10 Things You Might Not Know About GZA's 'Liquid Swords'

On November 7th, 1995, GZA released his second studio album and one of hip hop's most acclaimed projects, Liquid Swords. Often considered the best solo release from the Wu-Tang Clan, GZA's lyrics on this album are some of the most complex and substantial to ever be put on wax. To celebrate this 90's masterpiece, here are ten facts you might not know about the album.   

1. All nine members of the Wu-Tang Clan are present on Liquid Swords as well as Wu affiliate Killah Priest.   

2. The entire album was recorded in RZA's basement studio in Staten Island. GZA has been quoted saying that the beats played for 2 days straight as he penned his lyrics. 

3. The album opens with a sample from the 1980 Japanese samurai flick Shogun's Assassin. The film is a compilation of the first two Lone Wolf and Cub movies.  

4. GZA admitted that he hadn't seen Shogun's Assassin until after recording the album and was a last minute addition from the RZA. He told Spin, "RZA did that in the last stages of the album. We were actually beyond mixing the album, the album was mixed already and we were mastering the album and he sent the engineer out or someone from the studio and said, “Bring me back Shogun Assassin,” and threw it on the album. That came at the very last minute."

5. GZA directed all music videos to come from the album, including "I Gotcha Back," "Cold World," and "Shadow Boxin' 4th Chamber."

6. RZA had originally planned each Wu-Tang solo to appeal to a different demographic. Liquid Swords was aimed at the college audience but GZA said that it was never his personal goal. 

7. The album's art was conceived by the GZA, who was a passionate chess player. Artist Denys Cowan designed the iconic cover. 

8. GZA's logo was designed by longtime Wu affiliate Mathematics, who also created the legendary Wu-Tang logo.  

9. GZA considers Liquid Swords his best album but doesn't think it holds up lyrically. He told the Seattle Times, "It has great songs, it's not an ignorant album, it doesn't sound dated. If you listen to it and compare it to what's out now, it's timeless. Lyrically, it's not my best work. Not at all. But the chemistry? Production? Overall, I mean, c'mon! RZA's atmospheric production? Yes. It's my best album." 

10. Liquid Swords finally went Platinum twenty years after its release on September 15th, 2015.