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
Wu Gambinos
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
None, they want guns
I be the first to set off shit, last to run
Wu roll together as one
I call my brother Sun cause he shine like one
Scriptures hit the body like sawed-off shotties
Like my hair knotty and my nosepiece snotty
Burn like the deserts of Mugabe, for real
Ain't nothing fraudulent here, we pioneer
Commandeer a new frontier, this be the Wu yeah
Thirty-six chambers of fear, huh you lost it
Information leaking out your faucets, hmm
Time to forfeit your crown and leave the grounds
There's a new sheriff in town holding it down
It's the two holster, shit shot smoker
Wanted dead or alive, bounty on the poster
Wild in the West, a student of my culture
And life is the test, hold up
Let a nigga catch his breath
I'm still paying dues and the last one is death
Back to the essence with that shit you stressing, this rap profession
Now peep Tical, the son of the Shaolin Isle
Bless my style, criminology pays
The last times and days, Johnny fucking Blaze
This goes for niggas who know
Wu will blow like yayo, lay low
Plus cooling in Barbados
Ricans be giving me much shit to touch shit
Stay cool Papa, see you with enough shit
Back at the lab a, crack's bagged up
Yo niggas act up, what blow up their workers if they have to
Señoritas, fucking up a storm buying Gods margaritas
Sucking his dick, up in the whip long
Designed for rhyme crime nigga jail time jiggas
Them niggas up in hype Vigors lighting niggas
Silks Wally wear Figaro chain yeah
Jakes beware of black rap millionaires
Rock Airs, leather goose, bears blowing this year
1-800-GAMBINO niggas, yeah
Wu roll together as one, I call my brother Sun cause he shine like one
Solid gold crown is shining, we're blinding like some diamonds
I'm reclining in the sky on a cloud with silver lining
Double breasted, bullet proof vested, well protected
The heart, the rib cage, the chest and solar plexus
Casting stones, cracking two-hundred and six bones
And watch your ass get blown to a sea of fire and brimstone
How dare you approach it with them poems
The overfiend like noah bean green souls with a soldier mean
The grand exquisite imperial wizard or is it
The Rzarector come to pay your ass a visit
Local bio-chemical, universal giant, the black general
Licking shots at Davy Crockett on the bicentennial
Happy Millennium two thousand microchips two shots of penicillin
Goes up your adrenalin son it's time for bouting
It's a model you're resembling the niggas who like following
Trapped inside your projects like a genie inside the bottle and
God stepping forth upon holy down of the track
It's the sound that surrounds and hurts me like I'm under attack
So I decided to bite down on the mic
So the pain of the track won't deny the fact that I'm the master
For what lurks, is an expert that hurts
The individual who tries to visualize under
Cause I strike, like thunder
Niggas couldn't stand my heat, it's unbearable
My wisdom fucks up your respiratorial
Systems are fractured by the killer tactics
Style is ragged and thoughts are mad jagged
Enter the entity, my vicinity
Is three hundred and sixty degrees of humidity
Represent the school of hard knocks and Glocks my
Clan is hostile and got mad moss for blocks so
Feel the force of impact from the iron side of
The gat as I attack the track
From the blind side of the pack, Starks pass the chrome
Watch a nigga get blown out his motherfucking dome-piece
Deceased, laid to rest
Who come to get you
None, they want guns
I be the first to set off shit, last to run
Wu roll together as one
I call my brother Sun cause he shine like one
Yo, aiyyo I got to serve them my way, move give me room
Holding up your saloon, clean sweep, like a broom
Full moons make me howl like a wolf out of breath
Sold only new vocal cords you heard Genius on Gef
So step back, to the lab at, high velocity
My teammate, enhance cells more like a pharmacy
Fuck Geraldo, Pablo's plan bro is Bravo
Goodfellas we know, best sellers become novels
The man rocking head bands, silk scarves and jams
Early 80's British Walkers, playboys, mocks and shams
The laser beam vocalist does well at symphonies
Bad days, watch me snatch ice right outta Tiffany's
Remember them kids that came off with eight million
Robbed the Brinks and I labelled in royal pavilions
Them flower heads must have been stupid
Tell me how the fuck black niggas get caught with all that loot kid
There's jet money, underground money
Submarines and rings too bad you fucked up dummies
The lyrics of Wu-Tang Clan's "Wu-Gambinos" showcase the group's signature style of poetic, introspective, and violent lyricism. The opening lines state bluntly that there is nobody who can come and save the listener; instead, guns and violence are what's sought after. One member of the Wu-Tang clan calls his brother "Sun," invoking the image of a radiant force that shines on all around him. The lyrics then continue to detail the group's violent and at times nihilistic worldview, with references to scripture, pioneerism, and commanding a new frontier - all wrapped up in a veneer of gangsta rap.
