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
Proctect Ya Neck
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Coolin', man
Chillin' chilin'? Yo, you know I had to call, you know why right?
Why?
Because, yo, I never ever call and ask you to play somethin', right?
Yeah
You know what I wanna hear, right?
What you wanna hear?
Wu-Tang again?
Ah, yeah, again and again
Wu-Tang Clan comin' at ya
Watch your step, kid
Watch your step, kid (protect ya neck, kid)
Watch your step, kid (so set it off)
Watch your step, kid
Watch your step, kid
Watch your step, kid (The Inspectah Deck)
I smoke on the mic like smokin' Joe Frazier
The hell-raiser, raising hell with the flavor
Terrorize the jam like troops in Pakistan
Swinging through your town like your neighborhood Spider-Man
So uh, tick-tock and keep ticking
While I get you flipping off the shit I'm kicking
The Lone Ranger, code red, danger
Deep in the dark with the art to rip the charts apart
The vandal, too hot to handle
You battle, you're saying "Goodbye" like Tevin Campbell
Roughneck, Inspectah Deck's on the set
The rebel, I make more noise than heavy metal
The way I make the crowd go wild
Sit back, relax, won't smile
Rae got it going on, pal, call me the rap assassinator
Rhymes rugged and built like Schwarzenegger
And I'ma get mad deep like a threat, blow up your project
Then take all your assets
'Cause I came to shake the frame in half
With the thoughts that bomb shit like math
So if you wanna try to flip, go flip on the next man
'Cause I grab the clip, and
Hit you with 16 shots and more, I got
Going to war with the melting pot, hot
It's the Method Man, for short, Mr. Meth
Moving on your left, ah
And set it off, get it off, let it off like a gat
I wanna break, fool, cock me back
Small change, they putting shame in the game
I take aim and blow that nigga out the frame
And like Fame, my style will live forever
Niggas crossing over like they don't know no better
But I do, true, can I get a "suu"
'Nough respect due to the one-six-ooh
I mean oh, yo, check out the flow
Like the Hudson, or PCP when I'm dustin'
Niggas off, because I'm hot like sauce
The smoke from the lyrical blunt make me (uh)
Ooh, what, grab my nut, get screwed
Ow, here comes my Shaolin style
True B-A-ba-B-Y-U
To my crew with the "suu"
Yeah, yeah, yeah (watch your step, kid)
(Watch your step, kid, watch your step, kid)
Come on, baby, baby, come on (protect ya neck)
(Watch your step, kid, watch your step, kid)
Come on, baby, baby, come on (watch your step, kid)
(Watch your step, kid, watch your step, kid)
Yo, you best protect ya neck
First things first, man, you're fucking with the worst
I'll be sticking pins in your head like a fucking nurse
I'll attack any nigga who slack in his MAC
Come fully packed with a fat rugged stack
Shame on you when you stepped through to
The Ol' Dirty Bastard straight from the Brooklyn Zoo
And I'll be damned if I let any man
Come to my center, you enter the winter
Straight up and down, that shit packed jam
You can't slam, don't let me get fool on him, man
The Ol' Dirty Bastard is dirty and stinking
Ason Unique rolling with the night of the creeps
Niggas be rolling with a stash
Ain't saying cash, bite my style, I'll bite your motherfucking ass
For crying out loud, my style is wild, so book me
Not long is how long that this rhyme took me
Ejecting styles from my lethal weapon
My pen that rocks from here to Oregon
Here's more again, catch it like a psycho flashback
I love gats, if rap was a gun, you wouldn't bust back
I come with shit that's all types of shapes and sounds
And where I lounge is my stomping grounds
I give a order to my peeps across the water
To go and snatch up props all around the border
And get far like a shooting star
'Cause who I are is livin' the life of Pablo Escobar
Point blank as I kick the square biz
There it is, you're fucking with pros and there it goes
Yo, chill with the feedback, black, we don't need that
It's 10 o'clock, ho, where the fuck's your seed at?
