I Grew Up On Wu-Tang
The Game Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I grew up on the crime side, the New York Times side
Staying alive was no jive
Had secondhands, mom's bounced on old man
So then we moved to Shaolin land
A young youth, yo, rocking the gold tooth, 'Lo goose
Only way I be gettin' the G off was drug loot
And let's start it like this son
Rolling with this one and that one

(Red Wallabies) Buzzing with my Killa Beez
Chronic had my eyes chinky like Compton was the Philippines
Junior prom, red suit, Tasha in that limousine
Tryna suck the head off my dick like a guillotine
Came in her mouth, then gave her some Listerine
Put a condom on and let her grind it like a centipede
(Cash rules everything around me)
Before Dre found me, before my city crowned me
Bummy lil nigga, pussy niggas used to clown me
Had to wear my brother's clothes, them shits used to drown me
6 years passed now I'm banging in the county
Niggas that used to talk shit won't even come around me
Reciting Method Man while my celly just sit there
Niggas know I been on the Wu before Ric Flair
Came home through the hood, GX shining
Now these bitches think I'm Lex Diamonds

Nigga I grew up on Wu-Tang
Nigga I grew up on Wu-Tang
(Cash rules everything around me)
(Cash rules everything around me)

I grew up on Wu-Tang, dope had my shoe game Liu Kang
Jordan 12's sick as hell, Michael Jordan flu game
Glass jar, Pyrex, obsessed with the blue flame
Lexus coupe, rubbing on them titties boy, 2 Chainz
Top of the food chain, niggas wanna kill me
'Cause I turned into the plug, I'm where the chronic and the pills be
RZA with the rings, Ol' Dirty with the stainless
Five .38 revolvers, thirty-six chambers
Killah like Ghostface, as the Rollie rotate
Daytons on the S-Class equipped with the floor safe
And we had the stash spots with them red and blue tops
Chronic in the GLAAD lock, the dope spot padlocked
In the living room bagging shit up watching Matlock
Black Glock, crack rock bundled in my black socks
And my mama working late, skinny nigga serving weight
Let the chronic circulate the Purple Tape

I grew up on Wu-Tang
Nigga I grew up on Wu-Tang




(Cash rules everything around me)
(Cash rules everything around me, C.R.E.A.M. get the money, dollar, dollar bill y'all)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "I Grew Up On Wu-Tang" by The Game paint a vivid picture of the artist's upbringing and the influence of the Wu-Tang Clan, a legendary hip-hop group from New York. In the first verse, the Game describes growing up in a tough neighborhood, referred to as the "crime side" and the "New York Times side." He emphasizes that staying alive was a serious matter, suggesting the dangers and challenges he faced.


The artist also touches on his family situation, mentioning that his mother left his father and they moved to Shaolin land, which refers to Staten Island, where the Wu-Tang Clan originated. As a young person living in this environment, he adopted a rebellious persona, proudly wearing a gold tooth and a "Lo goose" (a Goose Down jacket). He mentions his involvement in drug dealing as a means to survive and make money, also referencing Wu-Tang Clan's influence again with the line "And let's start it like this son, rolling with this one and that one," alluding to the Clan's recurring theme of unity and camaraderie.


Moving on to the second verse, the Game reminisces about his past experiences with women and the lifestyle associated with his involvement in drugs. He mentions Red Wallabies, a popular brand of shoes, and how he used to be under the influence of marijuana to the point where his eyes looked "chinky," a derogatory term commonly used to stereotype Asians. He refers to a specific memory of his junior prom, where he wore a red suit and shared a limousine with a woman named Tasha who performed sexual acts on him. The explicit imagery used in the line about guillotines and Listerine adds a provocative element to these memories.


The lyrics then shift towards the Game's rise to fame in the music industry, mentioning the influential producer Dr. Dre and how he was discovered by him. He reflects on his humble beginnings, noting how people used to mock and underestimate him. He describes being so poor that he had to wear his brother's clothes, which made him feel insignificant. The Game then alludes to his time spent in prison, where he recites Method Man lyrics while his cellmate watches. This demonstrates his deep connection and appreciation for Wu-Tang Clan's music, which was a constant in his life, even during hardships.


