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.
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Da Mystery Of Chessboxin'
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You must think first before you move
Toad style is immensely strong and immune to nearly any weapon
When it's properly used it's almost invincible
Raw I'ma give it to ya, with no trivia
Raw like cocaine straight from Bolivia
My hip-hop will rock and shock the nation
Weak MC's approach with slang that's dead
You might as well run into the wall and bang your head
I'm pushing force, my force you're doubting
I'm making devils cower to the Caucus Mountains
Well I'm a sire, I set the microphone on fire
Rap styles vary, and carry like Mariah
I come from the Shaolin slum, and the isle I'm from
Is coming through with nuff niggas, and nuff guns
So if you wanna come sweating, stressing contesting
You'll catch a sharp sword to the midsection
Don't talk the talk, if you can't walk the walk
Phony niggas are outlined in chalk
I'm mad vexed, it's what the projects made me
Rebel to the grain there's no way to barricade me
Steamrolling niggas like a eighteen wheeler
With a drunk driver driving, there's no surviving
Rough like Timberland wear, yeah
Me and the Clan, and yo the Landcruisers out there
Peace to all the crooks, all the niggas with bad looks
Bald heads, braids, blow this hook
We got chrome Tecs, nickel plated Macs
Black Ac's, drug dealing styles in phat stacks
I only been a good nigga for a minute though
Cuz I got to get my props, and win it yo
I got beef wit commercial-ass niggas with gold teeth
Lamping in a Lexus eating beef
Straight up and down don't even bother
I got forty niggas up in here now, who kill niggas fathers
My peoples are you with me where you at?
In the front, in the back killa-bees on attack
My peoples are you with me where you at?
Smoking meth hitting cats on the block with the gats
Here I go, deep type flow
Jacques Cousteau could never get this low
I'm cherry bombing shits, Boom
Just warming up a little bit, vroom vroom
Rappining is what's happening
Keep the pockets stacked and then, hands clapping and
At the party when I move my body
Gotta get up and be somebody!
Grab the microphone put strength to the bone
Duh-Duh-Duh, enter the Wu-Tang zone
Sure enough when I rock that stuff
Guff puff? I'm gonna catch your bluff tuff
Rough, kicking rhymes like Jim Kelly
Or Alex Haley I'm a Mi-Beetle Bailey rhymes
Coming raw style, hardcore
Niggas be coming to the hip-hop store
Coming to buy grocery from me
Trying to be a hip-hop MC
The law, in order to enter the Wu-Tang
You must bring the Ol' Dirty Bastard type slang
Represent the GZA, Abbott, RZA, Shaquan, Inspectah Deck
Dirty Ol' getting low wit his flow
Introducing, the Ghostface Killah!
No one could get iller
My peoples are you with me where you at?
In the front, in the back killa-bees on attack
My peoples are you with me where you at?
Smoking meth hitting cats on the block with the gats
Speaking of the devil psych, no it's the God, get the shit right
Mega trife, and yo I killed you in a past life
On the mic while you was kicking that fast shit
You reneged tried again, and got blasted
Half mastered ass style mad ruff task
When I struck I had on Timbs and a black mask
Remember that shit? I know you don't remember jack
That night yo I was hitting like a spiked bat
And then you thought I was bugged out, and crazy
Strapped for nonsense, after me became lazy
Yo, nobody budge while I shot slugs
Never shot thugs, I'm running with thugs that flood mugs
So grab your 8 + 1, start flipping and tripping
Niggas is jetting I'm licking off son
Wu, Tang, Wu, Tang, Wu, Tang, Wu, Tang!
Homicide's illegal and death is the penalty
What justifies the homicide, when he dies?
In his own iniquity it's the
Master of the Mantis Rapture coming at ya
We have an APB on an MC Killer
Looks like the work of a Master
Evidence indicates that his stature
Merciless like a terrorist hard to capture
The flow, changes like a chameleon
Plays like a friend, and stabs you like a dagger
This technique attacks the immune system
Disguised like a lie paralyzing the victim
You scream, as it enters your bloodstream
Erupts your brain from the pain these thoughts contain
Moving on a nigga with the speed of a centipede
And injure any motherfucking contender!
