| GZA | |
|---|---|
 | |
|
Birth name |
Gary Grice |
|
Also known as |
The Genius, Justice, Maxi Million, |
|
Born |
August 22, 1966 |
|
Genres |
|
|
Occupation(s) |
Rapper |
|
Years active |
1991-present |
|
Label |
Cold Chillin', Loud, Geffen, MCA, Angeles, Babygrande |
|
Associated acts |
DJ Muggs, Easy Mo Bee, Killah Priest, Soul Assassins, Wu-Tang Clan |
Gary Earl Grice (born August 22, 1966), better known by his stage names GZA and The Genius, is an American hip hop musician and founding members of the Wu-Tang Clan. Within, the clan, he is known as the "spiritual head", being both the oldest member and the first within to group to attain a record deal.
He is considered to be one of the best MCs and lyricists because he is armed with sharp metaphors and a smooth flow, and has been noted for his lyrical style, which often dismisses typical rap story lines in favor of science and wide-ranging philosophies. An analysis of GZA's lyrics found that he has the second largest vocabulary in hip hop music. He teamed up with an education group to promote science education in New York City through hip hop.
GZA has appeared on his fellow clan members' solo projects and he has maintained a successful solo career since the release of his critically acclaimed solo album Liquid Swords in 1995. He is often listed as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
Discography[]
- 1991: Words from the Genius
- 1995: Liquid Swords
- 1999: Beneath the Surface
- 2002: Legend of the Liquid Sword
- 2005: Grandmasters (with DJ Muggs)
- 2008: Pro Tools