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
Ghost Deini
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jeeps rumble and my dogs puff grass
Bank stoppin', high-derox hydrolic
Kid with the most knowledge will obtain to touch top dollars
Hold me down, hand me my cake, dusty, bake, activate
Fuck your corny debates
I'm like cake or maybe like ten thousand dollar rabbits
The kid walked through, switch up his accent "Now I'm from Paris"
Signs from the most high causes me to break them all
How the fuck was y'all niggas thinkin? You think I fell off the ledge?
The legendary Ghost Deini might be dead?
Never, impossible, pull out black burners like tonsils
To gallants, hit 'em if we go to
Bustin' at y'all niggas daily
Wall-to-wall, Hawkins
Suckin' your teeth 'cause God chain-talkin
Like Ghostface this, Ghostface that
Ghost sold crack, now his revelations spoken through rap
Velour down like the sheik of Iran
Gasoline cream wrapped in hospital bands
Model vans, Michael Davis, it's me against housin'
Extraordinary pro-black, sold God creations to control thousands
Catch me at the flicks, Apollo rap Fredrick Douglas
You know what? Eh yo, fuck this
How can I move the crowd?
First of all, ain't no mistakes allowed
Here's the instructions, put it together
It's simple ain't it? Well, quite clever
Marvin, Marvin, you were a friend of mine
You stood for somethin, ugh
Tupac, Biggie, oh how we miss you so
We want y'all both to know
We really love you so
The lyrics to Wu-Tang Clan's song "Ghost Deini" are full of metaphors and wordplay, making it difficult to pinpoint a specific meaning. However, the song seems to be a showcase of Ghostface Killah's lyrical prowess and street credibility. He starts by referencing a plan to destroy a company's national defense and then delves into a description of his own life as a drug dealer, referencing rabbits worth $10,000 and black burners like tonsils. He also makes a reference to two artists who were killed, Tupac and Biggie, and declares his loyalty to them. Throughout the song, Ghostface emphasizes his street credibility, mentioning that he is "Gucci down" and "don't speak much."
The song's chorus is a reference to Marvin Gaye's "You're a Wonderful One," which Ghostface uses to pay homage to fallen rap legends. There are also several other references and allusions throughout the song, including to Magic Johnson, Donnie, and Willie Hutch. The overall tone of the song is one of confidence and self-assuredness, with Ghostface declaring himself to be a "brolic scholar" and referring to himself as "Ghost Deini."
Line by Line Meaning
In an enemy land...
The singer is prepared to face danger in a hostile environment.
Ack, just by destroying Starks Enterprises
The singer addresses someone (Finkle) to help them destroy an enemy company.
Yo, summer time holdin' the nine, split the Vega in half
The singer reminisces about a past experience of driving a car with a gun during summertime.
Jeeps rumble and my dogs puff grass
The artist and their friends smoke marijuana and drive their vehicles.
Bank stoppin', high-derox hydrolic
The artist mentions their car has a high-powered hydraulic system.
Kid with the most knowledge will obtain to touch top dollars
The individual most informed has the ability to become rich.
Hold me down, hand me my cake, dusty, bake, activate
The singer requests assistance and prepares to take action.
Fuck your corny debates
The artist disregards and disrespects pointless discussions.
I'm like cake or maybe like ten thousand dollar rabbits
The artist compares themselves to expensive things.
The kid walked through, switch up his accent "Now I'm from Paris"
The artist describes someone pretending to be from Paris but likely is not.
Cash the bill, frozen element, Segal
The singer expresses the need to cash a check and mentions the name Segal.
Signs from the most high causes me to break them all
The artist references their fate and destiny as guiding their decisions.
How the fuck was why'all niggas thinkin? You think I fell off the ledge?
The singer calls out anyone who thought they were not relevant.
The legendary Ghost Deini might be dead?
The singer questions if their identity is still alive and impactful.
Never, impossible, pull out black burners like tonsils
The singer indicates their weapons and readiness to fight.
To gallants, hit 'em if we go to
The artist warns that they will retaliate if aggressed upon.
Bustin at why'all niggas daily
The artist describes shooting at enemies on a regular basis.
Wall-to-wall, Hawkins
The singer references hallway shooting on Hawkins street.
Suckin your teeth 'cause God chain-talkin
The singer recalls someone being annoyed about God chain-talk.
Like Ghostface this, Ghostface that, Ghost sold crack, now his revelations spoken through rap
The artist references common perceptions about their identity and how their music contains important messages.
Valored down like the sheik of Iran
The artist calls themselves a symbol of power and wealth similar to the Sheik of Iran.
Gasoline cream wrapped in hospital bands
The artist references drugs and money disguised as hospital items.
Model vans, Michael Davis, it's me against housin'
The singer describes their situation and environment.
Extraordinary pro-black, sold God creations to control thousands
The artist emphasizes their activism and ability to bring people together.
Catch me at the flicks, Apollo rap Fredrick Douglas
The singer references popular places and historical figures.
You know what? Eh yo, fuck this
The singer expresses frustration and changes subjects.
Eh yo, how can I move the crowd?
The singer questions how they can influence people.
First of all, ain't no mistakes allowed
The artist emphasizes the importance of doing things correctly.
Here's the instructions, put it together
The artist gives advice on how to succeed.
It's simple ain't it? Well, quite clever
The singer implies their advice is straightforward but insightful.
*singing* Marvin, Marvin, you were a friend of mine
The singer sings a tribute to Marvin Gaye.
Tupac, Biggie, ohh how we miss you so
The artist mentions famous rappers who died.
