Protect Ya Neck
"Protect Ya Neck" is the first single off of American rap group Wu-Tang Clan's first studio album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). The song was released in December 1992.[1] the song was re-released the next year by Loud.[2]
| "Protect Ya Neck" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Wu-Tang Clan | |
| from the album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) | |
| B-side | "After the Laughter Comes Tears" "Method Man" (reissue) |
| Released | December 1992 |
| Recorded | 1992 |
| Genre | Hardcore hip hop |
| Length | 4:37 |
| Label | Wu-Tang Records, Loud |
| Songwriter(s) | Wu-Tang Clan |
| Producer(s) | RZA |
Rolling Stone ranked the song #72 on their list of 100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time.[3] XXL ranked it #2 on their list of Wu-Tang Clan’s Most Essential Songs.[4] Pitchfork ranked the song #5 on their list of The Top 200 Tracks of the 1990s.[5]
During GZA's verse, he disses rapper Grand Daddy I.U. and the record label Cold Chillin' Records. He dissed Cold Chillin' because he felt that they didn't properly promote him or his music when he was signed with them.[6]
In the song, eight of the nine original members of Wu-Tang rap. The group members each introduce themselves. They rap about their skills as rappers and tell the music industry to watch out because they will destroy anyone who gets in their way of success.[7]
References
change- ↑ "Watch Ya Step, Kid: 'Protect Ya Neck'". Downtown Music Services. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
- ↑ "Today in Hip Hop in History: Wu-Tang Clan Releases Debut Single 'Protect Ya Neck'". The Source. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
- ↑ "100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
- ↑ "Wu-Tang Clan's Most Essential Songs Ranked". XXL. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
- ↑ "Wu-Tang Clan's Most Essential Songs Ranked". Pitchfork. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
- ↑ "Grand Daddy I.U.: The Genius Rapped About Me on Wu-Tang Clan's "Protect Ya Neck" & I Love R&B". YouTube. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
- ↑ "Raekwon Breaks Down His 25 Most Essential Songs". Complex. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
