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
And You Don't Stop
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't stop, never stop, can't stop
Cash rules everything around me, I'm fresh out the slum
Rich bum nigga, now I live dumb
Talking 'bout that cream leaning in the tower
Beans is seven pieces got condos in the jungle
The mind stay rich but the pockets is well-filled
I'm telling you, man, you don't want no part of this, fam
Get punched in the water like clamps
KKK, slices, they one of the nicest
Stainless steel, sharp swords, dipped in ricin
Everybody eating, everybody full
Just a young bull lighting a Philly, still a willy
Ball on 'em in the Bentley with the wall on 'em
Yo, I'll sleep when I'm dead, like the hood, homies
Who get it cracking in the park homes?
Park hill narcos, smoke and let the bones turn to charcoal
Let's get richer, kid
Signature Luis rich won't stop until there's billions in this bitch
Don't stop, don't stop
Don't stop, never stop, can't stop
Don't stop, never stop, can't stop
I grew up on the rhyme side, that "gotta get mine" side
That white girl, we mix it with quinine
You players try and ball from the sidelines
While I'm aging like fine wine, you internet thuggin' somebody timeline
Between love and hate is a fine line
In these habitual line steppers can die trying
A New York calendar, my clicks and rock gine
A pocket full of that white Nix for my client
Y'all ain't buying, stop crying and stop lying
Hakuna Matata, no Mufasa, I'm not lion
You try to spit on that hot iron, you not iron
The irony 'cause that last shot, you shot vibe
So let's start it with this, son, motivate him with this one
You ain't got no haters, go get some
Is anybody greater? There is none
Assorted 'Now And Laters', my clan got too many flavors to pick from
Don't stop, never stop, can't stop
Don't stop, never stop, can't stop
Deuce high when I start my game
It's like you should see live y'all, all you see is sparks and flames
I grab bags and I park my ways, the way I have 'em all locked
You would think they gave they heart to bait
Bet on us, baby, ain't no better odds to play
It's hard to fake, my real life is on display
Either love or hate whatever part you play
I take the best of both worlds like R. and Jay
Own boss, no third party
Produce more murder than Irv Gotti
Like I'm working on my third body
Deck, kill it quick
24/7 bed rest, that's how ill it get
Can't stop if I mash the brakes
Got the cash it takes, I might flash my face
Half a eighth got me floating like I'm trapped in space
Not safe for your workplace, a basket case
Don't stop, never stop
Can't stop getting this guap
Fat money not, hammer cock, curry hot
Cook a fool, hit the block
No shorts, bring it back
Flipping this, stack that
Free it up, weight it up
Don't stop, never stop
Can't stop getting this guap
Fat money not, hammer cock, curry hot
Cook a fool, hit the block
No shorts, bring it back
Flipping this, stack that
Free it up, weight it up
Quest to success with my mind on my money
Came a new rhyme saying "Wu-Tang is the best" music
The Wu-Tang Clan's song And You Don't Stop is a rap anthem that embodies the determination and drive to succeed against all odds. The song opens with the refrain "Don't stop, never stop, can't stop," which sets the tone for the entire track. The first verse starts with the iconic line "Cash rules everything around me," which has become one of the most well-known quotes in hip-hop culture. The singer, who grew up in poverty, boasts about his newfound success, describing himself as a "rich bum nigga, now I live dumb." He talks about the luxurious lifestyle that he has achieved, with condos in the jungle and the mind staying rich. The singer, however, is still hungry for more, saying, "Let's get richer, kid. Signature Luis rich won't stop until there's billions in this bitch."
The second verse of the song continues with the theme of success and perseverance. The singer talks about growing up on the "gotta get mine" side, mixing drugs, and aging like fine wine while others are internet thuggin'. He takes pride in being a habitual line stepper and how his clan is full of different flavors to pick from, referencing the Wu-Tang Clan's unique sound and style. The hook of the song, "Don't stop, never stop, can't stop," is repeated throughout, further emphasizing the message of determination and ambition.
Line by Line Meaning
Cash rules everything around me, I'm fresh out the slum
Money is the most important thing in life and now that I have a lot of it, I have left my humble roots.
Rich bum nigga, now I live dumb
I may have a lot of money, but I don't let it dictate my actions or control me.
Talking 'bout that cream leaning in the tower
I am referring to the large amounts of cash I have accumulated and my success in the business world.
Beans is seven pieces got condos in the jungle
One of my comrades, Beans, has acquired incredible wealth and has property in exotic locations.
The mind stay rich but the pockets is well-filled
Although I have managed to accumulate wealth, I have not lost my intelligence or self-awareness.
Let's violate this lil' area, get milk
Let's take control of this particular region and reap the rewards ourselves.
I'm telling you, man, you don't want no part of this, fam
I'm warning you, getting involved in this situation could be dangerous and risky.
Get punched in the water like clamps
If you challenge us, you will end up injured and at a loss.
KKK, slices, they one of the nicest
Referring to the Wu-Tang Clan's reputation as being extraordinarily skilled and dangerous.
Stainless steel, sharp swords, dipped in ricin
Describing the weapons used by the Wu-Tang Clan, which are incredibly sharp and potentially deadly.
Everybody eating, everybody full
We are all enjoying the success we have achieved together.
