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.

www.wutang-corp.com

NYC Crack FEAT. RZA
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Now, it's the master's turn though
I'm betting in, well there's a show here

Watch your step, kid, watch your step, kid
Watch your step, kid, watch your step, kid
Watch your step, kid, watch your step, kid
Watch your step, kid, watch your step, kid
Watch your step, kid, watch your step, kid

Watch your step, kid, watch your step
Watch your step, kid, watch your step..
Yo, yo, yo

We take your wizzes away, like we be called on
Deep in space like the Millennium Falcon
Ya'll be fools, scored like ancient Babylon
Rabbits and turtles, all run the marathon
Yup, ya'll paper chasing, ya'll human racing
Who got the best basement?
You got a 6SL, I got a SSL
I score movies, make Supreme Clientele

Oh, here I am (my Wu-Tang slang is that New York City crack)
No, can't get it near, I quit (my Wu-Tang slang is that New York City crack)
All day, all night, what brings to you life
For you in the world (my Wu-Tang slang is that New York City Crack)

Silly rabbits, trynna disrespect The Abbott
Don't you know that we'll turn your cold body to maggots
I got forty million records sold, some platinum, some gold
Some we just put out to meet the tax code
Your career will be shorter than the 21st of December
Be one of those thousand rappers no one remembers
While my name is carved on trophies, colleges recite my bars
You can look up, and see my name up on the stars
And when it comes down to that basic talent
I got 20 little cousins that can meet your challenge
Yo, stop and listen, and check this proposition
Son, got lots of vision, plus lots of wisdom
Hindsight, foresight, insight, out of sight
Some try to imitate, but they are not alike
They only piggy back, have a Digi Snack
That Wu-Tang slang is that New York City crack

Oh, here I am (my Wu-Tang slang is that New York City crack)
No, can't get it near, I quit (my Wu-Tang slang is that New York City crack)
All day, all night, what brings to you life
For you in the world (my Wu-Tang slang is that New York City Crack)

We're just dealing, of a man
Tough take before you
A cryptic to your power
The reason why we slept and spared your son's life
Was to give you faith
Thank you, man, thank you
You fight well, the hand must reach to the sky
Save the best for me, and have perfect breathing
Good breath control, you know of these

Oh, here I am (my Wu-Tang slang is that New York City crack)
No, can't get it near, I quit (my Wu-Tang slang is that New York City crack)

All day, all night, what brings to you life
For you in the world (my Wu-Tang slang is that New York City Crack)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Wu-Tang Clan's "NYC Crack" are a reflection on the Wu-Tang Clan's experience in the music industry and their success in New York City. The first verse focuses on RZA's experience as a producer and his ability to score movies, as well as his success with "Supreme Clientele." The chorus emphasizes the Wu-Tang Clan's unique style, which they refer to as "New York City crack." The lyrics are a warning to others trying to pursue success in the same genre to watch their step and not underestimate the Clan's talent.

The second verse is a reflection on the success of the Wu-Tang Clan in the music industry. The lyrics mention RZA's ability as a producer and a rap artist, as well as his success in selling over forty million records. The verse is also a warning to other rappers not to underestimate the Clan's talent and to not underestimate the importance of hard work and talent in the music industry.

Overall, the lyrics of "NYC Crack" reflect on the Wu-Tang Clan's success in the music industry and their unique sound. The lyrics are both a warning to others trying to pursue success in the same genre and a celebration of the Wu-Tang Clan's accomplishments in the music industry.

Line by Line Meaning

Now, it's the master's turn though
The focus has shifted to the leader of the group.

I'm betting in, well there's a show here
I'm putting money on the line because there's a great opportunity here.

Watch your step, kid, watch your step, kid
Be careful, there are risks and danger ahead.

Yo, yo, yo
An exclamation, signaling a transition to a new section of the song.

We take your wizzes away, like we be called on
We dominate and control the situation like we have been summoned to do so.

