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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To The Rescue
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo, yo, yo, yo
Vendetta inside, swiftly start stabbin
One second to meltdown, feel the twin cannons
Burn, handgun herns, standin firm
Return from mega-death, I'll tell you what's left
Dilemma, Earth tremor, up by man
With the Grand Canyon rap, you dynamic wingspan
Pull pins out the hazard, on this Battlestar Galactic'
Skull tactic, sporatic, Asiatic, long awaited
Son of Sam, mention the mic mutated
You hated us, 'cause we immortal on wax
Rip the China White shit, flip a dynamite ax
Shillac em perhaps, the heart pump an anti-toxin
Feed me the Power, meteor shower when I'm boxin
[Chorus: you-God]
Professional vets, now comin through vexed
I'm testin you vets, what you claimin that you best?
The S on your chest, better stand for Super-stress
And Leatha Face pressed, next, here to set you
REC! I suggest niggas come To the Rescue
[Leatha Face]
I know how to part your medula, oblong gotta
Test the rocket launcher, they'll get conquered
By my block sponsers, monster Tonka truck ya
The whole train conductor
A hole in your spine, rip your stomach mothafucka
Brotha suffer, my Dutch puff as sinister as the Feds
Infrared, signin on the glock, splittin ya head
Drippin wet from death threat messages I inject
Intellect reflects worldwide over Internets
Heart colder than Winter Fresh, chest smokin like incense
Vets broken into the flesh, soakin in ya own mess
Chrome bleds, some of the known best soldier vets
Over cassette, you get smashed like crashed desert air shows
Holdin ya breath, gaggin for a bit of oxygen
Submission put a stop to men, reveal the foul document
Lockin position, invision, adapt critical condition
Pitiful you didn't listen, now we're spiritual blessin
Viewer discretion advised, sabotage satellites
Splatter guys, get ya food ate like I'm Big Mac and fries
Trap nines in the thighs, symbolize real lives
Instill a rocket fuck from the inside to the outside
In ya mouth lied the barrel, subdue bone marrow
Ya tone shadow, blown from high-explosive poem battles
Dome smack, you live, projectiles effectin you
Incredible new wave heart, blade sharp verses sexin you
Claim professional, but I never met you
Son I never forget you
I slaughter foes when my particles wet you
To the Rescue
[Chorus: you-God]
Professional vets, now comin through vexed
I'm testin you vets, what you claimin that you best?
The S on your chest, better stand for Super-Stress
The Golden Arms pressed, next, here to set you
REC! I suggest niggas come To the Rescue
[U-God]
Slash hope, raw burnin, freezin thoughts are cold
Ballistic missile lift off, now one behold
My throat harden for Harlem, harness the volume
With grief fallin on me in a breeze, the seas partin
It's two men awesome, uncanny
The handy man crook, the rap gank where every damn nook and cranny
Plus four more opponents couldn't throw me, couldn't slam me
I told you before, this is war, it's radical claw
Menate the the law, practice my ambition
Understand determination, plus my burnin condition
Rebuild 'em, sing a song strong for disaster
Scorch 'em on a letter, clever, bled 'em much faster
Exotic lens, bionic Timb's, hardco' organic
The floor panic when revolvin, Shaolin dodgin
Potion of my juice, it's "Houston we have a problem"
Its Basic Instinct, motor mouth, hold is sacred
The Rushmore Rock Face, one four shot with the greatness
Raw shoulders, sword colder, no remorse
The crash course, the portions of my Porsche
Divorse it, the Holocaust exhaust, driven with force
Mighty ship back on course, I almost lost it
Toss the smokin corpse, seldom sing
Shells amongst men, rebellion, teens formin and swarmin
Vikin style, strikin without warnin a nation
Standin ovation, rap devastation
New animation, the scandal
Bandle the best part, damsel in distress, I'll bless you
God damn you! To the rescue
[Chorus: you-God]
Professional vets, now comin through vexed
I'm testin you vets, what you claimin that you best?
The S on your chest, better stand for Super-Stress
The Golden Arms pressed, next, here to set you
REC! I suggest niggas come To the Rescue
The lyrics of Wu-Tang Clan's "To The Rescue" are a high-octane narrative of the Wu-Tang's superiority in the rap world. The lyrics are rapped in a back and forth sequence between U-God and Leatha Face. The first verse features U-God's rap where he describes the power of his vendetta backed up by twin cannons that bring mega-death. He further lays down the superiority of Wu-Tang’s lyrical prowess using the metaphor of the Battlestar Galactic, suggesting that they are unstoppable. He also refers to the group’s "more than fantastic power" and unique "dynamic wingspan."
