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
Built for This
Rza Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They coming for me, time is money no Audemar
See bar-for-bar, I keep it pushing no R&R
No foreign broads and no promotion for foreign cars
The game is ours, let's keep it funky who said he was
Like Staten Island, Italians bleed spaghetti sauce
If y'all ain't shaking or stacking than y'all already lost
Already cross the light, Christ I'm ready for 'em
I'm taking names, I'll take your chain take this hunger
Pain, pain, pain
Then you feel the thunder and rain I don't talk it like the rainbow
I get it done and the game y'all
Do me a favor, don't ever play with my ball
Never been a player-hater I just ain't playing with y'all
You watching lame but look I'm taking the charge
Going hard will get you two shots now I'm facing the charge
Fire up the la let's go take a ride
They might catch you by surprise if you let 'em slide
But if you're built for this shit then you might survive
Guess I'll see you when you wake up on the other side
Fire up the la let's go take a ride
They might catch you by surprise if you let 'em slide
But if you're built for this shit then you might survive
Guess I'll see you when you wake up on that other side
Sort of like Mike at the United Center
Madison Square, Boston Garden I straight ignite on niggas
Lil' nigga your raps ain't no fire, that shit'll collapse so don't try
I scribble and scratch down in my pad that no lie
That no fake, that uncut, that straight drop, what the fuck
I'm pulled over by the jakes, a twenty-eight up in my nuts
For 'em took away in cuffs I'd rather lay up in the dust
Feel like fuck a friend a hundred million haters ain't enough
Twist it up
Life is a blunt and the world is my ash tray
I got them quarters and them halves just meet me like halfway
And I need a hundred percent of my profit ain't fucking with half pay
Ain't taking no shorts or losses bitch we ain't fronting no tag day
As I can recollect, praying to God this dope'll stretch
Turn mobster warners, work these corners like P90X
Chilling and waiting, patient retaliation just ain't find me yet
I'll take it into heaven, you couldn't buy me that, remind me that
Fire up the la let's go take a ride
They might catch you by surprise if you let 'em slide
But if you're built for this shit then you might survive
Guess I'll see you when you wake up on the other side
Fire up the la let's go take a ride
They might catch you by surprise if you let 'em slide
But if you're built for this shit then you might survive
Guess I'll see you when you wake up on that other side
It's the world's worst, quick to snatch your man purse
And leave your body head first in the stretched hearse
Murder she wrote, I'm known to spit a killer verse
And leave a player blood spilling on his linen shirt
You can Google my name but you ain't gotta search
I'm right here in the streets, I'm putting in work
Go ahead, fuck around and get your feelings hurt
Or, you can get carried outta your local church
I'm from the old school, I do my own dirt
Mama raised no fool, I did my own work
Keep your wifey close, she's a little flirt
I knew her since '03, I hit the pussy first
I'm the reason why your baby mama water burst
I've been marvelous since birth, you can ask my Earth
It's not a problem to show you how the shotty work
I put your body in the dirt, but what the dollars worth
Fire up the la let's go take a ride
They might catch you by surprise if you let 'em slide
But if you're built for this shit then you might survive
Guess I'll see you when you wake up on the other side
Fire up the la let's go take a ride
They might catch you by surprise if you let 'em slide
But if you're built for this shit then you might survive
Guess I'll see you when you wake up on that other side, I'm built for it nigga
In these lyrics, RZA and Flatbush Zombies convey their confidence and determination in the rap game. They compare themselves to iconic figures like Malcolm X and Michael Jordan, highlighting their own greatness and ability to excel. They assert their dominance and readiness to face any challenges or obstacles that come their way.
The references to Staten Island and Italians bleeding spaghetti sauce represent their roots and cultural heritage. They proclaim that they are focused on success and aren't interested in fame or materialistic displays like foreign cars and women. Instead, their focus is on their own skills and talent.
RZA and Flatbush Zombies also emphasize their resilience and drive in the face of adversity. They are willing to put in the work and make sacrifices to achieve their goals. They express a hunger for success and acknowledge the pain and struggle that comes with it, but they are determined to overcome it and reach the top.