The fascinating thing about this song is that it provides a window into the early days of Wu-Tang Clan's career. At the time of the release of "Wu-Gambinos," the group was still establishing itself within the hip-hop world, and this single was one of their first major successes. Many of the lyrics in this song would go on to become some of the group's most iconic and memorable lines, and it's interesting to see how this early style of gangsta rap evolved over the course of their career.
Line by Line Meaning
Who come to get you
No one is coming to harm you
None, they want guns
They are only interested in obtaining weapons
I be the first to set off shit, last to run
I am the one who initiates problem situations but stays until the end
Wu roll together as one
The Wu-Tang Clan acts as a united group
I call my brother Sun cause he shine like one
I refer to my brother as Sun because of his radiant qualities
Scriptures hit the body like sawed-off shotties
The words in the song have a powerful impact on listeners
Like my hair knotty and my nosepiece snotty
My appearance may be unkempt, but I am confident and unapologetic
Fuck a nigga hottie, that whole pussy probably
I am not interested in pursuing sexual relationships with women, as they are likely unfaithful
Burn like the deserts of Mugabe, for real
My presence and actions are intense, like the scorching deserts of Mugabe
Ain't nothing fraudulent here, we pioneer
There is no deception or falsehood in our approach, we are trailblazers
Commandeer a new frontier, this be the Wu yeah
We are taking control of unexplored territory in the music industry
Thirty-six chambers of fear, huh you lost it
We have a vast array of knowledge and experiences, you are missing out
Information leaking out your faucets, hmm
Confidential information is being revealed from your sources
Time to forfeit your crown and leave the grounds
You must give up your position of power and depart
There's a new sheriff in town holding it down
I am the new authority figure overseeing everything
It's the two holster, shit shot smoker
I am skilled in handling firearms and engaging in dangerous activities
Wanted dead or alive, bounty on the poster
There is a reward for capturing me, dead or alive
Wild in the West, a student of my culture
I am rebellious and knowledgeable about my roots
And life is the test, hold up
Life presents challenges and we must pause to reflect
Let a nigga catch his breath
Allow me to take a moment to recover
I'm still paying dues and the last one is death
I am still facing consequences for my actions, and death is the ultimate consequence
Back to the essence with that shit you stressing, this rap profession
Returning to the core of rap music and disregarding the unnecessary pressures
Now peep Tical, the son of the Shaolin Isle
Take a closer look at Tical, the artist representing Shaolin
Bless my style, criminology pays
My unique approach to music and criminal activities brings me success
The last times and days, Johnny fucking Blaze
We are living in the final era, and Johnny Blaze is a fearless individual
This goes for niggas who know
This message is directed towards those who understand
Wu will blow like yayo, lay low
The Wu-Tang Clan will become popular and influential, while remaining humble
Plus cooling in Barbados
We are relaxing and enjoying ourselves in Barbados
Ricans be giving me much shit to touch shit
Puerto Ricans are providing me with valuable resources and opportunities
Stay cool Papa, see you with enough shit
Remain calm, my friend, we will encounter many incredible things together
Back at the lab a, crack's bagged up
In our studio, we are preparing drugs for distribution
Yo niggas act up, what blow up their workers if they have to
If our associates cause trouble, we will harm them if necessary
Señoritas, fucking up a storm buying Gods margaritas
Women are engaging in sexual activities while spending money on expensive drinks
Sucking his dick, up in the whip long
Engaging in oral sex in a car for an extended period of time
Designed for rhyme crime nigga jail time jiggas
We are created specifically for committing crimes through our music, leading to incarceration
Them niggas up in hype Vigors lighting niggas
