An original handwritten lyric manuscript by RZA for “Pass the Shovel”, recorded by Gravediggaz for the European release of Niggamortis (6 Feet Deep, 1994). One of the group’s defining tracks, the song showcases the dark, horrorcore aesthetic that helped establish Gravediggaz as one of hip-hop’s most innovative projects.

As founder and chief architect of the Wu-Tang Clan, RZA transformed the landscape of rap music through his distinctive production style, cinematic storytelling and groundbreaking approach to group collaboration. Original RZA handwritten lyrics and Wu-Tang Clan-related manuscript material rarely appear on the collectibles market, making surviving examples highly sought after by collectors of hip-hop memorabilia. 

This working lyric sheet preserves RZA’s creative process on the page, featuring handwritten lyrics, edits and revisions developed prior to recording. Unlike commercial releases, original handwritten rap lyrics provide a direct connection to the artist’s creative process and remain among the most desirable forms of music memorabilia.

Offered directly from the personal archive of Prince Paul, RZA’s collaborator in Gravediggaz, this manuscript carries exceptional provenance, documenting the creative partnership behind one of hip-hop’s most influential and genre-defining groups.

Key Details & Collectability

• Original RZA handwritten lyrics for “Pass the Shovel”
• Created for Gravediggaz’s Niggamortis (6 Feet Deep) European release (1994)
• Features handwritten lyrics, edits and working revisions
• From the personal archive of Prince Paul
  
• Museum-quality artefact connected to two of hip-hop’s most influential figures