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
Let My Niggas Live
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We show and prove get paper, catch me in the caper on shrooms yo
Let my niggas live
We real niggas that's God-body, challenge anything, make major moves
Let my niggas live
We giants, live off the land lions, post with iron, no pryin' rules
Let my niggas live, ayo let my niggas live
Handle your bid and kill no kids
Millionaire feat, whole family eat
Yo, y'all niggas is weak
Got a bird beak, chirp chirp speak
Kids that's rich that'll, run in your bitch and by the third week
Yo mark my word, me and my herb speak
That's that fire move like Schwinns yo
Invisible pens that write light, leave blends
Hit with the JF Kennedy shot
Smash with the Acapulco rifle got got
Bolt off, but got clocked
Legendary here, custom made it, shit bladed, word up
Design your alphabet, reps get graded
We in get-high saloons, big bag of shrooms, arm's length
Home of Allah's ten big rooms
So what we up in here, modelin large with rigorous moves
Exotic Gods bust my hammer at frauds
Call him a live merchant, dressed in all red, that's right y'all
Gucci jumper X-5, gettin more head
Let my niggas live
We show and prove get paper, catch me in the caper on shrooms yo
Let my niggas live
We real niggas that's God-body, challenge anything, make major moves
Let my niggas live
We giants, live off the land lions, post with iron, no pryin' rules
Let my niggas live, ayo let my niggas live
Handle your bid and kill no kids
I scream at the mirror, curse, askin God, "Why me?"
Run in the black church, gun in my hand, y'all try me
I'm God-son, son of man, son of Marcus Garvey
Rastafari irie, hail Haile Selassie
Police'll try to break us, but the streets raised us
It takes more than metal bars, we destined for ours
I hear murder plans from dopefiends, with elephant hands
Snots in they nostril, the blocks is hostile
There's no pots to piss in, Glocks is spittin'
Rocks cookin underground bodies stiffin, cops look at bird shit
Drop on the window pane, the oxygen is cocaine
It drove lots of men to die with no name
I been on boats, nut down throats, pee on bitches who famous
Pretty dick, puttin stitches in they anus
I'm the animal that Hugh Heffner created
The only nigga Sade dated, the most hated, Nas nigga
Let my niggas live
We show and prove get paper, catch me in the caper on shrooms yo
Let my niggas live
We real niggas that's God-body, challenge anything, make major moves
Let my niggas live
We giants, live off the land lions, post with iron, no pryin' rules
Let my niggas live, ayo let my niggas live
Handle your bid and kill no kids
Roughneck reppin' the set, bang 'em twice in the neck
C.O. flip and jerk the whole yard rec
Block vets, pop barettas, Glocks and tecs
You're no threat, gun talk, the language of the project
Checkin' shorty with the Black Tail stance, leapord pants
Yellin' fuck her man, makin' killings off her lap dance
Plus the young guns runnin the slums, funds is major
Drugged out, got you huntin for crumbs stuck to the razor
Semi-autos roar in the building hall
Symptoms of bloodsport, the slugs are still in wall
Call it a New York state of mind, gotta take mine
In the daytime, the Jakes'll hit ya forty-one times
So I live by the sword and obey hood laws
Make my team click like high heels on wood floors
Let my niggas live
We show and prove get paper, catch me in the caper on shrooms yo
Let my niggas live
We real niggas that's God-body, challenge anything, make major moves
Let my niggas live
We giants, live off the land lions, post with iron, no pryin' rules
Let my niggas live, ayo let my niggas live
Handle your bid and kill no kids
The lyrics to Wu-Tang Clan's song "Let My Niggas Live" depict the struggle and survival of black individuals in the inner city. The song highlights the rapper's desire for his friends and fellow African Americans to overcome adversity and discrimination and succeed in life. He encourages others to handle their business and refrain from harming innocent children. The artist also touches on drug abuse, gang violence, and police brutality.
The song's message resonated with many listeners, particularly those who lived in impoverished, urban environments like the ones described in the lyrics. The artist emphasizes the importance of showing strength, determination, and resilience despite the obstacles one may face. The song is a reminder that individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds can still rise to success and prominence in society.
Line by Line Meaning
Ayo let my niggas live
I'm asking for my people to be allowed to exist without interference or harm.
We show and prove get paper, catch me in the caper on shrooms yo
We work hard to demonstrate our worth and make money. You might find me involved in shady activity while under the influence of drugs.
We real niggas that's God-body, challenge anything, make major moves
We are authentic individuals who are confident in our beliefs and capable of making substantial progress.
We giants, live off the land lions, post with iron, no pryin' rules
We are powerful and self-sufficient beings who use force when necessary. We value our privacy and don't tolerate any nosy behavior.
Handle your bid and kill no kids
Do what you need to do without hurting anyone who is innocent or defenseless.
Millionaire feat, whole family eat
I have the wealth to provide for my loved ones and ensure their financial security.
Yo, y'all niggas is weak
You all are not as strong or capable as we are.
Got a bird beak, chirp chirp speak
You're talking too much and not saying anything of substance. It's like the sound of a bird chirping.
Kids that's rich that'll, run in your bitch and by the third week
I have young associates who are wealthy and can easily seduce and steal someone's significant other.
Yo mark my word, me and my herb speak
Believe me when I say that my words are powerful and often influenced by my use of marijuana.
That's that fire move like Schwinns yo
This is a great maneuver or tactic, like riding a Schwinn bike.
Invisible pens that write light, leave blends
Our words can't be seen, but they are impactful and leave a lasting impression.
Hit with the JF Kennedy shot
We're hitting someone with a fatal blow, like the one that killed President Kennedy.
