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GZA

GZA, also known by his stage name The Genius, is a highly revered figure in hip-hop culture, known for his impeccable lyricism and intellectual approach to rap. Born Gary Grice on August 22, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York, GZA is a founding member of the seminal hip-hop collective the Wu-Tang Clan. As one of the group's most literate and cerebral rappers, GZA has carved out a distinctive niche for himself in the rap landscape, often incorporating complex wordplay and a wide range of references in his verses, from philosophy to chess.

After releasing his solo debut album "Words from the Genius" in 1991, GZA's career took a significant leap forward with the establishment of the Wu-Tang Clan in 1992 and the critical acclaim for his second album, "Liquid Swords," in 1995. The album is often cited as one of the greatest in hip-hop history. Over the years, GZA has maintained a respected solo career alongside his work with the Wu-Tang Clan. His later works, including "Pro Tools" (2008), exhibit his sharp-edged lyricism and thought-provoking rap narratives. Though releases like "The Mexican" single featuring Tom Morello & K.I.D. (2015) and tracks like "Paper Plate" have been more sparse than in his early career, they affirm GZA's dedication to the craft and his ongoing relevance in the hip-hop genre. GZA's influence extends beyond music, engaging in lectures at institutions like Harvard and MIT, where he merges the worlds of music, science, and education, demonstrating his deep-seated intellectualism and versatility as an artist.

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