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album: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
artist: Raekwon
label: RCA / 1995
score: 95
< click to learn more
by Joel Mathiesen
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx will go down as one of the best solo projects ever. Raekwon was another
shining talent out of the Wu-Tang and Cuban Linx proved just that.
Starting out with the usual raw feel of the Wu-Tang, RZA then added simple classical and
soul samples. This added a cinematic feel, a classical version of a hip hop story if you can imagine.
Then, Raekwon rapped over it with rhyme upon rhyme of hip-hop poetry. Raekwon's key to success
on this album was how he transformed the struggles of the Staten Island streets to music,
built on a classical story. Wu-Tang members are talented storytellers and Raekwon is definitely one of them.
Cuban Linx gave the public a whole new style of the Wu-Tang, a whole new style of hip hop.
So many years later you can still hear the influence of this album whenever you hear a song rapped
over a classical piano or violin piece. Raekwon and RZA inspired the world of hip hop, showing
that more than synthesizers and hard bass can produce a quality song.
Raekwon and RZA were a perfect team, and this summer we will see if they still are, as Rae returns
with the much anticipated Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II.
- June 2007
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