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Definition of Genius: GZA @ The Mohawk!

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 08 Oct 2012   Posted by admin


Friday October 6th I woke up to a text asking if I could cover the details of an event. Two 
words stood out. GZA and Mohawk. Any opportunity to see this hip hop legend in an intimate 
environment like the Mohawk was just fine by me. This would be the first live show I would 
cover since I began writing for Austin Fusion Magazine. Without hesitation I responded “I would 
be glad to”..and my evening was officially planned. 

GZA @ MOHAWK, photo by Glen Brown

 
The night began with Local Austin DJ Notion spinning Breaks and old school hip hop. The mood 
was set and the crowd began to settle in. Floods of people quickly surrounded the bar then 
committed to a location with a promising view. 
 
The vibe quickly changed as BEAR HANDS an alternative rock band from Brooklyn hit 
the stage. They opened with a song where each member of the band had their own set of 
drumsticks and contributed to a beat on one drum set. This fun and quirky band has also been 
seen on tour opening for The XX. Seeing them open for Wu Tang Clan’s Genius (GZA) officially 
made this a variety show, which I can always appreciate. They are reminiscent of The Talking 
Heads with a splash of Weezer. Yeah they’re that good. I highly recommend this band. High 
Society is definitely one of my favorite tracks. 
 

GZA @ MOHAWK, photo by Glen Brown

www.bearhandsband.com 
 
The DJ shifted the show back to hip hop for a quick intermission. I returned from inside with 
a beer in hand to see KILLER MIKE was warming up the crowd. This Atlanta Rapper is not a 
small guy, nor is his energy. “Never Scared” and “The Whole World” had the crowd in a frenzy. 
KILLER MIKE is well known for his high energy beats and catchy hooks but he is no stranger to 
getting political or philosophical. He engaged the audience and brought attention to the growth 
of private prisons in the US. He ended his set with “Burn”, a very political number that expresses 
his discontent for society, government, politics, economics and religion. 

GZA @ MOHAWK, photo by Glen Brown

 
I can appreciate rappers like KILLER MIKE. He can do “ghetto fabulous” like nobody’s business 
and keep you on your feet dancing; but he is also wordsmith. His play on words are very clever 
and his songs often contain a social message. Rappers like KILLER MIKE are the reason I love 
hip hop. Amazing performance. 
 

GZA @ MOHAWK, photo by Glen Brown

Genius: (n.) Extraordinary intellectual and creative power. 
 
And now for The GZA. Where do I begin?  First off.. can I go on record and say this guy looks great? The
rapper, (46) hasn’t appeared to age from his almost two decades in the industry. I think he’s back to the
future.. or like now from  the past.. or? I’m not sure how that works, but you know what I mean. 
 
For this show the living legend used Austin’s own GRUPO FANTASMA to provide drums, 
bass, horns, guitar, keys and breaks as he performed his legendary album Liquid Swords in it’s 
entirety.  He educated the audience with cool facts about the Wu Tang Clan including details about 
himself and RZA forming the hip hop group and how they got their names. Apparently GZA was 
the sound made when Genius, his original alias, was scratched on a record by a DJ. Also did  
you know Liquid Swords is a euphemism for a “sharp tongue”? Which he claims is necessary for 
a battle. I totally agree. But my education did not end there. That night I learned what a mosh pit 
at a hip hop show looked like. And I have to say.. pretty hardcore stuff. 
 

GZA @ MOHAWK, photo by Glen Brown

 
GZA gave shout outs to all the other members of WU TANG including the late O.D.B. (Ol’ Dirty 
Bastard- pour some drank out now if you have it) and with each name dropped the crowd grew 
louder. The entire floor held their hands in the air, thumbs together, making the traditional “W” 
for Wu Tang. 
 
The performance was stellar! GZA’s voice and energy were on point. It’s safe to say he 
brought his A-game. The title track of his album Liquid Swords performed with the band was 
an experience in itself. It included lots of storytelling and was accompanied perfectly with 
the electric guitar and drums. I could appreciate how he didn’t hold back on his vocals too. It 
actually got pretty rock n roll for a hot minute. 
 
You can expect to see a new album from GZA in 2013 titled DARK MATTER and there’s talk of 
shows being booked for SXSW 2013 with RZA, so yeah.. count me in. 
 
Also, next year marks the 20th year anniversary of The WU TANG CLAN, which makes me 
feel kinda old. But this only goes to show great music can stand the test of time regardless of 
genre or content fools. Wu Tang is still one of the best hip hop groups ever to walk the face 
of the earth. I am hoping this 20th Anniversary will lead to a new album and a tour with all the 
remaining members. Well here’s to wishful thinking. 
 
I want to thank you guys for reading my first contribution to Austin Fusion Magazine and 
remember, like always..   “WU TANG CLAN AIN’T NOTHIN’ TO FUCK  WITH!!!” 

GZA @ MOHAWK, photo by Glen Brown

 
Written by Wesley Smoot
Photos by Glen Brown
Special Thanks to Transmission Events 

Written by admin


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