The lyrics also touch on their street credibility, boasting about their ability to handle themselves in dangerous situations and their readiness to stand up for themselves and their values. They project a fearless image, unafraid to face any consequences or enemies that may arise.
Overall, these lyrics paint a picture of confident and determined artists who are fully committed to their craft and willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. They showcase their unique style, cultural influences, and strength in the face of challenges, making it clear that they are built for the rap game.
Line by Line Meaning
Sort of like Malcolm at the Audubon
Similar to the historic figure Malcolm X speaking passionately and fearlessly at the Audubon Ballroom
They coming for me, time is money no Audemar
I am aware that there are people trying to bring me down, and I value my time greatly
See bar-for-bar, I keep it pushing no R&R
When it comes to rapping, I continuously deliver without taking any breaks or rest
No foreign broads and no promotion for foreign cars
I do not indulge in relationships or promote expensive foreign cars
The game is ours, let's keep it funky who said he was
We are in control of the music industry, and we should stay true to ourselves and ignore those who claim they are superior
Like Staten Island, Italians bleed spaghetti sauce
Similar to Staten Island, where Italians are prominent, blood is shed and violence is prevalent
If y'all ain't shaking or stacking than y'all already lost
If you are not actively making moves or accumulating wealth, you are already defeated
Already cross the light, Christ I'm ready for 'em
I have already overcome the obstacles and challenges, and I am prepared for whatever comes my way
Plus anybody that saying no, I'm taking numbers
I am noting down the names of those who reject or doubt me
I'm taking names, I'll take your chain take this hunger
I am not only collecting names, but I am also ready to take your possessions and showcase my ambition
Pain, pain, pain
I am accustomed to enduring hardships and setbacks
Then you feel the thunder and rain I don't talk it like the rainbow
Once you face the consequences of your actions, you will experience my power and authority firsthand, without any false or empty promises
I get it done and the game y'all
I achieve my goals and succeed in the music industry, unlike others
Do me a favor, don't ever play with my ball
Please refrain from underestimating or disrespecting my skills and talents
Never been a player-hater I just ain't playing with y'all
I do not hold any grudges against successful individuals, I am simply not associating myself with them
You watching lame but look I'm taking the charge
You may be observing and criticizing my actions, but I am taking full responsibility and taking control of the situation
Going hard will get you two shots now I'm facing the charge
Being determined and putting in maximum effort may lead to facing consequences, just like I am now
Fire up the la let's go take a ride
Let's ignite the drugs and embark on a journey
They might catch you by surprise if you let 'em slide
If you allow yourself to be careless, others may catch you off guard
But if you're built for this shit then you might survive
However, if you possess the necessary strength and resilience, you may be able to endure and come out alive
Guess I'll see you when you wake up on the other side
If you manage to survive, I will see you when you recover or experience the consequences of your actions
Sort of like Mike at the United Center
Similar to the legendary basketball player Michael Jordan performing exceptionally at the United Center
Madison Square, Boston Garden I straight ignite on niggas
When in places like Madison Square Garden or Boston Garden, I dominate and excel in my performances
Lil' nigga your raps ain't no fire, that shit'll collapse so don't try
Young rapper, your lyrics lack energy and authenticity, they will crumble under scrutiny, so do not attempt to compete
I scribble and scratch down in my pad that no lie
I write with honesty and sincerity in my notebook
That no fake, that uncut, that straight drop, what the fuck
My lyrics are genuine, unfiltered, and raw, expressing my disbelief of anything less
I'm pulled over by the jakes, a twenty-eight up in my nuts
I am stopped by the police, carrying an illegal firearm in my underwear
For 'em took away in cuffs I'd rather lay up in the dust
I would prefer to be in a grave than be arrested and humiliated
Feel like fuck a friend a hundred million haters ain't enough
I have so many enemies and critics that the number of people who dislike me surpasses a hundred million
Twist it up
Roll a joint
Life is a blunt and the world is my ash tray