Eh yo, I'm Gucci down
The artist references wearing expensive clothing brand Gucci.
Wally boot, Jamaican hat, long 4-pound
The artist describes their attire and weaponry.
Ask niggas how I get down
The singer challenges others to ask about their behavior and reputation.
Don't speak much, deluxe plush
The artist shares their personality traits.
Imaginations holdin' all like Willie Hutch
The singer references their creativity and music influences.
You might've bumped into me on the Riker's bus
The singer references having been to Riker's Island.
Weed in my teeths, jem in my beauty sleep, sleeve
The singer describes their appearance and habits.
Dead serious, knowledge by 2% triple geese
The artist claims they have advanced knowledge and seriousness.
Come on, we juggle mic's
The artist references performing and sharing microphones with others.
We come on all the amps, advance the final
The singer prepares to perform and compete with others.
Show these niggas how the way we dance
The singer implies their music and dancing skills are of high quality.
Hot night, Jamaica
The artist references a hot night in Jamaica.
Came through in a boger green '68 Pacer
The artist describes a car they drove or rode in.
Had mad paper, high as a fuck
The artist references their wealth and intoxication.
Truck, 2 rappers got stuck that night
The singer recalls an incident where two rappers encountered issues.
I ain't sayin' no names, they know who, thank you for the change
The artist refuses to give direct details but acknowledges the situation and money received from it.
Outdoor event, New Year's Eve, Cali weed
The singer references a weed-based New Year's Eve celebration.
Thirty seconds till we tear and decease
The singer prepares for action.
Quick, call all my seeds dipped in the crowd
The singer calls for assistance from their allies.
The hoe spotted me, knew not to call my name out
The artist avoids using their real name to evade detection.
He walked off softly, we exactly
The artist and their allies leave without drawing attention.
Formed like Christ and the disciples
The singer compares their group to a religious one.
Black fatigues, lethal-faced dunnie, he held the rifle
The singer describes their outfit and weapon of choice.
We had the whole shit shook, you favorite rapper's droppin they drinks
The artist implies their group is recognized and respected by others.
On the low, tuckin' they links, we made 80 off the books
The artist references significant earnings from underground activities.
It's like '86, Magic Johnson, no disrespect
The artist references a basketball team and reminds the audience they mean no harm.
My metaphors'll keep out The Projects
The singer references their ability to express ideas and affect their surroundings.
Rap connects'll keep me correct
The artist suggests their connections in the music industry will keep them informed and safe.
Eh yo, I wrote this on Donnie roof
The singer shares the location and situation where they wrote a piece of music.
After his funeral, on one knee
The singer references grieving for someone.
Thinkin' his killer's followin' me
The singer describes their paranoia after someone's death.
So to my nigga Donnie, up there
The artist addresses someone who has passed away.
Can you please tell God that we fucked up here?
The artist expresses frustration and asks their friend to convey a message to God.
We got beer, weed, guns, AIDS
The singer references various issues and concerns in their community.
All these obstacles, it's hard to make it nowadays
The singer acknowledges the difficulties of living in their environment.
Watch the Devil in it, some say it's our fault
The artist warns against engaging in negative behaviors and blaming oneself for external issues.
If that's the answer, you know smokin' can cause cancer
The artist suggests there are alternative explanations to common issues, such as smoking causing cancer.
Let me drop a bracelet, leave a chain behind
The artist expresses the desire to leave something meaningful behind.
My tape stay at the beginnin' 'cause that's how they rewind
The singer references their music being listened to from the start.
Why'all know how we dine, we don't eat swine, and we don't drink wine
The artist describes their dietary restrictions.
If you don't bring me some motherfuckin' cognac, I kill you
The singer makes a violent statement related to alcohol.
I can't feel you
The singer does not relate to others or their opinions.
Ain't in my senses, and you ain't in my dollars
The singer does not trust others due to their lack of understanding and mistrust of money.
I fuck with rockwilders, no leashes, no collars
The artist likes rockwilders as pets and prefers to not keep them restrained.
Brolic scholars, that's Ghost Deini!
The artist considers themselves capable strong and intelligent.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Spirit Music Group
Written by: Dennis David Coles, Robert F. Diggs
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TV Jovem Inconformado
His verses always very well composed
Veta Ron
I wish I could find this track on Apple Music - one of the hottest bangers and I can’t tell you which Album it’s even on. When I met ghost the second time I asked him about this song but I was super stony and had to spit like three bars before I could pull the name out my ass. The alternate version is whack city compared to this beat.
Veta Ron
Dominique Jones I mean there isn’t a GFK album I have bought yet I haven’t been completely satisfied with. But the ruthless bastards beat just fits this flow like a snug pair of timbos. Sad thing is there is no way to find it on ITunes, and I’m not paying for a premium YouTube. So I find myself here several time’s a week,
Veta Ron
@thuglifeinc if I were to buy the Canadian version of this album, like the sealed joint, would it have the right track? ThNks for the info man!
Gary Wallace
@Veta Ron Na I’m from Canada and bought the Canadian version and it’s the other slightly weaker beat on there
KiN CAMELL
Much Gratitude
Ps Peace to the artists who worked on The Mahogany Soundtrack
Nitty Andrade
This Beat Is Cold 🥶 GHOSTFACE KILLAH IS TGE DEFINITION OF AN MC
Adam Gordon
This version would’ve made Supreme Clientele even better 🔥🔥
NOVAstarTitan
Same track as the Ruthless Bastards - Bastards Shit goes hard to this day.
BILLZDAGOD
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 like the ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️