The founders of the Wu-Tang Clan were RZA, GZA, and Ol' Dirty Bastard, who had previously formed the group Force of the Imperial Master (later known as All In Together Now after the release of a popular single by that name). The group attracted the attention of some notable figures in the industry, including Biz Markie, but did not manage to secure a record deal. After the crew dissolved, GZA and RZA (then known as Prince Rakeem) embarked on their solo careers with Cold Chillin' Records and Tommy Boy Records respectively, but to little success. Their frustration with the workings of the hip hop music industry would provide the main inspiration to Wu-Tang Clan's revolutionary business plan. According to The Wu-Tang Manual, at the group's inception, RZA promised the members that if he had total control of the Wu-Tang empire, it would conquer the hip hop world within a dynastic cycle, after which he would relinquish his total control.
Wu-Tang Clan was gradually assembled in late 1992 from friends and accomplices from around Staten Island, New York, with RZA as the de-facto leader and the group's main producer. Two of the cousins, GZA (pronounced Jizza) and RZA (pronounced Rizza), created their new Wu-Tang aliases by mimicking the sound that the words "genius" and "razor" would make when scratched on a turntable.
"Wu-Tang" comes from the name of the Taoist holy mountain Wu Dang in northwest Hubei Province in central China; it was also the site of the Ming Dynasty Purple Imperial City built during the reign of the Yongle Emperor in the early 15th century. RZA and Ol' Dirty Bastard adopted the name for the group after seeing the kung fu film Shaolin and Wu Tang, which features a school of warriors trained in Wu-Tang style. The group's debut album loosely adopted a Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang theme, dividing the album into Shaolin and Wu-Tang sections and using dialogue excerpts as skits.
The group have also developed various backronyms for the name (as hip hop pioneers like KRS-One and Big Daddy Kane did with their names), including "We Usually Take All the Niggas' Garments," "Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game" and "Wisdom, Universe, Truth, Allah, Nation, and God".
Method Man has also mentioned that the "Wu" is the sound a sword makes when cutting through the air, and "Tang" is the sound it makes against a shield.
The Clan first became known to hip hop fans, and to major record labels, in 1993 (see 1993 in music) following the release of the independent single "Protect Ya Neck", which immediately gave the group a sizeable underground following. Though there was some difficulty in finding a record label that would sign Wu-Tang Clan while still allowing each member to record solo albums with other labels, Loud/RCA finally agreed, releasing their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), in late 1993. This album was popular and critically-acclaimed, though it took some time to gain momentum. Though hip hop had long had a gritty texture, the surreal aggression and minimalist production of 36 Chambers nevertheless had a huge impact on the genre, and was to prove massively influential over the next decade. By the beginning of the 21st century, the album had become a regular fixture on "Best Albums of the 90s" lists as well as a frequent choice for "Best Albums of All Time" lists. The success of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) established the group as a creative and influential force in early 1990s hip hop, allowing GZA, RZA, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Inspectah Deck, U-God, and Masta Killa to negotiate solo contracts.
www.wutang-corp.com
16th Chamber
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Somebody said it's on
If it is then I'll be set
To blow a nigga up
With my Five Fingers of Death
I bring it to his whole damn fam, understand
If he frontin, on any man down with the Clan
For my brother, I even kill a Pope
Word to mother
Serial, killa, style from the Isle of Stat
My peoples are you with me where you at?
Shit's gettin deep in here, I mean like thick
Niggas lookin all in my face
Like they want dick
It's about to hit the fan, hit the flo'
That's all I can stands
And I can't stands no mo'
What is it? Niggas think they bigga
Because they got the finga on
The trigga of a biscuit
They don't know I'm wicked
When I start to kick it with the raw sound
Wash it down with a Mystic
Better yet a Snapple, nigga want the juice
But he don't want the hassle
Thought they trying to overthrow the castle
Better yet the temple, I'm comin to your town
Black down, the rental, car, the pistol
YAH! If you don't want a burn from Glock
Then beware, I buck shots, meaning what
The buck stops
Here, no more dough will be made
Unless it's being made by who the 1-6-Ooh
Chamber four (1-6-Ooh) Chamber four
Temple number nine, temple number nine
I'm the original G-O-D
Making young ladies scream is my specialty
When I go ooh-wah, ooh-wah, ooh-wah
Girls wanna get hype
From the funky fresh music
That was stereotyped
When I kill, that ol' mad rugged flow
Not sayin Ason, is like a duck of disco
Or a disco duck, I'm strictly hip hop
Yo, Ason, what's up? I can't stop
Wu Tanging, flipping the script and
You could test my skills
But niggas must be trippin
Coked up from sniffin
You're the one who's riffin i'm not Opie
Save that old shit for Andy Griffith
You start to flip, now ya slip
Cuz you're slippin
While you sleep I be the God on point
Like Scottie Pippen
As I, jump on stage, cold flip a rip a show
Strip or rip a ho, ready like Bo
Jackson while I'm still taxin, I'm maxin
Relaxin, sittin backs and, laying tracks and
Again and again when I rock this jam
I wanna see 'em up in the air
Throw up your hand
A child that's wild, now with the style
Couldn't stand
Niggas wanna jump, then stepped
To the center
Of the rhyme inventor, MC tormentor
You get jacked and slapped, across the MC map
I laugh at ya ass, on a horse shack
Come on through I black and
Blue your whole crew
Then I get rudie with the Hong Kong Phooey
The Ol' Dirty Bastard, MC killer
Money maker, Brooklyn, Shaolin style
That I lay down like tile
Gotta hit you up, one blaow
So you better come down
The song "16th Chamber" by Wu-Tang Clan is a powerful and aggressive track that showcases the group's lyrical prowess and braggadocious style. The lyrics in this song depict the members of Wu-Tang Clan asserting their dominance and pride in their skills as rappers and performers.
