Wu-Tang Clan is a hip-hop group that consists of: RZA, GZA/Genius, Ghostfac… Read Full Bio ↴Wu-Tang Clan is a hip-hop group that consists of: RZA, GZA/Genius, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, U-God, and Masta Killa. They are frequently joined by fellow childhood friend Cappadonna, a quasi member of the group. They were formed in (and are associated with) the New York City borough of Staten Island (referred to by members as "Shaolin"), though Masta Killa and GZA are from Brooklyn and Inspectah Deck is from the Bronx. They have gone on to become multi-platinum record producers, Grammy winners, TV and film stars, screenwriters, product spokespersons, business owners and, most recently, major motion picture composers. The Clan featured nine MCs until the death of Ol' Dirty Bastard in 2004. One of the most critically and commercially successful hip hop groups of all time, Wu-Tang Clan shot to fame through their uncompromising brand of hardcore rap music. Since their debut, they have introduced or launched the careers of numerous other artists and groups, and already in 1994 there were credited to be over 300 Wu-Tang Clan affiliates, known as the Wu-Tang Killa Bees, consisting of rappers, producers, and record label CEOs.
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 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
Verses
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Yeah, yeah (yeah)
Sham's nine times ultra
Wu-tang (brrrat)
Herbs two times great (uh)
You heard of me, son (big up L.A.D.)
Four, six times ill (rest in peace O.D.B)
La the Dark, Sun large
Gza, Ras Kass (let's go, yeah)
Wu-universal (legendary)
Now it's the real beginning of the pages of Shams (yeah)
Spit that heat rock that make fiends make vapors of grams
Sham's is the greatest fan, rock big cables of sands
Valleys and trunks, I got the MAC-10
We can hit the alley with iron and thumper
Take it to the hands like the brand new Leonard
Niggas going no mas, when the bullets go in him
You dealing with a night stick choker
The ice pick poker, trust you ain't like this joker
And the set devoted to opening your neck
With the Tech, as you sit in a Lex'
Your next move is slipping, your last move is shitting
As your body gets soft, the shotty went off
Little soldier, you're out of position
Guns go off, Shams is a Raiders fan
A rhyming gallop reporter, columns are lost
White five, black five with dollars to toss
Twisted by the dark side of the force
Black biscuit by park side in a Porsche
You're off sides in the fort
We are survivors of the war of good and evil
I'm in the hood, in the hood with a Desert Eagle
With my Brooklyn peoples, now feel it
Darkman, my persona's like Tony Montana
How he used to sniff coke, how I puff marijuana
Try play me today, I'ma kill you mañana
From far with the K or up close with the llama
I'm like an African king in a castle in Ghana
Chest dripping with jewels, one hell of a rhymer
Study lessons in Medina, building with an old timer
So I, always been wise ever since a young minor
Get C.R.e.a.m by any means, follow Malcolm X theme
So I'm often posted in a window with that thing
Got unlimited support from the Sing-Sing regime
I'm Hannibal Smith and they like the A-Team
Keep my head on the swivel when I serve a dope fiend
Upgraded to a digital from a triple beam
Fucking with me, you better be real as you can be
La Trapacandi, a well-known rhyme general
Who say Ras Kass don't spit fire, he a liar
That's like your favorite rap star claiming he gon' retire
When you mention me, not about penitentiary
Wins and rhyme skills, both twenty-second century
Ahead of my time, school niggas like Timbuktu
'Cause I'm original, like Black Falasha Jews
Velours by BUFU. Buy Us, Fuck you
Try us, fuck you
You die y'all got gats but him buck too, nigga
Sip the Grey Goose and ponder, then order room service in Hotel Rwanda
Reminder to honor these street scholars
Who ask why U.S. Defense is twenty percent of the tax dollar
Bush gave 6.46 billion to Halliburton
For troops support efforts in Iraq
Meanwhile, the hood is hurting, please believe that
The rape over, Chaney talking, forty-five dollars for a case of soda
Draining taxpayers, eighty-five thousand dollar oil filters (damn)
But won't pay they soldiers, Halliburton workers make
Fourteen thousand dollars a month, privates earn thirteen G's a year
Plus two-twenty five extra, taking fire in combat
Recruit all the niggas, that die from where I'm at
Eighteen years olds told to kill where Saddam at
But can't have a gat, to protect where my Mom's at
I love to crunk, so what, plus I'm gangsta enough
To piss in Pimpin Ken's, pimp cup, rack a gauge and pump it up
Hot bitches still get fucked, niggas just want a forty and a blunt
Yo, these youngsters they grow up on the block
With the product in they socks and the fully loaded Glocks
Too many die in vain and it's a crying shame
The murders and the hustles won't stop as they shoot for the top
Acquiring power through growth and development
On they most dangerous missions, excuses were irrelevant
The brutality of war, never changes
And the out of control desire to win, makes it dangerous
Fire engulfed the set, they feel the threat, greater than
What they ever had, experienced yet
Indictments, sparked excitement and the thrill to kill
Suddenly they felt the need for a challenge and they feel
The great boundaries of both man and machine
Can have one at the point to murder all in between
Yellow tape scene, dead teen, the mob was his idol
Giving a grim new meaning to the neighborhood's title, what's up?
That's good?
Sham's nine times ultra
Wu-tang (brrrat)
Herbs two times great (uh)
You heard of me, son (big up L.A.D.)
