Remember that feeling when you first saw Scarface or King of New York? Well that's how it feels when you listen to the new album by Raekwon The Chef. 'Only Built...' is the third solo project to come out The Wu-Tang stable, and they just keep getting better and better. Yes that's right, Raekwon's debut is better than both ODB's and Method Man's and, although it has much of the same personnel of the other Wu-Tang joints, it has a vibe and personality all of its own. This is not just a rap album with nine tracks on each side. This is a piece of hip-hop cinema. The cinematic vibe is achieved by interspersing tracks with conversations between Raekwon and Ghost Face Killer discussing their hopes and fears for the future alongside scenes from gangsta movies. All featured rappers playing the roles of G's and hustlers have taken on alias for the occasion. Raekwon becomes Lou Diamonds, Ghost Face Killer becomes Tony Starks, Method Man makes an appearance as Johnny Blaze, the RZA steps up as Bobby Steeles, and there's a special cameo from Nas as Nas Escobar. The eerie menacing vibe is further added to by the spooky vocals of Blue Raspberry...
The story of 'Only Built...' ostensibly charts the struggle of the Wu-Gambino family of Gatin Island, and their struggle to get paid and stay alive long enough to spend it. They fiend with the obsession of a crack head for the trappings of a material success, every song seeming to have a reference to some designer label or other, be it Tommy Hilfiger, Guess, Lexus, Cristal, or Liz Clayborne. But beneath this surface negativity they express the positive values of self sufficiency and the importance of maintaining the family unit. Like any good gangsta film there are moments of tension and menace ('Rainy Days'); moments of excitement and violence ('Glaciers Of Ice' and 'Spot Rushers'); a love interest ('Wisdom Body' and 'Ice Cream'); and the obligatory sad reflective ending ('Northstar'). Although, thanks to the production from the ever present RZA, the Wu-Tang vibe is in there, the element and vivid New York state of mind style of Raekwon and Ghost Face Killer is more reminiscent of that other golden child of the rotten apple, Nas. 'Only Built...' represents the cream of east coast rap up there with Nas and Mobb Deep and definitely the best from the Clan so far. It's so good it's scary. - HHC (9/95). Only Built 4 Cuban Linx celebrates it's 25th anniversary today!
Below is the album sampler for Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. It was released on cassette in 1995 with the title "Latest & Greatest Hits," and the artwork boasts: "The next chapter from the 'platinum' Wu-Tang camp... Once again servicing up that hot sh*t! The one featured on the hit singles - "C.R.E.A.M." & "Can It All Be So Simple" ... lyricist, producer & director... Member of Staten Island's most infamous rhyme family ... the debut single from Raekwon The Chef." The audio features an exclusive Freestyle, "Criminology," "Glaciers Of Ice," "Can It All Be So Simple Remix," "Eye For An Eye," "C.R.E.A.M." and "Heaven & Hell." I've always cherished this cassette, a gem in the collection via Loud Records. The blurb they included with it is confusing as f#ck though, no? lol. Listen to Rae's Latest & Greatest Hits below, and peep between some of the tracks for additional exclusive conversations!
Raekwon's album review in Hip Hop Connection (August, 1995)...