The final verse continues to highlight the Game's admiration for the Wu-Tang Clan, referring to their iconic logo, "W," as GX (Game's acronym) and comparing his shining success to that of the renowned rapper Lex Diamonds (a fictional Wu-Tang Clan character created by Raekwon). He reflects on his journey from poverty to a position of wealth and power, proudly showcasing his success and the luxuries he now enjoys.


Overall, "I Grew Up On Wu-Tang" is a reflection on The Game's upbringing in a challenging environment and his deep-rooted connection to the music and influence of the Wu-Tang Clan. It emphasizes the struggles he faced, his involvement in the street life, and the role that the Clan played in shaping his identity and aspirations.


Line by Line Meaning

I grew up on the crime side, the New York Times side
I grew up in a neighborhood characterized by crime and poverty, the kind of place that would be prominently featured in the news.


Staying alive was no jive
Survival was a serious and challenging matter.


Had secondhands, mom's bounced on old man
We had to make do with used and hand-me-down items because my mother left my father.


So then we moved to Shaolin land
We relocated to Staten Island, also known as Shaolin, where the Wu-Tang Clan originated.


A young youth, yo, rocking the gold tooth, 'Lo goose
As a young kid, I displayed my rebelliousness and individuality by wearing a gold tooth and a Polo down jacket.


Only way I be gettin' the G off was drug loot
My only means of making money and achieving success was through illegal drug activities.


And let's start it like this son
Now, let's begin the story in this manner.


Rolling with this one and that one
Associating and hanging out with various individuals.


(Red Wallabies) Buzzing with my Killa Beez
(Wearing Red Wallaby shoes) Surrounded by my close associates from the Wu-Tang Clan, also known as Killa Beez.


Chronic had my eyes chinky like Compton was the Philippines
Smoking marijuana made my eyes squinted, similar to how people's eyes appear in Compton or in the Philippines.


Junior prom, red suit, Tasha in that limousine
During my junior prom, I wore a red suit and had a girl named Tasha with me in a luxurious limousine.


Tryna suck the head off my dick like a guillotine
Tasha was attempting to perform oral sex on me with such enthusiasm and intensity, it can be compared to a guillotine beheading.


Came in her mouth, then gave her some Listerine
After ejaculating in her mouth, I provided her with Listerine mouthwash for hygiene purposes.


Put a condom on and let her grind it like a centipede
I ensured protection by wearing a condom and allowed her to move her hips in a manner reminiscent of a centipede's movement.


(Cash rules everything around me)
Money controls and influences every aspect of my life.


Before Dre found me, before my city crowned me
This occurred before Dr. Dre discovered and recognized my talent, and before my city celebrated and acknowledged my success.


Bummy lil nigga, pussy niggas used to clown me
I was a poor and insignificant person, often mocked and belittled by others.


Had to wear my brother's clothes, them shits used to drown me
I had no choice but to wear my older brother's clothes, which were oversized and made me feel insignificant and overwhelmed.


6 years passed now I'm banging in the county
After six years have elapsed, I am now a respected and influential figure in the prison system.


Niggas that used to talk shit won't even come around me
Those who used to disrespect and criticize me now avoid any contact or association with me.


Reciting Method Man while my celly just sit there
I am passionately performing the lyrics of Method Man's songs while my cellmate remains silent and unresponsive.


Niggas know I been on the Wu before Ric Flair
Everyone is aware that I have been a devoted follower and fan of the Wu-Tang Clan long before Ric Flair, a professional wrestler.


Came home through the hood, GX shining
Upon my return to the neighborhood, my luxury car, a GX, was shining and garnering attention.


Now these bitches think I'm Lex Diamonds
As a result, women now perceive me as a wealthy and desirable figure, similar to Lex Diamonds, a character from the Wu-Tang Clan's mythology.


Nigga I grew up on Wu-Tang
I had a formative and influential upbringing shaped by the music and culture of the Wu-Tang Clan.


Nigga I grew up on Wu-Tang
I had a formative and influential upbringing shaped by the music and culture of the Wu-Tang Clan.


(Cash rules everything around me)
Money controls and influences every aspect of my life.


(Cash rules everything around me)
Money controls and influences every aspect of my life.


I grew up on Wu-Tang, dope had my shoe game Liu Kang
Influenced by Wu-Tang, I developed a strong interest in selling drugs and also excelled in having stylish and coveted shoes, comparing myself to Liu Kang from Mortal Kombat.


