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GZA

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GZA (pronounced: dʒɪzə or jizza, aka The Genius, born Gary Grice August 22, 1966 in Brooklyn, New York City) is an American rapper and member of the Wu-Tang Clan. His cool, precise flow and cerebral, literate rhymes, weren't as theatrical as Method Man or Ol' Dirty Bastard, the two biggest commercial stars to spring from the collective. But among hip-hop aficionados, the Genius was revered for his technique and lyricism, and was regarded by many as the best pure rapper in the entire Clan, with his Liquid Swords seen as one of the Wu's classic albums.

Contents

Biography

Though born in Brooklyn, GZA spent a childhood split between various groups of relatives in the other New York boroughs, and during this time began to visit the Soundview Projects in the Bronx where he witnessed the birth of hip hop and became enamoured with the rhymes of the earliest MCs. Sharing his enthusiasm for the new genre were his cousins, future Wu-Bangers Ol' Dirty Bastard and RZA; GZA, the oldest, would mentor RZA in the art of rhyme, and RZA would subsequently pass on the knowledge to the youngest, Ol' Dirty. The three cousins eventually formed the group All in Together Now (the three at that time going by the aliases Scientist (RZA), Professor (Ol' Dirty Bastard) and Genius (GZA)). Both RZA and GZA later attempted to launch solo careers of their own: in 1990, GZA signed to the legendary label Cold Chillin (which was at the time in decline) and released Words from the Genius in 1991 (see 1991 in music). The album's sound, produced by Easy Mo Bee, was heavily influenced by the wishes of its label Cold Chillin, who were eager to make it a commercial success. The album however was a flop, and GZA's experience with Cold Chillin, combined with a similar ordeal for his friend RZA at Tommy Boy, created a bitterness towards record labels that insured the evils of the music industry would be a prominent theme in his music for the rest of his career, and most importantly would ultimately provide the impetus for the Wu-Tang Clan's revolutionary ruthless business strategy. The trio of friends from All In Together Now formed the Wu-Tang Clan in 1992, gradually adding six other friends and associates from around Staten Island. Their debut together was Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), which took the hip hop world by storm. All nine members became a hot commodity and were allowed to sign with whatever record label they wished for a solo career, due to an unusual clause in their contract. GZA signed to Geffen Records.

His solo track "I Gotcha Back" was featured on the soundtrack to the film Fresh in 1994 and this was followed by GZA's first post-Wu-Tang solo album, the dark, foreboding Liquid Swords (1995, 1995 in music) which was widely acclaimed; it is still remembered as one of the pre-eminent Wu-Tang solo LPs. After the Wu-Tang Clan's second album together, Wu-Tang Forever, GZA released Beneath the Surface in 1999 (see 1999 in music). The understated, mysterious album received good reviews, but failed to live up to the massive expectations created by his revered debut work. GZA's last solo album was Legend of the Liquid Sword in 2002 (see 2002 in music), which was mostly well-received by critics, with the track Uncut Material marking the first time a GZA-produced beat had featured on a Wu-Tang album. In 2004 GZA released a greatest hits compilation titled Collection Of Classics, announced he was soon to be finishing work on a Wu-Tang Clan behind-the-scenes documentary, appeared opposite RZA and Bill Murray in Jim Jarmusch's Coffee & Cigarettes, toured first as a solo artist and then with the group throughout Europe and the US, and announced the forthcoming release of an album by his son Young Justice.

In 2005, GZA inked a deal with Babygrande Records to release an album/mixtape simply known as The GZA Presents for 2006. Alongside this album, GZA began work with DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill fame on an album entitled Grandmasters. Released on October 25th, 2005, the project has received critical acclaim as a return to form for both Muggs and GZA. More Words From The Genius: Babygrande is pleased to confirm that October 17, 2006 has been set as the release date for The GZA's next album, which is tentatively entitled, "More Words From the Genius". This title might change as Chambermusik has reported it as "The Return Of The Genius". More would be made clear at a later date. . He is also set to appear on Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II in a co-starring role, and Masta Killa's upcoming Made in Brooklyn.

GZA has been working with Dynasty Muzik. He is featured on the Devilz Rejects album and has a track with Snacky Chan called "Vengeance", and has turned down multiple major record deals, most notably an offer from Jay-Z to join Rocafella in 2002[[Citing sources citation needed]].

Technique

GZA prides himself for being visual and descriptive, yet at the same time succinct. He has been known for his metaphors and similes, especially on songs such as "Labels," where he incorporates the names of labels into his verses, giving them each double meanings in the process.

His delivery is laid-back, almost monotonous; some of his detractors call him boring for this reason. GZA's subject matter has been known to range from songs about women ("Queen's Gambit") to street hardships ("Cold World"), and also have centered heavily on chess and 5 Percenter teachings.

Wu-tang is a sword style and GZA proclaims that the tongue is representative to the sword, thus incorporates this "deadly technique" into his rhymes.

Aliases

Discography

Albums

Album Name Release Date Status
Words from the Genius February 19, 1991
Liquid Swords November 20, 1995 Gold U.S.
Beneath the Surface June 29, 1999 Gold U.S.
Legend of the Liquid Sword December 10, 2002
GrandMasters (with DJ Muggs) October 25, 2005 Gold U.S.
The Return of The Genius October 17, 2006

Singles and EPs

Appears On

External links

Wu-Tang Clan ([http://encycl.opentopia.com/ edit])
9 core members
Ghostface Killah - GZA - Inspectah Deck - Masta Killa - Method Man - Ol' Dirty Bastard - Raekwon - RZA - U-God
Albums
Affiliated artists and groups
Cappadonna - Gravediggaz - Killah Priest - Killarmy - Mathematics - others

 

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