Discography:
AKA the Rugged Child (1994)
The Lost Generation (1996)
Manchild (1999)
The Greatest Story Never Told (2004)
Disrespectfully Speaking (2009)
5 Elements
Shyheim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Rubbabandz Pop Da Brown Hornet Down Low Reka Junelover)
Motherfuckin GP in the motherfuckin house
With shorty Shy
[Rubbabandz]
Yo.. yo.. I raise all hell when I start to stain
I bring drama to your earpiece when I bust
Raps niggaz collapse in fact turn to slush
It only takes a second to die
It only takes a minute to get high
The hoods that I run with really don't care
Bustin at God with our pistols in the air
[Pop Da Brown Hornet]
No more loses, I'm bringin in da bosses
You want to get rich, bet on me, motherfuck them horses
I'm black, too good, deadly like a luger
I live day by day, but my mind set on the future
Drunk with vexism, handin out bad desicions
Got shit locked like state prisons
MC destroyer, bring it, I got somethin for ya
When I'm red niggaz die from paranoia
Sureshot, play yourself, get got, forget me not
Or I'll be runnin shit in ya' spot
Die Hard, crackin shit, like Ty Cobb
Keep it real, plus stay black, roll with a tight mob
Forever high, I'm the type of guy to puff chocolate thai
Then blow the smoke all in your eye
You're blinded, the rap style I possess, you can't find it
That's why you want to constantly rewind it
[Down Low Reka]
Yo, D. Allah represent at sparkin mics like flint
With style that you can inhale and get the nigga bent
Cash Rules, no choice but bein top biller
Have ya blinded by the fire like that bitch in the killer
You know I'm iller, than the caviar, with these rhythms
That's Acquired to break down Immune Systems
In any battle I'm-a come in first
With raw techniques that shock ya ear like a fuckin curse
I like sex after Ballentine Triple X
Understandin, I run through hoes like Barry Sanders
Niggaz get lost in the land
Reachin, it'll cost your hand, now ya sink in the sand
[Shyheim]
I'm-a live shorty, word up, the shit ain't hard to tell
I kill verses, just like, napsilnac to sperm cells
My lifestyle, it didn't change, I'm still the same
Nike sneakers, Guess jeans and gold chains
The Rugged Child be bringin drama to your system like drugs
Live and direct, from New York like Lugz
Is it the ruckus you want, come and get that ass lynched
You complain to throw, I play your jake with a twelve inch
Kid, I be just fuckin in the cut, on some Shaolin what
Jiggy-June bust a nut
[Junelover]
Who dares to test me, bring it to the cypher
Niggaz you don't really want to see the God hyper
Active, make teachers run back for practice
And tell they proteges, they can't fuck with the tactics
So give me room, when I speaks with verbal knowledge
You put your best man, even if he went to college
With this mutation, I serve like a chef
What do you know, I be that nigga squeezin air from your last breath
Got you gaspin from suffocation
Then I leave without a clue nor an explanation
It's the mister hip hop, be -boy, rap addict
Static, you don't want, cause when I brings it, it get tragic
Faggot, now put an H on your chest and handle
Whatever comes at ya, best believe I'ma gat ya
Now move back from this Jack, you can't touch it
Cause if you do, you catch a buck 50 muggin
I'm thuggish, with enough stamina to damage ya
crew, plus jerk em like a crooked ass manager
Corrupt indeed, my mind is the backbone of evil
Causin me to to hurt innocent people
Niggaz playin hard rocks on the wrong block
Thinkin it be you until I let the nine glock
Pa-POP, my man shitted all in his pants
It's the same old song and dance
And I'm out motherfuckers!
The song "5 Elements" by Shyheim featuring GP Wu is a heavily braggadocious rap song that shows off the lyrical prowess of the various members of the Wu-Tang Clan-affiliated group GP Wu. Each rapper's verse focuses on their individual abilities and styles, with Rubbabandz boasting about his ability to threaten others with his raps, Pop Da Brown Hornet rapping about his deadly nature and future-minded mindset, Down Low Reka using sports analogies to describe his approach to rap, Shyheim emphasizing his consistency and "shorty" status, and Junelover rapping about his verbal acumen and willingness to do harm to those who cross him. The song is named after the five elements of the Wu-Tang's philosophy: water, fire, wood, metal, and earth, and is meant to embody these elements in its lyrical content.
