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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Ron O'Neal
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So we can have a better tomorrow
Oh, money, cars, superstars, getting ours, working hard
For a better tomorrow
Coach, put me in the game
I'm for real, other peoples tryna to put me in them chains
Whatever the topic, let's put it in the frame
I'm saying, some rappers do it for a chain
Kill yourself, I know killers that'll do it for some change
These veterans is slipping, they ain't doing it the same
I don't slip, set a pick and put a shooter in your lane
Precise, 'bout shoot them at the range
But I ain't tryna shoot it with you rappers, I'll just shoot it at your dame
Y'all never should have threw me in the game
Found a new word for weed, that was so mean
I threw it in my name
My soul laid out on the block like arms spraying
The law hating, warring like Blacks and Caucasians
God versus Satan, I'm laying in the dark
With the Mossberg, waiting, letting off first basing
Slim from the cotton club washing a scrub
Deuce high when he cruise by, spotting his love
Hold the mic like a .38 muzzle to snub
This flow, call it OJ blood on the glove
Above rap, capital G's speak on the facts
Please believe that, meaning that I keep it a stack
He's back, he a beast on the track
The only time that I go soft is probably with your freak in the sack
Feel the bass make sure he shake
Murder verse, first forty-eight
Manslaughter, nearly caught a case
I crack heads more than base
Stack bread when I orchestrate, that said y'all the base
No matter what the weather, we be getting that cheddar
So we can have a better tomorrow
Oh, money, cars, superstars, getting ours, working hard
For a better tomorrow
I seen niggas sniff coke through a crazy straw
Come out they shirts sweating bullets with the Bobby Brown jaw
Dry mouth, grinding back and forth plus he's steaming a Newport
We all holdin' the torch
A few staircase murders, some burners don't blam right
Guns that kicked around the wall you better stand tight
Full of X, AK's, whilin' in lobbys, bulletproof PJ's
Fuck around and get spunned like the DJ
Csi traumatized by viewing the instant replay
Spongebob niggas get scars nigga
I'm off style in any section of the hood I'll pull your car nigga
No matter what the weather, we be getting that cheddar
So we can have a better tomorrow
Oh, money, cars, superstars, getting ours, working hard
For a better tomorrow
See ignorance wouldn't allow retreat
So you rather pursue death than admit defeat
See ignorance wouldn't allow retreat
So you rather pursue death than admit defeat (ay yo, ay yo, ay yo, yo)
I used to be so narcissistic, park the whip and spark the biscuits
Spit hollow tipped shells at the Narcs with quickness
Live to tell the tale, 'cause only God's my witness
Been a long time, change gonna come son, I'm optimistic
I hold the steel like Ron O'Neal
Super fly, do or die, killer hill, Brownsville
Never win, never will, yes I can, yes I will
Put a dot upon your knot then I drill through your grill
Like a dentist, my apprentice speaks with a vengeance
Demented scientists counting bodies in the trenches
That's judges off the benches, got inches for y'all wenches
We plant those hot seeds then drove in cold winters
No matter what the weather, we be getting that cheddar
So we can have a better tomorrow
Oh, money, cars, superstars, getting ours, working hard
For a better tomorrow
See ignorance wouldn't allow retreat
So you rather pursue death than admit defeat
See ignorance wouldn't allow retreat
So you rather pursue death than admit defeat
No matter what the weather, we be getting that cheddar
So we can have a better tomorrow
Oh, money, cars, superstars, getting ours, working hard
For a better tomorrow
The lyrics to Wu-Tang Clan's Ron O'Neal depict their dedication to making money and securing a better future. Despite any obstacles or challenges, they remain focused on acquiring wealth and achieving success. The opening verse emphasizes their determination to earn money regardless of weather conditions or external circumstances. They believe that hard work today will result in a better tomorrow, and this motivates their every move. The second verse speaks about the struggles faced by rappers and how some are willing to resort to violence or even lose their lives for a chance at fame and fortune. Wu-Tang Clan emphasizes that they are not like these rappers and have their own way of achieving success through their unique sound and wordplay.
The third verse paints a picture of the harsh realities of the streets, where drug use and violence are commonplace. The lyrics speak to the paranoia and fear experienced by those involved in criminal activity, where any false move can result in death. The fourth verse touches on themes of perseverance and change. The artist acknowledges that they once had a narcissistic attitude but have since changed their ways and become more optimistic about the future. The lyrics also portray Ron O'Neal, a character from the movie Super Fly, as a symbol of strength and determination.