Life is like a blunt, and the world serves as a receptacle for all the waste and negativity
I got them quarters and them halves just meet me like halfway
I possess both smaller and larger amounts of drugs for sale, so meet me halfway if you want to make a purchase
And I need a hundred percent of my profit ain't fucking with half pay
I demand the full amount of money I am owed and will not accept partial payment
Ain't taking no shorts or losses bitch we ain't fronting no tag day
I refuse to accept any disadvantages or failures, I am not pretending to be weak or in need of assistance
As I can recollect, praying to God this dope'll stretch
From what I can remember, I am requesting divine intervention, hoping that the drugs I possess will last longer
Turn mobster warners, work these corners like P90X
I transform into a mafia leader, controlling drug distribution and maintaining physical fitness like the intense workout program P90X
Chilling and waiting, patient retaliation just ain't find me yet
I am relaxed and biding my time, waiting for the perfect moment to seek revenge
I'll take it into heaven, you couldn't buy me that, remind me that
Even if you were to offer me a fortune, you cannot purchase entry into heaven, so keep that in mind
It's the world's worst, quick to snatch your man purse
I am the worst kind of person in this world, swiftly stealing your belongings
And leave your body head first in the stretched hearse
I will cause your death and leave your lifeless corpse in a stretched hearse
Murder she wrote, I'm known to spit a killer verse
Similar to a detective novel titled 'Murder She Wrote,' I am recognized for delivering deadly and impactful rap verses
And leave a player blood spilling on his linen shirt
I will cause a fellow musician to bleed profusely and stain his elegant shirt
You can Google my name but you ain't gotta search
Feel free to search for me on Google, but I am confident that you will instantly find what you're looking for
I'm right here in the streets, I'm putting in work
I exist and thrive in the streets, actively engaging in illicit activities
Go ahead, fuck around and get your feelings hurt
Proceed with caution, as you may end up emotionally wounded
Or, you can get carried outta your local church
Alternatively, you may be carried out of your own funeral service
I'm from the old school, I do my own dirt
I come from a traditional background where I handle my own illegal activities
Mama raised no fool, I did my own work
My mother did not raise a naive individual, I have always taken care of my responsibilities
Keep your wifey close, she's a little flirt
Be cautious with your wife, as she tends to be flirtatious
I knew her since '03, I hit the pussy first
I have been acquainted with her since 2003, and I engaged in sexual relations with her before anyone else
I'm the reason why your baby mama water burst
I am the cause of your child's mother experiencing her water breaking during labor
I've been marvelous since birth, you can ask my Earth
I have been exceptional and extraordinary from the moment I was born, you can confirm this with my mother
It's not a problem to show you how the shotty work
Demonstrating how a shotgun operates is not an issue for me
I put your body in the dirt, but what the dollars worth
I will bury your lifeless body, but I question the actual value or significance of money in the grand scheme of things
Fire up the la let's go take a ride
Ignite the marijuana and embark on a journey
They might catch you by surprise if you let 'em slide
If you are not vigilant, others may catch you off guard and exploit your vulnerabilities
But if you're built for this shit then you might survive
However, if you possess the necessary strength and resilience, you have a chance of enduring and making it through
Guess I'll see you when you wake up on the other side
If you manage to survive, I will see you when you recover or face the consequences on the other side
Fire up the la let's go take a ride
Ignite the marijuana and embark on a journey
They might catch you by surprise if you let 'em slide
If you are not vigilant, others may catch you off guard and exploit your vulnerabilities
But if you're built for this shit then you might survive
However, if you possess the necessary strength and resilience, you have a chance of enduring and making it through
Guess I'll see you when you wake up on that other side
If you manage to survive, I will see you when you recover or face the consequences on the other side
I'm built for it nigga
I am prepared and equipped to handle the challenges and pressures of this lifestyle
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Adam Feeney, Patrick Charles, Clifford Smith, Fredrick Tipton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind