Wu-Tang Clan

Lyrics

[Produced by RZA]
[Intro: Raekwon & Method Man]
What that nigga want, God?
Word up, look out for the cops though (Wu-Tang five finger shit, fam)
Cash rules-
Word up, two for fives over here, baby
Word up, two for fives, niggas got garbage down the way
Word up, know what I'm sayin'?
Cash rules everything around me, C.R.E.A.M. get-
Yeah, check this old fly shit out, word up
(Cash rules everything around me) Take you on a natural joint
(C.R.E.A.M. get the money)
(Dollar dollar bill, y'all) Here we, here we go, check this shit, yo

[Verse 1: Raekwon]
I grew up on the crime side, the New York Times side
Stayin' alive was no jive
Had secondhands, Mom's bounced on old man
So then we moved to Shaolin land
A young youth, yo, rockin' the gold tooth, 'Lo goose
Only way I begin the G off was drug loot
And let's start it like this, son
Rollin' with this one and that one, pullin' out gats for fun
But it was just a dream for the teen
Who was a fiend, started smokin' woolies at 16
And runnin' up in gates and doin' hits for high stakes
Makin' my way on fire escapes
No question, I would speed for cracks and weed
The combination made my eyes bleed
No question, I would flow off and try to get the dough all
Stickin' up white boys in ball courts
My life got no better, same damn 'Lo sweater
Times is rough and tough like leather
Figured out I went the wrong route
So I got with a sick-ass clique and went all out
Catchin' keys from 'cross seas
Rollin' in MPV's, every week we made forty G's
Yo, nigga, respect mine, or here go the TEC-9
Ch-chick-pow! Move from the gate now
[Chorus: Method Man]
Cash rules everything around me
C.R.E.A.M., get the money
Dollar dollar bill, y'all
Cash rules everything around me
C.R.E.A.M., get the money
Dollar dollar bill, y'all
[Verse 2: Inspectah Deck]
It's been twenty-two long, hard years, I'm still strugglin'
Survival got me buggin', but I'm alive on arrival
I peep at the shape of the streets
And stay awake to the ways of the world 'cause shit is deep
A man with a dream with plans to make cream
Which failed; I went to jail at the age of fifteen
A young buck sellin' drugs and such, who never had much
Tryin' to get a clutch at what I could not—
The court played me short, now I face incarceration
Pacin', goin' upstate's my destination
Handcuffed in the back of a bus, forty of us
Life as a shorty shouldn't be so rough
But as the world turned, I learned life is hell
Livin' in the world no different from a cell
Every day I escape from Jakes givin' chase
Sellin' base, smokin' bones in the staircase
Though I don't know why I chose to smoke sess
I guess that's the time when I'm not depressed
But I'm still depressed, and I ask: what's it worth?
Ready to give up so I seek the old Earth
Who explained workin' hard may help you maintain
To learn to overcome the heartaches and pain
We got stick-up kids, corrupt cops, and crack rocks
And stray shots, all on the block that stays hot
Leave it up to me while I be livin' proof
To kick the truth to the young black youth
But shorty's runnin' wild, smokin' sess, drinkin' beer
And ain't tryna hear what I'm kickin' in his ear
Neglected for now, but yo, it gots to be accepted
That what? That life is hectic
[Chorus: Method Man & Inspectah Deck]
Cash rules everything around me
C.R.E.A.M., get the money
Dollar dollar bill, y'all
Cash rules everything around me (My niggas gots to do what they gotta do)
C.R.E.A.M., get the money
Dollar dollar bill, y'all (To get through, know what I'm sayin'?)
Cash rules everything around me (Because you can't just get by no more)
C.R.E.A.M., get the money
Dollar dollar bill, y'all (Word up, you gotta get over, straight up and down)
Cash rules everything around me
C.R.E.A.M., get the money
Dollar dollar bill, y'all

[Outro: Method Man]
Yeah, yeah
Cash rules everything around me
C.R.E.A.M., get the money
Dollar dollar bill, y'all
Cash rules everything around me
C.R.E.A.M., get the money
Dollar dollar bill, y'all
Cash rules everything around me
C.R.E.A.M., get the money
Dollar dollar bill, y'all
Cash rules everything around me
C.R.E.A.M., get the money
Dollar dollar bill, y'all-all-all, yeah

Wu-Tang Clan's "C.R.E.A.M." is undeniably one of the most iconic songs in hip-hop. It's a track that resonates with listeners on a deep level, capturing the essence of a defining motto: cash rules everything around me. The song's timeless piano riffs and background vocals are sampled from The Charmels' 1967 record, "As Long As I’ve Got You." These samples, chopped up and reimagined, form the backbone of the entire track.