In the first verse, the singer proclaims their ability to "blow a nigga up" with their "Five Fingers of Death," symbolizing their deadly lyrical abilities. They express their loyalty to their fellow clan members, stating that they would even kill for their brothers. The line "Word to mother, Serial, killa, style from the Isle of Stat" suggests their violent and ruthless style of rap.
The second verse continues with a sense of defiance and frustration. The singer addresses those who think they are superior because they possess a weapon or have power over others. They assert that they are wicked and will retaliate when provoked. The lines "Thought they trying to overthrow the castle, Better yet the temple" suggest a metaphorical battle against anyone who challenges their authority.
In the chorus, the singer refers to the significance of the "1-6-Ooh," which could represent the Wu-Tang Clan's code or alliance. They emphasize that they are the ones in control and set the standards in their territory.
The third verse introduces another member of the Wu-Tang Clan, who claims to be the "original G-O-D" and a master at making women go crazy with his music. The singer addresses critics who stereotype their music and dismiss it as disco. They assert their hip-hop credibility and challenge anyone who doubts their skills. They also reference the iconic TV show "Andy Griffith," mocking those who cling to outdated ideas.
Throughout the song, Wu-Tang Clan delivers their raps with aggression and confidence, asserting their dominance in the rap game while also expressing their pride in their unique style. The lyrics convey a sense of rebellion against those who underestimate them and a determination to rise above any challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
16th Chamber, temple number five
Referring to a specific location or state of mind where the Wu-Tang Clan operates.
Somebody said it's on
Word has spread that there is a confrontation or challenge.
If it is then I'll be set
If the challenge is indeed happening, I will be prepared.
To blow a nigga up
To overpower and defeat an opponent.
With my Five Fingers of Death
Using my skills and abilities to bring destruction.
I bring it to his whole damn fam, understand
I will target and harm not only the individual, but also their entire family.
If he frontin, on any man down with the Clan
If he shows disrespect or tries to challenge anyone associated with the Wu-Tang Clan.
I be comin, for that headpiece you can't cope
I will come for his pride and reputation, something he cannot handle.
For my brother, I even kill a Pope
I am willing to go to extreme measures for my fellow clan member.
Word to mother
An expression of honesty and sincerity.
Serial, killa, style from the Isle of Stat
My style of attacking is ruthless and unstoppable, originating from Staten Island.
My peoples are you with me where you at?
Are my allies and friends ready to support me?
Shit's gettin deep in here, I mean like thick
The situation is becoming serious and intense.
Niggas lookin all in my face
People are staring at me.
Like they want dick
As if they desire conflict or confrontation.
It's about to hit the fan, hit the flo'
The situation is escalating rapidly and becoming chaotic.
That's all I can stands
I have reached my limit and can't tolerate it anymore.
And I can't stands no mo'
I cannot bear it any longer.
What is it? Niggas think they bigga
What is the problem? People believe they are more powerful or important than they actually are.
Because they got the finga on
Due to their possession of a weapon or advantage.
The trigga of a biscuit
The trigger of a gun.
They don't know I'm wicked
They are unaware of my dangerous and cunning nature.
When I start to kick it with the raw sound
When I begin to deliver my aggressive and authentic style.
Wash it down with a Mystic
Followed by a refreshing and flavorful beverage like Mystic.
Better yet a Snapple, nigga want the juice
Or maybe even a Snapple drink, as someone desires the power and recognition.
But he don't want the hassle
But he is not prepared for the challenges and difficulties that come with it.
Thought they trying to overthrow the castle
Someone thought they could challenge or undermine the Wu-Tang Clan.
Better yet the temple, I'm comin to your town
Actually, they are attempting to disrupt the unity and success of our organization.
Black down, the rental, car, the pistol
We will arrive in an inconspicuous vehicle, armed and ready.
YAH! If you don't want a burn from Glock
Shouting as a warning that if you do not want to face the consequences of our firepower.
Then beware, I buck shots, meaning what
Be cautious, as we will shoot without hesitation or remorse.
The buck stops
We make the final decision or have control of the situation.
Here, no more dough will be made
From this point on, there will be no more profit or success.
Unless it's being made by who the 1-6-Ooh
Unless it is generated by the Wu-Tang Clan, specifically by ourselves.