Those individuals who are overly enthusiastic are harming others
Silks Wally wear Figaro chain yeah
Silk and Wally are wearing expensive Figaro chains, symbolizing their wealth
Jakes beware of black rap millionaires
Beware, law enforcement, as we are wealthy rappers involved in illegal activities
Rock Airs, leather goose, bears blowing this year
We are wearing designer clothes and expensive jackets, showcasing our success
1-800-GAMBINO niggas, yeah
Contact us at 1-800-GAMBINO, my friends
Solid gold crown is shining, we're blinding like some diamonds
Our valuable and powerful position is evident, dazzling others
I'm reclining in the sky on a cloud with silver lining
I am relaxed and enjoying great fortune, surrounded by positivity
Double breasted, bullet proof vested, well protected
I am wearing a suit with extra layers of protection, ensuring my safety
The heart, the rib cage, the chest and solar plexus
These vital parts of the body are well-guarded and impenetrable
Casting stones, cracking two-hundred and six bones
We are inflicting harm on others, causing fractures and severe damage
And watch your ass get blown to a sea of fire and brimstone
Prepare to face grave consequences, including destruction and punishment
How dare you approach it with them poems
You should not attempt to engage with a situation using weak and ineffective methods
The overfiend like noah bean green souls with a soldier mean
I am a powerful force, similar to the deity Overfiend, commanding loyal and fierce individuals
The grand exquisite imperial wizard or is it
I am a distinguished and authoritative figure, possibly possessing magical abilities
The Rzarector come to pay your ass a visit
The Rzarector, a member of the Wu-Tang Clan, has arrived to confront and punish you
Local bio-chemical, universal giant, the black general
I am a formidable presence, both locally and universally, representing my race in a commanding position
Licking shots at Davy Crockett on the bicentennial
I am metaphorically attacking and challenging the historical figure Davy Crockett on a significant anniversary
Happy Millennium two thousand microchips two shots of penicillin
I am celebrating the new millennium, referencing technology and medicine
Goes up your adrenalin son it's time for bouting
Your excitement and energy levels rise, as it is time to engage in a conflict
It's a model you're resembling the niggas who like following
You are imitating and resembling individuals who are followers and lack originality
Trapped inside your projects like a genie inside the bottle and
You are confined to your limited environment, unable to escape like a trapped genie
God stepping forth upon holy down of the track
I am presenting myself as a divine force on this sacred path
It's the sound that surrounds and hurts me like I'm under attack
The overpowering sound of the music overwhelms and affects me intensely
So I decided to bite down on the mic
To cope with the pain, I chew on the microphone
So the pain of the track won't deny the fact that I'm the master
I want to ensure that the pain from the music doesn't overshadow my mastery as an artist
For what lurks, is an expert that hurts
Within me lies a highly skilled individual who can cause harm
The individual who tries to visualize under
Those who attempt to understand or interpret what I represent
Cause I strike, like thunder
My impact is sudden and powerful, akin to the strike of thunder
Niggas couldn't stand my heat, it's unbearable
Others cannot handle the intensity and heat that I bring
My wisdom fucks up your respiratorial
My profound knowledge disrupts your ability to breathe easily
Systems are fractured by the killer tactics
My violent strategies cause systems to break and crumble
Style is ragged and thoughts are mad jagged
My artistic style is raw and unconventional, and my thoughts are chaotic
Enter the entity, my vicinity
I, as a unique and influential figure, enter the space and environment
Is three hundred and sixty degrees of humidity
My presence encompasses every aspect, creating a sense of intensity and discomfort
Represent the school of hard knocks and Glocks my
I am a symbol of the difficult experiences and gun violence in my community