Feeling mad hostile, wearing Aeropostale
Flowing like Christ when I speaks the gospel
Stroll with the holy roll, then attack the globe with the buckest style
The ruckus, ten times ten men, committing mad sin
Turn the other cheek and I'll break your fucking chin
Slaying boom-bangs like African drums (he'll be)
Coming around the mountain when I come
Crazy flamboyant for the rap enjoyment
My clan increase like black unemployment
Yeah, another one down, G-G-Genius
Take us the fuck outta here
The Wu is too slammin' for these Cold Killin' labels
Some ain't had hits since I seen Aunt Mabel
Be doing artists in like Cain did Abel
Now they money's getting stuck to the gum under the table
That's what you get when you misuse what I invent
Your empire falls and you lose every cent
For trying to blow up a scrub
Now that thought was just as bright as a 20-watt light bulb
Should've pumped it when I rocked it
Niggas so stingy, they got short arms and deep pockets
This goes on in some companies
With majors, they're scared to death to pump these
First of all, who's your A&R?
A mountain climber who plays an electric guitar?
But he don't know the meaning of "dope"
When he's looking for a "suit-and-tie rap"
That's cleaner than a bar of soap
And I'm the dirtiest thing in sight
Matter of fact, bring out the girls and let's have a mud fight
You best protect ya neck (watch your step, kid)
You best protect ya neck (watch your step, kid)
You best protect ya neck (watch your step, kid)
You best protect ya neck (watch your step, kid)
The opening dialogue of Wu-Tang Clan's song "Protect Ya Neck" sets the stage for a hard-hitting rap track that showcases the group's lyrical prowess. The lyrics detail the bravado of several Wu-Tang members, including Inspectah Deck, Raekwon, and Method Man, who each deliver rap verses with a distinct style. The song also critiques the rap industry, with lyrics cautioning against record labels that stifle musicians' creativity.
The song's chorus provides the title and key message: "Protect Ya Neck." This phrase nods to the danger and violence that can come with the rap industry, as well as to the group's emphasis on self-protection and individual survival in a challenging industry. With its pounding beats and intense lyrics, "Protect Ya Neck" remains a classic example of the Wu-Tang Clan's unique style and lasting influence on rap music.
Line by Line Meaning
Wu-Tang Clan comin' at ya
The Wu-Tang Clan is here and ready to make their presence known
Watch your step, kid
Be careful and cautious, young one
Watch your step, kid (protect ya neck, kid)
Pay attention and take measures to protect yourself from harm
Watch your step, kid (so set it off)
Be mindful of your actions because they can have significant consequences
Watch your step, kid
Be cautious and aware of your surroundings
Watch your step, kid
Remain vigilant and alert at all times
Watch your step, kid (The Inspectah Deck)
The Inspectah Deck emphasizes the importance of being cautious
I smoke on the mic like smokin' Joe Frazier
I dominate and excel on the microphone, similar to how Smokin' Joe Frazier excelled in boxing
The hell-raiser, raising hell with the flavor
I am a troublemaker who causes chaos and excitement with my unique style
Terrorize the jam like troops in Pakistan
I bring fear and domination to the music scene, just like troops bring fear to their enemies in Pakistan
Swinging through your town like your neighborhood Spider-Man
I move effortlessly and skillfully through different areas, just like Spider-Man swinging through his neighborhood
So uh, tick-tock and keep ticking
Time is passing, so keep moving and progressing
While I get you flipping off the shit I'm kicking
I'm going to surprise and impress you with the content and style of my music
The Lone Ranger, code red, danger
I am like the Lone Ranger, a lone hero who faces great danger
Deep in the dark with the art to rip the charts apart
I possess the skills and creativity to dominate and outperform others on the music charts
The vandal, too hot to handle
I'm a troublemaker who is so talented and successful that others can't compete
You battle, you're saying 'Goodbye' like Tevin Campbell
If you try to compete against me, you'll fail miserably and have to say goodbye like Tevin Campbell, a singer who faded from popularity
Roughneck, Inspectah Deck's on the set
I am a tough and aggressive individual, and I'm in control of the situation
The rebel, I make more noise than heavy metal
I am a rebellious and disruptive force, making a bigger impact and generating more attention than heavy metal music
The way I make the crowd go wild
I have a captivating and energetic stage presence that excites and thrills the audience
Sit back, relax won't smile
