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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Harbor Masters FEAT. GHOSTFACE AZ INSPECTAH DECK
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Yo, hold on, this is the way that I'm cut, right?
Or why I sing, how I dipped under red lights
Martini's is Ghost Deini's, stretched out
On stage with the gauge, flash the tech like Clint East

Polo drawers, velour headband, Geneva convertible couch
In the back with the two nightstands
I'm the man, nigga, when I come through dressing rooms

Had the goose ready, renting cream and a bag of shrooms

And a nice suite, room service every five minutes
I need a foot massage, tell the massause
She can't do it for me, do it for God
I got the mix CD on pause with all DeBarge

Oil me up, please, my nuts, read me a story
Tuck me in, something like the seeds'll say
Pass me the cold fresh squeezed OJ, I got five hundred
Under my pillow, after I'm done, do my DJ

'Cause of that I'ma rock the show tonight
The Twat Team gon' get those hoes tonight
That's Theodore shit if you in your whip
Two step, you slipped, get your whole crew wet

'Cause of that I'ma rock the show tonight
The Twat Team gon' get those hoes tonight
That's Theodore shit if you in your whip
Two step, you slipped, get your whole crew wet

Stand like the Eiffel, move spiteful
Sport the Nike shoe, nice with the mic since high school
Fuck who like who, fend to not, niggas, trifeful
Plot cycles to get dough, it's so delightful

Criminal IQ's, spiral convo's with the sky view
This is what I do, pioneer, my peeps power rule
Fuck Yacub, I'm factual, true and living
Polo polobos with the true religion, no superstition

This beat is sorta proof to listen and hear the real
So you New Jack niggas kneel, sit it still
Lick a fifth, get your piff and chill, fix your grill
It's ill, seen the game vanish in air

From Delores to the glamourest gear, show and prove
How I move, you know hammer is near, never fool
Appear rude, though my manner is there, get it straight
Say my grace before stuffing my face

'Cause of that I'ma rock this show tonight
Hustle hard, I'ma get that dough tonight
Crime money, all we do is just two step
Slip up and get your whole fucking crew wet

'Cause of that I'ma rock this show tonight
Hustle hard, I'ma get that dough tonight
Crime money, all we do is just two step
Slip up and get your whole fucking crew wet

Fuck the radio, the corners respect, Soldier I
I'ma about to get fly, like I'm boarding a jet
Watch your mouth, little homey, I demolish your rep
I'm like Mohamed Atta, when I'm bombing the set

Bottom line, you got a problem with Deck
I'm like the police gun, son, a nigga name pop in the jects
Hate in your blood, green eyes, watching my step
I'm all money like the pres, no stopping the rest

This is Stones and grown man poking his chest
Play hero watch the K blow a hole in your vest
Why I flow like I know I'm the best 'cause I'm spitting the piff
Half of y'all dudes rollin' with stress

Come and see me, son you know the address
10304 block work, first homey, show me the checks
Hood crooks living over the edge, Ghost saying nah
That's a good look, focus, respect, yup

'Cause of that I'ma rock this tonight
Light your weed, pop ya ects', let's go tonight
House Gang on the dance floor, two step
You out of line, get your lame ass crew wet

'Cause of that I'ma rock this tonight
Light your weed, pop ya ects', let's go tonight

House Gang on the dance floor, two step
You out of line, get your lame ass crew wet

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Wu-Tang Clan's song Harbor Masters FEAT. GHOSTFACE AZ INSPECTAH DECK describe a luxurious lifestyle, with Ghostface rapping about sipping martinis, lounging on convertible couches, and having room service at his beck and call. He also touches on philosophical ideas such as body relaxation, reading in bed, and spiritual practices like saying grace before a meal. The other members of the Wu-Tang Clan join in, rapping about the criminal elements they face in their lives, claiming to be pioneers and true and living, and boasting about their prowess on the mic. The chorus hypes up the energy of the track, encouraging listeners to hustle hard, dance, and be ready for any danger that may come their way.

Overall, the lyrics to this song paint a vivid picture of the opulent lifestyle enjoyed by successful rappers and the gritty reality of living in a world where gangs and violence are part of everyday life. The chorus acts as a rallying cry for listeners to celebrate their success and never let their guard down.

Line by Line Meaning

Yo, hold on, this is the way that I'm cut, right?
Hey, wait a second, this is just how I am, right?

Or why I sing, how I dipped under red lights
It's like I'm telling a story of why I do what I do and how I had to hide under red lights to escape danger.

Martini's is Ghost Deini's, stretched out
I'm lounging comfortably with my martini in hand, relaxing.

On stage with the gauge, flash the tech like Clint East
I'm performing on stage with my gun, just like Clint Eastwood would in a western movie.

Polo drawers, velour headband, Geneva convertible couch
I'm dressed stylishly in polo underwear and a soft velour headband, lounging on a convertible couch in Geneva.

In the back with the two nightstands
I'm in the back of my luxurious room with two nightstands beside me.

I'm the man, nigga, when I come through dressing rooms
I'm the man everyone wants to see when I enter dressing rooms.

Had the goose ready, renting cream and a bag of shrooms
I had my Grey Goose vodka ready, along with some heavy cream and a bag of hallucinogenic mushrooms.

And a nice suite, room service every five minutes
I'm staying in a really nice suite with room service available every five minutes.

I need a foot massage, tell the massause
I need a masseuse to give me a foot massage.

She can't do it for me, do it for God
If she can't give me a foot massage, I'm asking her to do it for God's sake, as a favor.

