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Biography
Infobox musical artist | name = Masta Killa| image = Masta Killa in California.jpg| caption = Masta Killa performing in San Francisco, California.| image_size = | background = solo_singer| birth_name = Elgin Turner| birth_date = Birth date and age|1969|8|18Citation needed|date=June 2008| origin = Brooklyn , New York City| genre = Hip hop music|Hip hop | occupation = rapping|Rapper | years_active = 1990& ndash;present| label = Nature Sounds | associated_acts = Wu-Tang Clan , Julez Dirt | website = http://www.myspace.com/mastakilla www.myspace.com/mastakilla| notable_instruments = Jamel Arief (born Elgin Turner ; August 18, 1969), better known as Masta Killa , is an American rapping|rapper and member of the Wu-Tang Clan .cite web|url= http://music.msn.com/music/artist/masta-killa/ |title=Masta Killa on MSN Music |publisher=Music.msn.com |date= |accessdate=2010-08-19 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
cquote| I never performed until we launched Wu-Tang. That was my first time as an MC. I have history since elementary school doing talent shows. breakdancing|Breaking and shit like that. I was that kind of dude. I loved to poplocking|pop . That was me. Always doing shit around music. As far as with a mic in my hand, Wu-Tang was the first time. There never was next level for me. It was Wu-Tang and that was it. I never tried to get on. Never looked for any of this, because it was never my vision. I'm kinda like hanging out with GZA , and just stumbled across some shit. Oh word? And I was like, maybe I can do this. When I was young going to clubs, I was just hanging out. I never went in there like I was trying to be an MC. I never tried to get a record deal, or pass out tapes. It's just been Wu-Tang and I'm here.cite web|url= http://www.mvremix.com/urban/interviews/masta_killa_06.shtml |title=MVRemix Urban Interviews - Masta Killa & #124; Online Rap Magazine & #124; US and Canadian Underground Hip Hop and Soul - exclusive interviews, reviews, articles |publisher=Mvremix.com |date= |accessdate=2010-08-19 Born in Brooklyn , New York City|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 The 36th Chamber of Shaolin|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. http://www.rapreviews.com/interview/mkilla06.html RapReview Feature for October 3, 2006 - Masta Killa Interview
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 China|Chinese martial art s 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 Wu-Tang Clan affiliates#Bronze Nazareth|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 . http://www.petaworld.com/mastakilla.asp peta2 // Out There // Masta Killa Says, 'Go Veg for Life' 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.
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.
cquote|I know I seem serious and quiet to a lot of the fans. That's because I take my work seriously. It's not a game. The Clan and I work hard to give you the best. http://www.wutang-corp.com/artists/wu-artist.php? id=5 Masta Killa Biography at Wu-Tang Corp. - The Official Site of the Wu-Tang Clan 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. http://www.nobodysmiling.com/hiphop/interview/86569.php ""
Along with a number of the members of the Wu-Tang Clan, Masta Killa is vegetarian .cite web|last=Reskin |first=Lauren |url= http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/shortorder/2010/06/meatless_in_miami_vegetarians.php |title=Meatless in Miami: Vegetarians in Popular Song - Miami Restaurants and Dining - Short Order |publisher=Blogs.miaminewtimes.com |date=2010-06-16 |accessdate=2010-08-19
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 (marijuana cigar)|blunt rolling ability. Citation needed|date=July 2010 He is also known as Noodles, and is often referred to as Jamel Irief. http://www.nobodysmiling.com/hiphop/interview/86565.php
Discography
Albums
Year
Title
Chart positionshttp:/ / www.billboard.com/ bbcom/ retrieve_chart_history.do? model.chartFormatGroupName=Albums& model.vnuArtistId=36620& model.vnuAlbumId=805373 Billboard chartings. Retrieved October 29, 2007.http:/ / www.zobbel.de/ UK Album chartings. Retrieved November 10, 2007.
Masta KillaWu-Tang Clan Persondata | NAME =Killa, Masta | ALTERNATIVE NAMES = | SHORT DESCRIPTION = | DATE OF BIRTH =August 18, 1969 | PLACE OF BIRTH = | DATE OF DEATH = | PLACE OF DEATH = DEFAULTSORT:Killa, Masta Category:African American rappers Category:Members of the Nation of Gods and Earths Category:People from Brooklyn Category:American vegetarians Category:1969 births Category:Living people Category:Wu-Tang Clan members