Four, six times ill (rest in peace O.D.B)
La the Dark, Sun large
Gza, Ras Kass (let's go, yeah)
Now it's the real beginning of the pages of Shams (yeah)
Spit that heat rock that make fiends make vapors of grams
Sham's is the greatest fan, rock big cables of sands
Valleys and trunks, I got the MAC-10
We can hit the alley with iron and thumper
Take it to the hands like the brand new Leonard
Niggas going no mas, when the bullets go in him
You dealing with a night stick choker
The ice pick poker, trust you ain't like this joker
And the set devoted to opening your neck
With the Tech, as you sit in a Lex'
Your next move is slipping, your last move is shitting
As your body gets soft, the shotty went off
Little soldier, you're out of position
Guns go off, Shams is a Raiders fan
A rhyming gallop reporter, columns are lost
White five, black five with dollars to toss
Twisted by the dark side of the force
Black biscuit by park side in a Porsche
You're off sides in the fort
We are survivors of the war of good and evil
I'm in the hood, in the hood with a Desert Eagle
With my Brooklyn peoples, now feel it
Darkman, my persona's like Tony Montana
How he used to sniff coke, how I puff marijuana
Try play me today, I'ma kill you mañana
From far with the K or up close with the llama
I'm like an African king in a castle in Ghana
Chest dripping with jewels, one hell of a rhymer
Study lessons in Medina, building with an old timer
So I, always been wise ever since a young minor
Get C.R.e.a.m by any means, follow Malcolm X theme
So I'm often posted in a window with that thing
Got unlimited support from the Sing-Sing regime
I'm Hannibal Smith and they like the A-Team
Keep my head on the swivel when I serve a dope fiend
Upgraded to a digital from a triple beam
Fucking with me, you better be real as you can be
La Trapacandi, a well-known rhyme general
Who say Ras Kass don't spit fire, he a liar
That's like your favorite rap star claiming he gon' retire
When you mention me, not about penitentiary
Wins and rhyme skills, both twenty-second century
Ahead of my time, school niggas like Timbuktu
'Cause I'm original, like Black Falasha Jews
Velours by BUFU. Buy Us, Fuck you
Try us, fuck you
You die y'all got gats but him buck too, nigga
Sip the Grey Goose and ponder, then order room service in Hotel Rwanda
Reminder to honor these street scholars
Who ask why U.S. Defense is twenty percent of the tax dollar
Bush gave 6.46 billion to Halliburton
For troops support efforts in Iraq
Meanwhile, the hood is hurting, please believe that
The rape over, Chaney talking, forty-five dollars for a case of soda
Draining taxpayers, eighty-five thousand dollar oil filters (damn)
But won't pay they soldiers, Halliburton workers make
Fourteen thousand dollars a month, privates earn thirteen G's a year
Plus two-twenty five extra, taking fire in combat
Recruit all the niggas, that die from where I'm at
Eighteen years olds told to kill where Saddam at
But can't have a gat, to protect where my Mom's at
I love to crunk, so what, plus I'm gangsta enough
To piss in Pimpin Ken's, pimp cup, rack a gauge and pump it up
Hot bitches still get fucked, niggas just want a forty and a blunt
Yo, these youngsters they grow up on the block
With the product in they socks and the fully loaded Glocks
Too many die in vain and it's a crying shame
The murders and the hustles won't stop as they shoot for the top
Acquiring power through growth and development
On they most dangerous missions, excuses were irrelevant
The brutality of war, never changes
And the out of control desire to win, makes it dangerous
Fire engulfed the set, they feel the threat, greater than
What they ever had, experienced yet
Indictments, sparked excitement and the thrill to kill
Suddenly they felt the need for a challenge and they feel
The great boundaries of both man and machine
Can have one at the point to murder all in between
Yellow tape scene, dead teen, the mob was his idol
Giving a grim new meaning to the neighborhood's title, what's up?
That's good?
The lyrics to Wu-Tang Clan's song "Verses" are filled with references to the group's members, as well as themes of power, street life, and social issues. The song opens with mentions of various Wu-Tang members, solidifying their presence and influence in the rap scene. The lyrics then delve into vivid descriptions of street life, boasting about weaponry, and asserting dominance.
The first verse, performed by Shams, speaks about his own greatness and the power he holds. He uses metaphors and clever wordplay to illustrate his skills as a rapper and his ability to control his environment. The second verse, delivered by Darkman, continues the theme of power and dominance. He compares himself to Tony Montana, the infamous drug lord from the movie Scarface, and emphasizes his influence and wealth. He also references his knowledge of African history and his commitment to his craft, mentioning Malcolm X and the importance of education.
Ras Kass takes over the third verse and addresses his critics, dismissing any claims that he is no longer relevant or talented. He showcases his lyrical prowess and intelligence, referencing various historical and cultural figures to assert his originality and impact. He also touches on social and political issues, criticizing the government's spending on defense while neglecting the needs of their own citizens.
The final verse, performed by GZA, discusses the harsh realities of street life and the consequences of violence. He describes the cycle of death and crime that perpetuates in the neighborhoods, highlighting the struggles faced by the youth who grow up in these environments. The lyrics convey a sense of hopelessness and frustration with the lack of change and progress.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Gary Grice, John Austin IV, Lason Jackson, Phillip Collington
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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@ivo5611
Putting the Gza with The Ras Kass was the best thing ever
@86EazyC
La The Darkman is a beast. One of the most underrated in the game.
@EGYNAPALM
86EazyC true dat
@ryankines9407
💯
@caspiankanai9721
No doubt...his first album "Heist of the Century" was a classic
@allmightyy2k
WORD 2 da B.D.F.B. !!
@JAA87
Yo his brother Willie Tha Kid is a fukin problem for real🙏 #ThaFly
@andrewilliams2481
Gza one of the most under rated lyrical masters
@uncledrosselmeyer6480
What’re you talking about??? 🤨
@erikgutierrez3138
Thought you said Rza I was like wtf.. but Gza, agree, no doubt