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
Cash Still Rules
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Scary hours no money out, smash the Guinness Stout
Play the outfield, Lucille, switched cracks on shields
She's a rich fiend, sacrifice her fam, shift them niggas
To Queens, Guess jeans she charged thirty-five beans
Hit the cell phone, regulate with well known Tone
A Wally kingpin, who also slam and strike edition
Whattup, Corleone smoke the bone Tone phone me
Grady with the gray beard, transport for him
Rockin Nike at? Rastafarianburg, pipin that
Switchin Benzes, ten carat nigga with gold lenses
Frontin like he's sittin on a lump he's sittin on junk
You wanna pull a heist, draw guns and robberies
You wanna rock rep, step in yellow Wallabies
Names arraigned, the century fox, little Glocks
Them niggas with stocks, wail on your blocks
Rich lifestyle, spoiled like an ordinary white child
But right now, Son is still shine, shed light now
Breakdown, liquidate God, fuck it grab the nickel plate
Spencer for Hire, tension when we mention Dryer
He's a slave cop, behave pop
Blue suits who bay stop us blow that cat
At the Purple Haze spot
I remember stickin fiends at the one-six-ooh
When we was starvin, duckin five-oh, payin em dues
Times is hard in the slums I'm from, they got us barred in
We warrin and cage dodgin, rippin and robbin
Got the NARC sabotagin, slippin cracks in
Your camoflougin, now you snitchin on the squadron
That's somethin niggas can't pardon
City overrun by young gun with bad intention, and Wu-Wear garment
So I see no need to mention, the potency
Of a sting from a killa bee, kickin the battery
Out the back of them wisecracks
Distorted for your get high you hijack
These friendly skies ain't for you, they for me and mine
This the year of the grimy nigga, ragtime
Keep these niggas on the run, peep my Clan emblem
Iron Lung ain't got to tell you where it's comin from
Catch us swimmin with these sharks now, you rap villains
We feel the same way you feelin, let it be known (let it be known)
What the blood clot you niggas dealin, you crash dummies
Cash rules, still don't nuttin move but the money
Ayo strong arm that kid right there with wavy hair
Billy Johnson, snatched him out his whip in Times Square
Took his Pumas, nameplate, dude lost weight
Summer eighty-eight, started a fight, that can't wait
Ask Dorothy, same kid pussy up in Marcy
Blazin' that Ted Rossi, up in The Marquee
He lost like a hundred ounces, Jake rushed his houses
Had him on the porch, ass no trousers
This souped up, individual stuck, the new stuff
Same kid cryin' on the stand with Judge Cuffner
Kissed him with odd numbers three to nine style
Before he left he flashin' his face like Denzel
Richard Dale took his Beaver, off the wall pullin his whip
Mussy dropped and split his wig with the heater
His shape-up was all fucked up, as he had me laughin'
God you see how he was laid out, in the grass
With dirt in his mouth, Slim woke him up told him he wild out
Blood leakin from his teeth he smiled like he gunned out
Big bolo, stackin his shit financed a Volvo
He copped his shit from a small, coffeeshop in SoHo
He still pussy, he sell his dust up on the Lower East
Posin like he rappin out
In the first verse of Wu-Tang Clan's "Cash Still Rules" the group talks about living life on the edge and fighting for survival in the harsh streets of New York City. They reference the "scary hours" and "no money out" which shows the urgency and need for money to survive. The lyrics discuss people willing to do whatever it takes, even selling out their own family, to shift drugs to other boroughs such as Queens. They mention specific people and locations, giving the lyrics a sense of realism and authenticity. The chorus emphasizes the importance of money above all else, stating that nothing moves but the money.
The second verse continues with a similar theme of violence and survival, mentioning stick-ups and drug dealing. They reference the police sabotaging their efforts and the danger of young gunners with bad intentions. The lyrics also touch on snitching and betrayal, highlighting the code of silence in the streets. The verse ends with a warning to other rappers that Wu-Tang Clan is not to be messed with and that the year belongs to "grimey niggas."
Overall, "Cash Still Rules" showcases the gritty reality of life in the hood and the ruthless tactics used to survive. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and specific references that paint a picture of the danger and desperation present in their world.
Line by Line Meaning
Shake them niggas
Intimidate those individuals
Scary hours no money out, smash the Guinness Stout
During poor times, destroy the Guinness Stout
Play the outfield, Lucille, switched cracks on shields
Participate in drug trade, hide drugs in baseball bat, change stash locations
She's a rich fiend, sacrifice her fam, shift them niggas, to Queens, Guess jeans she charged thirty-five beans
She is addicted to drugs and will harm her family to have a good life. Sell drugs in Queens, guess jeans that sell for $35 each.
