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
The Abduction
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Okay.. the GZA
Tony Touch classic, knowhatI'msayin?
We gonna bang why'all, in the head one time
Blaze up on why'all one time real fast (Do the mix and all that shit)
Knamsayin, word up (Make it make it a record real quick, do yo' thang)
Throw ya seatbelts on, ahhight?
(Yeah, hook it up, make it a record, get down yo)
I take why'all niggas straight, +Beneath the Surface+
to the core, if it ain't raw its worthless
Pentab professional, hold the ink
while river rats fall off the raft and sink
Tony let a brother Touch, twenty bar rush
The way we push through equivalent to rocket thrust
Allah just, I lay it for the mix tapes
Quick to quake a label-mate
The sound came outta rusted crate
Surrounded by cobwebs
Beat smooth enough to slide through like bobsleds
On a cold white snow, plus with the right flow
Wu-Tang niggaz they shine and make the mic glow
[Masta Killa]
We killin all gorillin with all that screwfacin
Pacin back and forth looking savage, stop it
[RZA aka Bobby Digital]
Whether plugged in or plugged out
Iron drill mugged or thugged out
Blood in or blood out, son was bugged out
Might look at you and slice you
Buck fifty face stupid and say but run Nike swoop
Who the fuck you think let why'all wild niggas in
Allowed you to put down ya guns, and raise ya pen
Ruler Zig-Zag-Zig, we don't fuck with no pig
We teach the kids, you rather have a bullet or a word to your wig
Murder rates increases, bullet holes the size of fifty cent pieces
Don't worry about the weed or pussy, I read books
I'm liable to mate'cha king with three rooks
You see the Wu W raised in black fists
Maybe Tony Touch, Concord needle will scratch this
The ice cube link you bought, from the Jew for 80 G's
was only appraised at forty-two
Gazed upon by the eyes of multitude
of people, who would trade gold for food
I heard boar's head killed more than nuclear's warhead
Or street serfs who walk around dressed in all red
Bobby Digi said if you ever in Compton or Long Beach
Break my sons Doc Doom and Crisis wit a nice piece
[Masta Killa]
Penetrate on mix tape, with the legislation
Illustrate constant elevation
Spark friction, Shawshank Golden Arm Redemption
Endorsed my the Masta inscription signature
[Inspecta Deck]
Off top my unorthodox style of attack
is like Hannibal rollin on elephant's backs
Pack a long barrel, bustin off strong ammo
My light so vast I cast twenty foot shadows
First family, fifth cappo, micro to macro
Load it in ya head play it back slow
Act like you know, this is no drill
Murderous rap revealed goin for kill
On these New York city sidewalks we walk
Camoflauge, dodgin the eyes of the hawk
Kani Sport, totin the fifth, slidin off
My live source movin across with brute force
Bloodsport, anymore heads face the blade
Fakers must fade, the stakes are now raised
Words of murder, suspense, and intrigue
Make major league niggaz show signs of fatigue
My Killer Bees span wider than seven seas
Squeeze on MC's, with bullet train speed
Tony's Touch create more gold than Midas
Ya highness, all in ya head, like ya hair stylus
[Ghostface Killa]
Frosty mug, big ring leaders top secret thug
Lampin in cheaters Orenthal with the murder glove
Boat of the town, devilish grin look peculiar
Swung on this faggot, knocked the windows outta Silvia's
Timb's got scuffed up, my ankles got sprained, that's my word
To ever single seat I smack flames
Staten Island's bayside of teachers of Elijah
Thrown out the temple, non-calodic wit the father
Nickname's Pudding, Clarence 13X before the Will Smith's
and the limelights of Cuba Gooding
Lost in the cosmos, explodin through a quasar
Be duckin pulsars, organic stay still be the Gods
Tony Touch, Tony Touch
Word up
Big Face Ghost in effect
The Abduction is a song by Wu-Tang Clan that features verses from GZA, Masta Killa, RZA, Inspecta Deck, and Ghostface Killa. The song starts with a sample from Tony Touch and then GZA takes the lead. He raps about his ability to take his listeners straight to the depths of a subject and how anything other than rawness is worthless. Masta Killa then jumps in, criticizing people who screwface, and RZA follows with a verse about his ability to kill someone with his look saying that he'd rather teach kids than kill them. Inspecta Deck talks about his unorthodox style and how he's one step ahead of his opponents at all times, and Ghostface Killa takes the last verse, bragging about his ability to knock somebody out and make flames the day he wears a seatbelt.