The Wu-Tang Clan's song Da Mystery of Chessboxin' is a colorful and symbolic exploration of chess and the principles of martial arts, with the lyrics telling a story that is part chess lesson, part kung-fu epic. The first verse is an extended metaphor that likens the rules of chess to a swordfight, with the "toad style" representing an unbeatable technique when wielded properly. The lyrics then shift to a series of boasts about the Wu-Tang Clan's prowess in hip-hop, with references to everything from the Emancipation Proclamation to Jacque Cousteau.
The second half of the song takes a darker turn, with violent imagery and threats against other MCs, touching on themes of revenge, territoriality, and street violence. The final lines of the song speak to the intensity and competitiveness of the rap game, with the "Killa-bees" - a reference to the Wu-Tang Clan and its many members - on the attack.
Overall, the lyrics of Da Mystery of Chessboxin' are a complex mix of lyrical virtuosity, pop culture references, and gritty street realism, that paint a vivid portrait of the world of hip-hop and the Wu-Tang Clan's role in it.
Line by Line Meaning
The game of chess is like a sword fight
Chess requires the same strategy and skill as a sword fight.
You must think first before you move
Carefully considering your actions is key to success in chess.
Toad style is immensely strong and immune to nearly any weapon
The toad style fighting technique is incredibly powerful and difficult to defend against.
When it's properly used it's almost invincible
Effective use of the toad style makes it almost unbeatable.
Raw I'ma give it to ya, with no trivia
I'm going to be completely honest and straightforward with you.
Raw like cocaine straight from Bolivia
My music is pure and unadulterated.
My hip-hop will rock and shock the nation
My music will be groundbreaking and change the world.
Like the Emancipation Proclamation
My music will have a profound impact on history.
Weak MC's approach with slang that's dead
Incompetent rappers use outdated and unoriginal language.
You might as well run into the wall and bang your head
You're better off hurting yourself than listening to bad music.
I'm pushing force, my force you're doubting
I'm powerful and you shouldn't underestimate me.
I'm making devils cower to the Caucus Mountains
Evil forces fear me so much they'll run to the ends of the earth to get away from me.
Well I'm a sire, I set the microphone on fire
I'm a leader and my music is explosive.
Rap styles vary, and carry like Mariah
There are many genres and styles in rap, much like Mariah Carey's vocal range.
I come from the Shaolin slum, and the isle I'm from
I come from a tough area in Shaolin, and represent my origin strongly.
Is coming through with nuff niggas, and nuff guns
I have a lot of people and weapons with me.
So if you wanna come sweating, stressing contesting
If you want to challenge me, go ahead and try.
You'll catch a sharp sword to the midsection
You'll be quickly dealt with and defeated.
Don't talk the talk, if you can't walk the walk
Don't make big claims if you can't back them up.
Phony niggas are outlined in chalk
Fake people are easily exposed and eliminated.
I'm mad vexed, it's what the projects made me
I'm angry and frustrated due to my difficult background.
Rebel to the grain there's no way to barricade me
I'm a rebel and cannot be stopped.
Steamrolling niggas like a eighteen wheeler
I'm crushing my opponents with unstoppable force.
With a drunk driver driving, there's no surviving
My impact is so deadly that nobody can escape.
Rough like Timberland wear, yeah
My style is tough and durable like Timberland boots.
Me and the Clan, and yo the Landcruisers out there
My crew and I, along with our vehicles, are present.
Peace to all the crooks, all the niggas with bad looks
Greetings to all the criminals and outcasts.
Bald heads, braids, blow this hook
Everyone with different hairstyles can enjoy this song.
We got chrome Tecs, nickel plated Macs
We have a variety of guns to choose from.
Black Ac's, drug dealing styles in phat stacks
We have expensive cars and make money through selling drugs.
I only been a good nigga for a minute though
I've only been trying to be a good person for a short amount of time.
Cuz I got to get my props, and win it yo
I need recognition and success.
I got beef wit commercial-ass niggas with gold teeth
I have a problem with fake rappers who only care about money and their image.
Lamping in a Lexus eating beef
They're living in luxury while I struggle and survive.
