The RZA is known for providing the perfect beat to fit each rapper he gives it to, and "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx" is the perfect example of the amazing chemistry between him and his Wu-Tang emcees. The beats and samples are all so perfect to fit with the styles of Rae and Ghost and each song flows so perfectly into the next that they seem to be like "part 2" of the song before it.
In the mid 90s, Rae was one of the best storytelling rappers ("the story tellin rap Magellan" as he puts it) around. Ghostface could kick a vicious battle rap any time he wants, and with those two elements combined over amazing production you get some of the best group work hip-hop has ever seen. Now be warned that I was'nt even aware of this album when it first came out, being that i'm only 17, so the nostalgic vaule is a little lost on me. I do however understand what this album means to people who were around my age in the 90's and what effect it had in their lives. My opinion is unbiased (Well not entirley since im a huge Wu-Tang fan). Anyway, enjoy the review.
1. "Striving For Perfection"
An album where even the INTRO is classic, simply put, rae and ghost want the best for themselves and each other.
2. "Knucklehead"
Nice opening song. The Beat is well made, Fast tempo beat, nice piano, It's a song about three guys who go rob, and then split those money up, One of them cheats them' and finally gets shot. (That someone was U-God, who I did'nt mind not hearing on this album afterwards, since he sucks balls.)
3. "Knowledge God"
One of my favorites with a hot beat. Oh yeah, it's also a Raekwon solo.
4. "Criminology"
The intro is a sample from Scarface, which is fuckin' awesome! Ghost and Rae both drop ill verses like their lives depended on it.
5. "Incarserated Scarfaces"
The beat is pretty simple, Just a beat with some little sound in background, something like a horn of Train. Another one Rae solo, and it's pretty good.
6. "Rainy Dayz"
The bitch singing is annoying but its a hot song with hot lyrics and a hot beat. If you read the XXL interview (Or my ealier post about the making of the album), You'll know that this beat is RZA's favorite on this album.
7. "Guillotine" (Swordz)
The only "kung fu" type wu song on here, every member tears it up on here.This beat is cut from one of the skits from Mr. Meth's Tical. Ghost,Inspetah Deck, and GZA all murder this beat, and make it their bitch, Much like 50 cent treats Tony Yayo, and Loyd Banks (Cheap shot, I know).
8. "Can it be all so simple" (Remix)
good song but not as good as the original
9. "Shark Niggas" (Biters)
On this interlude, Raekwon and Ghostface warn a certain someone (Well Biggie To be exact), to NEVER bite the Wu, nuff said)
10. "Ice Water"
Good song, good lyrics
11. "Glaciers of Ice"
One of my favorites, Masta Killa tears it up
12. "Verbal Intercourse"
The only song with a non Wu member in it and it happens to be my favorite rapper (Nas) with my favorite rap group (DUH WU-TANG). Nas rips the SHIT out of his verse, and proves why he's considered one of the greats.
13. "Wisdom Body"
Ghostface Killah solo...could've been better.
14. "Spot Rusherz"
I'm not really feeling this song.
15. "Ice Cream"
Hot song with hot beat and good lyrics...Cappadonna shines on this one.
16. "Wu-Gambinos"
One of my favorites...Rae, Ghost, Rza, and Meth tear it up...Masta Killa really tears it up (Suprisingly).
17. "Heaven and Hell"
Nice duet with Ghost and Rae switchin back and forth most melodic/beautiful song in this album. The sample is so great, Just imagine s slow version of C.R.E.A.M.
18. Skit
19. "North Star"
A Bonus track album, Rae solo but I'm not into it.
Raekwon's debut (Ghostface gets just as much props as the Chef does for this), as said by many, is considered a rap classic. As the beats drift on, you'll start to realize that it is solid and even though some beats are not familiar with the term of "catchiness", as those on previous Wu-Tang joints, Rza had found a way to make the tracks suit the Chef and Killah's distinct flow.
I wouldn't say that the beats beat out any other Wu-Tang joints as that fact is clearly not true (see: Liquid Swords by GZA) but I would say that it is true that Raekwon's loungin' big-dick-style bravado is memorable (it's those looped Mr. Softee bells that take center stage on Ice Cream). When it comes to finalizing to the best cut, you'd best stick with Verbal Intercourse, as it features masterful lyrics by the Chef and Killah, and includes very SMART lyrics by Nas, perhaps even too smart for himself. If Incarcerated Scarfaces isn't considered crack-rock catchy, maybe the word needs to be redefined. Like the Genius' Liquid Swords, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx takes a few listens to reveal the full scope of its lyrical complexities, but it's immensely rewarding in the end, and it stands as a landmark in the new breed of gangsta rap. I also might add that if this is considered the best Wu-Tang solo joint, maybe you need to check out GZA's Liquid Swords.
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