GZA

GZA (pronounced jizza, aka The Genius, born Gary Grice August 22, 1966 in Staten Island, New York City) is an American rapper and member of the Wu-Tang Clan. Known for his elaborate metaphors and cool, precise technique, GZA is one of the most critically acclaimed rappers in the Clan, both for his work with the group itself and for his solo albums.

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Though born in Staten Island, 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-Tangers 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.

August 22: August 22 is the 234th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (235th in leap years), with 131 days remaining....

1966: 1966 was a common year starting on Saturday (link goes to calendar)...

Staten Island: :For other uses, see Staten Island (disambiguation)...