I got the mix CD on pause with all DeBarge
I have a mix CD paused, which features the band DeBarge.

Oil me up, please, my nuts, read me a story
I'm asking for someone to massage me with oil, including my genital area, and read me a story.

Tuck me in, something like the seeds'll say
Afterwards, I want to be tucked in, just like the seeds would say (a reference to a nursery rhyme).

Pass me the cold fresh squeezed OJ, I got five hundred
I want someone to pass me a glass of freshly squeezed cold orange juice, and I have five hundred dollars under my pillow.

Under my pillow, after I'm done, do my DJ
Afterwards, I want my DJ to perform.

'Cause of that I'ma rock the show tonight
Because of this, I'm going to perform really well in the show tonight.

The Twat Team gon' get those hoes tonight
My team is going to attract a lot of women tonight.

That's Theodore shit if you in your whip
If you're in your car, you'll be listening to some real Theodore (Wu-Tang Clan) shit.

Two step, you slipped, get your whole crew wet
If you misstep while dancing to our music, you and your crew will get soaked.

Stand like the Eiffel, move spiteful
I'm standing tall and proud like the Eiffel Tower, and moving in a way that's aggressive and intense.

Sport the Nike shoe, nice with the mic since high school
I'm wearing a pair of stylish Nike shoes, and I've been great with the microphone since high school.

Fuck who like who, fend to not, niggas, trifeful
I don't care who likes who or what, I'm not here to please other people, and I don't trust people easily.

Plot cycles to get dough, it's so delightful
I'm constantly working to make money, and it brings me joy.

Criminal IQ's, spiral convo's with the sky view
I'm really smart about criminal activities, and I like to have deep conversations while enjoying a view of the sky.

This is what I do, pioneer, my peeps power rule
This is what I do, I'm a pioneer in this field, and my community has great power and influence.

Fuck Yacub, I'm factual, true and living
I'm not going to follow the teachings of Yacub (a religious figure), I'm living according to my own facts and beliefs.

Polo polobos with the true religion, no superstition
I'm wearing Polo and True Religion clothing, and I don't believe in superstitions.

This beat is sorta proof to listen and hear the real
This music proves that if you listen carefully, you can hear the truth.

So you New Jack niggas kneel, sit it still
If you're new to this, you need to humble yourself and really pay attention.

Lick a fifth, get your piff and chill, fix your grill
Take a sip of liquor, smoke some weed, relax, and fix your teeth (literally or metaphorically).

It's ill, seen the game vanish in air
It's really sad to see the state of the industry and how things seem to just disappear.

From Delores to the glamourest gear, show and prove
From Delores (a rough neighborhood) to the most glamorous clothing, I'm always showing that I'm the best.

How I move, you know hammer is near, never fool
You can see by my movements that I'm always on guard, and I'm not one to be fooled easily.

Appear rude, though my manner is there, get it straight
I might come off as being rude, but that's just how I am, and you need to get used to it.

Say my grace before stuffing my face
I'm going to say a prayer before I eat my food.

Hustle hard, I'ma get that dough tonight
I'm going to work really hard to make a lot of money tonight.

Crime money, all we do is just two step
All the money I make comes from illegal activities, but we're just going to dance a simple two-step tonight.

Slip up and get your whole fucking crew wet
If you make a mistake, you and your crew are going to get soaked (presumably with urine).

Fuck the radio, the corners respect, Soldier I
I don't care about getting played on the radio, I'm respected on the corners (city streets) as a soldier.

I'ma about to get fly, like I'm boarding a jet
I'm about to get really stylish, like I'm boarding a jet to go to a fancy place.

Watch your mouth, little homey, I demolish your rep
You need to watch what you say, young friend, because I can easily ruin your reputation.

I'm like Mohamed Atta, when I'm bombing the set
I'm like the terrorist Mohamed Atta, but instead of flying a plane into buildings, I'm just really intense when performing.

Bottom line, you got a problem with Deck
To sum it up, you have a problem with me (Inspectah Deck).

I'm like the police gun, son, a nigga name pop in the jects
I'm like the police's gun, because my name carries weight in the projects (low-income neighborhoods).

Hate in your blood, green eyes, watching my step
You have hatred inside of you, I can see it in your eyes, and I need to be careful around you.

I'm all money like the pres, no stopping the rest
I'm just like the US President, I'm all about making money and nothing can stop me from doing that.

This is Stones and grown man poking his chest
This is the sound of a confident and powerful man, standing tall and proud.

Play hero watch the K blow a hole in your vest
If you try to act like a hero, you'll get shot and a hole will be blown in your bulletproof vest.

Why I flow like I know I'm the best 'cause I'm spitting the piff
I flow like I know I'm the best because I'm rapping the truth (piff).

Half of y'all dudes rollin' with stress
Half of you guys are always stressed out and anxious.

Come and see me, son you know the address
Come visit me, son, you know where I live.

10304 block work, first homey, show me the checks
I'm from the 10304 block (a specific neighborhood), where we work hard to make money, so show me the payments.

Hood crooks living over the edge, Ghost saying nah
We're dangerous criminals living on the edge, but I (Ghostface Killah) won't back down.

That's a good look, focus, respect, yup
That's a positive move, we need to stay focused and show respect.

Light your weed, pop ya ects', let's go tonight
Light up your marijuana and take some ecstasy, let's party tonight.

House Gang on the dance floor, two step
My gang is really good at dancing the simple two-step.

You out of line, get your lame ass crew wet
If you're out of line, you and your uncool crew will get soaked (presumably with urine).

Contributed by Oliver C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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