One interesting fact about this song is that GP Wu was a Staten Island-based rap group that was affiliated with the Wu-Tang Clan, but was never signed to the Clan's record label, Wu-Tang Records. Another is that the group's name comes from the Wu-Tang Clan's philosophy on life as a "genius within [one's] universal" or "G.U.", with GP Wu standing for "Genius Productions Wu-Tang United". Additionally, the members of GP Wu were all childhood friends of Wu-Tang Clan member Method Man, and would often perform with him at live shows. The group only released one album, "Don't Go Against the Grain", which is considered a cult classic within the Wu-Tang Clan's discography.
Another interesting fact about "5 Elements" is that it was produced by Wu-Tang Clan member RZA, who often produced tracks for the Wu-Tang's affiliates and collaborated with other hip-hop artists outside of the Clan. Additionally, Shyheim, the lead rapper on the track, was a member of the Wu-Tang Clan's "extended family" and was featured on many Wu-Tang Clan albums and songs, including "Wu-Tang Forever" and "Shaolin Style". However, he was eventually dropped from the Clan's roster due to issues with his personal life and criminal acts.
Overall, "5 Elements" is a classic example of Wu-Tang Clan-affiliated rap music from the 1990s, showcasing the unique styles and lyrical abilities of each member of GP Wu. Its focus on the five elements of the Wu-Tang philosophy and its aggressive, boastful lyrics make it a standout track within the culture of New York City rap in the 90s.
Chords: The chords for this song are not available as it does not prominently feature any instruments.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo.. yo.. I raise all hell when I start to stain
I create chaos when I begin to rap
Crab niggaz I recon you recognize the grain
If you're a hater, you already know who I am
I bring drama to your earpiece when I bust
My rap style is full of tension and excitement
Raps niggaz collapse in fact turn to slush
My raps are so powerful they can physically affect you
It only takes a second to die
Death can come swiftly and unexpectedly
It only takes a minute to get high
You can get hooked on drugs quickly
The hoods that I run with really don't care
My crew is fearless and unbothered
Bustin at God with our pistols in the air
We are willing to fight anyone, even God
No more loses, I'm bringin in da bosses
I'm done losing, and now I'm in charge
You want to get rich, bet on me, motherfuck them horses
If you want to succeed, stick with me instead of gambling on horses
I'm black, too good, deadly like a luger
I am proud of my blackness, and I am a force to be reckoned with
I live day by day, but my mind set on the future
I take things one day at a time, but I am always planning for the future
Drunk with vexism, handin out bad desicions
I sometimes act recklessly when I'm angry, making poor choices
Got shit locked like state prisons
I have complete control over the situation, like a prison guard
MC destroyer, bring it, I got somethin for ya
I am a skilled rapper and I am ready to take on anyone
When I'm red niggaz die from paranoia
When I'm angry, people are afraid
Sureshot, play yourself, get got, forget me not
If you don't play it smart, you will suffer the consequences
Or I'll be runnin shit in ya' spot
If you're not careful, I'll take over your position
Die Hard, crackin shit, like Ty Cobb
I am resilient and powerful, like the baseball player Ty Cobb
Keep it real, plus stay black, roll with a tight mob
Stay true to yourself and your culture, and surround yourself with a close group of friends
Forever high, I'm the type of guy to puff chocolate thai
I enjoy smoking weed and it makes me feel good
Then blow the smoke all in your eye
I don't care about your feelings or your well-being
You're blinded, the rap style I possess, you can't find it
My rap style is unique and can't be replicated
That's why you want to constantly rewind it
You can't get enough of my music
Yo, D. Allah represent at sparkin mics like flint
I am a skilled MC who ignites the mic
With style that you can inhale and get the nigga bent
My style is intoxicating and captivating
Cash Rules, no choice but bein top biller
Money is important, and I always strive to be on top
Have ya blinded by the fire like that bitch in the killer
I can blind you with my talent and success, like the character in the movie 'The Killer'
You know I'm iller, than the caviar, with these rhythms
My rhymes are better than the finest food
