Wu-Tang Clan

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About C.R.E.A.M.

"C. R. E. A. M." (an acronym of "Cash Rules Everything Around Me") is a song by the American hardcore hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, released on March 15, 1994 as the third single from their debut studio album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993). The song was produced by the group's de facto leader RZA, and contains a sample of the Charmels' 1967 song "As Long As I've Got You" throughout. It features two verses from members Raekwon and Inspectah Deck, who discuss their upbringings while living in New York City, and Method Man, who sings its hook. Its music video, featuring all Wu-Tang Clan members in New York City, was released in 1994. "C. R. E. A. M." received universal praise from music critics, many of whom described it as one of the best songs on Enter the Wu-Tang. Despite its praise, the song did not perform as well commercially, only peaking at number 60 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1994. Since its release, the song has been called one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time, with some even describing it as one of the greatest songs of all time. It has since been sampled by numerous artists and was certified Gold in the United States in 2009.more »

Year:: 1997
: 4:12
: 56Views
Playlists:: #1

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What that nigg* want God?Word up, look out for the cops (Wu-Tang five finger sh*t)(Cash Rules) Word up, two for fives over here babyWord up, two for fives them nigg*s got garbage down the way, word upKnow what I'm sayin'?(Cash Rules Everything Around MeC.R.E.A.M. get)Yeah, check this ol' fly sh*t outWord up(Cash Rules Everything Around Me) Take you on a natural joint(C.R.E.A.M. get the money) Here we here we go(Dolla dolla bill y'all) Check this sh*t, yo!I grew up on the crime side, the New York Times sideStaying alive was no jiveAt second hands, moms bounced on old menSo then we moved to Shaolin landA young youth, yo rockin' the gold tooth, 'Lo gooseOnly way, I begin to gee off was drug lootAnd let's start it like this son, rollin' with this oneAnd that one, pullin' out gats for funBut it was just a dream for the teen, who was a fiendStarted smokin' woolies at sixteenAnd running up in gates, and doing hits for high stakesMaking my way on fire escapesNo question I would speed, for cracks and weedThe combination made my eyes bleedNo question I would flow off, and try to get the dough allSticking up white boys in ball courtsMy life got no better, same damn 'Lo sweaterTimes is ruff and tuff like leatherFigured out I went the wrong routeSo I got with a sick ass click and went all outCatchin' keys from across seasRollin in MPV's, every week we made forty G'sYo nigg* respect mine, or anger the tech nineCh-chick-POW! Wu from the gate nowCash, Rules, Everything, Around, MeC.R.E.A.M.Get the moneyDollar, dollar bill y'allCash, Rules, Everything, Around, MeC.R.E.A.M.Get the moneyDollar, dollar bill y'allIt's been twenty-two long hard years of still strugglinSurvival got me buggin, but I'm alive on arrivalI peep at the shape of the streetsAnd stay awake to the ways of the world cause sh*t is deepA man with a dream with plans to make C.R.E.A.M.Which failed I went to jail at the age of 15A young buck sellin' drugs and such who never had muchTrying to get a clutch at what I could not, could not,The court played me short, now I face incarcerationPacin' going up state's my destinationHandcuffed in back of a bus, forty of usLife as a shorty shouldn't be so ruffBut as the world turns I learned life is hellLiving in the world no different from a cellEveryday I escape from Jakes givin' chase, sellin' baseSmokin' bones in the staircaseThough I don't know why I chose to smoke sessI guess that's the time when I'm not depressedBut I'm still depressed, and I ask what's it worth?Ready to give up so I seek the Old EarthWho explained working hard may help you maintainTo learn to overcome the heartaches and painWe got stickup kids, corrupt cops, and crack rocksAnd stray shots, all on the block that stays hotLeave it up to me while I be living proofTo kick the truth to the young black youthBut shorty's running wild smokin sess drinkin' beerAnd ain't trying to hear what I'm kickin in his earNeglected, but now, but yo, it gots to be acceptedThat what? That life is hecticCash, Rules, Everything, Around, MeC.R.E.A.M.Get the moneyDollar, dollar bill y'allCash, Rules, Everything, Around, MeC.R.E.A.M.Get the moneyDollar, dollar bill y'allCash, Rules, Everything, Around, MeC.R.E.A.M.Get the moneyDollar, dollar bill y'allCash, Rules, Everything, Around, MeC.R.E.A.M.Get the moneyDollar, dollar bill y'all

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Wu-Tang Clan

The Wu-Tang Clan /ˈwuːtæŋ/ is an American rap group from Staten Island, New York that consists of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. They are frequently joined by fellow childhood friend Cappadonna, a quasi-member of the group. They were formed in (and are associated with) the New York City borough of Staten Island (U-God, Method Man, RZA, Ghostface Killah and Raekwon) (referred to by members as "Shaolin"), though some of their members are from Brooklyn (Ol Dirty Bastard, GZA and Masta Killa). more »

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Sheet Music PDF Playlist

Written by: RAY CASH, DENNIS D. COLES, ROBERT F. DIGGS, ALEXANDER M. FITTS, GARY E. GRICE, LAMONT JODY HAWKINS, ISAAC HAYES, JASON S. HUNTER, RUSSELL T. JONES, MATT PENTTILLA, DAVID PORTER, CLIFFORD SMITH, COREY WOODS

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

11 facts about this song

Lyrics & Composition

"C.R.E.A.M." is an acronym for "Cash Rules Everything Around Me." The song's main theme is the hardships of growing up in impoverished neighborhoods, and how money is a dominant force in society.

Stand-out Track

"C.R.E.A.M." is often considered one of the most popular and iconic songs by the Wu-Tang Clan. The song helped the rap group gain mainstream attention.

Album Mainstay

It was the eighth track on their debut album "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" which was released in 1993.

Chart Performance

"C.R.E.A.M." did well on music charts - it reached #60 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #8 on the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks chart.

Critical Acclaim

The song is critically acclaimed for its truthful and potent lyrics, coupled with clever rhyming schemes. Rolling Stone magazine even included it in their list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time."

Verses

The verses in the song are performed by members Raekwon and Inspectah Deck, while the chorus is sung by Method Man.

Music Video Fame

The music video for "C.R.E.A.M" has equally garnered recognition over the years. It showcases the band's native neighborhoods in New York City and brings the song's lyrics to life.

Samples

"C.R.E.A.M." samples "As Long As I've Got You" by The Charmels, a 1967 soul track, emphasizing Wu-Tang Clan's innovative blending of old-school soul with hard-hitting rap.

Cultural Impact

The song's slogan "C.R.E.A.M." has heavily influenced hip-hop culture and lingo, often used to describe the pursuit of money and wealth.

Post Release Accolades

In 2011, Time included the song on its list of the All-TIME 100 Songs.

Producer & Group Member

The song was produced by RZA, who is also a member of Wu-Tang Clan. His unique production style played a significant role in defining the sound of the album "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)."

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