The second verse by Leatha Face is equally fast-paced and fierce, describing his technical excellence and his ability to test any veteran while making them suffer. The rap culminates in a sequence of violent metaphors about tearing apart rivals and then culminates with a command to come to the rescue. The chorus is another call to claim that the Wu-Tang Clan are the best, and challenges anyone to come forward to challenge them. The lyrics communicate a message of power and fearless courage in the face of all opposing forces.
Line by Line Meaning
Vendetta inside, swiftly start stabbin
U-God is primed for revenge and ready to attack his enemies.
One second to meltdown, feel the twin cannons
U-God is hyped and about to unleash his fury on his enemies.
Burn, handgun herns, standin firm
U-God is ready for battle and unafraid of the danger.
Return from mega-death, I'll tell you what's left
U-God has survived through difficult times, but is still standing.
Dilemma, Earth tremor, up by man
There are big problems and issues affecting people, including natural disasters and personal struggles.
With the Grand Canyon rap, you dynamic wingspan
U-God's rapping abilities are expansive and powerful, like the Grand Canyon.
The Power from the Clan, yo, is more than fantastic
The Wu-Tang Clan is incredibly talented and powerful in their music and their presence.
Pull pins out the hazard, on this Battlestar Galactic'
U-God is ready to ignite the explosive situation with his music just like Battlestar Galactica ignited space battles.
Skull tactic, sporatic, Asiatic, long awaited
U-God's tactics are intense and unpredictable, incorporating elements of his Asian heritage.
Son of Sam, mention the mic mutated
U-God has transformed the mic with his talents in the same way that Son of Sam was transformed by his violent acts.
You hated us, 'cause we immortal on wax
Hatred towards Wu-Tang's music comes from the knowledge that their music will live on forever.
Rip the China White shit, flip a dynamite ax
U-God's powerful rhymes are like a devastatingly explosive tool.
Shillac em perhaps, the heart pump an anti-toxin
U-God will attack his enemies and use his heart to keep himself going and fight off the toxicity of his foes.
Feed me the Power, meteor shower when I'm boxin
U-God is fueled with the power of music, which gives him a meteoric strength to box his foes.
Professional vets, now comin through vexed
Wu-Tang is a group of experienced professionals who are not to be underestimated.
I'm testin you vets, what you claimin that you best?
U-God challenges other experienced artists to test their abilities against his own.
The S on your chest, better stand for Super-stress
Other rappers claiming to be superstars would likely buckle under Wu-Tang's pressure.
And Leatha Face pressed, next, here to set you
Leatha Face is ready to join the battle with U-God and Wu-Tang.
REC! I suggest niggas come To the Rescue
U-God is calling for other artists to join them and help overcome their enemies.
I know how to part your medula, oblong gotta
Leatha Face knows how to dismantle his enemy's brain.
Test the rocket launcher, they'll get conquered
Leatha Face can bring the heat to destroy his enemies.
By my block sponsers, monster Tonka truck ya
Leatha Face has the backing of his block, which can be a driving force in his battles.
The whole train conductor
Leatha Face is a force to be reckoned with and can cause destruction like a train.
A hole in your spine, rip your stomach mothafucka
Leatha Face is out to inflict maximum damage on his enemies.
Brotha suffer, my Dutch puff as sinister as the Feds
Leatha Face's breath can be deadly, much like the FBI.
Infrared, signin on the glock, splittin ya head
Leatha Face has a powerful gun with a scope that can split his enemies' heads.
Drippin wet from death threat messages I inject
Leatha Face's warnings are heavy with potential death, much like poison.
Intellect reflects worldwide over Internets
Leatha Face's intellectual rhymes resonate around the world, even over the internet.
Heart colder than Winter Fresh, chest smokin like incense
Leatha Face is cold-hearted and dangerous, and his chest exudes the smoke of volatile incense.
Vets broken into the flesh, soakin in ya own mess
Wu-Tang and other experienced artists can get under your skin and make you bleed.
Chrome bleds, some of the known best soldier vets
The best battle-hardened rappers have a shine like chrome and are ready for war.
Over cassette, you get smashed like crashed desert air shows
U-God's and other artists' music can obliterate their opponents, much like crashed fighter jets.
Holdin ya breath, gaggin for a bit of oxygen
Other rappers can barely hold their breath in U-God's and the Wu-Tang's presence.
Submission put a stop to men, reveal the foul document
Even the most powerful men can be stopped by submission, and their dark secrets can be revealed.
Lockin position, invision, adapt critical condition
U-God and other artists can lock in their positions and adapt in critical situations.