That's Acquired to break down Immune Systems
My rhymes are so strong they can affect your health
In any battle I'm-a come in first
I always win in rap battles
With raw techniques that shock ya ear like a fuckin curse
My raw and aggressive style can be shocking and overwhelming
I like sex after Ballentine Triple X
I enjoy sex after drinking certain types of alcohol
Understandin, I run through hoes like Barry Sanders
I have a lot of sex partners, like the football player Barry Sanders was known for outrunning his opponents
Niggaz get lost in the land
People get confused and lost in life
Reachin, it'll cost your hand, now ya sink in the sand
If you aim too high, it can have negative consequences and you may fail
I'm-a live shorty, word up, the shit ain't hard to tell
I'm a young person who knows how to live life to the fullest
I kill verses, just like, napsilnac to sperm cells
I destroy rhymes and beats like poison to sperm cells
My lifestyle, it didn't change, I'm still the same
Despite my success, I haven't changed as a person
Nike sneakers, Guess jeans and gold chains
I am still representing my culture and style through my clothing
The Rugged Child be bringin drama to your system like drugs
My music can be addicting and bring excitement to your life
Live and direct, from New York like Lugz
I am from New York and represent it in my music, like the shoe brand Lugz
Is it the ruckus you want, come and get that ass lynched
If you want to fight, I am ready and willing to take you down
You complain to throw, I play your jake with a twelve inch
If you cause problems, I will confront you with my weapon
Kid, I be just fuckin in the cut, on some Shaolin what
I am staying hidden and safe, taking a break from the drama
Jiggy-June bust a nut
I am sexually active and enjoy having sex
Who dares to test me, bring it to the cypher
I am confident in my skills and ready for anyone to challenge me
Niggaz you don't really want to see the God hyper
You don't want to see me when I am angry or upset
Active, make teachers run back for practice
My energy and charisma makes even teachers excited and motivated
And tell they proteges, they can't fuck with the tactics
Even the people who learn from them can't match my skills
So give me room, when I speaks with verbal knowledge
I have important things to say and I demand attention and respect
You put your best man, even if he went to college
Even your most educated or skilled person can't compare to me
With this mutation, I serve like a chef
With my unique and special talent, I create and serve great things like a chef
What do you know, I be that nigga squeezin air from your last breath
I am powerful enough to take your life and leave you with nothing
Got you gaspin from suffocation
I can leave you feeling helpless and unable to breathe
Then I leave without a clue nor an explanation
I will not explain myself or my actions to anyone
It's the mister hip hop, be boy, rap addict
I am devoted to hip hop and am a skilled rapper and breakdancer
Static, you don't want, cause when I brings it, it get tragic
I am not someone to mess with or underestimate
Faggot, now put an H on your chest and handle
You need to man up and take responsibility for yourself
Whatever comes at ya, best believe I'ma gat ya
I will always protect myself and come out on top
Now move back from this Jack, you can't touch it
Back off and stay away from me and what I represent
Cause if you do, you catch a buck 50 muggin
If you mess with me, you'll get injured or hurt
I'm thuggish, with enough stamina to damage ya
I am tough and can handle anything thrown at me
crew, plus jerk em like a crooked ass manager
I am comfortable manipulating others for my own benefit
Corrupt indeed, my mind is the backbone of evil
I am not a good person and my thoughts drive me to do harmful things
Causin me to to hurt innocent people
My actions have negative consequences for others who do not deserve it
Niggaz playin hard rocks on the wrong block
There are people pretending to be tough in the wrong neighborhood
Thinkin it be you until I let the nine glock
They believe they are in control until I show them my gun
Pa-POP, my man shitted all in his pants
Someone nearby is so scared they have lost control of their bodily functions
It's the same old song and dance
This situation is common and nothing new
And I'm out motherfuckers!
I'm done with this and leaving
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: ARBY QUINN, ISAAC BOOKER, ROBERT BRIGGS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind