Earlier this week, it was announced that Kendrick Lamar would become the first Hip Hop artist to receive a Pulitzer Prize for his much-heralded album DAMN. In a recent interview, founder of the iconic Wu-Tang Clan, RZA, shared his congratulations — and excitement that the culture was finally being recognized by such a high-minded institution.
“I’m glad that in today’s society Kendrick Lamar, who has got to be considered one of the best and most poignant lyricists out there, can win that prize,” RZA said in a conversation with TimeOut Miami. According to The Abbott, he’s always felt writing in itself was a large component, and that many classics in the pantheon of Hip Hop have been deserving of the same honor.
“When I go back and see some of the lyrics that GZA wrote on Liquid Swords, and Beneath the Surface, some of the writing he did was well-deserving,” he says. “Take a song like ‘Fame,’ where every verse and every line is somebody’s name. Everything he did to me was at a genius level of writing.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP7MBdw-14E
“A lot of [classic] albums may have been overlooked because hip-hop wasn’t looked upon [as a valid artform],” he continued. “I’m so proud of Kendrick, and I think it’s great. I’m glad that they finally turned their eyes over to us.”
Released in 1995, GZA’s Liquid Swords has gone on to earn the distinction of not only being one of the best Wu-Tang Clan album of all time but one of the best rap albums period. Its successor, Beneath the Surface topped the Billboard US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album Charts upon its release in 1999.
Elsewhere in the interview, RZA shared a message for Jeff Sessions, who — according to the US Department of Justice — has the final word on the ultimate fate of the one-of-a-kind Once Upon a Time in Shaolin album: “Wu-Tang Clan ain’t nothing to fuck with. And I’ll leave it like that.”
[apple_news_ad type=”standard”]
Liquid Swords top 10 rap albums of all time. GZA mad slept on.
That’s the Life of a drug dealer
canibus and killah priest deserve awards, too.
And Nas
Every time I hear dual of iron mic intro I still get chills…….GZA and the wu deserve 100 of those for liquid swords. And to think this dropped in ‘95! 1995! There was no dope rap music to this extent to reference. This was original. This album is like the grail of the golden era – period
… likewise …
must be nice winning such a big prize for the worst of his albums
cant disagree with you there. DAMN is good, but nowhere near as good as his first 3 albums.
I don’t know about a Pulitzer, for Kendrick or Gza. I think that’s pretty extreme. That said, GZA is a ill MC. Top 20-25 all time. Liquid Swords is a classic. Pro Tools and the record he did with Muggs were dope too, and underrated. My question is, where is he? In this era where anyone can make music, why aren’t guys like Gza putting out more music? If doesnt cost you anything. You don’t even have to tour if you don’t want. Just put out dope music. I think a lot off these older rappers are spooked by this new era of rap and it makes them doubt their own genius, no pun intended. But instead of trying to fit in or adjust their style, they just do THEIR style. There are people like me still waiting for grown man hiphop.
With all due respect to you, brother, I think that many of us do not understand how difficult it is for artists in general to put out music. It’s hard work taking the time to put together songs, especially when you are trying to make something that is meaningful(atleast to you) and comes from the heart. When you give people a piece of your heart, it has to feel great when you receive props and respect for what you did. That being the case, think about how hard it would be when those same people who claimed they love your music take that same art that came from you, that you took time out of your life to concoct, and they take it and piss all over it. That has to be hard, even if the hate is only coming from one person. Think about how that roller coaster can effect you over 20+ years! I think Gza will do what he is gonna do, and if he wants to lay back and relax, he earned it.
There are LOTS of older rappers still dropping projects. You’re just sleeping on them…
You’re obviously a youngin’ … Hip-Hop is NOT about trying to fit in o& adjusting your style … Lame-O
I don’t see the big deal about Kendrick Lamar…he’s like a mini-me of what gangsta rap used to be.
you obviously don’t listen to him because he’s not a gangsta rapper at all. that’s why you can’t SEE it
Compton, Dr Dre, N.W.A, King Of N.Y…he stands in the shadow of Gangsta Rap. He may not be a G…but he’s happy to have those names backing his product. Even still, he ain’t all that…
Sounds like GZA is a bit salty.
He not on Kdots level
did you even read the article? Gza is not the one commenting, its Rza. And lyrically, Gza is a better lyricist than Kendrick. Kendrick is a better star, and more relevant, sure.. but lyrically? Nah..
GZA is way better than Kendrick. lol Everyone in the Wu is better than Kendrick, even the affiliates.
They didn’t even interview Gza illiterate dumbfuck
Oh you dumb dumb *Haha Davis voice*
Wow!! THE STUPIDITY OF SOME PEOPLE NEVER CEASES TO ASTOUND ME… I WAS GONA INSULT YOU, BUT THAT’S TOO EASY!! LOL
I like Kendrick but damn was weak asf
Kdot got that shit cuz in todays climate we just can’t help but go over the top to show how “progressive” we are. Big Kdot fan, but give me a break, a pulitzer prize? Lets just be honest and acknowledge they thought it would be a good look to give a black rapper the prize, so they went with the only commercial rapper they know is somewhat talented and raps about social shit. The pandering is so offensive…If he didn’t get it for TPAB, then how the fuck he getting it for DAMN. I hate that this is something a hiphop fan should be proud of, but its so obvious whats going on here. Another example of treating black people like the retard who wants to play with the big boys…let him score a goal and act like he really did cuz he’s good enough to
“in todays climate we just can’t help but go over the top to show how “progressive” we are. ” The epitome of real!
I thought the same thing when I heard this …
Liquid Swords, definitely….that shit should be in a museum…Beneath the surface is tough, but not as precise sonically…W
both GZA and Nas should have won Pulitzer’s !! salute to the greats… and respect to Kendrick for breaking a barrier.
LIQUID SWORDS is miles better than anything Kendrick Lamar or J Cole, or any of the new above average rappers that everyone claims is saving hip hop these days. Kendrick and J Cole only stand out like they do, because the majority of rappers in this day and age are utter trash. Back when Liquid Swords came out, the majority of rappers were actually dope.
who cares about those boujee awards
@Name
Moron