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
Deep Space
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Trip into the mind (in the mind)
The mind of the wise
Okay, uh, enter the seventh dimension (yes)
Witness my ascension to the Heavens, right
Like Christ on the third day
I'm nice with the wordplay
Standing on my square, firm (line 'em up)
Grafted germ trying to shake my foundation (shakers)
Nation of Gods & Earths, birthed by the Fther
If He didn't love us, then why would He bother? (Why would He do it?)
Universal mathematician (uh-huh), I shine like the sun
Look at how I flash and glisten
Bask in the radiance (uh), melanin, soaks up my energy
Brings cancer to my enemies (uh)
Knowledge the God, as I build, destroy (yes)
Black hole, watch me as I fill the void (watch me)
I'm light years beyond, my word is my bond (uh, what?)
Stay tuned, you've only heard a third of the song
That's right, just a third of the song, no more-
(This the deep space)
When I was young, we couldn't keep space
We got evicted, moms would play numbers on sweepstakes
To hate to pay rent, arms stay bent, step-pops in state pen
Old dad been gone ever since I was three
Had no one to show me how to set me free
Or give me a clue, on who I'm supposed to be
I was a mommy's boy, soft, Uncle Tommy boy
Walking the streets, like a dead zombie, boy
Swine eating, lying, cheatin', praying to a white Jesus
Never thought the first man on Earth, it could be us
Got blessed with the twelve jewels, learned they could do me well
Helped find God in man like Emmanuel
Whose the original, whose the grafted criminal
Who crafted trick knowledge to attack the subliminal
Subconscious stages, I got the book, turned the pages
Learned one hundred and twenty and nine phases
Of the moon, stay in tune, all praises due
The truth is what raises you
(This the deep space)
Let's take a trip through the galaxy (come on)
Come on, mystery God is a fallacy
Celestial being, mothership over the White House
See that, had your President shook
Take a self-evident look, through the telescopic lens (uh)
Magnify my truth, the Milky Way couldn't satisfy my sweet tooth (no)
Amplified my beats is proof of light up
I only do as right, you only do as left (uh)
Now tell me whose the best, Lord Jamar, I got a constellation of stars
You only did your observation from afar
Twenty-three scientists, blow the moon from the Earth
Covers on the three, fourth, lover of my heat source
I meet force with force, fighting fire with fire (that's right)
Space dust, watch me get higher and higher
King of the Universe, call me Messiah
Uh-huh, nah I mean?
Praise Allah (call me Messiah)
Bow down the Gods (that's right)
(This the deep space)
(This the deep space)
Deep space
Uh, let's take a trip
Trip into the mind of the-
The mind of the wise (okay, uh)
Uh, come on
Uh, come on
Trip into the mind
The lyrics to Wu-Tang Clan's song "Deep Space" delve into various themes including spirituality, self-discovery, and the quest for knowledge. The song begins with an invitation to take a mental journey into the mind of the wise, implying that the following lyrics will offer insights and wisdom.
The first verse introduces the idea of ascension to a higher state of consciousness, comparing it to Christ's resurrection. The lyrics emphasize the artist's skill in wordplay and their ability to survey and understand their surroundings. It references the Nation of Gods & Earths, a religious group associated with the Five Percent Nation, highlighting the belief in the importance of knowledge and self-awareness. The lyrics also hint at the power of melanin and the ability to absorb energy, metaphorically bringing harm to those who oppose.
The second verse reflects on the artist's upbringing and the challenges they faced, such as eviction and absent parental figures. It highlights the search for identity and the struggle to find guidance. The lyrics mention the influence of religion and the revelation that the first man on Earth could be of African descent, challenging preconceived notions. The discovery of the twelve jewels, symbolic of knowledge and wisdom, is presented as a transformative experience that leads to self-realization and the understanding of true spirituality.
