The song I’ve chosen is Protect Ya Neck, Wu-Tang Clan’s debut single. I believe that it is relevant by virtue of being their debut; the thematic content and production sets a standard of what is to be expected from their discography.
The production is characteristically sample-based (according to website WhoSampled, it contains samples from 12 different songs), with a boom-bap drum pattern and tempo. The two prominent and recurring samples are that of the aforementioned drum pattern and an acoustic bassline. To allow for variety across a song that includes 7 verses from 7 different Wu-Tang members, RZA periodically introduces melodic chops; a dramatic string top line and a haunting piano litter different sections of the beat. Further, there are sporadic chops of what sounds like power chord strikes and a detuned siren that offset the repetitive drum pattern. This not only complements the changing flows, cadences, and lyrics unique to each rapper, but also allows for an arguably static beat to evolve over time.
The mix is gritty and raw, and there is a noticeable sharpness to each instrument, building an atmosphere of violence. Violence also seems to be a major lyrical theme – “Terrorize the jam like troops in Pakistan”, “Blow up your project/Then take all your assets”, “I’ll be stickin’ pins in your head like a fuckin’ nurse” – are a few examples, not discounting the fact that the title itself calls for one to protect their neck. Violence is also reflected in the film samples that RZA employs, specifically from the films Snake and Crane Arts of Shaolin and Executioners from Shaolin. These are used as a way to introduce and end the instrumental, and in both instances the listener can hear punches and grunts (presumably from fight scenes), used to preface as well as echo the grittiness of the song.
What is also notable is the introduction of the track itself, a skit between a radio host and a caller who wants to hear Protect Ya Neck on the radio. The listener is enthusiastic, “You know I had to call”, and when asked “Wu-Tang again?” he replies, “Aw yeah! Again and again!”. Allegedly, this skit is based on a real interaction on a City College radio station, and reinforces Wu-Tang’s popularity and relevance even before their debut single. Arguably, this popularity is responsible for themes of violence – Wu-Tang is the best and is thus allowed to carry itself with an attitude of braggadocio seeing that it has “beaten” the rest (similar to the protagonists of the films being sampled). It is this attitude that is reflected in the musical and lyrical grittiness of the song.
One could conclude that all aspects of the song essentially tie into this one theme – violence. The production is, as previously examined, haunting, sporadic, and sharp. The film samples are reflections of physical violence. The lyrical content is graphically violent. In all regards, Protect Ya Neck serves to violently remind a listener that they are listening to the best.
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