Overall, the song Ron O'Neal is a message of resilience and determination in the face of obstacles. The song's lyrics emphasize the importance of staying motivated, focused, and working hard to achieve success despite the struggles encountered along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
No matter what the weather, we be getting our cheddar
We always make money, regardless of the circumstances
So we can have a better tomorrow
We work hard now to ensure a better future
Oh, money, cars, superstars, getting ours, working hard
We are focused on achieving financial success and fame through hard work
For a better tomorrow
We are investing our efforts now for a better future
Coach, put me in the game
I am ready to play my part
I'm for real, other peoples tryna to put me in them chains
I am genuine and will not be held back by others
Whatever the topic, let's put it in the frame
Let's address any subject head-on
We can even load it and cock it and put it in they brains
We can deliver a powerful message that sticks with people
I'm saying, some rappers do it for a chain
Some artists only care about material possessions
Kill yourself, I know killers that'll do it for some change
People will do anything for money, even kill
These veterans are slipping, they ain't doing it the same
Established artists are losing their edge
I don't slip, set a pick and put a shooter in your lane
I am precise and capable of taking control of a situation
Precise, 'bout shoot them at the range
I am skilled and accurate with a firearm
But I ain't tryna shoot it with you rappers, I'll just shoot it at your dame
I am not interested in collaborating with other artists, only in targeting them
Y'all never should have threw me in the game
Others may regret allowing me to enter the industry
Found a new word for weed, that was so mean
I invented a new slang term for marijuana
I threw it in my name
I incorporated the new term into my artist persona
My soul laid out on the block like arms spraying
I am vulnerable and exposed, like a soldier in battle
The law hating, warring like Blacks and Caucasians
The law is biased and discriminatory, pitting different races against each other
God versus Satan, I'm laying in the dark
There is a constant battle between good and evil
With the Mossberg, waiting, letting off first basing
I am armed and ready to defend myself
Slim from the cotton club washing a scrub
A reference to the character Slim in the film 'Cotton Club'
Deuce high when he cruise by, spotting his love
A reference to the dice game 'craps'
Hold the mic like a .38 muzzle to snub
I hold and handle the microphone with precision and power
This flow, call it OJ blood on the glove
My rhymes are incriminating and powerful, leaving my mark like OJ's infamous glove
Above rap, capital G's speak on the facts
My rap is above the rest, speaking only truth and facts
Please believe that, meaning that I keep it a stack
Believe me when I say that I am honest and true to myself
He's back, he a beast on the track
I have returned and am confident in my abilities
The only time that I go soft is probably with your freak in the sack
I may have a softer side, but only for someone special
Feel the bass make sure he shake
My music has a strong and undeniable impact
Murder verse, first forty-eight
I am capable of delivering a deadly verse in just 48 hours
Manslaughter, nearly caught a case
I have almost faced charges for my music
I crack heads more than base
My rhymes have a powerful impact, similar to a drug addiction
Stack bread when I orchestrate, that said y'all the base
I make money when I am in charge, leaving others at the bottom
See ignorance wouldn't allow retreat
Ignorance prevents you from admitting defeat
So you rather pursue death than admit defeat
You would rather face the consequences of your actions than admit defeat
I used to be so narcissistic, park the whip and spark the biscuits
I used to be selfish and self-centered, but now I am more focused and serious
Spit hollow tipped shells at the Narcs with quickness
I am willing to take drastic measures to defend myself
Live to tell the tale, 'cause only God's my witness
I have survived dangerous situations, relying only on divine intervention
Been a long time, change gonna come son, I'm optimistic
It has been a while since things have changed, but I am hopeful for the future
I hold the steel like Ron O'Neal
I am in control and confident in my abilities
Super fly, do or die, killer hill, Brownsville
A reference to Ron O'Neal's character in the film 'Super Fly'
Never win, never will, yes I can, yes I will
I am determined to succeed
Put a dot upon your knot then I drill through your grill
I will make an impact, putting a mark on my opponent before taking them down
Like a dentist, my apprentice speaks with a vengeance
I am like a teacher, imparting my knowledge and passion onto others
Demented scientists counting bodies in the trenches
I am analyzing and calculating the damage I am causing
That's judges off the benches, got inches for y'all wenches
I have power and influence, even over those in positions of authority
We plant those hot seeds then drove in cold winters
We have worked hard and persevered, despite difficult circumstances
See ignorance wouldn't allow retreat
Ignorance prevents you from admitting defeat
So you rather pursue death than admit defeat
You would rather face the consequences of your actions than admit defeat
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: CLIFFORD SMITH, DENNIS DAVID COLES, ELGIN EVANDER TURNER, JASON HUNTER, JASON S. HUNTER, NATHANIEL PETERSON, ROBERT F. DIGGS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rey Hugo TV
The rhyming is crazy dope. Rza was really trying to progress the Wu with these live band tracks....
D. Pinit77
My favorite track on the album .
MÆRvëlGØD
So badass starting at 0:59 and just overall
I'm down for #WuTangClan
Rey Hugo TV
Ghost verse whew!!
Ben Moore
Why is this a different version then the one on my CD? Anyway still a great song, I loved this album... but there's really only one Wu album I don't dig...iron flag, an it still had a few good jams
Robbie Patzer
wait what???? Diff version on your CD? upload that shit..... what it sound like??? is cd version better? diff beat? stripped down version of this beat or...? more verses? less? elaborate bro, what ur CD version sound like? hows it diff? dont hold back on details, im a huge wu fan & NEED TO KNOW
Dominique Jones
Iron flag was ill same level as 8 Diagrams outside of the Bobby Digital songs
Victor Starkiller
“A few staircase murders, some burners don’t blam right, guns that peek around the wall you better stand tight.”
Kyriacos Towli
Are we all being serious here with only 991 views. Come on Wu fans let's be having ya
S. Crockett
Meth and INS runners up for MVP on A Better Tomorrow.