The roots of "C.R.E.A.M." can be traced back to 1991 when it was first recorded. This was also around the time when RZA, one of the key members of Wu-Tang Clan, was facing legal issues regarding an assault case. The initial recording featured RZA and Ghostface Killah, but the track went through various revisions. Eventually, it was re-recorded in 1993 by Raekwon and Inspectah Deck, with an earlier working title of "Lifestyles of the Mega-Rich."

In 2017, RZA shed some light on how the final version of the song came together. He explained that once they entered the studio, he knew that "C.R.E.A.M." had to be on the Wu-Tang album. RZA reminded Raekwon and Inspectah Deck of their verses, which were initially quite long. But it was Method Man's addition to the track that truly elevated it. Method Man, known for his masterful hooks, brought in the now-iconic chorus: "cash rules everything around me, cream, get the money." With that crucial element in place, RZA knew they had a smash hit on their hands.

Since its release, "C.R.E.A.M." has not only solidified its place as a hip-hop classic but has also become a source of inspiration for countless artists. The song and its chorus have been referenced in various songs and have even made appearances in movies like Eminem's "8 Mile" and the N.W.A biopic "Straight Outta Compton."

About C.R.E.A.M.

"C.R.E.A.M." is a powerful hip-hop track that encapsulates the unwavering influence of money in our lives. The title itself serves as a mantra: cash rules everything around me. Wu-Tang Clan, true to their innovative nature, masterfully weaved together elements from The Charmels' 1967 record, "As Long As I’ve Got You," crafting a unique musical soundscape.

From the very beginning, the piano riffs draw you in, evoking a sense of nostalgia and melancholy. The sample, skillfully chopped up, forms the backbone of the track, setting the stage for the raw and honest lyrics that follow. The piano's haunting melody intertwines with the rhythmic beats, creating a mesmerizing blend that perfectly captures the essence of the song's message.

Lyrically, "C.R.E.A.M." delves into the realities of life in the inner city, where the pursuit of money is often seen as the ultimate goal. The members of Wu-Tang Clan vividly paint a picture of the struggles they faced growing up and the desperate need to overcome poverty and hardships. The verses speak of the harsh realities of street life, the allure and pitfalls of hustling, and the pursuit of a better life for themselves and their loved ones.

The chorus, delivered with an undeniable intensity by Method Man, reinforces the central theme of the song. "Cash rules everything around me, cream, get the money," he chants, emphasizing the pervasive influence of money in society. It serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and choices individuals make in their pursuit of financial success, for better or worse.

What sets "C.R.E.A.M." apart from many other hip-hop tracks is its ability to blend raw, unfiltered storytelling with a captivating musical backdrop. The members of Wu-Tang Clan bring their distinct styles to the song, each offering their unique perspective on the realities of their upbringing. The verses are filled with vivid imagery, painting a vivid picture of their struggles and ambitions.

Through their lyrics, Wu-Tang Clan offers a commentary on the socioeconomic disparities that persist in society. They speak of the allure of material wealth and the lengths individuals are willing to go to achieve it. The words resonate with listeners who have experienced similar struggles, providing a voice to the often overlooked and marginalized communities.

Despite its release over two decades ago, "C.R.E.A.M." remains as relevant as ever. Its impact on the hip-hop genre cannot be understated, as it continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists. Wu-Tang Clan's ability to blend thought-provoking lyrics, captivating storytelling, and innovative sampling made "C.R.E.A.M." a timeless anthem that stands the test of time.

• Release Date: January 31, 1994
• Artist: Wu-Tang Clan