About

For 31 years, Raekwon The Chef has been one of the most sought out voices in Hip-Hop music. The Staten Island native, born Corey Woods - is a true originator of lyricism, street culture, and rugged NYC style. From swarming the mainstream with Wu-Tang Clan, to his classic debut album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, the Staten Island native is a swordsman with rhymes. In 1993, Raekwon made his musical debut with his fellow Wu-Tang members on the classic album, Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). On this album, the young MC dropped iconic verses on classic singles "C.R.E.A.M"., "Protect Ya Neck", and "Can It All Be So Simple".  Gritty, while introspective, Raekwon's verses were inspired by his poverty-stricken upbringing, mistakes from a criminal past, while also expressing artistic pride for his unique rhyme style. With the success and momentum of Wu-Tang Clan driving his rise, Raekwon signed his first deal as a solo artist with Loud Records. In 1995, Raekwon released his debut solo album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. Also affectionately referred to as The Purple Tape, a nickname inspired by the album's cassette form - The Purple Tape ushered in an era of criminology in rhyme, confessed through intricate slang, dirty samples, and revolutionary skits.

The production that sees old school samples spliced into augmented beats of Wu-Tang classics, gritty un-worked Marvin Gaye snatches, and a total disregard for proper sequencing keep things interesting and overshadow the many periodic mastering problems. Meanwhile, guest spots by GZA, RZA, Nas, Ghostface, and other lesser players pop up out of nowhere as tracks start, stop, rewind, and morph into random skits and freestyles. Through it all, Raekwon maintains his mic-wielding relevance (even when outshined by his counterparts), retain his status as one of the few remaining Wu members still recording at a viable level. — via Label

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Label: Ice H2o Records
Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Mixtape, 180 gram
Released: 2018
Genre: Hip Hop
Style: Gangsta

File under: Hip-hop 2000 & beyond
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