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
Pearl Harbor
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics
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Forty wolves on deck with burners in their snorkel
Criminology, pea soup Wallabees
Ghostface Killahs with degrees in gynecology (Yeah)
Shoot your old lady in her privacy (Word)
A bunch of ho-ho-hoes wanna ride with me (Go Santa)
I'm caught up in these strong-arm robberies
Flee with the lottery, these pussy niggas shot at me
Yo, you ever been face-fucked with a four-fifth?
Sweating, facial expression is stressing like 'oh shit'
That's the shit that I don't like
Non-rappin' rappers in the booth and they don't write
Fuckin' stupid ass rappers
Acting out of their character, I shoot and stab rappers
P! What it do, nigga?
I fucks with Wu-Tang and a couple of new niggas
I don't weirdo with queer clothes
I share flows, when it enter your earhole
Shit, it's a thing of pure beauty
Everything that's spittin' is written by yours truly
Nigga, when Sean write hard
Niggas do anything for it like Klondike Bars
Par, I'm the greatest of all-time
How should we forget the latest with Alzheim's?
Form better niggas, club night, no sparkles
Forty wolves on deck with burners in their snorkel
Criminology, pea soup Wallabees
Ghostface Killahs with degrees in gynecology (Yeah)
Shoot your old lady in her privacy (Word)
A bunch of ho-ho-hoes wanna ride with me (Go Santa)
I'm caught up in these strong-arm robberies
Flee with the lottery, these pussy niggas shot at me
Since, birth, I've been a fast learner, ask my earth
That's my mama, kept a burner in her purse
This murder in the first
Whatcha thought, that was the gift? That's the curse
I put everythang on it, that's 'The works'
I'm in it for the perks
'Cause it's not about the image, it's the thirst
And how they kill your image with a verse
A hater get it worse
I'm telling every member of your church
They gon' have to put your image on a shirt
'Til I finish my dessert, nobody eatin'
That's everybody, I mean anybody
I might leave somebody bleedin'
Or watch me catch a homi', even hit you in the lobby
Shotty pop ya like a molly, probably leave you hardly breathin'
Don't try to Blaze with Johnny even if you got an army
Dirty money in the laundry, don't ask why, I got my reasons
I puff that Bob Marley, might hit you with the Tommy
You can catch me in the party near the speaker not speakin'
Form better niggas, club night, no sparkles
Forty wolves on deck with burners in their snorkel
Criminology, pea soup Wallabees
Ghostface Killahs with degrees in gynecology (Yeah)
Shoot your old lady in her privacy (Word)
A bunch of ho-ho-hoes wanna ride with me (Go Santa)
I'm caught up in these strong-arm robberies
Flee with the lottery, these pussy niggas shot at me
Pass any test of litmus, provide that 24-Hour Fitness
On the weekend, I'm sipping Belvedere with that citrus
My dogs is vicious, exotic nympho bark for my mistress
Pipe is good, live every day like it is Christmas
Happy New Year—I do what the fuck I wanna do here, nigga
Splash the handcrafted Gucci from the shirt to the shoe wear
I crush the rings out, wife-beater tee with no wings out
I got stamina, I'll long-dick a bird 'til she sings out
La-la-la-la, Bobby Dig convert Lady Gaga
Back to heterosexual, I'm classic like Impala
Plus, I'm federal, when it comes to making dollars
Like Jiggaman, nigga, if you hear me, fuckin' holla
Power rings like the Green Lantern, last seen in a mean Phantom
In the valley of Ohio, outside the town of Canton
Or the grotty body projects in the Killa Hills of Staten
Saw a redbone in my shower just looking like Paula Patton
Form better niggas, club night, no sparkles
Forty wolves on deck with burners in their snorkel
Criminology, pea soup Wallabees
Ghostface Killahs with degrees in gynecology (Yeah)
Shoot your old lady in her privacy (Word)
A bunch of ho-ho-hoes wanna ride with me (Go Santa)
I'm caught up in these strong-arm robberies
Flee with the lottery, these pussy niggas shot at me
Form better niggas, club night, no sparkles
Forty wolves on deck with burners in their snorkel
Criminology, pea soup Wallabees
Ghostface Killahs with degrees in gynecology
Shoot your old lady in her privacy
A bunch of ho-ho-hoes wanna ride with me (Go Santa)
I'm caught up in these strong-arm robberies
Flee with the lottery, these pussy niggas shot at me
Form better niggas, club night, no sparkles
The lyrics to Wu-Tang Clan's "Pearl Harbor" portray a gritty and intense narrative that touches on themes of violence, power, and dominance. The first verse dives into the world of criminality, painting a picture of a group of individuals who excel in their criminal endeavors. The reference to "Forty wolves on deck with burners in their snorkel" suggests a group of armed individuals ready for any confrontations. The use of metaphors like "degrees in gynecology" and "shoot your old lady in her privacy" portrays a sense of ruthlessness and disregard for others' lives.
The second verse continues with a strong expression of distaste for non-genuine rappers who lack the skill and authenticity required in the hip-hop industry. The lyrics assert the artists' own talent and dedication to their craft, highlighting the beauty and skill in their writing. The verse also mentions the prevalence of violence within the rap scene, with lines like "I shoot and stab rappers" emphasizing a no-nonsense attitude towards those who lack the necessary respect or talent.
The third paragraph delves into the artist's personal experiences and upbringing, sharing the impact of a challenging environment on their development. The lyrics suggest that the artist has had to adopt a mindset of survival since birth, constantly navigating through a world filled with violence and crime. The lines "I put everything on it, that's 'The works'" express a sense of commitment and determination to excel in spite of the difficulties faced. The mention of hitting or killing someone and the disregard for consequences highlight a darker aspect of their life and mindset.
In the final verse, the lyrics touch on a variety of subjects, including both personal and cultural references. The lines "Pass any test of litmus" may refer to the artist's ability to withstand scrutiny and judgment. References to brands like Gucci and Impala suggest a luxurious lifestyle but imply a superiority rooted in their skills and success. The lyrics also mention specific locations like Canton and Staten Island, adding a sense of geographical authenticity and grounding the storytelling. The reference to a red bone in the shower looking like Paula Patton offers a more suggestive and erotic tone to the lyrics.
Overall, "Pearl Harbor" portrays a world filled with violence, manipulation, and disregard for others' lives. It highlights the ruthlessness required to navigate such an environment and celebrates the artists' own talent and authenticity in comparison to others who lack the necessary skills. The lyrics provide insight into the mindset and experiences of the Wu-Tang Clan, offering a glimpse into their world.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Spirit Music Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Clifford M Smith, Dennis D Coles, Gary Foote, John Fitzgerald Ginty, Robert F. Diggs, Ronald Maurice Bean, Sean Price
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Happy holidays!
@MrRIZZ-he2lv
Wu still killin it. RIP Sean Price...gone but never forgotten.
@michaelellis4652
"It's a thing of pure beauty. Everything I'm spittin is written by yours truly!" P!
@michaelboyd8601
Michael Ellis ...and "I Share Flows" He's Deeply Missed✨✌
@domzyFresh
That line always hit hard as fuck!