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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Necklace
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My necklace had the whole crowd on some next shit
The guest list full of real niggas that's hectic
The charm piece made my niggas move like calm beasts
Palm beats, two jostling niggas with long reach
Keep your eyes open for them strong on thieves
Out here looking for ice to put in they teeth
Like my nigga 2 Chainz, cappuccino from the east
From the Wu-Tang Clan, my necklace and my heat
Bang bang, different robe every day of the week
2 Angels, dinner plate, fat dollar sign
Universal flag on, nigga, I got shine
I keep my neck frozen, .45 loaded, please don't approach this
Rope is so ferocious, diamonds that shine in oceans
Keep you arm distant from my carats, silly rabbits
Make me get my barrel, spazzed out and cause havoc
Iced out Cubans, exotic stones from Africa
This the real thing, big bling, the chain swing
Try to swipe mines, that's a no no, the God's loco
Jury truckin' fancy spend stacks upon Delancey
Exhaust pipes coffin horse kicks
ACP's dress up the flesh, now the crime scene's gorgeous
My links is unbreakable, told y'all on the Purple Tape
40 inches hang from my neck, nigga, I'm wealthy
Why you say that?
It's real, kill a nigga for this shit
Aha, yo relax sis
Dinner plates rings, smothered in 2 pounds of dope
Eric B on the cut when it blings
Scrubbin' chain down in Colgate, double edged bangers
On they hips I wait in the jaw break
The snakes and the violators, Dracula style takers
We got a bunch of gold balls, but we ain't the Lakers
Hey bitches, stay lickin' my necklace
And I ain't even put the dumb bitch in the guest list
That's what you get when you throwin' on Cuban's
Drawers that's made from silk, a robe and a Ruger
Crack heads catchin' a sweet vix on a scooter
Catch me for my chain, it belongs on a shooter
Lucky my shit blow like a horn on a tuba
You might as well do me now cause I will do ya
God-Cipher-Love-Divine in math 79
Bright yellow and dense in its gift and shine
Still the same when exposed to air and water
Like when amongst thieves you travellin' across the border
The brink of the metal link when in transition remains solid
The message was lost in transmission
That's often in a free elemental form
Nuggets and grains and rocks and things that's norm
Malleable ductile metal on many levels
Get you shot for a Flintstone, killed for a pebble
Lieutenants and Generals move with criminals
The pride for all in line, they hunt for mineral
The scope is on the rope, claws on the table
Brass knuckle, knees buckle, legs unstable
And it's sold by the weight
Shaped into a plate with food on it
The hungry wolves lie and wait
The lyrics to Wu-Tang Clan's song "Necklace" depict the significance and allure of wearing a flashy and expensive necklace, but also the potential dangers and troubles that can arise from doing so. The singer describes how their necklace captivates the crowd and attracts real and hectic individuals to their presence. The charm piece on the necklace gives their friends a calm and confident demeanor, while also acting as a symbol of power and readiness for conflict. They warn of thieves who are on the lookout for valuable jewelry to steal, emphasizing the need to be vigilant and prepared for confrontation. The lyrics also highlight the singer's affiliation with the Wu-Tang Clan and their association with wealth and success. Ultimately, the necklace represents both status and potential danger, with the singer acknowledging the risks but asserting their willingness to defend their possessions.
Line by Line Meaning
Brother, I think that necklace is causing you too much trouble
My friend, I believe that necklace is bringing you a lot of problems
My necklace had the whole crowd on some next shit
My chain attracted a lot of attention and admiration from everyone
The guest list full of real niggas that's hectic
The people invited to the event were all genuine individuals, creating a chaotic atmosphere
The charm piece made my niggas move like calm beasts
The pendant on the chain made my friends act with a powerful and composed demeanor
Palm beats, two jostling niggas with long reach
We confidently display our skills, two competitive individuals with great influence
Keep your eyes open for them strong on thieves
Be cautious of those skilled criminals who target valuable possessions
Out here looking for ice to put in they teeth
They roam around seeking valuable jewelry to adorn themselves with
Chain glowing shining and I'm ready for beef
My chain is sparkling and attracting attention, and I am prepared for any conflicts
Like my nigga 2 Chainz, cappuccino from the east
Similar to the rapper 2 Chainz, I flaunt my wealth with a certain flair and attitude
From the Wu-Tang Clan, my necklace and my heat
Representing the Wu-Tang Clan, I proudly display my chain and my weapon
Bang bang, different robe every day of the week
Asserting my dominance with a sense of aggression, wearing a unique robe each day
2 Angels, dinner plate, fat dollar sign
Adorning my chain are two angel pendants, a large pendant shaped like a dinner plate, and a symbol of wealth
Universal flag on, nigga, I got shine
Representing and carrying the universal flag, I possess a remarkable glow and aura of success
I keep my neck frozen, .45 loaded, please don't approach this
I always wear valuable jewelry around my neck, while also being armed and ready, advising others to stay away
Rope is so ferocious, diamonds that shine in oceans
My chain is extraordinarily impressive, with diamonds that sparkle like vast oceans
Keep you arm distant from my carats, silly rabbits
Stay away from touching or taking my precious gems, foolish individuals
Make me get my barrel, spazzed out and cause havoc
If provoked, I will retrieve my firearm, become enraged, and create chaos
Iced out Cubans, exotic stones from Africa
Decorated with luxurious Cuban link chains encrusted with precious stones from Africa
This the real thing, big bling, the chain swing
This is genuine and impressive, a large and flashy chain that sways back and forth
Try to swipe mines, that's a no no, the God's loco
If someone attempts to steal my chain, it will have serious consequences, as I become crazy and irrational
Jury truckin' fancy spend stacks upon Delancey
I flaunt expensive jewelry while spending a lot of money in the prestigious Delancey area
Exhaust pipes coffin horse kicks
The sound of my luxurious car's exhaust system is reminiscent of horses' powerful kicks
ACP's dress up the flesh, now the crime scene's gorgeous
Using high-caliber handguns to harm people, which makes the scene of the crime visually stunning
My links is unbreakable, told y'all on the Purple Tape
My chains are extremely durable and cannot be broken, as I previously mentioned in the song 'Purple Tape'
40 inches hang from my neck, nigga, I'm wealthy
I wear a necklace that is 40 inches long, indicating my wealth and prosperity
Why you say that?
