As one of the cerebral anchors of the Wu-Tang Clan (the other being his peerless cousin RZA), GZA has the gift of gab, as well as a handy lyrical smackdown at the ready for rhymers who want to be famous for being shot and not much else. He also likes to merge his metaphors and unlock the meanings left for dead in mundane marketing terminology. Hence, the title of his forthcoming effort Pro Tools, due August 19, wherein he tackles technology, crap rappers, consumerism and much more.
"There’s always a double or triple meaning when I’m rhyming," GZA admits. "People can listen to something over and over and hear something different every time. That’s what writing is about. I don’t want to be simple."
GZA floated Listening Post a raw version of the Pro Tools track "Alphabets," which features the type of low-profile production that fans have come to expect from Wu-Tang, who always have leaned more heavily on brain-teasing rhymes than the kind of surround soundtracking one would expect from, say, the Bomb Squad. It’s a laid-back groove perfectly suited for a Saturday afternoon, especially if you’re playing chess against RZA. Loop at will.
STREAM: GZA’s "Alphabets"
Pro Tools features production from RZA, Black Milk and a variety of other guest producers, but its axis as always is GZA’s tongue-twisting lyricism. Canada can catch it live tonight in Toronto, but others can jump on the comet tail all throughout the rest of the year. GZA may not release a ton of solo records, but he tours like a fiend, whether with Wu-Tang, others or on his own.
Speaking of working with others, the video at right of GZA, RZA and Bill Murray from Jim Jarmusch’s Coffee and Cigarettes is one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Those three should have their own show, if only because they can’t say Bill Murray’s name without using both of his names, all of the time. Drink up!
Photo: Babygrande Records