Hit the cell phone, regulate with well known Tone
Use the phone to call famous drug dealer Tone to adjust prices
A Wally kingpin, who also slam and strike edition
Wally is a drug kingpin, also good at martial arts
Whattup, Corleone smoke the bone Tone phone me
Hello, Corleone, smoke some marijuana and call me on Tone's phone
Whattup he tried to slang there, address him with chrome only
If someone tries to sell drugs there, confront them with a firearm
Grady with the gray beard, transport for him
Grady with gray beard gets transported by others
Rockin Nike at? Rastafarianburg, pipin that
Wear Nike shoes while in Rastafarianburg and smoking marijuana
Switchin Benzes, ten carat nigga with gold lenses
Driving different cars, a flashy man with ten carat gold glasses
Frontin like he's sittin on a lump he's sittin on junk
Someone pretending to have money is really sitting on drugs
You wanna pull a heist, draw guns and robberies
If you want to commit a robbery, bring firearms
You wanna rock rep, step in yellow Wallabies
If you want to look tough, wear yellow Wallabee shoes
Names arraigned, the century fox, little Glocks
Famous drug dealer who was charged by the authorities, he had small pistols
Them niggas with stocks, wail on your blocks
Those with wealth will attack their competition
Rich lifestyle, spoiled like an ordinary white child
Living in luxury, like white children who are usually spoiled
But right now, Son is still shine, shed light now
However, now the attention is on the rapping lifestyle
Breakdown, liquidate God, fuck it grab the nickel plate
Decompose God, attack them with a firearm
Spencer for Hire, tension when we mention Dryer
Fans of Spencer for Hire TV show, nervous if they mention a known snitch
He's a slave cop, behave pop
The police are like slaves, so they must obey to keep their jobs
Blue suits who bay stop us blow that cat, at the Purple Haze spot
Police officers in blue suits, who try to stop them will be killed at the Purple Haze spot
I remember stickin fiends at the one-six-ooh, when we was starvin, duckin five-oh, payin em dues
I remember robbing drug addicts on 160th street when we were hungry, avoiding the police, and paying our dues
Times is hard in the slums I'm from, they got us barred in
Life is difficult where I come from, the authorities keep us trapped
We warrin and cage dodgin, rippin and robbin
We are fighting and evading capture, stealing and robbing
Got the NARC sabotagin, slippin cracks in
The narcotics detectives are setting traps and planting drugs
Your camoflougin, now you snitchin on the squadron
Your hiding spot is revealed now you are informing on the team
That's somethin niggas can't pardon
That is unforgivable
City overrun by young gun with bad intention, and Wu-Wear garment
The city is controlled by young, violent criminals who are wearing Wu-Wear clothes
So I see no need to mention, the potency
Therefore, there is no need to talk about the power of Wu-Tang Clan's music
Of a sting from a killa bee, kickin the battery
Of the intense impact of being stung by a Wu-Tang clan member
Out the back of them wisecracks
Resulting in witty insults
Distorted for your get high you hijack
Your mind is altered when you get high and you become a criminal
These friendly skies ain't for you, they for me and mine
The airplanes are meant for me and my group, not for you
This the year of the grimy nigga, ragtime
This is the year of the dirty thief, hard times
Keep these niggas on the run, peep my Clan emblem
Keep the competition on edge, notice our clan's symbol
Iron Lung ain't got to tell you where it's comin from
Iron Lung doesn't need to tell you the source of the music
Catch us swimmin with these sharks now, you rap villains
You are now in the company of dangerous rappers
We feel the same way you feelin, let it be known (let it be known)
We understand your struggles, it's important to acknowledge it
What the blood clot you niggas dealin, you crash dummies
What are you guys doing? You are acting recklessly and will crash soon
Cash rules, still don't nuttin move but the money
Money is power, and nothing gets done without it
Ayo strong arm that kid right there with wavy hair
Hey, go rough up that guy with the curly hair
Billy Johnson, snatched him out his whip in Times Square
Billy Johnson was pulled out of his car in Times Square
Took his Pumas, nameplate, dude lost weight
Took his Puma shoes, chain, and he became weaker
Summer eighty-eight, started a fight, that can't wait
Summer of '88, started a fight, couldn't wait
Ask Dorothy, same kid pussy up in Marcy
Ask Dorothy, who knows this coward who hides in Marcy projects
Blazin' that Ted Rossi, up in The Marquee
Smoking Ted Rossi (marijuana) in The Marquee club
He lost like a hundred ounces, Jake rushed his houses
He lost around 100 ounces of drugs and was raided by the police
Had him on the porch, ass no trousers
Fought him on the porch while he was not wearing pants
This souped up, individual stuck, the new stuff
This arrogant guy is now in trouble as new drugs come on the market
Same kid cryin' on the stand with Judge Cuffner
The same coward was crying in court with Judge Cuffner
Kissed him with odd numbers three to nine style
Gave him a good beating with punches in odd numbers (3, 5, 7, 9)
Before he left he flashin' his face like Denzel
Before leaving, he showed off his battered face like Denzel Washington
Richard Dale took his Beaver, off the wall pullin his whip
Richard Dale stole his stolen car which was hanging on the wall
Mussy dropped and split his wig with the heater
Mussy was shot and his head was split open
His shape-up was all fucked up, as he had me laughin'
His haircut was terrible, and it made me laugh
God you see how he was laid out, in the grass
God, do you see how he was lying in the grass?