Why are you asking?
It's real, kill a nigga for this shit
This is authentic and valuable enough for someone to commit murder
Aha, yo relax sis
Haha, hey calm down sister
Dinner plates rings, smothered in 2 pounds of dope
My rings are large and extravagant, symbolizing wealth and covered in a significant amount of drugs
Eric B on the cut when it blings
The sound of my jewelry blinging is reminiscent of a DJ Eric B scratching records
Scrubbin' chain down in Colgate, double edged bangers
Cleaning my chain with Colgate toothpaste, while also carrying concealed weapons with both defensive and offensive capabilities
On they hips I wait in the jaw break
I remain vigilant, ready to confront and attack my adversaries
The snakes and the violators, Dracula style takers
Beware of treacherous individuals who exploit and steal, similar to how Dracula drains his victims
We got a bunch of gold balls, but we ain't the Lakers
We possess numerous gold chains, but we are not a basketball team like the Lakers
Hey bitches, stay lickin' my necklace
Hey ladies, continuously admiring and desiring my chain
And I ain't even put the dumb bitch in the guest list
And I haven't even added the foolish woman to the list of people invited to my event
That's what you get when you throwin' on Cuban's
That's the response you receive when you wear expensive Cuban link chains
Drawers that's made from silk, a robe and a Ruger
I wear luxurious silk underwear, a robe, and carry a Ruger handgun
Crack heads catchin' a sweet vix on a scooter
Drug addicts stealing a valuable chain from someone while riding scooters
Catch me for my chain, it belongs on a shooter
If you manage to steal my chain, you should be someone who uses firearms
Lucky my shit blow like a horn on a tuba
Fortunately, my chain attracts significant attention, just like a tuba's horn sound
You might as well do me now cause I will do ya
You might as well kill me now because I will retaliate
God-Cipher-Love-Divine in math 79
The divine essence of God, unity, and love represented numerically as 79
Bright yellow and dense in its gift and shine
Radiating a bright, yellow light and appearing substantial in its glorious brilliance
Still the same when exposed to air and water
Retaining its essence and qualities even in contact with air and water
Like when amongst thieves you travellin' across the border
Similar to when you are with criminals, crossing borders while being cautious
The brink of the metal link when in transition remains solid
The connection between metal links remains unyielding during movement or change
The message was lost in transmission
The intended meaning or information got distorted or misinterpreted during communication
That's often in a free elemental form
Frequently exists in its natural, unbound state
Nuggets and grains and rocks and things that's norm
Commonly comprising of small pieces, grains, or rocks
Malleable ductile metal on many levels
A flexible and adaptable metal, capable of being shaped in various ways
Get you shot for a Flintstone, killed for a pebble
People are willing to commit violence for even the smallest valuable items
Lieutenants and Generals move with criminals
High-ranking members of organized crime work alongside other criminals
The pride for all in line, they hunt for mineral
Everyone involved takes great pride and pursues valuable resources
The scope is on the rope, claws on the table
The focus is on the chain, with a potential threat or challenge nearby
Brass knuckle, knees buckle, legs unstable
A fighting stance with brass knuckles, causing the knees to weaken and legs to feel unsteady
And it's sold by the weight
The chain is purchased based on its weight
Shaped into a plate with food on it
Crafted into a design resembling a plate, symbolizing abundance and prosperity
The hungry wolves lie and wait
Predators, eagerly waiting and ready to take advantage of vulnerable individuals
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: COREY WOODS, DARRYL ROBERT HILL, DENNIS DAVID COLES, GARY E. GRICE, ROBERT F. DIGGS, SELWYN DAJUAN BOUGARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
jordan tabor
This is lowkey one of Wus hardest tracks.
Gustavo
this is THE hardest track, no joke
Saudi Tate
Word , this and felt..aauuugghhh..peace yo
skillarecords
This was really the only song on this album I felt they sounded like themselves just the beat the vibe just reminded me of their old stuff
Zack_GLC
What an awesome track. Really trying to figure out what people didn't like about this album.
El ra Him
Facts
Radiant Truth
I agree. I lovers the whole project
godders1011
This and pioneer the frontier sounded like what we all wanted
Kevin English
Gza always talk science in his verse I love it
Chris Hughes
Tune is wicked smart....intelligent rap.