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
Give It Up
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"Give it up! Oh Lord.... give it all to you
I try, but - it's - just - no - use!"
[R.A. the Rugged Man]
Aiyo, give it up, rush you up, no fuss, blood rush
Cuss much, what's mine? You bust nuts, crunch crunch
Spark the bud, what's what, the white King Tut
On the record with J-Live, I could hardly believe this
I never thought I'd be rapping on no record with school teachers
Hair flinch from the eighties, library, lies bury
TV, tell lies visually, kid you wit me, hostility
Humility, hillbilly, gorilla, he mentally illy
Still is he, actually, really killed me, billy
All that stuff you heard about me, is probably true
Heard I got the AIDS virus, I probably do
Ammunition spitting is him, is it, you listening
Littering written, it's in slippers, get the rebel in him
Sticking it with sinners, sizzlin' rhythm, verbally hit him
Did he did it, or did he didn't, admit it
Pretend he ain't offended, the men and women
Every minute they in it, don't be
Every illiterate ignorant critical dissed it
Every idiot that ain't live it, they talking shit
I'm R.A. the Rugged Man, get off, my dick
[Chorus]
[J-Live]
Give it up, for the Gods & the Earths, ladies and gentleman
All the human families, the wicked can't stand me
The righteous man hands me the mic, it's uncanny how
One man's penalty's, is another man's boo-whore
The label pun's ironic, courtesy of this sport
Still can't stop a grown man, from pressing report
A free man can either be freedom or free label
When you spent, what you make, to keep making, you can't save
A damn thing, no savings, that's how life'll enslave ya
That's why I strive daily; to be my own savior
I know when shine glows and reflects in my behavior
So caught in between checks, I spilled it in respect
So give it up, if your mission's belittling my position
As a microphone physician, making you listen
Me and Rugged Man relate, through a previous poem
Like he said, I'm mad famous, for being unknown
On records for ten years, I can hardly believe it
Never thought I'd be perceived, as just some rapping school teacher
Just some dude, that can cut and rhyme, same time
Just some conscious kid, that's try'nna save the world through rhyme
Just another underground, hand-to-mouth microphonist
Stop your mirror rap, just to stop you in your tracks
This will stomp you on your track, justice is not just
Another ordinary rapper, I'm the crown royal block
With a velvet bag, matter of fact, and since the swagger is back
And backed by, a whole nation of millions
You can't hold me, my new floor is my old ceiling
That's why I'm guaranteed, to leave you with something you lack, so just
In "Give It Up" by Wu-Tang Clan, featuring R.A. the Rugged Man and J-Live, the lyrics touch upon various themes and showcase the unique styles and perspectives of each artist. The chorus samples a soulful voice singing "Give it up! Oh Lord.... give it all to you, I try, but - it's - just - no - use!" This provides a sense of frustration and desperation, implying that despite the efforts made, there is a feeling of defeat or inability to achieve the desired outcome.
R.A. the Rugged Man's verse is characterized by his raw and unapologetic delivery. He showcases his lyrical prowess and self-awareness, acknowledging the rumors and scandals surrounding his name. He tackles the criticism and judgment head-on, proclaiming his authenticity and dismissing the negativity. His verse also touches on social issues and the power of media in shaping perceptions.
J-Live's verse, on the other hand, focuses on themes of self-determination and empowerment. He highlights the ways in which societal norms and systems can constrain individuals and limit their ability to thrive. J-Live emphasizes the importance of self-sufficiency and personal growth, highlighting his own journey as an example.
Overall, "Give It Up" is a collaboration that blends political and social commentary with personal introspection, revealing the complexities and challenges faced by the artists in their careers and lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Give it up, rush you up, no fuss, blood rush
Let go of your resistance and surrender, allowing your energy to flow freely and passionately
Cuss much, what's mine? You bust nuts, crunch crunch
You talk a lot of nonsense, claiming what's mine, but you'll quickly realize the consequences of your actions
Spark the bud, what's what, the white King Tut
Ignite the marijuana, understand the truth like the great King Tut
Out in so-fuck, look who they dug up, yup, it's the Rugged
Out in the forgotten corners of society, look who they've rediscovered, yes, it's the Rugged Man
On the record with J-Live, I could hardly believe this
Being featured on a record with J-Live is beyond my wildest dreams
I never thought I'd be rapping on no record with school teachers
I never imagined collaborating on a record with fellow artists who are also educators
Hair flinch from the eighties, library, lies bury
My eccentric hairstyle reminiscent of the 80s, knowledge and truth concealed in libraries, false narratives being buried
TV, tell lies visually, kid you wit me, hostility
Television spreading lies through visuals, do you understand my perspective? The hostility we face
Humility, hillbilly, gorilla, he mentally illy
Despite my humble nature, I'm a force to be reckoned with, mentally ill and unpredictable
Still is he, actually, really killed me, billy
He's still relevant, actually, he truly amazed and impressed me
All that stuff you heard about me, is probably true
Most of the rumors and stories you've heard about me are likely accurate
Heard I got the AIDS virus, I probably do
There have been rumors of me having the AIDS virus, and there is a possibility it's true
Ammunition spitting is him, is it, you listening
His words carry great power and impact, are you paying attention?
