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
Money Dont Own Me
Rza Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've got to keep holdin' my own
Heaven, heaven
The dangerous dynamite dosage, mind full of explosives
Digital brain is the closest to Moses
Civilizin? came, the flame inside the holster
Revitalize the game, the name's on the poster
The mask with no cape, the flash'll crush grapes
The dancer on the lap, the ass with no face
It's shaped like an ace, say your grace before you taste it
Haste makes waste, slow down or you may waste it
The bunny in the car look like an Indian squall
The honey's in the jar, the money's in the bra
It's funny ha ha ha, how dummies, ha ha ha
Think 'cause we call 'em sunny they can be a star
I implement the instrument, disintegrate the 10 percent
You entered the square but you don't know where the circle went
You ain't worth the cent, you cursed, I birthed the Prince
Drenched the baby from creators that the nurses sent
You can't still convent, don't have seven cents
Grave the raven, my birds are heaven sent
Where the brethren went? Where the Reverend went?
I told you these words are heaven sent
My woman and my money don't own me
I've got to keep holdin' my own
It's time to show you how them rugged MC's rock
If that's steel you see, it's that steel I pop
If that Benz I want, it's that Benz I got
Who rock them white tees first, get a West Cost props
Can't nobody do it better than the West Coast veteran
Three six letterman, Monk's the name
Black Knights the gang, I'll ignite the flames
Strike my hood up on the wall and cross out your name
With a K on the end of it, that won't be the end of it
Till them guns is drawn and you standin? on the end of it
Poof be gone, I'ma write that wrong
I'm the shit all by myself, nobody writes my song
Peep my technique, strictly gangsta classics
Gun talk nigga, muthafuck theatrics
My flow is matchless, ain't no way you could surpass this
Level I'm on, better go home and try to practice
Why yes, am I next to impress
D T S, bless the best, no cess
Stress from guess to gold press
The quest to protest, we head the Pro-Keds
But this is the new improved shit
'08 from the AMG, '92, bitch
My woman and my money don't own me
I've got to keep holdin' my own
Keep holdin'?, keep holdin'?
Keep holdin'?, keep holdin'?, no
The first two lines in RZA's song Money Don't Own Me convey that he is not owned by his woman or his wealth. He emphasizes that he needs to keep owning himself, which means that he needs to remain self-reliant and self-sufficient to be truly free. The rest of the lyrics delve into various themes, including revolution, materialism, and the West Coast hip-hop scene.
The chorus of the song reminds listeners that RZA is not controlled by external factors but rather by his own decisions and actions. The following lines references a dangerous dosage of dynamite and the concept of digital brains. RZA compares himself to Moses and highlights how he seeks to revitalize the game through this digital-age Moses persona.
RZA's lyrics repeatedly criticize materialism and the accompanying destructive behaviors it inspires. He talks about a woman in a car with an Indian squall, honey in a jar, money in a bra, and dummies who think they can be a star just because they are called "sunny." RZA uses creative metaphors and wordplay to address the harmful effects of materialism. The final verse focuses on feeling good about oneself and being true to one's talents and abilities.
Overall, RZA's Money Don't Own Me is a call for personal empowerment through maintaining agency over oneself and rejecting the trappings of materialism.
Line by Line Meaning
My woman and my money don't own me
I value my personal autonomy and independence over romantic relationships and financial wealth.
I've got to keep holdin' my own
I must maintain my individuality and self-sufficiency in all aspects of my life.
Heaven, heaven
A feeling of euphoria and righteousness.
The dangerous dynamite dosage, mind full of explosives
Powerful capabilities and potential for destruction.
Digital brain is the closest to Moses
The closest thing to a divine presence in technology.
Civilizin? came, the flame inside the holster
The revitalization of hip hop and its cultural impact.
Revitalize the game, the name's on the poster
My contribution to this revitalization is influential and well-known.
The mask with no cape, the flash'll crush grapes
My persona is not necessarily one of heroism, but I still have the ability to make an impact.