The chorus, "This the deep space," reinforces the idea that the lyrics are exploring profound concepts and thought-provoking ideas that take the listener on a journey beyond the surface level.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh, let's take a trip (let's take a trip, let's take a trip)
Let's embark on a journey through introspection and exploration
Trip into the mind (in the mind)
Delve into the depths of consciousness
The mind of the wise
The intellect of those with profound knowledge and understanding
Okay, uh, enter the seventh dimension (yes)
Transcend into a higher level of existence
Witness my ascension to the Heavens, right
Observe my rise to divine realms
Like Christ on the third day
Comparable to the resurrection of Jesus
I'm nice with the wordplay
Skilled at manipulating language
Master of all that I survey (come on)
Dominant and knowledgeable in everything within my gaze
Standing on my square, firm (line 'em up)
Confident and unwavering in my beliefs
Grafted germ trying to shake my foundation (shakers)
Inferior individuals attempting to undermine my principles
Nation of Gods & Earths, birthed by the Father
The divine origin of the Nation of Gods and Earths
If He didn't love us, then why would He bother? (Why would He do it?)
Questioning the logic behind God's care and concern for humanity
Universal mathematician (uh-huh), I shine like the sun
Able to comprehend and manipulate the fabric of the universe, radiating brilliance
Look at how I flash and glisten
Marvel at my dazzling presence
Bask in the radiance (uh), melanin, soaks up my energy
Absorb and thrive on the power of my skin pigment
Brings cancer to my enemies (uh)
Inflicts destruction and harm upon those who oppose me
Knowledge the God, as I build, destroy (yes)
Utilize wisdom to create and dismantle
Black hole, watch me as I fill the void (watch me)
Observe my ability to occupy empty spaces
I'm light years beyond, my word is my bond (uh, what?)
Far surpassing others, my promises are unbreakable
Stay tuned, you've only heard a third of the song
Remain attentive, as you have yet to experience the entirety of the message
When I was young, we couldn't keep space
In my youth, we lacked sufficient living accommodations
We got evicted, moms would play numbers on sweepstakes
We faced eviction, my mother resorted to playing lottery games
To hate to pay rent, arms stay bent, step-pops in state pen
Struggling to afford rent, burdened by the incarceration of my stepfather
Old dad been gone ever since I was three
My biological father has been absent since my early childhood
Had no one to show me how to set me free
Lacking guidance on achieving personal liberation
Or give me a clue, on who I'm supposed to be
Lacking insight into my true purpose
I was a mommy's boy, soft, Uncle Tommy boy
I was overly dependent on my mother, timid and vulnerable
Walking the streets, like a dead zombie, boy
Navigating through life aimlessly and without purpose
Swine eating, lying, cheatin', praying to a white Jesus
Engaging in negative behavior, deceived by false religious teachings
Never thought the first man on Earth, it could be us
Unaware of the greatness and potential within ourselves
Got blessed with the twelve jewels, learned they could do me well
Gifted with knowledge and wisdom that brought immense benefits
Helped find God in man like Emmanuel
Assisted in discovering the divine essence within humanity, like the concept of Emmanuel
Whose the original, whose the grafted criminal
Questioning the true origin and motives of certain individuals or groups
Who crafted trick knowledge to attack the subliminal
Creating deceptive ideologies to manipulate unconscious minds
Subconscious stages, I got the book, turned the pages
Exploring the depths of the subconscious mind by reading and acquiring knowledge
Learned one hundred and twenty and nine phases
Attained a comprehensive understanding of the cycles and stages of life
Of the moon, stay in tune, all praises due
Being in harmony with the moon's cycles, giving reverence as appropriate
The truth is what raises you
Embracing the truth is what elevates and uplifts you
Let's take a trip through the galaxy (come on)
Embark on a journey through the vastness of the universe
Come on, mystery God is a fallacy
Reject the notion of a mysterious and unattainable deity
Celestial being, mothership over the White House
Supernatural entity, with a spacecraft positioned above the White House
See that, had your President shook
Instilling fear and uncertainty within the country's leader
Take a self-evident look, through the telescopic lens (uh)
Examine the truth clearly, using a metaphorical telescope
Magnify my truth, the Milky Way couldn't satisfy my sweet tooth (no)