With dirt in his mouth, Slim woke him up told him he wild out
With dirt in his mouth, Slim woke him up by telling him he went crazy
Blood leakin from his teeth he smiled like he gunned out
With blood leaking from his mouth, he smiled like he got revenge
Big bolo, stackin his shit financed a Volvo
Big Bolo has a lot of money and used it to buy a Volvo
He copped his shit from a small, coffeeshop in SoHo
He bought his drugs from a small coffee shop in SoHo
He still pussy, he sell his dust up on the Lower East
He's still a coward and is selling his low-quality drugs on the Lower East Side
Posin like he rappin out
People pretend to be rappers
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CLIFFORD SMITH, COREY WOODS, DENNIS DAVID COLES, SELWYN DAJUAN BOUGARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rog
[Intro: Raekwon]
Shake them niggas
[Verse 1: Raekwon]
Scary hours no money out, smash the Guinness Stout
Play the outfield, Lucille, switched cracks on shields
She's a rich fiend sacrifice her fam shift them niggas
To Queens
Guess jeans she charged thirty-five beans
Hit the cell phone, regulate with well known Tone
A Wally kingpin who also slam the strike edition
What up? Corleone smoke the bone, Tone phone me
What up? He tried to slang there, address him with chrome only
Grady with the gray beard, transporting for him
Rocking Nike Air, Rastafarian bird, piping that
Switchin Benzes, ten carat nigga with gold lenses
Fronting like he's sitting on a lump, he's sitting on junk
You wanna pull a heist, draw guns and robberies
You wanna rock rep, step in yellow Wallabies
Names arraigned, they're Century Fox, little Glocks
Them niggas with stocks, wheelyin' blocks
Rich lifestyle, spoiled like an ordinary white child
But right now, Sun it still shine, shed light now
Breakdown, liquidate God, fucking grab the nickel plate
'Spenser: For Hire', tension when we mention Dryer
He's a slave cop, behave pop
Isuzu Beige Top will blow that cat at the Purple Haze spot
[Verse 2: Method Man]
I remember sticking fiends at the one-six-ooh
When we was starving, ducking five-oh, paying 'em dues
Times is hard in the slums I'm from, they got us barred in
We warring and cage dodging, ripping and robbing
Got the NARC sabotaging, slipping cracks in
Your camouflaging, now you snitching on the squadron
That's something niggas can't pardon
City overrun by young gun with bad intention and Wu-Wear garment
So I see no need to mention, the potency
Of a sting from a killa bee, kicking the battery
Out the back of them wisecracks
Distorted for your get high, you hijack
These friendly skies ain't for you, they for me and mine
This the year of the grimy nigga, ragtime
Keep these niggas on the run, peep my Clan emblem
Iron Lung ain't got to tell you where it's coming from
[Bridge: Method Man & La the Darkman]
Catch us swimming with these sharks now, you rap villains
(I feel the same way you niggas feeling)
We feel the same way you feeling, let it be known (let it be known)
What the blood clot you niggas dealing, you crash dummies
Cash rules, still don't nothing move but the money
[Verse 3: Ghostface Killah]
Aiyyo strongarm that kid right there with wavy hair
Billy Johnson snatched him out his whip in Times Square
Took his Pumas, nameplate, dude lost weight
Summer '88, started a fight, that can't wait
Ask Dorothy, same kid pussy up in Marcy
Blazing that Ted Rossi up in The Marquees
He lost like a hundred ounces, Jake rushed his houses
Had him on the porch, ass no trousers
This souped up, individual stuck, the new stuff
Same kid crying on the stand with Judge Kuffner
Kissed him with odd numbers three to nine style
Before he left he flashing his face like Denzel
Richard Dale took his Beaver, Un threw up all in his whip
Mussy dropped and split his wig with the heater
His shape-up was all fucked up, Heze had me laughing
God you see how he was laid out in the grass
With dirt in his mouth, Slim woke him up told him he wild out
Blood leaking from his teeth he smiled like he gummed out
Big bolo, stacking his shit, financed a Volvo
He copped his shit from a small coffee shop in SoHo
He still is pussy, he sell his dust up on the Lower East
Posing like a rap nominee..
MQL Mohale
Legend has it that Ghost kept going... 🔥🔥🔥
sixsixalex
Good one 👍🎵🎤 🎶
Kevin Kuza
😂💯
Mark Lacy
Let ghost go!!!!!
William Cruz
He's still going
Dupre McCall
I believe that
Kory Davis
Rae started his verse like he was having a regular convo and smoothly started flowing 🔥💯
ToneBeats86
this beat gives me chills I miss this type of hip hop
Lauren Azubeekay
yesssssssssss! sick af😲
Lord G
+Ron Davis. Not a Rza Beat son. Do ya research my G. You sound like you up on shit. If you were, you would know that this is a 4th Disciple beat. Peace.