Straight up and down don't even bother
Honestly, it's not worth trying to compete with me.
I got forty niggas up in here now, who kill niggas fathers
I have an army of dangerous men with me.
My peoples are you with me where you at?
Are my followers and supporters present and ready?
In the front, in the back killa-bees on attack
We're everywhere and ready to strike with deadly force.
Smoking meth hitting cats on the block with the gats
We're using drugs and guns to cause chaos and destruction in the neighborhood.
Here I go, deep type flow
I'm about to start rapping with a powerful and meaningful flow.
Jacques Cousteau could never get this low
My style is so deep that even famous explorer Jacques Cousteau couldn't reach it.
I'm cherry bombing shits, Boom
I'm exploding onto the rap scene with a bang.
Just warming up a little bit, vroom vroom
I'm taking it easy at first and just getting started.
Rappining is what's happening
Rap is the current trend and popular genre.
Keep the pockets stacked and then, hands clapping and
I'm making a lot of money and fans are showing their support.
At the party when I move my body
I'm the life of the party and everyone is dancing.
Gotta get up and be somebody!
I need to make a name for myself and achieve greatness.
Grab the microphone put strength to the bone
I'm taking control of the microphone and using my power to create great music.
Duh-Duh-Duh, enter the Wu-Tang zone
I'm entering the world of Wu-Tang and unleashing my art.
Sure enough when I rock that stuff
Whenever I rap, it's always impressive.
Guff puff? I'm gonna catch your bluff tuff
I'm calling out anyone who doubts my skills.
Rough, kicking rhymes like Jim Kelly
My rhymes are tough and aggressive, like martial artist Jim Kelly.
Or Alex Haley I'm a Mi-Beetle Bailey rhymes
My rhymes are as powerful as writer Alex Haley's, and I'm like comic strip character Beetle Bailey.
Coming raw style, hardcore
I'm rapping with an unfiltered and aggressive style.
Niggas be coming to the hip-hop store
People are coming to hip-hop for entertainment and to shop for music.
Coming to buy grocery from me
They're coming to buy my music like it's a necessity.
Trying to be a hip-hop MC
They want to make it in the industry like I have.
The law, in order to enter the Wu-Tang
To be part of Wu-Tang, you must follow the principles and values of the group.
You must bring the Ol' Dirty Bastard type slang
You must be creative and unique with your language, like Ol' Dirty Bastard.
Represent the GZA, Abbott, RZA, Shaquan, Inspectah Deck
I'm representing my fellow members of Wu-Tang Clan.
Dirty Ol' getting low wit his flow
Ol' Dirty Bastard is rapping with a low and gritty flow.
Introducing, the Ghostface Killah!
I'm introducing Ghostface Killah to the audience.
No one could get iller
I, and those in my crew, are the best and nobody can top us.
Homicide's illegal and death is the penalty
Killing someone is illegal and punishable by death.
What justifies the homicide, when he dies?
What makes it okay to kill someone?
In his own iniquity it's the
It's the person's own wrongdoing that leads to their death.
Master of the Mantis Rapture coming at ya
I'm the greatest and I'm attacking anyone who doubts me.
We have an APB on an MC Killer
We're looking for a dangerous rapper who's killing other MCs.
Looks like the work of a Master
This killing was done by someone skilled and powerful.
Evidence indicates that his stature
The evidence suggests that the killer is someone of high status.
Merciless like a terrorist hard to capture
The killer is difficult to catch and shows no mercy.
The flow, changes like a chameleon
My rapping style is versatile and ever-changing.
Plays like a friend, and stabs you like a dagger
I can seem friendly but still have the ability to hurt you.
This technique attacks the immune system
My style is so powerful that it can affect you physically.
Disguised like a lie paralyzing the victim
My words can be deceptive and cause people to freeze.
You scream, as it enters your bloodstream
My music affects people deeply and emotionally.
Erupts your brain from the pain these thoughts contain
My lyrics can be intense and cause mental anguish.
Moving on a nigga with the speed of a centipede
I move and attack quickly, like a centipede.
And injure any motherfucking contender!
I will hurt anyone who tries to compete with me.
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