GZA – Intro Lyrics
It was the summer of '77. New York was just recovering from the riots due to the blackout. Hip hop was young and growing rapidly. It was during that time when my father would often make journeys across waters. From Shaolin on his plain to the place where many say this art form started. The ferry, or the boat, as most called it, was a floatin' forum, for talent especially MC's, who would often battle while en route to the city. It was on the boat, where he would sharpen his sword on neighborhood MC's, preparing for the battles that were soon to come...
About Intro
The “Intro” to GZA’s “Legend of the Liquid Sword” frames the origins of hip hop in the Bronx as a kind of kung fu movie “legend.” A child’s voice speaks of his fathers journeys “across the waters,” in reality the trips GZA would take from Staten Island to the Bronx to attend early hip hop black parties.
The title is in fact taken from the title of a kung fu film, Legend of the Liquid Sword.
Here’s a recent Pitchfork interview with GZA where he reminisces about these life experiences.