Littering written, it's in slippers, get the rebel in him
Leaving behind written evidence like scattered litter, his rebellious nature comes through
Sticking it with sinners, sizzlin' rhythm, verbally hit him
Engaging with those society may consider sinful, delivering a powerful and captivating flow, lyrically striking them
Did he did it, or did he didn't, admit it
Did he accomplish what he set out to do, or did he fall short? Admit the truth
Pretend he ain't offended, the men and women
Acting as if he is not bothered by the criticisms and judgments from both men and women
Every minute they in it, don't be
Always entangled in the drama, but don't let it consume you
Every illiterate ignorant critical dissed it
Every unintelligent and uninformed critic dismissed his work
Every idiot that ain't live it, they talking shit
Anyone who has not experienced and lived through the struggles talks nonsense
I'm R.A. the Rugged Man, get off, my dick
I am R.A. the Rugged Man, stop trying to bring me down and criticize me
Give it up, for the Gods & the Earths, ladies and gentleman
Show respect and admiration for the divine beings and enlightened individuals
All the human families, the wicked can't stand me
Recognize and appreciate the unity among all human beings, even if the wicked oppose me
The righteous man hands me the mic, it's uncanny how
Receiving the microphone from a righteous individual is a remarkable and surprising occurrence
One man's penalty's, is another man's boo-whore
What one person may view as a punishment, another may embrace as an opportunity
The label pun's ironic, courtesy of this sport
The wordplay in the label's name is ironic, a result of the competitive nature of the music industry
Still can't stop a grown man, from pressing report
Despite challenges, a mature individual will continue to speak out and express their thoughts
A free man can either be freedom or free label
A liberated individual can either represent genuine freedom or be controlled by external influences
When you spent, what you make, to keep making, you can't save
If you constantly spend all your earnings to sustain your creative endeavors, you won't have anything to save
A damn thing, no savings, that's how life'll enslave ya
Without any savings, life can easily trap and restrict you
That's why I strive daily; to be my own savior
This is why I make constant efforts every day to be my own source of salvation
I know when shine glows and reflects in my behavior
I am aware of moments when my brilliance shines and is reflected in my actions
So caught in between checks, I spilled it in respect
Struggling between financial checks, I express my thoughts and emotions with utmost respect
So give it up, if your mission's belittling my position
So surrender if your goal is to demean and undermine my position
As a microphone physician, making you listen
As a master of the microphone, I have the ability to captivate and engage your attention
Me and Rugged Man relate, through a previous poem
Rugged Man and I share a connection through a previous artistic piece we collaborated on
Like he said, I'm mad famous, for being unknown
As he previously mentioned, I have gained significant recognition for being relatively unknown
On records for ten years, I can hardly believe it
Being present in the music industry for a decade, it's almost surreal to comprehend
Never thought I'd be perceived, as just some rapping school teacher
I never imagined people would view me solely as a rapper who happens to be a teacher
Just some dude, that can cut and rhyme, same time
Just an individual who possesses both DJ skills and lyrical abilities simultaneously
Just some conscious kid, that's try'nna save the world through rhyme
Just a young person who is socially aware and aims to make a difference through their music
Just another underground, hand-to-mouth microphonist
Simply another artist who remains beneath the mainstream's radar, surviving through music
Stop your mirror rap, just to stop you in your tracks
Cease your self-centered style of rap to break your momentum and make you pause
This will stomp you on your track, justice is not just
This verse will crush and overpower you, revealing that justice is not always fair
Another ordinary rapper, I'm the crown royal block
While others may be ordinary rappers, I stand out as the exceptional one, comparable to a royal crown
With a velvet bag, matter of fact, and since the swagger is back
Carrying a bag of riches and confidence, and now that my charismatic style has returned
And backed by, a whole nation of millions
Supported by a large and devoted fanbase of millions
You can't hold me, my new floor is my old ceiling
You cannot control or limit me, as I have surpassed my previous limitations
That's why I'm guaranteed, to leave you with something you lack, so just
That's why I promise to provide you with something you are missing, so simply surrender
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVE BARTHOLOMEW, JOSEPH GAINES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@NoShit-Sherlock
[Intro]
(Give it up!
