GZA
GZA is a boom-bap artist from Staten Island, New York.
"The Genius" of the Wu-Tang Clan, whose ice-cold, chess-like lyricism made Liquid Swords one of the great solo Wu albums.
Who is GZA?
GZA (Gary Grice), also known as The Genius, is a rapper from Staten Island, New York. He is the oldest member of the Wu-Tang Clan and the cousin of RZA and Ol' Dirty Bastard.
Known for
His second album Liquid Swords (1995), produced by RZA and opened with dialogue from the film Shogun Assassin. It is seen as one of the best Wu-Tang solo albums. Before the Wu he released Words from the Genius (1991).
Style
Calm, precise and cerebral. He builds verses like chess moves, with dense wordplay, science metaphors and cool, controlled delivery over dark, cinematic beats.
Impact
GZA is regarded as one of the most technically gifted lyricists in hip-hop. He has also given lectures on science and lyric writing at universities such as MIT and Harvard.
GZA: quick answers
What genre is GZA?
GZA’s music falls under Boom-Bap. GZA is part of East Coast hip-hop, with the most important work in the 1990s and 2000s.
Where is GZA from?
GZA is from Staten Island, New York (born in Brooklyn).
What is GZA’s real name?
GZA’s real name is Gary Grice.
When did GZA start?
GZA has been active since 1991.
Which group is GZA part of?
GZA is a member of Wu-Tang Clan.