The song is named after the album artwork of Tony Touchโs album The Piece Maker, which features an alien abduction. The lyrics in the song include various references to the 5% Nation of Gods and Earths, such as "Allah just" and "Clarence 13X." The 5% Nation is a religious movement that originated in the United States and is based on the belief that black people are God. The group was critical in the formation of Wu-Tang Clan, as many members were a part of the Nation or were influenced by its teachings.
Line by Line Meaning
I take why'all niggas straight, +Beneath the Surface+ to the core, if it ain't raw its worthless
I bring you deep into the essence of things, if it's not authentic, it's of no value
Pentab professional, hold the ink while river rats fall off the raft and sink
I am a skilled writer, while mediocre artists fail and disappear
Tony let a brother Touch, twenty bar rush. The way we push through equivalent to rocket thrust
Tony Touch allowed me to rap quickly and seamlessly. Our approach is as powerful as a rocket launch
Allah just, I lay it for the mix tapes. Quick to quake a label-mate
I do it effortlessly for mixtapes. I easily outshine my fellow artists
The sound came outta rusted crate. Surrounded by cobwebs
The music emerged from old, neglected equipment. I create in isolation
Beat smooth enough to slide through like bobsleds. On a cold white snow, plus with the right flow
The beat is so smooth, it glides through like a bobsled on snow. And when combined with my skillful delivery
We killin all gorillin with all that screwfacin. Pacin back and forth looking savage, stop it
We're defeating all those who frown upon us. We pace with aggression, so they better quit
Whether plugged in or plugged out. Iron drill mugged or thugged out
Regardless of being connected or disconnected. Ready to fight or act aggressively
Blood in or blood out, son was bugged out. Might look at you and slice you
Whether by association or betrayal, this person is deeply disturbed. They could even harm you
Buck fifty face stupid and say but run Nike swoop
They will cut your face deeply and then quickly escape, just like Nike shoes
Who the fuck you think let why'all wild niggas in? Allowed you to put down ya guns, and raise ya pen
Who do you think gave permission for these reckless individuals to enter? We made them abandon violence and embrace writing
Ruler Zig-Zag-Zig, we don't fuck with no pig. We teach the kids, you rather have a bullet or a word to your wig
Leading with wisdom and righteousness, we avoid any association with the police. We educate the youth, you should choose a message over violence
Murder rates increases, bullet holes the size of fifty cent pieces
As killings rise, the resulting wounds become more severe
Don't worry about the weed or pussy, I read books. I'm liable to mate'cha king with three rooks
Don't focus on temporary pleasures, I educate myself. I might even defeat you in a game of chess with three novice players
You see the Wu W raised in black fists. Maybe Tony Touch, Concord needle will scratch this
You witness the powerful symbol of the Wu-Tang Clan raised in a sign of resistance. Tony Touch's DJ skills will emphasize this
The ice cube link you bought, from the Jew for 80 G's. was only appraised at forty-two
The diamond necklace you purchased, at a high price from a Jewish person, is actually worth less than what you paid
Gazed upon by the eyes of multitude of people, who would trade gold for food
Witnessed by many who are willing to exchange luxury for basic sustenance
I heard boar's head killed more than nuclear's warhead. Or street serfs who walk around dressed in all red
I heard that a pig's actual head causes more death than a nuclear warhead. Also, the gang members dressed in red are dangerous
Bobby Digi said if you ever in Compton or Long Beach. Break my sons Doc Doom and Crisis wit a nice piece
Bobby Digital instructed his proteges to assist you if you're in dangerous areas. They will provide strong support
Penetrate on mix tape, with the legislation. Illustrate constant elevation
We make a significant impact on mixtapes, bringing progressive change and growth
Spark friction, Shawshank Golden Arm Redemption. Endorsed my the Masta inscription signature
We ignite conflict, just like the character Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption. Approved by the signature of the Master
Off top my unorthodox style of attack. is like Hannibal rollin on elephant's backs
My unconventional approach to rap is as dominant as Hannibal riding on the backs of elephants
Pack a long barrel, bustin off strong ammo. My light so vast I cast twenty foot shadows
I carry a powerful weapon, unleashing potent ammunition. My influence is so significant, I cast enormous shadows
First family, fifth cappo, micro to macro. Load it in ya head play it back slow
As part of the Wu-Tang Clan hierarchy, from the top to the lower ranks. Internalize my words and replay them carefully
Act like you know, this is no drill. Murderous rap revealed goin for kill
Behave as if you are aware, this is not a practice. My deadly lyrics are unveiled, aiming to annihilate
On these New York city sidewalks we walk. Camoflauge, dodgin the eyes of the hawk
We navigate the streets of New York, blending in and evading scrutiny
Kani Sport, totin the fifth, slidin off. My live source movin across with brute force
Wearing Karl Kani clothing, carrying a firearm, sliding away swiftly. My energetic presence moves with relentless strength
Bloodsport, anymore heads face the blade. Fakers must fade, the stakes are now raised
It's a brutal competition, anyone who challenges risks severe consequences. Imposters will vanish, the stakes have risen
Words of murder, suspense, and intrigue. Make major league niggaz show signs of fatigue
My lyrics filled with violence, mystery, and fascination cause experienced rappers to become weary
My Killer Bees span wider than seven seas. Squeeze on MC's, with bullet train speed
The members of my Wu-Tang Clan expand their influence globally. We squeeze and crush other rappers with the speed of a bullet train
Tony's Touch create more gold than Midas. Ya highness, all in ya head, like ya hair stylus
Through Tony Touch's involvement, we create immense success. You're constantly thinking highly of yourself, just like your expensive haircut
Frosty mug, big ring leaders top secret thug. Lampin in cheaters Orenthal with the murder glove
I have a cold-hearted persona, leading a powerful gang. I relax confidently, just like O.J. Simpson in sunglasses, wearing a glove linked to murder
Boat of the town, devilish grin look peculiar. Swung on this faggot, knocked the windows outta Silvia's
I'm the talk of the town, with a wicked smile that appears strange. I attacked and hit this derogatory person, smashing the windows of his car
Timb's got scuffed up, my ankles got sprained, that's my word. To ever single seat I smack flames
My Timb boots are damaged, my ankles are injured, I guarantee that. I bring intense heat and excitement to every performance
Staten Island's bayside of teachers of Elijah. Thrown out the temple, non-calodic wit the father
In the area of Staten Island, we are like educators of the teachings of Elijah Muhammad. We are expelled from organized religion but still maintain our spiritual connection
Nickname's Pudding, Clarence 13X before the Will Smith's and the limelights of Cuba Gooding
My nickname is Pudding, referencing Clarence 13X before the fame of Will Smith and the spotlight on Cuba Gooding Jr.
Lost in the cosmos, explodin through a quasar. Be duckin pulsars, organic stay still be the Gods
We are caught in the vastness of the universe, bursting through intense cosmic phenomena. We avoid dangerous neutron stars and remain god-like in our natural state
Tony Touch, Tony Touch. Word up. Big Face Ghost in effect
Tony Touch's DJ skills are acknowledged. Ghostface Killah's presence is fully felt
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: D. HARRIS, DENNIS DAVID COLES, GARY E. GRICE, JASON HUNTER, ROBERT F. DIGGS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John Gaston
The beat and poetry from this track, gave me motivation and inspiration while I was in high school and get straights A+ and years ahead passed my SATโs get my final Diploma! Itโs incredible how epic music used to be back in our days, it was our tool! made you thrive in positive ways!!
LethalAssassin 17
Continues to help me thrive in adult live! ๐ค
Ill El-Zorro
This beat brings honor to Wu Tang Clan.
Valjean Lee
One of the best Wu songs period...
Rich Keats
This is what is missing from hip hop these days. This will forever be a classic, still listening in 2019
Kristopher Harrison
0
LethalAssassin 17
Whatโs missing is actual talent and skill, creativity, unique production, real messages whether good or bad. Not to mention the music itself is fast food none of itโs made to last for the next 10 years let alone decades.
Pete Krasher
@LethalAssassin 17 and fast food lasts a long time in that wax!
VisuARISE
10/10/22 ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ Still ๐ฅ
Ronnie Thomas
one of the better verses ive ever heard from GZA and Deck...damn!