Deep in space like the Millennium Falcon
We exist in a place that is uncharted, like the fictional spaceship from Star Wars.

Ya'll be fools, scored like ancient Babylon
You're foolish and easily defeated, like the ancient empire of Babylon that was conquered.

Rabbits and turtles, all run the marathon
Both the fast and slow are able to compete and succeed in the long run.

Yup, ya'll paper chasing, ya'll human racing
You're obsessed with money and success, constantly competing against others.

Who got the best basement?
Who has the most impressive set up for making music?

You got a 6SL, I got a SSL
You have a decent setup, but I have a superior one.

I score movies, make Supreme Clientele
I create music for films and have made one of my most successful solo albums.

Oh, here I am (my Wu-Tang slang is that New York City crack)
I am here and my unique style is like the addictive drug that is synonymous with New York City.

No, can't get it near, I quit (my Wu-Tang slang is that New York City crack)
You can't live up to my level and I'm quitting this game that you can't compete in.

All day, all night, what brings to you life
Music is a constant source of joy and fulfillment for me.

For you in the world (my Wu-Tang slang is that New York City Crack)
My unique style of music is important to me and a major part of my identity.

Silly rabbits, trynna disrespect The Abbott
Foolish people are trying to disrespect the leader of Wu-Tang Clan.

Don't you know that we'll turn your cold body to maggots
You will be defeated and your body will rot away.

I got forty million records sold, some platinum, some gold
I have had great commercial success, selling millions of records.

Some we just put out to meet the tax code
We released some albums mainly to fulfill financial obligations, rather than artistic expression.

Your career will be shorter than the 21st of December
Your career will be short-lived and quickly forgotten.

Be one of those thousand rappers no one remembers
You will fade out of relevance and be lost in the sea of unsuccessful rappers.

While my name is carved on trophies, colleges recite my bars
My achievements are recognized and celebrated, with my lyrics even being studied in academic settings.

You can look up, and see my name up on the stars
My fame has reached astronomical heights and my name is recognized worldwide.

And when it comes down to that basic talent
When it comes to raw skill and ability,

I got 20 little cousins that can meet your challenge
I have 20 young relatives who could rival your talent.

Yo, stop and listen, and check this proposition
Pay attention and consider what I'm about to say.

Son, got lots of vision, plus lots of wisdom
I've got a lot of creativity and intelligence.

Hindsight, foresight, insight, out of sight
I have the ability to learn from the past, anticipate the future, and understand the present.

Some try to imitate, but they are not alike
Others have tried to copy my style, but they can't match my originality.

They only piggy back, have a Digi Snack
They are not innovators, only copying and using technology as a shortcut.

We're just dealing, of a man
We are engaging in a difficult struggle.

Tough take before you
Challenge yourself before taking on a difficult task or opponent.

A cryptic to your power
We are a mystery and a challenge to your strength.

The reason why we slept and spared your son's life
We chose not to kill your son for a specific reason and remained peaceful for a period of time.

Was to give you faith
We wanted to show that we are capable of mercy and compassion, in order to inspire hope for the future.

Thank you, man, thank you
A gesture of appreciation and gratitude.

You fight well, the hand must reach to the sky
You have fought bravely and achieved a great victory.

Save the best for me, and have perfect breathing
Keep your energy and focus for the next challenge, and make sure you are fully prepared.

Good breath control, you know of these
Having control over your breathing is important and something you should be aware of.

All day, all night, what brings to you life
Music is a constant source of joy and fulfillment for me.

For you in the world (my Wu-Tang slang is that New York City Crack)
My unique style of music is important to me and a major part of my identity.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: GINTAS JANUSONIS, BORAHM LEE, WESLEY MINGUS, ARNOLD MISCHKULNIG, ROBERT PERRY, SEIJAN THEA VAN, N UNKNOWN WRITER, JOSH D WERNER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS