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
Bring Da Ruckus
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If what you say is true
The Shaolin and the Wu-Tang could be dangerous
Do you think your Wu-Tang sword can defeat me?
En garde, I'll let you try my Wu-Tang style
Bring da motherfuckin' ruckus
Bring da motherfuckin' ruckus
Bring da motherfuckin' ruckus (bring)
Ghostface, catch the blast of a hype verse
My Glock bursts, leave in a Hearse, I did worse
I come rough, tough like an elephant tusk
Ya head rush, fly like Egyptian musk
Aw shit, Wu-Tang Clan spark the wicks an'
However, I master the trick just like Nixon
Causin' terror, quick damage ya whole era
Hard rocks is locked the fuck up, or found shot
P.L.O. style, hazardous, 'cause I wreck this dangerous
I blow sparks like Waco, Texas
I watch my back like I'm locked down, hardcore hittin' sound
Watch me act bugged, and tear it down
Illiterate-type asshole, songs goin' gold, no doubt
And you watch a corny nigga fold
Yeah, they fake and all that
Carryin' gats but yo, my Clan
Rollin' like forty Macs
Now ya act convinced, I guess it makes sense
Wu-Tang, yo suu, represent
I wait for one to act up
Now I got him backed up
Gun to his neck now, react what?
And that's one in the chamber
Wu-Tang banger, 36 styles of danger (danger)
Bring da motherfuckin' ruckus
Bring da motherfuckin' ruckus
Bring da mother, bring da motherfuckin' ruckus
Bring da motherfuckin' ruckus
Bring da mother, bring da, bring da motherfuckin' ruckus
Bring da motherfuckin' ruckus
Bring da mother, bring da motherfuckin' ruckus
Bring da motherfuckin' ruckus (so bring it on)
I rip it hardcore, like porno-flick bitches
I roll with groups of ghetto bastards with biscuits
Check it, my method on the microphone's bangin'
Wu-Tang slang'll leave your headpiece hangin'
Bust this, I'm kickin' like Segal, Out For Justice
The roughness, yes, the rudeness, ruckus
Redrum, I verbally assault with the tongue
Murder one, my style shot ya knot like a stun gun
I'm hectic, I wreck it with the quickness
Set it on the microphone, and competition get blown
By this nasty-ass nigga with my nigga, the RZA
Charged like a bull and got pull like a trigga
So bad, stabbin' up the pad with the vocab, crab
I scream on ya ass like your dad, bring it on
Bring da motherfuckin' ruckus
Bring da motherfuckin' ruckus
Bring da mother, bring da motherfuckin' ruckus
Bring da motherfuckin' ruckus
Yo, I'm more rugged than slave man boots
New recruits, I'm fuckin' up MC troops
I break loops, and trample shit, while I stomp
A mud hole in that ass 'cause I'm straight out the swamp
Creepin' up on site, now it's Fright Night
My Wu-Tang slang is mad fuckin' dangerous
And more deadly than the stroke of an axe
Choppin' through ya back, pssh
Givin' bystanders heart attacks
Niggas try to flip, tell me, who is him?
I blow up his fuckin' prism
Make it a vicious act of terrorism
You want to bring it, so fuck it
Come on and bring the ruckus
And I provoke niggas to kick buckets
I'm wettin' cream, I ain't wettin' fame
Who sellin' 'caine? I'm givin' out a deadly game
It's not the Russian, it's the Wu-Tang crushin'
Roulette, slip up, you get fucked like Suzette
Bring da fuckin' ruckus
Bring da motherfuckin' ruckus
Bring da motherfuckin' ruckus
En garde, I'll let you try my Wu-Tang style
So bring it on, so bring it on
So bring it on, so bring it on
So bring it on, so bring it on
So bring it on, nigga
The first verse of "Bring Da Ruckus" by the Wu-Tang Clan showcases some key themes in their music. The group often references martial arts, specifically the Shaolin and Wu-Tang styles, which are both ancient Chinese practices. Here, the lyricist challenges the listener, asking whether their own Wu-Tang sword is strong enough to defeat him. This emphasis on strength and skill is reflective of the group's own desire to establish themselves as rap legends, constantly proving their worth and valor through their music. The reference to en garde further emphasizes this martial arts theme, as it is a call for a duel.
The rest of the song follows a similar pattern, with the group members describing their own power and dominance on the mic. The second verse, performed by Ghostface Killah, boasts of his own lyrical prowess, declaring himself capable of causing "terror" and "quick damage." He references the P.L.O. (Palestinian Liberation Organization), indicating his interest in global politics and his own militancy. The third verse, performed by Inspectah Deck, is similarly combative, ending with the lines "I provoke niggas to kick buckets / I'm wetting cream, I ain't wetting fame."
Thus, "Bring Da Ruckus" showcases the Wu-Tang Clan's desire for dominance and their martial arts-inspired ethos. While the lyrics are often violent and combative, they are also playful and clever, with each member showcasing their own unique lyrical style.
Line by Line Meaning
Shaolin shadowboxing, and the Wu-Tang sword style
The art of Shaolin shadowboxing and the Wu-Tang sword style are powerful.
If what you say is true
Do you have what it takes to back up your words?
The Shaolin and the Wu-Tang could be dangerous
These two styles combined can be a force to be reckoned with.
Do you think your Wu-Tang sword can defeat me?
Do you really believe that you can best me with the Wu-Tang sword?
En garde, I'll let you try my Wu-Tang style
I'll give you a chance to test your skill against mine.
Bring da motherfuckin' ruckus
It's time to get violent, let's go.
Ghostface, catch the blast of a hype verse
Ghostface spits his verse with intense energy.
My Glock bursts, leave in a Hearse, I did worse
I've done deadly things, and my Glock can end lives.
I come rough, tough like an elephant tusk
I am strong and fierce, like the tusk of an elephant.
Ya head rush, fly like Egyptian musk
You'll feel dizzy after hearing my rhymes, like the aroma of Egyptian musk.
Aw shit, Wu-Tang Clan spark the wicks an'
We're igniting a fire with our music and lyrics.
However, I master the trick just like Nixon
I know how to manipulate and win like Richard Nixon.
Causin' terror, quick damage ya whole era
We're causing chaos and destruction, ruining everything in our path.
Hard rocks is locked the fuck up, or found shot
Those who try to stop us either get arrested or killed.
P.L.O. style, hazardous, 'cause I wreck this dangerous
Our style is dangerous and deadly, like the P.L.O.
I blow sparks like Waco, Texas
My rhymes ignite like the spark that ignited the Waco standoff.
I watch my back like I'm locked down, hardcore hittin' sound
I'm always careful and prepared for any danger that comes my way.
Watch me act bugged, and tear it down
See me go crazy and destroy everything.
Illiterate-type asshole, songs goin' gold, no doubt
I may be uneducated, but my songs are successful and will continue to be.
And you watch a corny nigga fold
You'll see a cheesy person crumble and fail.
Yeah, they fake and all that
Those people are phony and not real.
Carryin' gats but yo, my Clan
They may carry guns, but my Wu-Tang Clan is strong.
Rollin' like forty Macs
We're moving like a group of forty muscle cars.
Now ya act convinced, I guess it makes sense
You're finally believing and it's logical.
Wu-Tang, yo suu, represent
We're proud to represent Wu-Tang.
I wait for one to act up
I wait for someone to make a move.
Now I got him backed up
Now I have him cornered.
Gun to his neck now, react what?
I have a gun to his neck, what will he do?
And that's one in the chamber
I have a bullet ready to fire.
Wu-Tang banger, 36 styles of danger (danger)
Our music is lethal, with 36 different dangerous styles.
Yo, I'm more rugged than slave man boots
I'm tougher than the boots worn by slaves.
New recruits, I'm fuckin' up MC troops
I'm destroying all of these new and inexperienced rappers.
I break loops, and trample shit, while I stomp
I'm breaking barriers and trampling over everything in my way.
A mud hole in that ass 'cause I'm straight out the swamp
I'm aggressive and fierce like a creature from the swamp.
Creepin' up on site, now it's Fright Night
I'll surprise you, and it'll be a terrifying experience.
My Wu-Tang slang is mad fuckin' dangerous
My language and expressions are incredibly risky and risky.
And more deadly than the stroke of an axe
I'm as deadly as an axe blow.
Choppin' through ya back, pssh
I'm slicing through you with ease.
Givin' bystanders heart attacks
Onlookers are getting scared and anxious.
Niggas try to flip, tell me, who is him?
People try to go against me, who are they?
I blow up his fuckin' prism
I destroy everything he's built.
Make it a vicious act of terrorism
I turn it into a brutal and terrorizing event.
You want to bring it, so fuck it
If you want to engage, then let's just do it.
Come on and bring the ruckus
Come and participate in the violence.
And I provoke niggas to kick buckets
I inspire these men to fight until they die.
I'm wettin' cream, I ain't wettin' fame
I'm improving my skills, not just seeking fame.
Who sellin' 'caine?
Who's out there selling drugs?
I'm givin' out a deadly game
I'm engaging in risk-taking, deadly behavior.
It's not the Russian, it's the Wu-Tang crushin'
It's not the Russians wreaking havoc, it's us, the Wu-Tang.
Roulette, slip up, you get fucked like Suzette
If you take a risk and fail, you'll suffer like Suzette.
Yo, I'm more rugged than slave man boots
I'm tougher than the boots worn by slaves.
Bring da fuckin' ruckus
Let's fight, let's cause chaos and destruction.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Clifford Smith, Corey Woods, Dennis David Coles, Gary E. Grice, Jason Hunter, Lamont Hawkins, Robert F. Diggs, Russell T. Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@spillwordz
“I wait for one to act up
Now I got him backed up
Gun to his neck now
React what
Now that’s one in the chamber
Wu Tang banger
36 styles of danger!”
Legendary shit🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾👐🏾👐🏾👐🏾
@holyreality02
this beat is raw as hell, sounds straight out of a dark dungeon
@SilverDOMO192837
It's more a chamber than a dungeon
@TomLittle1981
SP1200 sampler I think. Madlib used it to make Madvillainy.
@ChemoTherapy87
Straight out the fuckin dungeons of rap
Where fake niggaz don't make it back ; )
@ghettorecords3427
in the wu tang is for the children documentary i think it was meth that said rza put a bucket over the mic and slapped a metal spoon on the top to make that nasty snare
@tarunjohal9215
Too right. Reflects the darker side of life as well...
@rbdriftin
Peter, these lyrics are filthy!
@user-yn2gt5kw9r
Who’s here in 2023 with me?
@legamer.creatif
Wu tang forever
@Goatchild90
One of the best album openers ever!