Amplify my authentic message, as the vastness of the Milky Way pales in comparison
Amplified my beats is proof of light up
The intensified rhythms I produce serve as evidence of my brilliance
I only do as right, you only do as left (uh)
I consistently choose the righteous path, while you remain in a state of confusion
Now tell me whose the best, Lord Jamar, I got a constellation of stars
Identify who possesses superior skills, acknowledging Lord Jamar's exceptional talent
You only did your observation from afar
Your assessment and understanding are limited due to your distant viewpoint
Twenty-three scientists, blow the moon from the Earth
A group of knowledgeable individuals with the ability to dislodge the moon from its orbit
Covers on the three, fourth, lover of my heat source
Concealment and control over the three planets closest to the sun
I meet force with force, fighting fire with fire (that's right)
Engage in conflicts by responding with equal strength
Space dust, watch me get higher and higher
Ascending and reaching greater heights like celestial dust
King of the Universe, call me Messiah
Proclaiming oneself as the ruler of all existence and a divine figure
Uh-huh, nah I mean? Praise Allah (call me Messiah)
Expressing agreement and emphasizing Islamic devotion
Bow down the Gods (that's right)
Submitting to the divine powers
(This the deep space)
This is an exploration into the profound realms
(This the deep space)
This song is an immersion into the profound spaces
Deep space
The vast and unexplored regions of the universe
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Robert F. Diggs, Lorenzo Dechalus, Alex Orton-Green, Jason Steadman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ethan Chan
[Intro: Lord Jamar]
Uh, let's take a trip
Trip into the mind...
The mind of the wise...
[Lord Jamar]
Okay, uh, enter the seventh dimension
Witness my ascension into the heavens
Like Christ on the third day, I'm nice with my wordplay
Master of all that I survey
Standing on my square, firm
Grafted germ trying to shake my foundation
Nation of Gods & Earths, birthed by the father
If he didn't love us, then why would he bother?
Universal mathematician, I shine like the sun
Look at how I flash against it
Basking Arabians, melenin, soaks up my energy
Brings cancer to my enemies
Knowledge the God, as I build/destroy
Black hole, watch me as I fill the void
I'm light years beyond, my word is my bond
Stay tuned, you've only heard a third of the song
[Interlude: Lord Jamar]
That's right, just a third of the song..
No more, the stars, the milky way, the solar system
[RZA]
Yo, this is deep space, when I was young, we couldn't keep space
We got evicted, moms would play numbers, on sweepstakes
To hate to pay rent, arms stay bent, step-pops in state pen
Old dad been gone ever since, I was three
Had no one to show me how to set me free
Or give me a clue, on who, I'm supposed to be
I was a mommy's boy, soft, Uncle Tommy Boy
Walking the streets, like a dead zombie, boy
Swine eating, lying, cheatin, praying to a white Jesus
Never thought the first man on Earth, it could be us
Got blessed with the twelve jew-els, learned they could do me well
Helped find God in man, like Emmanuel
Whose the original, whose the grafted criminal
Who crafted trick knowledge, to attack, the subliminal
Subconscious stages, I got the book, turned the pages
Learned one hundred and twenty, and nine phases
Of the moon, stay in tune, all praises due
The truth is what raises you
[Hook 2X: Lord Jamar]
The universal builder, supreme architecht
Lord Jamar and, I'm about to spark the set
Touch my Earth and, you might as well be marked for death
Deep space, if it still get darker, yet
[Lord Jamar]
Uh, let's take a trip through the galaxy
Mystery God is a phalacy
Celestial being, mothership over the White House
See that, had your President shook
Take a self evident look, through the telescopic lens
Magnefy my truth, the milky way couldn't satisfy my sweet tooth
Amplified my beats is proof of light up
I only do as right, you only do as left
Now tell me whose the best, Lord Jamar, I got a constellation of stars
You only did your observation from afar
Twenty three scientists, blow the moon from the Earth
Covers on the three/fourth, lover of my heat source
I meet force with force, fighting fire with fire
Space dust, watch me get higher and higher
King of the Universe, call me Messiah
[Interlude: Lord Jamar]
Knowhatimean, praise the child (call me Messiah)
Bow down the Gods, that's right
Ruler of the Universe... yo, come on
[Hook 2X]
[Outro: Lord Jamar]
Yes, uh... that's how it is
True builder, yeah, it's like that
TNT Productions travel,videography & vlogging.