Jordan 12's sick as hell, Michael Jordan flu game
I owned a pair of highly coveted Jordan 12 sneakers and referenced Michael Jordan's iconic flu game to highlight the desirability and excellence associated with my footwear.


Glass jar, Pyrex, obsessed with the blue flame
I had a preference for using a glass jar and Pyrex cookware in my drug-related activities, and my fascination and fixation revolved around the intense and mesmerizing blue flame produced during the process.


Lexus coupe, rubbing on them titties boy, 2 Chainz
I owned a luxurious Lexus coupe and proudly enjoyed the company of women whose breasts I would sensually touch, alluding to the rapper 2 Chainz.


Top of the food chain, niggas wanna kill me
As a powerful and influential figure, I have enemies who are envious and want to harm me.


'Cause I turned into the plug, I'm where the chronic and the pills be
I became the main source for drugs, supplying both marijuana and prescription pills.


RZA with the rings, Ol' Dirty with the stainless
Drawing inspiration from the Wu-Tang Clan members RZA and Ol' Dirty Bastard, I too acquired wealth and power, symbolized respectively by rings and a stainless steel gun.


Five .38 revolvers, thirty-six chambers
I possessed five .38 caliber revolvers, referencing the Wu-Tang Clan's album '36 Chambers' while emphasizing my association with firearms.


Killah like Ghostface, as the Rollie rotate
I embody the style and lyricism of Ghostface Killah, and as my luxury watch, the Rollie, rotates, it reflects the high status and success I've achieved.


Daytons on the S-Class equipped with the floor safe
I adorned my Mercedes S-Class with expensive Daytons rims, and the car itself was fitted with a special compartment for storing money or valuable items.


And we had the stash spots with them red and blue tops
We had secret locations to hide our drug supply, often using red and blue containers.


Chronic in the GLAAD lock, the dope spot padlocked
We securely sealed and locked the place where we kept the marijuana (chronic) using a GLAAD lock, ensuring the safety and confidentiality of our drug operation.


In the living room bagging shit up watching Matlock
In the comfort of the living room, we would package drugs while casually watching the TV show Matlock.


Black Glock, crack rock bundled in my black socks
I carried a black Glock pistol, and stashed crack cocaine bundled discreetly inside my black socks.


And my mama working late, skinny nigga serving weight
With my mother busy working late, I took on the responsibility of selling drugs as a physically slim individual.


Let the chronic circulate the Purple Tape
I allowed the marijuana to be distributed and enjoyed by others, reminiscent of the Wu-Tang Clan's classic album 'Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)' which was nicknamed the 'Purple Tape.'




Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Stanley Bernard Benton, Jayceon Terrell Taylor, Uforo Ebong, Cash McElroy Sr Jones

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

Relly Pendergrass

Even more respect to the Game for showing The Wu Respect.. saw the wu & nas concert in September and it was a blessing to be amongst greatness. This a classic album in the chamber.

Vantage Point

Real hip hop heads will appreciate this tape

Rayshawn Howard

Yeah this joint is dope but the game is disrespectful when it comes to females sometimes came in her mouth then gave her some Listerine was that really necessary I just didn't like that part but other than that it was a Dope song I just don't like when he talks down on women's and he has a daughter himself she's going to become a woman one day

Ed James

Rayshawn Howard have you heard Game’s song Good Girls go bad?? He actually goes on in that song to describe how women should be treated with serious upmost respect, and talks about the women that he values, and has brought him the most love and care in his life. Those people being of course his mother, wife and daughter. That line there was him talking about his Junior Prom date hahaha

Ed James

Rayshawn Howard one great line he mentions at the beginning of the track is “respect women, I don’t care if they are a 2 or a 10, we don’t beat on Kat Stacks, we just bring it to an end”

Charles De Rosas

Been bumping game since 04 and yes I agree.

edkang42

Boy 1992 really mean that shit. If you born after that. You a lost soul unless ya pops put you on the old skool

1 More Replies...

Art Aguilera

Much love and respect to The Game ... For this joint ... A real hip hop head appreciates this to the deepest corner of my hip hop soul ....

tebogo moshugi

Dope Album, Game never disappoints

Gary 0 brien

Love this album

More Comments

More Versions