Gza

Gary Grice, who performs as GZA, came up in Brooklyn's hip-hop scene in the late 1980s. He joined the Wu-Tang Clan in 1993, where his intricate, philosophical rhymes stood out among the group's nine other rappers. The Clan's early albums became touchstones for a certain kind of dense, coded East Coast rap.

GZA's solo debut, 'Liquid Swords,' arrived in 1995. The album is often cited for its lyrical depth, weaving together themes of martial arts, spirituality, and street life. Tracks like 'Publicity' and 'Beneath the Surface' demonstrated his preference for complex wordplay over straightforward hooks.

He has kept releasing music since, including the album 'Beneath the Surface' and songs like 'Chasing Dreams' and 'Living Foul.' His work maintains a focus on detailed lyricism, operating more in the realm of the chessboard than the dance floor.