I want you to sit back, unwind, and enjoy my performance without any distractions
Rae got it going on, pal, call me the rap assassinator
Rae, referring to himself, is highly skilled and successful in the rap game, earning the title of a rap assassin
Rhymes rugged and built like Schwarzenegger
My rhymes are strong, powerful, and crafted with the same level of strength as Arnold Schwarzenegger's physical build
And I'ma get mad deep like a threat, blow up your project
I will dive into profound topics and metaphorically destroy your project with my lyrics and presence
Then take all your assets
I will not only outperform you but also take away your success and possessions
'Cause I came to shake the frame in half
I arrived with the intention of disrupting and changing the established norms and expectations
With the thoughts that bomb shit like math
My thoughts and ideas are explosive and mind-blowing, similar to solving complex mathematical equations
So if you wanna try to flip, go flip on the next man
If you want to challenge or compete, go up against someone else instead
'Cause I grab the clip, and
I prepare myself for battle by grabbing a weapon
Hit you with 16 shots and more, I got
I will hit you with a barrage of lyrics, overpowering you with my skill and quantity
Going to war with the melting pot, hot
I'm ready for battle and conflict, facing a diverse and challenging environment head-on
It's the Method Man, for short Mr. Meth
I am the Method Man, also known as Mr. Meth, a shortened version of my name
Moving on your left, ah
I'm shifting and progressing with my music, catching you off guard
And set it off, get it off, let it off like a gat
I am initiating and starting the action, unleashing my talent and energy
I wanna break, fool, cock me back
I want to take a break from the norm, ready to strike and make a significant impact
Small change, they putting shame in the game
People who contribute little to the game are bringing disgrace and disappointment
I take aim and blow that nigga out the frame
I precisely target and eliminate my competition, completely overshadowing them
And like Fame, my style will live forever
Similar to the TV show Fame, my style and impact will be remembered and celebrated for all time
Niggas crossing over, but they don't know no better
Others may try to adapt and change their style, but they lack the necessary knowledge and understanding
But I do, true, can I get a 'suu'
I possess the knowledge and understanding to succeed, and I demand respect and recognition
'Nough respect due to the one-six-ooh
I give my respects and honor to the 160th Division, emphasizing their importance and significance
I mean oh, yo, check out the flow
Take a moment to appreciate and observe my unique and impressive style
Like the Hudson, or PCP when I'm dustin'
Similar to the Hudson River or PCP, when I'm performing, I'm unstoppable and electrifying
Niggas off, because I'm hot like sauce
I easily defeat and outshine others because I'm incredibly talented and successful
The smoke from the lyrical blunt makes me
The impact and influence of my powerful lyrics and performance is intoxicating
Ooh, what, grab my nut, get screwed
I am unapologetically explicit and bold in my lyrics, shocking and captivating the audience
Oww, here comes my Shaolin style
Prepare yourself for my unique and skilled Shaolin-inspired style of rap
True B-A-ba-B-Y-U
True Baby U, emphasizing my unique and distinctive identity
To my crew with the 'suu'
I give respect and shout out to my crew, demanding their acknowledgment
Yeah, yeah, yeah (watch your step, kid)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, pay attention and be cautious, young one
(Watch your step, kid, watch your step, kid)
Be careful and mindful of your actions, young one
Come on, baby, baby, come on (protect ya neck)
Come on, my dear, be prepared and safeguard yourself
(Watch your step, kid, watch your step, kid)
Remain cautious and attentive, young one
Come on, baby, baby, come on (watch your step, kid)
Come on, my dear, be cautious and alert
(Watch your step, kid, watch your step, kid)
Pay attention and be careful, young one
Yo, you best protect ya neck
Young one, you must take measures to safeguard yourself
First things first, man, you're fucking with the worst
Let me make it clear that you're challenging the most formidable and dangerous
I'll be sticking pins in your head like a fucking nurse
I will metaphorically torment and cause pain to your mind, just as a nurse would administer injections
I'll attack any nigga who slack in his MAC
I aggressively criticize and confront anyone who is lacking in their skills or ambition
Come fully packed with a fat rugged stack
I arrive fully prepared with a large amount of talent and confidence
