Wu-Tang Clan is a hip-hop group that consists of: RZA, GZA/Genius, Ghostfac… Read Full Bio ↴Wu-Tang Clan is a hip-hop group that consists of: RZA, GZA/Genius, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, U-God, and Masta Killa. They are frequently joined by fellow childhood friend Cappadonna, a quasi member of the group. They were formed in (and are associated with) the New York City borough of Staten Island (referred to by members as "Shaolin"), though Masta Killa and GZA are from Brooklyn and Inspectah Deck is from the Bronx. They have gone on to become multi-platinum record producers, Grammy winners, TV and film stars, screenwriters, product spokespersons, business owners and, most recently, major motion picture composers. The Clan featured nine MCs until the death of Ol' Dirty Bastard in 2004. One of the most critically and commercially successful hip hop groups of all time, Wu-Tang Clan shot to fame through their uncompromising brand of hardcore rap music. Since their debut, they have introduced or launched the careers of numerous other artists and groups, and already in 1994 there were credited to be over 300 Wu-Tang Clan affiliates, known as the Wu-Tang Killa Bees, consisting of rappers, producers, and record label CEOs.

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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Handle The Heights
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

(Been through shit past, remove your mask)
(Been through shit past, remove your mask)
(Been through shit past, remove your mask)
(Been through shit past, remove your mask)
(Been through shit past, remove your mask)
(Been through shit past, remove your mask)
(Been through shit past, remove your mask)

I declare war

Can you handle the heights?

I can handle it

See if you can bang like this

(Been through shit past, remove your mask)
(Been through shit past, remove your mask)
(Been through shit past, remove your mask)
(Been through shit past, remove your mask)
Come around un-announced zombies crawl out the ground
Been through shit past, remove your mask
Been through shit past, remove your mask

I spit heat serum, beat clearin' shots at your sternum

Can you handle the heights?

(Been through shit past, remove your mask)

(Been through shit past, remove your mask)
(Been through shit past, remove your mask)
(Been through shit past, remove your mask)
(Been through shit past, remove your mask)
(Been through shit past, remove your mask)
(Been through shit past, remove your mask)

I declare war
Can you handle the heights?
I can handle it

See if you can bang like this

Come around un-announced zombies crawl out the ground

I spit heat serum, beat clearin' shots at your sternum

Come around un-announced zombies crawl out the ground

Can you handle the heights?

Overall Meaning

The repeated phrase "Been through shit past, remove your mask" in Wu-Tang Clan's song "Handle The Heights" serves as a powerful and confrontational statement. It suggests that the singer has undergone difficult and challenging experiences in the past, and now they demand honesty and authenticity from others. The metaphorical "mask" symbolizes the facade or false identity that people often hide behind to conceal their true selves. By urging others to remove their masks, the singer is calling for transparency and a genuine connection.

The line "I declare war" further emphasizes the singer's determination to confront and overcome any obstacles or opposition they may encounter. This declaration implies an unwavering commitment to achieving their goals, regardless of the challenges they may face. It sets the tone for the intensity and confrontational nature of the song.

The question "Can you handle the heights?" is a challenge posed to the listener. It implies that the singer is operating at a level of greatness or success that not everyone can handle. It suggests a level of ambition and skill that is beyond the average person's capabilities. By confidently responding, "I can handle it," the singer affirms their own abilities and asserts themselves as capable and deserving of their elevated position.

The recurring mention of "zombies crawl out the ground" adds a dark and eerie element to the lyrics. It suggests a sense of unexpected danger or treachery that can arise when least expected. This line metaphorically represents the challenges and obstacles that can emerge suddenly and disrupt one's life or accomplishments. It serves as a warning that the singer has encountered such obstacles in the past, and others should be prepared for similar experiences.

Overall, "Handle The Heights" is a song that combines themes of resilience, authenticity, determination, and the need to navigate unexpected challenges. The lyrics urge others to remove their masks, face their past, and confront obstacles head-on. The repeated phrases and strong declarations create a sense of urgency and determination, challenging the listener to rise to the occasion and prove that they too can handle the heights.

Line by Line Meaning

(Been through shit past, remove your mask)
Having experienced difficult times in the past, it's time to let go of your facade and be true to yourself.

I declare war
I am ready to confront and overcome any challenges or adversaries.

Can you handle the heights?
Are you capable of enduring and succeeding in the most challenging situations?

I can handle it
I possess the strength and ability to face whatever difficulties come my way.

See if you can bang like this
Let's see if you can perform and excel at the same level as me.

Come around un-announced zombies crawl out the ground
When unexpected situations arise, people you thought you knew may reveal their true negative nature.

I spit heat serum, beat clearin' shots at your sternum
I deliver intense and potent rhymes that hit your core, challenging and provoking you.

Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Written by: J Williams, Justin Dante Cross, Keith Murray, Matthew Nathaniel Markoff

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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