Just a young bull lighting a Philly, still a willy
Although I am young and successful, I still have the spirit of a wild child.
Ball on 'em in the Bentley with the wall on 'em
While driving my luxurious car, I am show boating and flaunting my success.
Yo, I'll sleep when I'm dead, like the hood, homies
I'm always on the go and working hard, just like those who come from impoverished backgrounds and struggle to make it in life.
Who get it cracking in the park homes?
Who among us is taking control of the public housing projects and exploiting them for profit?
Park hill narcos, smoke and let the bones turn to charcoal
We are the powerful drug dealers who operate in the Park Hill housing projects and are littered with the bodies of those who stand in our way.
Let's get richer, kid
We should continue to accumulate wealth and success, without slowing down or taking a break.
Signature Luis rich won't stop until there's billions in this bitch
We will do everything it takes and work as hard as possible until we make billions of dollars.
I grew up on the rhyme side, that "gotta get mine" side
I was raised with the belief that everyone is out to get what they can and to succeed, you have to be just as ruthless.
That white girl, we mix it with quinine
We mix cocaine with quinine, a painkiller, to create the desired sensation and increase profits.
You players try and ball from the sidelines
You are not actively participating and are instead trying to benefit from the sidelines.
While I'm aging like fine wine, you internet thuggin' somebody timeline
I am getting better with age and experience, while you are just talking tough online behind a screen.
Between love and hate is a fine line
The difference between love and hate is small and easily crossed.
In these habitual line steppers can die trying
Those who always push boundaries may put themselves in danger.
A New York calendar, my clicks and rock gine
I have a schedule of important events in New York and my associates and I control the world of drugs.
A pocket full of that white Nix for my client
I have a pocket full of cocaine to sell to my customers.
Y'all ain't buying, stop crying and stop lying
If you don't want to buy our product, stop complaining and lying.
Hakuna Matata, no Mufasa, I'm not lion
I'm not lying or pretending, like Simba's uncle Mufasa in the Lion King.
You try to spit on that hot iron, you not iron
If you try to talk tough to us, you will be burned and destroyed.
The irony 'cause that last shot, you shot vibe
The irony is, by shooting at us, you have destroyed any good vibe that existed between us.
So let's start it with this, son, motivate him with this one
Let's begin the process of inspiring and motivating someone with this song.
You ain't got no haters, go get some
If you don't have any people who are against you, you need to get more successful in life.
Is anybody greater? There is none
There is no one greater than us, the Wu-Tang Clan.
Assorted 'Now And Laters', my clan got too many flavors to pick from
We have many different members of our group and each one brings something unique to the table.
Deuce high when I start my game
I start my game with two high cards.
It's like you should see live y'all, all you see is sparks and flames
Our performances are filled with energy and excitement, like fireworks.
I grab bags and I park my ways, the way I have 'em all locked
I have a lot of money and power and am able to control and manipulate many situations.
You would think they gave they heart to bait
People are so attracted to our success that they give us everything they have.
Bet on us, baby, ain't no better odds to play
If you want to gamble on something with the best chance of winning, you should bet on us.
It's hard to fake, my real life is on display
We are very genuine and our lives are visible for everyone to see.
Either love or hate whatever part you play
You either love us or hate us, there is no in-between.
I take the best of both worlds like R. and Jay
I combine the best aspects of different styles and genres, like R. Kelly and Jay-Z.
Own boss, no third party
I am my own boss and don't have to answer to anyone else.
Produce more murder than Irv Gotti
We make more money and success than the notorious Irv Gotti, who is known for his dealings in the rap industry.
Like I'm working on my third body
I am so successful, it's like I am on my third life.
Deck, kill it quick
My comrade Deck is incredibly effective and efficient in his work.
24/7 bed rest, that's how ill it get
Our level of success and wealth is so great, it's almost like we are getting sick from it.
Can't stop if I mash the brakes
Even if I wanted to slow down or stop, it would be incredibly difficult.
Got the cash it takes, I might flash my face
I have enough money that I can afford to show it off or flaunt it.
Half a eighth got me floating like I'm trapped in space
Even a small amount of drugs is enough to completely alter my state of mind and make me feel like I'm in another world.
Not safe for your workplace, a basket case
Our lifestyle and success is not suitable or safe for everyone, and can lead to madness or destruction for some people.
Quest to success with my mind on my money
My main goal is to be successful and make as much money as possible.
Came a new rhyme saying "Wu-Tang is the best" music
A new rap song has come out, praising the Wu-Tang Clan and declaring us to be the best in the game.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Robert Diggs, Corey Woods, Clifford Smith, Jason Hunter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Diab Shetayh
Man 2017 still listening to this. One of the most slept on tracks. RIP ODB.
MCesike MCes ! Vargas Bustamante
Diab Shetayh , god better . la
John Gonzalez
One of my favorite songs in the soundtrack. 20 years later and it still sounds great!
gacha life72
2019!!still holds up well!!
JustJones44 aka Fast Lane
2020 stuck in quarantine got me listening to all the throw backs
Rani Salman
That inspectah deck hook is unbelievable!
Sueli Soares
2018, R.I.P ODB
Dr. Setzer Lokraine
This soundtracks had slaps
Bubba Kushii
2020 in the building !
BlackThailand
always dug dis beat. them lil orchestra hits is dope. all them lil funky ass random effects is koo