GZA (of Wu-Tang Clan) UK dates

When it comes to thought provoking, street-bred raw lyricism, the Wu-Tang Clan's fountain of wisdom, GZA takes his job very seriously. The way he crafts his double-edged rhyme flow mirrors the skill and precise technique of one who works with fine ceramics.GZA's metaphoric and multi-layered lyrics are often touted by critics as his rap name implies; genius.

Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in every borough of New York City, The GZA's workmanship can be found three albums deep with classics dating back to 1991 including the albums Words From The Genius, the gold-selling Liquid Swords and Beneath The Surface.

Before his days of microphone notoriety, GZA found himself, during the early ages of rap music, travelling throughout New York City sharpening his rap skills in scattered rhyme battles. "I've studied rap in every borough," the GZA says proudly. "I've been rhyming before a lot of these cats out here were born. We've [Wu Tang Clan] always drank, ate and slept hip-hop. I love it." On his latest blockbuster CD Legend Of The Liquid Sword, The GZA makes reference to his hip-hop[ foundation on the reflective Fam (Members Only) "I grew up around B-Boys, DJs, MCs, through rap, never thinking in ways of TV," the Genius raps. "It was strictly all about magnificent rhyme clout." 

During GZA's travels, he encountered other rap veterans that recognized his promise and helped to nurture his talent. "I watched a lot of people come up that are big now," Genius says earnestly. "I used to make demo tapes with cats that rocked with Russell Simmons and people like that. The history goes so far back; I've always been really focused on writing dope rhymes." 

Don't call GZA's comeback just a comeback, it's a return of an entirely revolutionary thought process. "When we did Back In The Game on the Wu-Tang Iron Flag album, I did a verse about gambling," he explains solidly. "I didn't want to be 'back in the game' or 'back on the block,' that's typical. I made it all metaphorical." It's those same metaphors that makes the Genius' liquid sword a living legend in it's own time. 

Sheffield - O₂ Academy2 – Friday 27^th January £15.00 adv

Oxford - O₂ Academy2 – Saturday 28^th January £15.00 adv

Liverpool - O₂ Academy2 – Sunday 29^th January £15.00 adv

Bournemouth – The Old Fire Station– Monday 30^th January £15.00 adv

Islington - O₂ Academy – Tuesday 31^st January (£20.00 adv)

·        Bristol - O₂ Academy2 – Saturday 18^th February

·        (over 18s only 9pm-2am £18.00 adv)

ticketweb.co.uk 0844 477 2000

O2 Academy Liverpool announce New Year, New Gigs

11-13 Hotham Street, Liverpool, L3 5UF

0844 477 2000

o2academyliverpool.co.uk

Wednesday 4^th January 2012; This new year, O₂ Academy Liverpool will host gigs almost every night of the week from an incredibly diverse range of artists.

Legendary member of Wu-Tang Clan, GZA, takes to the stage on Sunday 29^th January ahead of the release of a brand new album this year.  Emerging talent and BBC Sound of 2012 nominee Skrillex will also join O₂ Academy Liverpool fora night of dubstep (Tuesday 14^th February), as will urban superstar Labrinth on Friday 24^th February.

In February, ska legends Reel Big Fish perform their hits followed by an after-party at which they will be treating fans to a DJ set (Friday 3^rd February), one not to be missed! Dropkick Murphys bring their equally energetic live show to Liverpoolon Wednesday 8^th February.

O₂ Academy Liverpool will also host a string of indie gigs from artists such as The Drums (Sunday 26^th February) and The Big Pink (Sunday 12^th February) who both return with material from their second albums.  Clap Your Hands Say Yeah will also be making an appearance on Friday 3^rd February.

‘90’s favourite Babybird, aka Stephen Jones, returns with a brand new album this year and will be bringing it to O₂ Academy Liverpool on Thursday 2^nd February. Indie legends Lightning Seeds will also take to the stage to perform in their hometown (Saturday 11^th February).

Other highlights this new year include emerging indie talents Mallory Knox (Friday 13^th January) and Page 44 (Wednesday 7^th March) while Big Country celebrate their 30^th anniversary on Saturday 4^th February. 

For full listings visit o2academyliverpool.co.uk