Shame on you when you stepped through to
You should feel ashamed for stepping into this arena
The Ol' Dirty Bastard straight from the Brooklyn Zoo
I am the Ol' Dirty Bastard, representing the rawness and grittiness of Brooklyn
And I'll be damned if I let any man
I will never allow any man to overpower or dominate me
Come to my center, you enter the winter
If you challenge me, you will face a harsh and challenging environment
Straight up and down, that shit packed jam
My music and performance are undeniably powerful and exciting
You can't slam, don't let me get fool on him, man
You can't compete or surpass my level of skill, so don't let me embarrass you
The Ol' Dirty Bastard is dirty and stinking
I, the Ol' Dirty Bastard, am unapologetically grimy and offensive
Ason Unique rolling with the night of the creeps
I, Ason Unique (Ol' Dirty Bastard), am associated with a group of misfits and outcasts
Niggas be rolling with a stash
Others may hoard and keep their resources, but I am more generous and open in sharing
Ain't saying cash, bite my style I'll bite your motherfucking ass
I don't necessarily emphasize material wealth, but if you imitate or copy my style, I'll retaliate harshly
For crying out loud, my style is wild, so book me
My style is incredibly unique and energetic, so you should hire and showcase me
Not long is how long that this rhyme took me
It didn't take me much time to craft and create this rhyme, highlighting my natural talent
Ejecting styles from my lethal weapon
I am releasing and showcasing my various styles and techniques with great force
My pen that rocks from here to Oregon
My pen, which symbolizes my lyrics, has the power and reach to captivate and entertain a large audience
Here's more again, catch it like a psycho flashback
I have even more material and content to offer, and once you experience it, it will stick with you like a vivid and intense memory
I love gats, if rap was a gun, you wouldn't bust back
I have a deep passion for firearms, and if rap was a weapon, you wouldn't be able to match my firepower
I come with shit that's all types of shapes and sounds
I bring a diverse range of content, styles, and sounds, making my music unpredictable and exciting
And where I lounge is my stomping grounds
I dominate and control the area where I reside, establishing it as my territory
I give a order to my peeps across the water
I command and direct my friends from different locations
To go and snatch up props all around the border
I instruct them to gather respect and recognition from various places and territories
And get far like a shooting star
They should aim to achieve great success and visibility, similar to shooting stars that quickly move across the sky
'Cause who I are is livin' the life of Pablo Escobar
I am living a lifestyle similar to the infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar, filled with luxury and power
Point blank as I kick the square biz
I am direct and straightforward as I deliver my raw and unfiltered message
There it is, you're fucking with pros and there it goes
I am warning you that you are dealing with professionals who will easily overpower and defeat you
Yo, chill with the feedback, black, we don't need that
Calm down and stop criticizing, my friend, we don't require or desire negative opinions
It's 10 o'clock, ho, where the fuck's your seed at?
It's late, and you should be taking care of your responsibilities, instead of wasting time
Feeling mad hostile, ran the apostle
I'm experiencing intense anger and aggression, just like a religious messenger
Flowing like Christ when I speaks the gospel
My flow, like the teachings of Christ, has a profound and persuasive impact
Stroll with the holy roll, then attack the globe with the buck us style
I move with powerful and influential individuals, and together we conquer the world with our unique and rebellious style
The ruckus, 10 times 10 men committing mad sin
We cause chaos and trouble, with 10 times the impact and strength of ordinary individuals
Turn the other cheek and I'll break your fucking chin
If you try to ignore or overlook my presence, I will retaliate aggressively and violently
Slaying boom-bangs like African drums
I am effortlessly and skillfully dominating and defeating my opponents, just like the powerful beats of African drums
Coming around the mountain when I come
I arrive with great force and intensity, similar to a train moving around a mountain
Crazy flamboyant for the rap enjoyment
I bring a unique and eccentric style to the rap game, ensuring the audience is entertained and captivated
My clan increase like black unemployment
My crew continues to grow and expand, similar to the unfortunate rise in black unemployment
Yeah, another one down, G-g-genius
