GZA of the Wu Tang Clan came up to Montreal on Saturday to give a lecture on music, creativity and consciousness at McGill University. “The Genius”, born Gary Grice, began by laying down the foundations of his history with Hip Hop, stating, “I got into spoken word at nine, listening to Last Poets drop knowledge. Around eleven I got into Hip Hop. In the summer local deejays would spin in the street and in parks, with young street poets rhyming and having rap battles.”
Years later he’d join forces with his two cousins to form the Wu Tang Clan. When talking about them, he describes how “Old Dirty Bastard was “The Professor” because he’d always be professing the art form. We called RZA “The Scientist” ‘cause of rhymes like ‘when I’m in the womb I’m a foreign object, just like a child running in the projects.’ They called me “The Genius” because I always simplified the rhyme.”
He went on to speak about the hyper-sexualized music that record labels were so intent on producing in the early nineties. “That’s not Wu, and in ‘92 we released 36 Chambers.” An accolade of applause ensued, his fans unanimously acknowledging what was a milestone album in Hip Hop history. Kung Fu films and Eastern Philosophy were a huge influence, both in the crew’s music and personal pursuits. “It allowed me to better navigate my life,” he added.
Chess was an equally great influence on GZA’s philosophy. His cousin taught him to play when he was only nine years old, but the logic and strategy of the game inspired him well into adulthood. “Time and force equal the space of chess, I learned it was like war, and I wrote rhymes and spoken word about it.” Delving into the ideas behind martial arts and Eastern philosophy allowed him to perceive the universe as a whole interactive force, a vision that stimulated his creative mind. “A humble rhyme is a contribution to the universe. You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give.”
What was perhaps one of his most unique contributions came from collaborating with a rapper at the Columbia University Teachers College. Together they founded Urban Science Education, a curriculum providing quality scientific, mathematical and technological savvy. Though open to all, the program is focused on students from linguistic and racial minorities, the majority of whom are living in poverty. In January 2013 they joined forces with rapgenius.com to create Rap Science, in which youths are taught through rap music.
Following his conclusion, fans lined up for questions, the nature of which ranged from existential to social:
Q: What is the meaning of life to you?
GZA: Being relevant. Breathing life is to evolve, develop, grow and raise yourself. You must evolve to a higher self, and the same applies to music.
Q: What do you have to say to all the young musicians out there trying to make a living?
GZA: As far as making a living, always have a job. I learned that the hard way. I quit my job and thought it would be lovely. It’s not always about making money; it was a passion of mine long before I started making records. As far as aspiring MCs, make your rhymes are half short, twice strong. Don’t be the other ninety-nine and imitate, be the one and originate.
Q: Why are rappers blamed for socio economic problems when they’re just making music?
GZA: They are blamed but they’re not the cause. Back when Hip Hop was starting, it helped eliminate gang violence of the streets and raise the minds of the youth. Today it’s used as a scapegoat for issues that existed way before Hip Hop. Children watch rap videos and listen to the music, so artists do have a responsibility to those they influence. You can hold them accountable for the music they put out, but not for the broader issues.
Q: Apparently the Wu Tang never rehearses, and just performs spontaneously. Do you think of music as meditation?
GZA: We never rehearsed for a show, maybe a couple times. And yes, music is a healing force of the world, a deep force that moves people in a way no one can move them.
Q: You have high standards in your lyricism. Do you think Hip Hop has a responsibility with lyrics?
GZA: Yes, to be able to make music and have a voice you should make music that resonates beyond the surface, reaching the ear of one and the heart of another.
It must be clear, eloquent, witty and clever.
Q: When the Wu was coming up in the 90s, you were spreading an ideology. What has changed?
GZA: [Rappers today] are not interested, and to spread something you must be interested, when you have an interest you want to share it. A lot of artists just don’t care, the majority rap about the same thing. Most rappers’ imaginations are sterile; a lot of them don’t go beneath the surface. If you have a hundred rappers, only one will rap with his own voice, the others just imitate.
Q: Have you ever been in love? What is love?
GZA: Love is a universal healer and also one of the highest elevations of understanding you can have with someone.
Q: Can you tell us about the new Wu Tang album?
GZA: I probably know less about it than you do, I just found out. When you know, let me know.
Q: I’m a black woman majoring in philosophy I’m told we [women and blacks] don’t have a place in this field. How can we survive in this realm?
GZA: Because we are a resilient people. We went through 400 years of slavery, and we’re still going through things, but we’re strong.
The Genius is currently working a new solo album called Dark Matter, which he describes as ‘a cosmic journey through the universe, an exploration of matter and motion through time.’ Stay tuned for this ‘look into a dark, distant past and a bright future.’
WRITTEN BY THAIS MARTIN
PICTURES COURTESY OF MONEY MONNAIE