Chamber four (1-6-Ooh) Chamber four
Moving to the fourth chamber, referring to a particular part or level of the Wu-Tang Clan's operations.
Temple number nine, temple number nine
Joining another section or group, specifically the ninth temple or division.
I'm the original G-O-D
I am the original and divine ruler, the God.
Making young ladies scream is my specialty
Causing excitement and enthusiasm among young women is my particular skill.
When I go ooh-wah, ooh-wah, ooh-wah
When I perform or deliver my style and energy.
Girls wanna get hype
Girls become enthusiastic or excited.
From the funky fresh music
Due to the engaging and innovative music we produce.
That was stereotyped
That was previously categorized or judged.
When I kill, that ol' mad rugged flow
When I showcase my aggressive and raw rap style.
Not sayin Ason, is like a duck of disco
Not implying that anyone else is mediocre or lacks skill.
Or a disco duck
Comparing someone to an unimpressive or outdated disco performer.
I'm strictly hip hop
I am dedicated and focused solely on the hip hop genre.
Yo, Ason, what's up? I can't stop
Hey, Ason (ODB), how are you doing? I am unable to be halted or restrained.
Wu Tanging, flipping the script and
Representing the Wu-Tang Clan, adopting a unique and distinctive approach.
You could test my skills
You are welcome to challenge my abilities.
But niggas must be trippin
However, people must be foolish or delusional.
Coked up from sniffin
Intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
You're the one who's riffin i'm not Opie
You are the one talking nonsense, not me.
Save that old shit for Andy Griffith
Keep your outdated and irrelevant remarks to yourself.
You start to flip, now ya slip
You become agitated or lose control, leading to mistakes.
Cuz you're slippin
Because you are making errors or showing weakness.
While you sleep I be the God on point
While you are unaware or passive, I am assertive and in control.
Like Scottie Pippen
Just like the basketball player Scottie Pippen, who was known for his talent and reliability.
As I, jump on stage, cold flip a rip a show
When I perform on stage, I captivate and excite the audience.
Strip or rip a ho, ready like Bo
I am prepared to strip or dominate any individual, just like Bo Jackson in his prime.
Jackson while I'm still taxin, I'm maxin
I continue to excel and dominate, maximizing my potential.
Relaxin, sittin backs and, laying tracks and
Relaxing and sitting comfortably, while also producing high-quality music.
Again and again when I rock this jam
Repeatedly, whenever I perform this song.
I wanna see 'em up in the air
I want to see the audience's hands raised in excitement.
Throw up your hand
Raise your hand to show support or enthusiasm.
A child that's wild, now with the style
A person who is youthful and energetic, now possessing a unique rap technique.
Couldn't stand
Unable to handle or challenge me.
Niggas wanna jump
People want to confront or challenge me.
Then stepped to the center
Then entering the spotlight or becoming the focus.
Of the rhyme inventor
Of the person who created and delivers the rap lyrics.
MC tormentor
An MC (rapper) who brings distress or challenges others.
You get jacked and slapped, across the MC map
You will be defeated and humiliated, spread across the rap community.
I laugh at ya ass, on a horse shack
I find amusement in your failure, while standing tall and confident.
Come on through I black and
Continue to dominate and overpower.
Blue your whole crew
Defeating and subduing your entire group.
Then I get rudie with the Hong Kong Phooey
Then I become aggressive or forceful, like the animated character Hong Kong Phooey.
The Ol' Dirty Bastard, MC killer
Referring to Ol' Dirty Bastard, a rapper known for his unique style and ability to defeat other MCs.
Money maker, Brooklyn, Shaolin style
An individual who earns money and represents both Brooklyn and the Shaolin (Staten Island) style of the Wu-Tang Clan.
That I lay down like tile
That I establish and lay down as a foundation.
Gotta hit you up, one blaow
I must confront and attack you swiftly.
So you better come down
So you should lower your arrogance and submit to me.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@joshgoldbullion
people said ODB didnt have skills, i always knew he had mad skills but this song just proves that ODB could rip a beat with clever rhymes and immaculate flow, this cat did what he wanted and we will all miss him. wutang forever !!
@sowaatodss
C'est le meilleur, c'est le seul qui me fait vraiment voyager avec ça musique.
@AfroThaGreat
Who said that Dirty didn’t have skills?
@MAZEY22
odb needed more beats like this he killed this ish sounded fucking sick
@The808Prophet
Damn your comment was from 08 I remember them days lol
@MAZEY22
@808MixMaster feels like a lifetime ago
@The808Prophet
@MAZEY yeah it really does bro time flew by like nothing
@th3pun1sh3r4
Odb flow is masterpiece!
No one can deny it!
@ext93
This might be my favorite wu cut of all time. It's perfect
@ezlrockwell82
I agree - it encapsulates EXACTLY what the Wu-Tang sound is/was .... and ought to remain. They may have gone on to more cleaner production, but this was 'the Sound' that smacked everybody in the mouth and made them listen up, and love the Wu👐