Masta Killa

All Music Guide:

Considered the ninth member of the Wu-Tang Clan, Masta Killa (b. Elgin Turner; aliases: High Chief, Noodles) recorded his first rhymes at the end of "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'" from the Clan's 1993 seminal debut, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). He had never seriously written rhymes, let alone rap before then. However, under the tutelage of the GZA, he developed a steadily paced flow that accentuated his intellectual lyrics -- although equally distinctive were his smooth voice and understated demeanor. Because Killa was incarcerated at the time, his closing verse on "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'" was his sole contribution to the album, but he always remained in the fold on the set of Wu-Tang solo records that ensued in the mid-'90s, including GZA's Liquid Swords, Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, and Ghostface Killah's Ironman. There was no questioning his status in the Clan after the release of their 1997 album, Wu-Tang Forever, where Killa contributed to numerous tracks, particularly his standout lines on the lead single, "Triumph."

Nonetheless, similar to the plight of Wu-Tang member Inspectah Deck, Killa worked on his solo material for many years before it would actually come out. After two more Wu-Tang full-lengths and a second string of Wu splinter projects, his solo career finally began with No Said Date, released via underground rap label Nature Sounds in 2004. Staying in-house with producers the RZA, Mathematics, and True Master, the album was one of the few Wu-related releases post-Wu-Tang Forever that received critical praise, particularly by Wu-Tang's loyal fan base. Killa returned in 2006 with Made in Brooklyn, working with a more diverse array of underground producers, including MF Doom, Bronze Nazareth, and the legendary Pete Rock.

Wikipedia:

Jamel Arief (born Elgin Turner; August 18, 1969), better known as Masta Killa, is an American rapper and member of the Wu-Tang Clan. Though one of the lesser-known members of the group (he was featured on only one track on their 1993 debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)), he has been prolific on Clan group albums and solo projects since the mid-1990s, and released his debut album No Said Date in 2004 to positive reviews.

Biography

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Masta Killa was the last member to join the Wu-Tang Clan; consequently he did not appear on the group's debut single "Protect Ya Neck". He was also the only member who was not a rapper at the time of the group's formation. He was extensively mentored by the GZA during his early days with the group, evident in the similar flow they both employ. He derived his rap name from the 1978 kung fu film Shaolin Master Killer, (Shao Lin san shi liu fang). Masta only appeared on one track on the Wu-Tang Clan's first album, in the closing verse to "Da Mystery of Chessboxin". Masta only narrowly made the track, and was almost left off in favor of Killah Priest. In fact, on the No Said Date DVD, Killah Priest claims that he and Masta Killa were in competition for the spot on "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'", and while Killah Priest fell asleep, Masta Killa stayed up all night writing and Killah Priest woke up the next morning to Masta Killa's verse. Since he was a developing rapper at the time Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) was being written, his verse in "Da Mystery of Chessboxin" was the only one that could hold up with the other, more experienced Wu-Tang members.

During the first round of solo projects, he made several appearances on tracks now considered Wu-Tang classics, such as "Winter Warz", "Duel of the Iron Mic", and "Glaciers of Ice". His flow at the time attracted attention for being very slow and laid-back, in contrast to the more manic, forceful styles of members like Inspectah Deck and Ghostface Killah. Masta Killa is also the Clansman fondest of Chinese martial arts imagery. In 1997 (1997 in music), the Wu-Tang Clan's second album Wu-Tang Forever saw Masta become a mainstay in the group's line-up with regular appearances throughout the double album.

Masta Killa was the last member to release a solo project, after it was delayed for several years and finally released in June 2004 with the title No Said Date; critically acclaimed, it became independent label Nature Sounds' best-selling album, notable for featuring every core member of the Wu-Tang Clan on the album after a period in the group's history that lacked unity. His second album, Made in Brooklyn, was released on August 8, 2006, and includes production from Pete Rock and MF Doom. "Ringing Bells", the Bronze Nazareth-produced lead single from the album, was released in March 2006. Also in 2006, Masta Killa became the latest in a succession of hip hop artists to endorse PETA, also participating in an advertisement for the organization and is also a vegetarian. In a 2004 "Rock the Bells" documentary the head orgainizer of the event - the man that had booked the Wu-Tang Clan to perform - mistakes Masta Killa for a nobody.

In September 2009, news surfaced of a planned Masta Killa album entitled Loyalty is Royalty and the first single "Things Just Ain't the Same" was released to the Internet. He also plans on releasing his 4th album afterwards entitled "Soul & Substance".

Personal life

Masta Killa is known for being the most quiet and mysterious member of the Wu-Tang Clan, and little is still known about him. He does not give many independent interviews.

In his personal downtime he listens to Gladys Knight, Patty LaBelle, Barry White, Parliament-Funkadelic, and Ohio Players. In an interview with nobodysmiling.com, he even said, "I listen to all kinds of things. Like... I listen to nothing, I might listen to the wind today. ""

Along with a number of the members of the Wu-Tang Clan, Masta Killa is vegetarian.

Moniker and aliases

Masta Killa gets his name from the 1978 kung fu movie Shaolin Master Killer, also known as the 36th Chamber of Shaolin. His stage name is also said to be derived from the term "Dutch Masta Killa" because of his above average blunt rolling ability. He is also known as Noodles, and is often referred to as Jamel Irief.