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
Dashing
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh shit, the nigga had a pair of Air Christen Slaters
Rebel I, slay the max, it's Bobby Digital
Rockin' the latest in, every day comin' at niggas
Rockin' the latest in Ben Stillaways
Fuck that, the next big thing, lay this as Hollywood niggas
Now that's a money thing
Yo yo
I was Dashing through the hood
Eighteens with the whip, smoke gray
Leavin' skid marks on five-oh, smokin' all the way
With my all-star team, bitches see our shine
Yo son we gotta make that cream whether raps or Nixon times
They call me Rollie, watch me polly with the wide body Dinali
Packed the bad hottie, rocked enough ice to play hockey
I swarm like paparazzi, she popped a wheelie on the candy apple Kawasaki
Everything is sloppy, philosophical for those who copy
I'll probably splash her tonight, don't block me
Sippin' on Lime Bacardi got me toxy
Plus the Cali 'dro holdin' me, I'm 'bout to 'scape like the Roxy
Ever property, Monopoly, big shotty
Snatch the cream, whether in the concert hall or in the lobby
Used to be a hobby, got me duckin' Rudy Giuliani
Like I'm still coppin' big eights from papi
Follow me, whether Mardi Gras' or house party
It's wild like safari, ain't mean to catch the body
But had 'em wobbly off the first blow, tryin' to knock me
I'm known to pump ya blood like the theme song to Rocky
Kamikaze, might karate chop ya head like a natty dread
Then call myself Collar Ratsi
Professionally trained, I aim for your artery
I give the autographs but charge for photography
Not hardly kid, you awkward Godbody
You'se a carbon copy, just started to rock Wallys
Spark the broccoli, spas off this ghetto opery
Or catch the hot seat, you're batty boy without ya posse
Seen
Come, come, come
One for the dough, son
Give me the reasons
Come, come, come
One for the dough, son
Give me the reasons
Come, come, come
One for the dough, son
Give me the reasons
Come, come, come
One for the dough, son
Give me the reasons
They couldn't get me, watch me move swiftly
Broke the unmarked fifty with this cabby who was a gypsy
He stayed tipsy, said he loved his bills crispy
Drivin' the streets he kept heat on the night, shifty
Quickly, who ring bells like it's twelve on Sunday?
While the stage catch shells from forceful gun play
Mere fact that the track was a fierce counterattack
All those who couldn't multiply were sent back
No tanks, low rank, soldiers hittin' the heart
Tainted the fabric of an empire, was torn apart
Brought to a halt from a front full assault
The chemist left the lab with undetermined results
They say the swordsman sent electrical volts
The audience threw nuts with loose screws and bolts
The archives automatically changed ya stiff vibes
It was layin' in the zip drive from chest five
Come, come, come
One for the dough, son
Give me the reasons
Come, come, come
One for the dough, son
Give me the reasons
Come, come, come
One for the dough, son
Give me the reasons
Come, come, come
One for the dough, son
Give me the reasons
The lyrics to "Dashing" by Wu-Tang Clan are a combination of braggadocious rap and social commentary. The opening lines of the song highlight the obsession with material possessions that exists within hip-hop culture. The mention of Air Olden Polynice's and Air Christen Slaters, both rare and expensive sneakers, emphasizes the importance of status and wealth to the rapper. The lines "Rockin' the latest in, every day comin' at niggas / Rockin' the latest in Ben Stillaways" suggest that the singer is always ahead of the curve, constantly updating his style to stay ahead of others. However, the line "Fuck that, the next big thing, lay this as Hollywood niggas" implies that the rapper also desires recognition and success in the mainstream entertainment industry.
The verses that follow depict the rapper's accomplishments and lifestyle. He brags about his expensive car, luxurious clothes, and ability to attract beautiful women. The lines "Everything is sloppy, philosophical for those who copy / I'll probably splash her tonight, don't block" suggest that the rapper is aware of his influence and impact on others. He sees himself as a trendsetter, an innovator, and a leader. However, the line "dodging Rudy Giuliani / like I'm still coppin' big eights from papi" acknowledges the challenges and obstacles that he faces as a black man in America. The reference to Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City notorious for his aggressive law enforcement tactics, highlights the systemic racism and oppression that the rapper must navigate.
The chorus, "Come, come, come / One for the dough, son / Give me the reasons" is a call to action. It invites listeners to join the rapper in his pursuit of success and encourages them to examine their motivations and goals. The repetition of the line "give me the reasons" suggests that the rapper is questioning the authenticity and sincerity of others, challenging them to prove their worth.