But it's just no use!)
[Hook: sample]
(Give it up! Oh Lord
Give it all to you
I try, but it's just no use!)
[Verse 1: R.A. the Rugged Man]
Hey yo, give it up, bust you up, no fuss, blood gush
Cuss much, Russ Meyer bust nuts, crunch crush
Guts bust, what's what? The white King Tut
Out in Suffolk, look who they dug up, yup, it's the Rugged
On a record with J-Live, I could hardly believe this
I never thought I'd be rapping on no record with school teachers
Pamphlets from the eighties, library, lies buried
TV, tell lies visually, kid you with me, hostility
"Humility, hillbilly, gorilla, he mentally ill, he silly
Is he actually? Will he kill me really?"
All that stuff you heard about me, is probably true
Heard I got the AIDS virus, I probably do
Ammunition spitting isn't missing, isn't you listening?
Slithering, ridden in sin, slipping, sin delivering
I'm sickening with sinning, sizzling rhythm, verbally hit him
Did he did it, or did he didn't admit it?
Pretend he ain't offending the men and women
Every minute he in it, only
Every illiterate ignorant critic will diss it
Every idiot that ain't live it, they talking shit
I'm R.A. the Rugged Man, get off, my dick
[Hook]
[Verse 2: J-Live]
Give it up, for the Gods & the Earths, ladies and gentleman
All the human families, the wicked can't stand me
The righteous man hands me the mic, it's uncanny how
One man's penalty, is another man's reward
The label pun's ironic, courtesy of this sport
Still can't stop a grown man from pressing record
A free man can either be freedom or free label
When you spent, what you make, to keep making, you can't save
A damn thing, no savings, that's how life will enslave ya
That's why I strive daily; to be my own savior
I know when shine glows and reflects in my behavior
So caught in between checks, I still demand respect
So give it up, if your mission's belittling my position
As a microphone physician, making you listen
Me and Rugged Man relate, through a previous poem
Like he said, I'm mad famous, for being unknown
On records for ten years, I can hardly believe it
Never thought I'd be perceived, as just some rapping school teacher
Just some dude, that can cut and rhyme, same time
Just some conscious kid, that's trying to save the world through rhyme
Just another underground, hand-to-mouth microphonist
Stop in mid rap, just to stop you in your tracks
This will stomp you on your track, justice is not just
Another ordinary rapper, I'm the Crown Royal block
With a velvet bag, matter of fact, and since the swagger is back
And backed by, a whole nation of millions
You can't hold me, my new floor is my old ceiling
That's why I'm guaranteed to leave you with something you lack, so just
[Hook]
@rickydlp
"My new floor is my old ceiling." Favorite line
@megaboymegaboy9997
I remember when I went to the R A Rugged Man show in SLO unforgettable!!! <3 <3 <3 🎶🎶🎶
@zachellis3751
Cal Poly?
@monkeyhumourfilms6429
I went to one of his shows down here in New Zealand. Absolute BEAST on the MIC. Tore the house down that night.
@versisubju
The 2nd verse I ever heard from RA RUGGED MAN, this made want to hear more. #M80
@anthonymcmillan8273
Even though R.A says in a Vlad TV interview that he hates this beat he went ill on the song anyway. Him losing his breath control during the end of his verse was pretty funny but still he killed it. One of the G.O.AT! So glad that he did the Cunt Renaissance with B.I.G!! Mysogonmy at it's finest!
@zachellis3751
RA is savage AF.
@michalaleskandr3985
There is ONE thing that EM will NEVER have on RA and wished he did, thats a track and personal relationship with Big.
That's worth a bag.
@riobrothersproductions4180
Perfect👌
@PZADaKillaBee
This was the first time i heard r.a.