I have been a Wu Banger for years. Alot of fans probably don’t like it but this is pretty dope! Brings another diverse angle “musically”.
J Queiroz
Sensacional
Ethan Chan
[Intro: Lord Jamar]
Uh, let's take a trip
Trip into the mind...
The mind of the wise...
[Lord Jamar]
Okay, uh, enter the seventh dimension
Witness my ascension into the heavens
Like Christ on the third day, I'm nice with my wordplay
Master of all that I survey
Standing on my square, firm
Grafted germ trying to shake my foundation
Nation of Gods & Earths, birthed by the father
If he didn't love us, then why would he bother?
Universal mathematician, I shine like the sun
Look at how I flash against it
Basking Arabians, melenin, soaks up my energy
Brings cancer to my enemies
Knowledge the God, as I build/destroy
Black hole, watch me as I fill the void
I'm light years beyond, my word is my bond
Stay tuned, you've only heard a third of the song
[Interlude: Lord Jamar]
That's right, just a third of the song..
No more, the stars, the milky way, the solar system
[RZA]
Yo, this is deep space, when I was young, we couldn't keep space
We got evicted, moms would play numbers, on sweepstakes
To hate to pay rent, arms stay bent, step-pops in state pen
Old dad been gone ever since, I was three
Had no one to show me how to set me free
Or give me a clue, on who, I'm supposed to be
I was a mommy's boy, soft, Uncle Tommy Boy
Walking the streets, like a dead zombie, boy
Swine eating, lying, cheatin, praying to a white Jesus
Never thought the first man on Earth, it could be us
Got blessed with the twelve jew-els, learned they could do me well
Helped find God in man, like Emmanuel
Whose the original, whose the grafted criminal
Who crafted trick knowledge, to attack, the subliminal
Subconscious stages, I got the book, turned the pages
Learned one hundred and twenty, and nine phases
Of the moon, stay in tune, all praises due
The truth is what raises you
[Hook 2X: Lord Jamar]
The universal builder, supreme architecht
Lord Jamar and, I'm about to spark the set
Touch my Earth and, you might as well be marked for death
Deep space, if it still get darker, yet
[Lord Jamar]
Uh, let's take a trip through the galaxy
Mystery God is a phalacy
Celestial being, mothership over the White House
See that, had your President shook
Take a self evident look, through the telescopic lens
Magnefy my truth, the milky way couldn't satisfy my sweet tooth
Amplified my beats is proof of light up
I only do as right, you only do as left
Now tell me whose the best, Lord Jamar, I got a constellation of stars
You only did your observation from afar
Twenty three scientists, blow the moon from the Earth
Covers on the three/fourth, lover of my heat source
I meet force with force, fighting fire with fire
Space dust, watch me get higher and higher
King of the Universe, call me Messiah
[Interlude: Lord Jamar]
Knowhatimean, praise the child (call me Messiah)
Bow down the Gods, that's right
Ruler of the Universe... yo, come on
[Hook 2X]
[Outro: Lord Jamar]
Yes, uh... that's how it is
True builder, yeah, it's like that
mattydave123
wow. just wow. love this
m-killuminati
Now this is my shit
Mike Bowlin
Brilliant!
nØʌħ.
Bud, don't hate: they just put a little twist on it and the album is called "enter the dubstep". What do you expect?
KassTime
I'm only five years old and I listen to this shit all day.
Eric Dufresne
Is dubstep still a thing?
the3goodlemons
RZA GOAT OF PRODUCERS TOP 5 AS A RAPPER