The dancer on the lap, the ass with no face
A reference to the objectification of women and the emphasis on physical beauty over personality or individuality.
It's shaped like an ace, say your grace before you taste it
The dangers of excess and indulgence.
Haste makes waste, slow down or you may waste it
The importance of being cautious and mindful of one's actions.
The bunny in the car look like an Indian squall
A comparison of a woman to an object that reinforces racist and sexist stereotypes.
The honey's in the jar, the money's in the bra
The objectification of women and their roles as sexual objects.
It's funny ha ha ha, how dummies, ha ha ha
A sarcastic commentary on how society views those who are superficial and unobservant.
Think 'cause we call 'em sunny they can be a star
A criticism of how the entertainment industry overvalues physical attractiveness.
I implement the instrument, disintegrate the 10 percent
I am able to use my platform to remove and diminish those who are unnecessary or unhelpful.
You entered the square but you don't know where the circle went
A metaphor for those who don't understand the larger picture or context of a situation.
You ain't worth the cent, you cursed, I birthed the Prince
The idea that some people are not deserving of recognition or respect.
Drenched the baby from creators that the nurses sent
A reference to my talent as an artist being a gift from a higher power.
You can't still convent, don't have seven cents
You cannot take what you do not have.
Grave the raven, my birds are heaven sent
A metaphor for how my art is inspired by a higher power.
Where the brethren went? Where the Reverend went?
A reflection on the current state of the community and the role of religious leaders.
I told you these words are heaven sent
My lyrics are divinely inspired and hold significant meaning.
It's time to show you how them rugged MC's rock
It's time to demonstrate what true hip hop artists can do.
If that's steel you see, it's that steel I pop
If you see me with a weapon, I have no hesitation to use it.
If that Benz I want, it's that Benz I got
I have the ability to obtain whatever it is that I want.
Who rock them white tees first, get a West Cost props
A reference to the origins and culture of hip hop on the West Coast.
Can't nobody do it better than the West Coast veteran
The skill and experience of West Coast hip hop artists is unparalleled.
Three six letterman, Monk's the name
A reference to my status as a skilled and experienced lyricist.
Black Knights the gang, I'll ignite the flames
My associates and I have significant power and influence.
Strike my hood up on the wall and cross out your name
A challenge to those who may dare to disrespect me or my community.
With a K on the end of it, that won't be the end of it
If you cross me, the repercussions will be significant.
Till them guns is drawn and you standin? on the end of it
I am willing to use violence and force to defend myself and my community.
Poof be gone, I'ma write that wrong
I have the ability to right wrongs and hold others accountable.
I'm the shit all by myself, nobody writes my song
I am skilled and capable enough to succeed on my own.
Peep my technique, strictly gangsta classics
My style of hip hop is rooted in traditional gangsta rap.
Gun talk nigga, muthafuck theatrics
My lyrics are raw and authentic, not just for show.
My flow is matchless, ain't no way you could surpass this
My lyrical ability is unparalleled.
Level I'm on, better go home and try to practice
Those who wish to compete with me must be willing to hone their skills.
Why yes, am I next to impress
I am confident in my skills and know that I am capable of impressing others.
D T S, bless the best, no cess
The quality of my work is unquestionable.
Stress from guess to gold press
I have come a long way and my hard work has paid off.
The quest to protest, we head the Pro-Keds
A reference to my commitment to cultural significance through my artistry.
But this is the new improved shit
My music has progressed and improved significantly.
'08 from the AMG, '92, bitch
A reference to the time period in which I released my music, as well as a display of confidence and bravado.
Contributed by Eliana O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Javier B.
Wish this was on spotify
Jason Barnette
Rza drop so many jewelz in a bar or two if you don’t listen close you’ll miss out on one to grow on.
TheLzå Tsatoke III
That hidden track 0 day...
Boom Mouse Productions
Anybody else here in the year 3000?? #WuTangForever
Eternal Mind
🎶🎶
#MyGraneMcNastee
#ImOverHeaeNow
Nixablo ByrdSauce
Certified