Pitiful you didn't listen, now we're spiritual blessin
Those who did not listen to Wu-Tang and other artists are missing out on a spiritual blessing.
Viewer discretion advised, sabotage satellites
U-God and the Wu-Tang are not for the faint of heart, and can even take down satellites.
Splatter guys, get ya food ate like I'm Big Mac and fries
U-God can take down his enemies in a bloody mess, like fast food being devoured.
Trap nines in the thighs, symbolize real lives
Guns are a symbol of harsh reality, stashed for protection in strategic places.
Instill a rocket fuck from the inside to the outside
U-God can bury his explosive rhymes deep inside his enemy.
In ya mouth lied the barrel, subdue bone marrow
The barrel of a gun can subdue even the strongest bones.
Ya tone shadow, blown from high-explosive poem battles
U-God's rhymes can cause an explosion of sound, shaping even a listener's tone.
Dome smack, you live, projectiles effectin you
A hit to the head can have a big effect and leave you reeling.
Incredible new wave heart, blade sharp verses sexin you
U-God's heart is put into his rhymes and they have the power to excite and entice.
Raw burnin, freezin thoughts are cold
U-God's thoughts and rhymes can burn and freeze at the same time.
Ballistic missile lift off, now one behold
U-God is like a missile, powering up and lifting off toward his targets.
My throat harden for Harlem, harness the volume
U-God's voice is at its prime, hardened and ready to harness the power of music.
With grief fallin on me in a breeze, the seas partin
U-God is ready to move forward even through times of grief and tragedy.
It's two men awesome, uncanny
U-God and Leatha Face are a formidable duo with an overwhelming power.
The handy man crook, the rap gank where every damn nook and cranny
U-God is always on the lookout and skilled at finding an opening.
Plus four more opponents couldn't throw me, couldn't slam me
Even a team of five opponents could not stop U-God.
I told you before, this is war, it's radical claw
U-God makes it clear that this is a battle and it will get violent.
Menate the the law, practice my ambition
U-God fights against the law, and practices his ambition through his rhymes.
Understand determination, plus my burnin condition
U-God's determination and passion fuel his hip-hop career.
Rebuild 'em, sing a song strong for disaster
Through music, U-God can help rebuild and sing a powerful song of survival.
Scorch 'em on a letter, clever, bled 'em much faster
U-God's rhymes can scorch and cut like a letter opener.
Exotic lens, bionic Timb's, hardco' organic
U-God has a unique perspective and vision that is reflected through his rugged, organic style.
The floor panic when revolvin, Shaolin dodgin
U-God can create a state of panic on the dance floor, moving with the agility of a Shaolin monk.
Potion of my juice, it's "Houston we have a problem"
U-God's rhymes are intoxicating and powerful, like a potion that makes you feel like you have encountered a problem.
Its Basic Instinct, motor mouth, hold is sacred
U-God's rhymes and motor-mouth speed are instinctual and he holds his abilities as sacred.
The Rushmore Rock Face, one four shot with the greatness
U-God is like the iconic mountain face on Rushmore, impressive and powerful with one four shots of greatness.
Raw shoulders, sword colder, no remorse
U-God is not hesitant to use his shoulders and sword-like rhymes to take down his enemies without remorse.
The crash course, the portions of my Porsche
U-God is moving at breakneck speed with expensive cars in his arsenal.
Divorse it, the Holocaust exhaust, driven with force
U-God is not content with simply separating from his enemies, he wants to drive them out with extreme force.
Mighty ship back on course, I almost lost it
U-God's music career is immense and powerful like a mighty ship, that he has steered back on course after almost losing it.
Toss the smokin corpse, seldom sing
U-God takes down his enemies and rarely celebrates.
Shells amongst men, rebellion, teens formin and swarmin
U-God is one of many shells sent into a battle of rebellion and teenagers forming together.
Vikin style, strikin without warnin a nation
U-God is like a Viking, striking his enemies without warning and taking down nations.
Standin ovation, rap devastation
The Wu-Tang earns admiration and respect in hip-hop, destroying their rivals with rhymes.
New animation, the scandal
Wu-Tang is bringing a new animation and scandalous rhymes into hip-hop.
Bandle the best part, damsel in distress, I'll bless you
Wu-Tang can handle even the most difficult challenges, and will bless those in need.
God damn you! To the rescue
U-God and Wu-Tang are ready to save the day and help others in need.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Lisa Carver, Melissa Peirce
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Al SJM
This track is EPIC!!!! Makes u wana do push ups haha big ups golden armz ur sick as fuck on the mike my g