Line by Line Meaning
The nigga had a pair of Air Olden Polynice's on
The person was wearing Air Olden Polynice's shoes
Oh shit, the nigga had a pair of Air Christen Slaters
The person was actually wearing Air Christen Slaters shoes
Rebel I, slay the max, it's really Digital
I, the rebel, am killing the maximum, and it's true digital
Rockin' the latest in, every day comin' at niggas
I wear the latest fashion every day and it intimidates others
Rockin' the latest in Ben Stillaways
I wear the latest fashion including Ben Stillaways shoes
Fuck that, the next big thing, lay this as Hollywood niggas
I don't care about those old trends, I'm focused on being the next big thing and achieving fame like Hollywood celebrities
Now that's a money thing
This pursuit of fame is all about making money
Yo yo
A casual way to get someone's attention
I was Dashing through the hood
I was quickly moving through the neighborhood
Eighteens with the whip, smoke gray
I had 18-inch rims on my car and it was smoke gray
Leavin' skid marks on five-oh, smokin' all the way
I was leaving tire marks on the police car while speeding away
With my all-star team, bitches see our shine
I had a group of people with me who were all successful and attractive, and others noticed us
Yo son we gotta make that cream whether raps or Nixon times
We need to make a lot of money, whether it's through music or illegal means like during the Nixon era
They call me Rollie, watch me polly with the wide body Dinali
My nickname is Rollie, and I'm driving a white GMC Denali with a wide body
Packed the bad hottie, rocked enough ice to play hockey
I had a beautiful woman with me and was wearing a lot of expensive jewelry
I swarm like paparazzi, she popped a wheelie on the candy apple Kawasaki
I moved quickly through the area like paparazzi, and my female companion performed a motorcycle stunt
Everything is sloppy, philosophical for those who copy
My behavior is reckless, but it's a lesson for those who imitate me
I'll probably splash her tonight, don't block
I'll probably have sexual relations with her tonight, so don't interrupt me
Sippin' on Lime Bacardi got me toxy
Drinking Lime Bacardi has made me intoxicated
Plus the Cali 'dro holdin' me, I'm 'bout to 'scape like the Roxy
I'm also under the influence of California marijuana and I'm leaving quickly like at the Roxy nightclub
Ever property, Monopoly, big shotti
I control all the wealth and own all the property, like a big shot
Snatch the cream, whether in the concert hall or in the lobby
I steal money and valuables, whether at a concert or in the lobby of a building
Used to be a hobby, got me duckin' Rudy Giuliani
Stealing used to be a hobby, but now I have to avoid the consequences and law enforcement like Rudy Giuliani
like I'm still coppin' big eights from papi
I'm avoiding the police like I used to avoid receiving large amounts of drugs from a dealer
Follow me, whether Mardi Gras' or house party
You should follow me whether it's Mardi Gras or a house party
It's wild like safari, ain't mean to catch the body
It's crazy like a safari, and I didn't intend to commit murder
But had 'em wobbly off the first blow, tryin' to knock me
I had my attacker off balance with my first punch while they were trying to attack me
I'm known to pump ya blood like the theme song to Rocky
I have a reputation for violent behavior and causing physical harm like the theme song to Rocky
Kamikaze, might karate chop ya head like a natty dread
I'm fearless and might use a karate chop to attack like a Jamaican Rastafarian
then call myself Collar Ratsi
I'll then refer to myself as Collar Ratsi
Professionally trained, I am for your artery
I'm skilled at attacking and causing harm to your arteries
I give the autographs but charge for photography
I'll sign autographs for free, but I'll charge money if you want to take a photo with me
Not hardly kid, you awkward Godbody
You're not really capable, and you have an uncomfortable level of self-importance
You'se a carbon copy, just started to rock Wallys
You're just copying others and have only recently started wearing Wallys shoes
Spark the broccoli, spas off this ghetto opery
Let's light some weed and start a crazy event in the ghetto
Or catch the hot seat, you're bawty boy without ya posse
Or you can end up in trouble, because you're alone without your group of friends
They couldn't get me, watch me move swiftly
The people who were after me couldn't catch me, because I was moving quickly
Broke the unmarked fifty with this cabby who was a gypsy
I split the money with a gypsy cab driver who wasn't using an official taxi
He stayed tipsy, said he loved his bills crispy
The cab driver was always drunk, and preferred crisp bills
Drivin' the streets he kept heat on the night, shifty
While driving on the streets, he kept a weapon just in case, and was also driving erratically
Quickly, who ring bells like it's twelve on Sunday?
Quickly, who is making a lot of noise like church bells ringing at noon on Sunday?
While the stage catch shells from forceful gun play
While performers on stage are being shot at with guns
Mere fact that the track was a fierce counterattack
The fact that the song was a powerful response to an attack
All those who couldn't multiply were sent back
Those who couldn't keep up or hold their own were left behind
No tanks, low rank, soldiers hittin' the heart
We didn't have tanks or high ranking soldiers, but we were still able to attack the enemy with force
Tainted the heart of an empire, was torn apart
We managed to corrupt and destroy the heart of the empire
Brought to a halt from a front full assault
The enemy was stopped in their tracks after a powerful attack
The chemist left the lab with undetermined results
The scientist didn't know what the outcome of the experiment would be
They saw the swordsman sift electrical volts
They witnessed a skilled fighter dodging electrical attacks
The audience threw nuts with loose screws and bolts
The crowd threw nuts and bolts at the performers, showing their anger and frustration
The archives automatically changed ya stiff vibes
The old recordings were automatically updated with a more modern sound
It was layin' in the sip drive from chest five
It was stored in the hard drive of the computer in chest number five
Come, come, come
A call to action or attention
One for the dough, son
I demand money or compensation for my services
Give me the reasons
Justify your actions or explain your motives
Chorus
The repeating part of the song
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Gary E. Grice, Jason Hunter, Robert F. Diggs
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind