly desires and immoral actions
With wild imaginings that you can't discuss
Thinking of things too taboo to talk about publicly
Oh, the flesh is weak, it's a struggle for peace
The body is easily influenced by materialistic pleasures and it's hard to find inner peace
It's a daily conflict between man and beast
A constant internal battle between human nature and animal instincts
We strive for God and a better tomorrow
We keep working towards a goal of spiritual enlightenment and a better future
Still suffering from the unforgettable sorrow
Despite the above, we are still hurting from past experiences
Repent from thy sins, son, and walk ye straight
Turn away from wrongdoings and walk the path of righteousness
Stop talkin' all that trash, boy, and talk ye straight
Stop speaking in a vulgar or dishonest manner and be truthful
Afflicted by the pressures of life at every vital point
Constantly dealing with the various stresses of life at every critical point
Still, I wouldn't give an oint' / Or flinch an inch or pitch a pinch
I wouldn't compromise my values or show weakness
Off the pie or ever try to try your wench
I won't compete with you for materialistic gains or romantic partners
Confronted by the Devil Himself and stayed strong / You think you can take the king, now meet Kong
I faced temptation and persevered / You thought you were strong, but you've met your match
Strong as the base of a mountain, there's no countin' / How many MCs have sprung from our fountain
Our music is strong and influential, spawning countless other artists
Fifty-thou' a year process to make this combination / I'm not givin' mine away to Satan / Although I know that he's awaitin' / To get a hold of my biochemical equation
It takes years of practice to create our unique style and I won't sell out for fame or money, even though I know the Devil is waiting to tempt me
I'ma slip him, son, I'ma dip him, son / When I catch the drop on him, I'ma clip him, son
I'll outsmart and defeat the Devil when he comes for me
Ninety-nine elements, biochemical manifestation
Our music is an intricate and complex creation
Bet, ahk straight to the head with the pet rock / At least 'til I can get from out this booth it's like a sweatbox
I'm focused and delivering my words with precision, despite being in an uncomfortable studio
Trade a few bars of head noddin' throw us a stack / Pay him and it's sewed up like thread and bobbin' bonus pack
Collaborating with another artist is easy and profitable for both parties
Invest in the first B-boy kid's show
Spend money on a TV show that showcases youthful hip-hop culture
Live off skid row with jive-talking negros
Living a rough life with other African Americans who talk in a slang dialect
He wear his beard like a frizzly-haired grizzly / And kept his appearances exquisitely rare, where is he?
A man with a wild-looking beard who rarely shows up in public, where is he now?
Is he in your backyard or on your front porch? / Or standing in the corner of the club with the blunt torched? It's off
Where is he hiding, at your house or in the club? It's impossible to tell
They say he rhyme like he starvin' and sold odds and bodkins / To old gods and goblins, golly
People say he raps with the hunger of a poor man, and his lyrics reference mythical beings
I'm just a pest and your worst best friend who mend and rip space-time fabric / Like polyester blend, not a hobby for no knobby-kneed lesser men / Or sloppy like the rest of them, they probably need estrogen (yo, yo)
I'm a nuisance and your close companion who can both fix and damage time and space like polyester blend / This isn't a casual hobby for weak people / Unlike the untalented, I don't need any extra help.
Drunk or sober, son, don't lose your composure / Semi off the Remy, mixed with Henny, Moët demi'
Whether drinking or not, don't let your emotions get the better of you / A mix of different alcohols
Underneath the passenger seat, son, tuck the semi' / Israeli-issued automatic black pistol
Hide the gun under the passenger seat, it's a black automatic weapon of Israeli origin
The cop with the flashlight chew gum as he whistle
The policeman is chewing gum loudly as he whistles
Tapped on the glass, roll it down fast / License, registration address to your lab
The officer knocks on the window, roll it down quickly / Show him your license, registration, and address
They made insurance / The reason why I pulled you over? / 'Cause the way you were swervin', sir, you can't be sober / Have you been drinkin'? Breathe into the breathalyzer /
They created the traffic stop as a way to enforce vehicle insurance laws / The reason for stopping you is because you were driving erratically, implying that you're not sober / Have you been drinking? Blow into the breathalyzer to test your alcohol level
Get out the car, please, follow this exercise, sir / Put one finger on your nose now / Now from heel to toe walk in a straight line, ten paces down the road
Step out of the car and follow these sobriety tests / Touch your nose with your finger, now walk a straight line while keeping your heel to your toe, ten steps down the road
My homeboy, Kano used to do the mashed potato or cartwheel / And then spin out like a tornado
My friend Kano used to dance and do acrobatics like the mashed potato or cartwheels, and spin out afterwards
They used to chase him, right but, son, he would always shake 'em / Then come and puff bowls and make beats inside my basement
People would try to catch Kano, but he always evaded them / Afterwards, he would come over to my house and we would smoke weed and make music
Stress on the brain cause pain and stomach ulcers
Mental anxiety can cause both emotional and physical pain
If you can't understand then come closer
If you don't understand the gravity of stress, take a closer look
We civilized the uncivilized that we supposed to
We helped bring civilization to areas that lacked it
Mic in your hand, Black man stand as a soldier / Stress on the brain cause pain and stomach ulcers
Holding a microphone, a Black man stands as a warrior for change / Even the toughest of us can be affected mentally by the pressures of life
If you can't understand then come closer
If you can't comprehend the depths of the struggle, take a closer look
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Robert Diggs, Daniel Thompson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@astheskylarksings
Potholderz to hold the liquid swords
Metal face skipping through open doors
of 36 chambers,
She don't know me, how could I blame her,
She is a stranger, this is a banger
Your favorite rapper's rapper,
Boxing with my shadow,
Rappers reined in with my lasso,
The walls of this room echo with my laughter,
I'm a disaster whenever I'm sober
Get me confused with leader of Cobra
Fat like Oprah, you GI Joe hoes, how can I help ya?
Sit on dis couch, talk to me a second
Naw, fuck yo couch, this is the lesson,
the metal faced reverend,
I put gospel on these beats
for all of my brethren,
Metal faced straight out the second womb,
make you see shit like taking shrooms.
Get it, see shit like you taking shrooms?
Let him take you across that threshold
and then kick the groom out the room
This world is filled with ghost faced killas
and old dirty bastards,
got Method to that madness and these are the chapters
dont make me crack ya
with metal fingers,
clog your arteries like Lil Debbie Zingers
Zebra Cakes and Swiss Cake Rolls
DOOM in the room come in lookin swoll
Dont make me ring the bell that tells the toll,
Can't see me, only smell me, like some f'in moles
@Indegoat
If only we had a whole album of RZA with DOOM. That shit would be absolutely amazing.
@user-qy4ir9ib7d
triumph(doom remix)? id love to see that
@ATK2112
"All big letters, but it isn't no acronym"
@seanmckenna18
We need a track with the wu and doom
@oskarbremer5406
Oh god that allmost sound unreal
@pa1nted
yeah no joke a DOOM tang clan album would be insane
@nickpeitchev7763
Rest in peace to one of the greatest ever man..
@inocuousaltaccount3103
RIP DOOM
@TheJerbol
rip DOOM
@ironbar5294
RIP MF DOOM..............................................