Smash with the Acapulco rifle got got
We are attacking with a powerful weapon and will definitely succeed in killing our target.
Bolt off, but got clocked
We tried to run away, but we were caught anyway.
Legendary here, custom made it, shit bladed, word up
We're well-known and respected in this area. Our equipment is top-notch and our style is unmatched.
Design your alphabet, reps get graded
You need to create your own unique style and reputation in order to be recognized and respected.
We in get-high saloons, big bag of shrooms, arm's length
We're in places where drugs are prevalent, like bars or clubs, and we're carrying weapons for protection.
Home of Allah's ten big rooms
We are in a place of importance and respect, like a mosque or a palace.
So what we up in here, modelin large with rigorous moves
We're here to show off our wealth and dance in an impressive, eye-catching way.
Exotic Gods bust my hammer at frauds
We use our weapons to take down those who are fakes or pretenders.
Call him a live merchant, dressed in all red, that's right y'all
He's a skillful dealer who is always alive and alert, dressed in a noticeable and perhaps intimidating color.
Gucci jumper X-5, gettin more head
I'm wearing expensive clothing and driving a luxury car, and I'm getting more oral sex than anyone else.
I scream at the mirror, curse, askin God, "Why me?"
I am upset and frustrated with my situation, and I am questioning why God has put me through this.
Run in the black church, gun in my hand, y'all try me
I might resort to violence even in a sacred place if I'm feeling threatened or provoked.
I'm God-son, son of man, son of Marcus Garvey
I am a divine being as well as a human being. I come from a lineage that includes the famous activist Marcus Garvey.
Rastafari irie, hail Haile Selassie
I follow the Rastafarian beliefs, which involves respecting and revering Haile Selassie as a prophet or even a god.
Police'll try to break us, but the streets raised us
The police are trying to keep us down, but we are products of the neighborhoods we grew up in.
It takes more than metal bars, we destined for ours
We will persevere through any obstacles or confinement, as we are meant to achieve our goals.
I hear murder plans from dopefiends, with elephant hands
I am hearing about violent plots from drug addicts who have large, clumsy hands.
Snots in they nostril, the blocks is hostile
They are sniffling from using drugs, and the neighborhood is dangerous and unfriendly.
There's no pots to piss in, Glocks is spittin'
We don't have any resources or even bathroom facilities, but we do have guns that we will use if necessary.
Rocks cookin underground bodies stiffin, cops look at bird shit
People are being killed and buried secretly, and the police are too busy with minor issues to notice.
Drop on the window pane, the oxygen is cocaine
There is cocaine residue on the window, and the air is thick with the drug.
It drove lots of men to die with no name
The drug addiction has led many people to die unknown and unremembered.
I been on boats, nut down throats, pee on bitches who famous
I have had sexual encounters with promiscuous women, including famous ones, and even urinated on them.
Pretty dick, puttin stitches in they anus
I have a good-looking penis and have injured women's anuses during sex.
I'm the animal that Hugh Heffner created
I am a wild and promiscuous person, similar to the stereotypical Playboy personality.
The only nigga Sade dated, the most hated, Nas nigga
I am the only man that the famous singer Sade ever dated. I am also very disliked by some people, but I am still Nas.
Roughneck reppin' the set, bang 'em twice in the neck
I am representing my gang or neighborhood, and I will shoot my enemy twice in the neck for a sure kill.
C.O. flip and jerk the whole yard rec
I am causing chaos and confusion in a correctional facility, perhaps by manipulating a guard.
Block vets, pop barettas, Glocks and tecs
I am experienced in street life and will use powerful firearms.
You're no threat, gun talk, the language of the project
I am not intimidated by your talk about guns, as it is common and not necessarily indicative of your ability to use them.
Checkin' shorty with the Black Tail stance, leapord pants
I am examining a woman's figure and posture, perhaps appreciatively. She is wearing distinctive pants.
Yellin' fuck her man, makin' killings off her lap dance
I am disrespecting and disregarding a woman's relationship, and using her for profit by taking money from her clients as a dancer.
Plus the young guns runnin the slums, funds is major
There are young people who are powerful and wealthy in the poor neighborhoods.
Drugged out, got you huntin for crumbs stuck to the razor
The drug addiction has made people desperate and willing to do anything to get more drugs, even if it means searching for crumbs of the drug.
Semi-autos roar in the building hall
The sound of gunfire from semi-automatic weapons is echoing through a building.
Symptoms of bloodsport, the slugs are still in wall
The evidence of a violent attack is still visible in the bullet holes in the walls.
Call it a New York state of mind, gotta take mine
This is the way things are in New York, and I have to protect myself and my interests.
In the daytime, the Jakes'll hit ya forty-one times
The police will not hesitate to use excessive force, even during the daylight hours.
So I live by the sword and obey hood laws
I am choosing to live a dangerous lifestyle and accept the consequences of that decision.
Make my team click like high heels on wood floors
I am ensuring that my group is united and impactful, like the sound of high heels clicking on wooden floors.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: CLIFFORD SMITH, JASON HUNTER, NASIR JONES, ROBERT F. DIGGS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@danielalexanderpobo
Favorite Nas verse of all time and Inspectah Deck killed it!
@jerseyrocrarebreed1825
💪🏾💪🏾
@DJNYD
Say word
@williedunkley4026
Killed it…. INS is unbelievable
@user-mr9zu7zo8c
nas aka nasty nas
@chancregister2714
@@williedunkley4026huntin' for crumbs stuck to the razor"
@natalieshark
This beat is one of my favourite Wu-Tang beats.
@fuzzydunlop1753
Word
@edwardmoses1964
One of RZA’s best ever beats
@trentyates418
Funky ass beat. But RZA the 🐐