Yeah, another person has been defeated or overshadowed, highlighting my genius and skill
Take us the fuck outta here
Remove and take us away from this place, indicating a desire to leave and move on
The Wu is too slammin' for these Cold Killin' labels
The Wu-Tang Clan's music is too powerful and impactful for these mediocre and unimpressive record labels
Some ain't had hits since I seen Aunt Mabel
Some artists haven't produced successful or memorable music in a long time
Be doing artists in like Cain did Abel
We, the Wu-Tang Clan, are metaphorically killing off other artists' careers, just like Cain killed his brother Abel
Now they money's getting stuck to the gum under the table
Their financial success is declining and becoming insignificant, comparable to money getting stuck to a sticky surface
That's what you get when you misuse what I invent
This is the consequence you face when you improperly and disrespectfully use my creations
Your empire falls and you lose every cent
Your grand and successful empire crumbles, causing you to lose all your wealth
For trying to blow up a scrub
Your attempt to promote an untalented individual backfired and ended in failure
Now that thought was just as bright as a 20-watt light bulb
Your idea was incredibly foolish and unintelligent, comparable to a dim 20-watt light bulb
Should've pumped it when I rocked it
You should have supported and promoted my music when I was performing it
Niggas so stingy they got short arms and deep pockets
People are extremely greedy and selfish, prioritizing their own wealth over supporting others
This goes on in some companies
This selfish and greedy behavior occurs in many record labels and corporations
With majors, they're scared to death to pump these
Major record labels are too afraid to promote and support artists like us
First of all, who's your A&R?
First and foremost, who is in charge of talent scouting at your record label?
A mountain climber who plays an electric guitar?
Do you have someone who has no relevance or understanding of the rap industry?
But he don't know the meaning of 'dope'
This individual lacks the knowledge and understanding of what is considered excellent or impressive in the rap genre
When he's looking for a 'suit-and-tie rap'
He's more interested in promoting safe and commercial rap music that appeals to a mainstream audience
That's cleaner than a bar of soap
He wants rap that is safe and inoffensive, comparable to a clean bar of soap
And I'm the dirtiest thing in sight
I am the complete opposite, the most explicit and offensive artist you'll encounter
Matter of fact, bring out the girls and let's have a mud fight
In fact, let's take it even further and engage in a dirty and chaotic conflict, alluding to a mud fight involving women
You best protect ya neck (watch your step, kid)
Young one, you must take measures to safeguard yourself
You best protect ya neck (watch your step, kid)
Be cautious and aware of your surroundings, young one
You best protect ya neck (watch your step, kid)
Safeguard yourself, young one, it's crucial
You best protect ya neck (watch your step, kid)
Remain vigilant and protect yourself, young one
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Clifford Smith, Corey Woods, Dennis David Coles, Gary E. Grice, Jason Hunter, Lamont Hawkins, Robert F. Diggs, Russell T. Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@UppurMGMT
So what's up, man?
Coolin', man
Chillin' chilin'? Yo, you know I had to call, you know why right?
Why?
Because, yo, I never ever call and ask you to play somethin', right?
Yeah
You know what I wanna hear, right?
Whatchu wanna hear?
I wanna hear that Wu-Tang joint
Wu-Tang again?
Ah, yeah, again and again
I played this in my car and had the same excitement as that caller from all those years ago. These songs sound so much different when your doing good in life.
@soultheinterrogator
I've heard this a gazillion times, but the new Wu-Tang an American saga episode made me have to come out and slap this! Never gets old EVER!!! π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯
@IENetworkTV
im with u just saw it one of the illest tv episodes I ever seen
@neyachance8093
I just got finish had to ho to the original to see if it was just like that and it was just like that... the wu tho! #itsdawu4me
@Drone2222
American Saga has been a slow burn but it's paying off in a big way, watching him mix samples was like a zen state
@matthewwoods1016
Same here
@bautistopacheco8439
Same i been bumping it on repeat
@AAron-is6qe
The way the lyrics are seamlessly woven together still blows my mind 25 years later. No hook. No chorus. No break
@tyannewton6130
Called dopalicioua
@tyannewton6130
Ssss
@marcusgrimes818
What we call the perfect mid 90s posse/cypher track π€