Clan is hostile and got mad moss for blocks so
The Wu-Tang Clan is aggressive and possesses a large arsenal of weapons and connections in the neighborhood
Feel the force of impact from the iron side of
Experience the strength and power of my actions
The gat as I attack the track
As I approach the music, I unleash my aggression and skill
From the blind side of the pack, Starks pass the chrome
Coming from an unexpected direction, Starks hands off a handgun
Watch a nigga get blown out his motherfucking dome-piece
Observe how someone is brutally killed, their head destroyed
Deceased, laid to rest
They are dead and buried
Yo, aiyyo I got to serve them my way, move give me room
I must assert myself and showcase my talent, so make way for me
Holding up your saloon, clean sweep, like a broom
I am dominating and controlling the situation, cleaning out any opposition
Full moons make me howl like a wolf out of breath
In moments of intensity, I vocalize and express myself like a tired wolf
Sold only new vocal cords you heard Genius on Gef
I bring fresh and innovative vocal skills, exemplified by my performance on the track 'Gef'
So step back, to the lab at, high velocity
Take a step back and witness the speed and intensity of my creative process in the studio
My teammate, enhance cells more like a pharmacy
My collaborator enhances and brings diversity to our music, like a pharmacy supplying a variety of drugs
Fuck Geraldo, Pablo's plan bro is Bravo
Disregard Geraldo Rivera, as Pablo's plan is superior and impressive
Goodfellas we know, best sellers become novels
We are knowledgeable about the mafia lifestyle, and successful stories are adapted into books
The man rocking head bands, silk scarves and jams
I am the man who wears headbands, silk scarves, and fashionable clothing
Early 80's British Walkers, playboys, mocks and shams
In the early 1980s, I wore British Walkers shoes and embodied the persona of a stylish, charming man
The laser beam vocalist does well at symphonies
As a skilled rapper, I excel in musical performances, even alongside symphonies
Bad days, watch me snatch ice right outta Tiffany's
Even in difficult times, witness me confidently stealing expensive jewelry from Tiffany's
Remember them kids that came off with eight million
Recall those young individuals who successfully acquired eight million dollars
Robbed the Brinks and I labelled in royal pavilions
They stole money from Brinks and I invested it in luxurious buildings
Them flower heads must have been stupid
Those individuals were foolish and unwise
Tell me how the fuck black niggas get caught with all that loot kid
Explain how black individuals were apprehended with such a significant amount of stolen money
There's jet money, underground money
There are vast sums of money from illegal activities, as well as hidden funds
Submarines and rings too bad you fucked up dummies
We possess submarines and expensive jewelry, but unfortunately, you made foolish mistakes
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: COREY WOODS, ROBERT F. DIGGS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Cameron William Boyle
Everybody killed it.
But RZA's verse was fucking intense.
WHALEDOGS9111
Cameron William Boyle Word RZA kill it.
sukka 1P57
RZA's lyricism was insane but his flow....meh.
Chris Hawthorne
RZA probably the most overrated member
Cheka
Cameron William Boyle . And hard to understand.
Danny Neiba
the illest thing about the Wu is that you hear them joking around, dissing one another before and after their tracks, but when it comes time to lace the beat they are all on point.The first verse in this track by Meth sets the tone "Scriptures hit the body like sawed-off shotty". WOW!!! The best rap album ever IMO
Sam Kirschenheiter
It reminds me of the scene in Predator where they're fuckin around on the helicopter listening to Little Richard but as soon as it's killing time the music's off and it's dead silence. You're spot on man Wu forever and ever and ever and ever...
slevinator12
you got to give so many props to RZA for his verse man, he killed it hard
Pizza Reviews On The Go!
He’s a genius
Volteezy
I never get tired of this song. That beat is awesome.