Song: "Liquid Swords"
Artist: GZA
Album: "Liquid Swords"
Year: 1995
Place Of Origin: Brooklyn, New York
Years Active: 1990 - present
WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:
In GZA's own words, here's what "Liquid Swords" is about, ""I'm on a different level, trying to be cinematic," he remarked. "Like that shit in 'Killah Hill' where the kid gets his leg cut to hide the dope – that shit really happened, but I'm trying to make it more visual. Liquid Swords is a concept of being lyrically sharp, flowing like liquid metal – mercury, y'know? It comes from this flick, Legend of the Liquid Sword, where people would get their head cut off but it would still be on their shoulders. No one else would notice, because the sword was so sharp. Wu-Tang is a sword style, and this here is the sharpest. I'd rather slip on the pavement than slip on my tongue."
GZA DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):
1991 - Words From The Genius (Cold Chillin'/Reprise/Warner Bros. Records)
1995 - Liquid Swords (Geffen/MCA Records)
1999 - Beneath The Surface (MCA Records)
2002 - Legend Of The Liquid Sword (MCA/Universal Records)
2005 - Grandmasters (Angeles Records)
2008 - Pro Tools (Babygrande Records)
CURRENT STATUS OF THE GZA:
The GZA, aka The Genius, got his start in hip hop back in 1990. His first solo release was 1991's "Words From The Genius". GZA wasn't overly happy with this album which didn't really get any push from his label, Cold Chillin' Records, at the time. GZA also performed with the RZA and Ol' Dirty Bastard around this time in a group called F.O.I., which later became known as All In Together. This was really the beginnings of what would become the Wu-Tang Clan. In 1992, the RZA put together his supergroup, and most members consider GZA the spiritual head of the group. The Wu-Tang Clan exploded on the hip hop scene in the early 90's with their mega album, "Enter The 36 Chambers". It was inevitable that with 10 members in the Clan, that solo albums would be on the horizon. GZA came out with "Liquid Swords" in 1995, the third solo release by Wu-Tang members following Method Man and Ol' Dirty Bastard. "Liquid Swords" peaked at #9 on the Billboard 200 charts and became an instant hip hop classic. The album would eventually be certified platinum. This album is arguably the best solo release by any Clan member, though Raekwon's "Only Built For Cuban Linx" is up there as well. In 1999, GZA released "Beneath The Surface". This was his second album to peak at #9 on the Billboard 200 and it went on to be certified gold. In 2002, GZA wanted to get back to that grimey style of "Liquid Swords" when he released "Legends Of The Liquid Sword". In 2005, GZA hooked up with Cypress Hill DJ, Muggs, for the album "Grandmasters", proving that a New York emcee can flow over California beats. In 2008, GZA released his last solo album to date, "Pro Tools". This album featured the song "Paper Plate" which is a scathing diss track of 50 Cent. Most recently, GZA has been working on his long awaited return to hip hop with the album "Dark Matter". The lyrical themes of this album surround space, the universe and physics, the term "dropping science" applies well here. Let's face it, the Wu-Tang Clan changed the game of hip hop. They are one of the greatest rap groups of all time and all ten members shine, whether on solo material or when they get back together for Wu material. GZA's lyrics always prompted thought. Science and metaphysics are essential in his lyrics but he's not afraid to bring it back to the street if someone wants to be foolish and challenge him lyrically. The 90's were a time when no one could touch the Wu-Tang Clan. They were at the top of the hip hop world. "Liquid Swords" is arguably a top 5 hip hop album of all time. The Clan couldn't have said it any better, they form like Voltron and GZA's the head!! He may be the oldest member of the Wu, but GZA is a beast!!
TEN GZA SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:
1. Liquid Swords
2. Shadowboxin'
3. 4th Chamber
4. Paper Plate
5. I Gotcha Back
6. Cold World
7. Pencil
8. Lables
9. Legend Of The Liquid Sword
10. Breaker, Breaker
No comments:
Post a Comment