Raekwon
Raekwon performing in 2011
Background information
Birth name	Corey Woods
Also known as	The Chef, Shallah, Lex Diamonds
Born	(1970-01-12) January 12, 1970 (age 42)
Origin	New York City, New York, United States
Genres	Hip hop
Years active	1992–present
Labels	Loud/Universal Aftermath/Interscope Ice H2O/EMI
Associated acts	Wu-Tang Clan, Ice Water Inc., Fat Joe, Mobb Deep, Kool G Rap, Nas, Capone-N-Noreaga, Game, Jadakiss, OutKast,
Website	www.raekwonchronicles.com

Corey Woods (born January 12, 1970),^[1][2] better known by the stage name Raekwon, is an American rapper and a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. He released his solo debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... in 1995, and has since recorded numerous solo albums, as well as work with Wu-Tang and an extensive amount of guest contributions with other hip hop artists.

Raekwon is often cited as one of the pioneers of the Mafioso rap sub-genre.^[3] In 2007, The editors of About.com placed him on their list of the Top 50 MCs of Our Time (1987–2007).^[4] The Miami New Times described Raekwon's music as being "street epics" that are "straightforward yet linguistically rich universes not unlike a gangsta Iliad."^[5]

Music career[link]

Wu-Tang Clan[link]

Corey Woods joined the Wu-Tang Clan, a nine-member hip hop group based in the Staten Island borough of New York City, in 1992. He went under the stage name Raekwon the Chef and aliases Raekwon, Shallah Raekwon, and Lex Diamonds.^[6] Wu-Tang Clan debuted one year later with Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers. Singles from the album included "Protect Ya Neck" and "C.R.E.A.M.", the latter of which reached #8 on the Billboard rap chart.^[7] Wu-Tang Forever followed in 1997 and was certified four times platinum by the RIAA, quadruple the certification given Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).^[8] Alongside other solo albums by its members, Wu-Tang continued recording as a group, releasing The W in 2000, Iron Flag in 2001, and 8 Diagrams in 2007.^[6]

[edit] Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...

In 1994, Raekwon signed a solo deal with Loud Records and released his debut single "Heaven & Hell" for the soundtrack to the movie Fresh. His first solo LP, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..., was released in 1995 to rave reviews, though not to as much commercial success as fellow Wu-Tang member Method Man's Tical.^[9] According to Steve Huey of allmusic, "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... contained a narrative album format revolving around cocaine trafficking, criminal activity, and a rise through the ranks of the illegal industry." Wu-Tang member Ghostface Killah appeared on over half of the album's tracks, with Wu-Tang member RZA producing the album in its entirety.^[10]

[edit] Immobilarity and The Lex Diamond Story

After Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..., Raekwon appeared on a track by the R&B group Allure from the group's self-titled debut in 1997.^[11] He also appeared on Fat Joe's song "John Blaze" alongside Nas, Jadakiss, and Big Pun; "John Blaze" also had a music video.^[12] Raekwon's next effort, Immobilarity, came out in 1999 to mixed reviews, which were mainly attributed to the absence of RZA and Ghostface Killah.^[9] The Lex Diamond Story followed in 2003 on Universal Records, to mixed reviews as well (generally lukewarm critical reviews and wildly varying public reviews) and moderate success. Raekwon later voiced his dis-taste for the albums lack of promotion and budget and vowed that future releases would not suffer the same fate.^[13]

[edit] Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II

Raekwon planned to release the long-delayed sequel to his debut, entitled Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II in 2007 through Aftermath Entertainment. The album was informally executively produced by Busta Rhymes, whom Raekwon cited as getting him in the "Cuban Linx mindset",^[14] and RZA, with RZA handling most of the production. Dr. Dre, Scram Jones, and J Dilla were other producers that were announced early on as working on the album. RZA explained the collaboration between him and Dr. Dre as "yin and yang" when it came to their styles.^[15]

Raekwon and EMI both confirmed at one point that Only Built For Cuban Linx... Pt. II would be released in the summer of 2009 with EMI serving as the distribution label^[16] for the album, which was officially released on Raekwon's ICEH2O label.^[17] However, Raekwon and EMI later announced that the album would be pushed back to September 8, 2009 due to sample clearance issues, and the leak of a song from the album entitled "Surgical Gloves."^[18] On September 8, 2009, Only Built For Cuban Linx... Pt. II was released after many delays. The album features many Wu-Tang members and affiliates, as well as Slick Rick, Jadakiss, Busta Rhymes, Beanie Sigel and more. On September 28, 2009 Raekwon was named the #10 Hottest MC in the game by MTV. He also converted to Islam in 2009.^[19]

In December 2009, major hip hop site HipHopDx released their 2009 Awards, with Only Built For Cuban Linx... Pt. II being chosen as 'Album of the Year'. Dx described it as "...the Hip Hop equivalent to The Godfather 2, with Rae as revitalized as Marlon was...". In addition, Raekwon was selected as 'Emcee of the Year' (fellow New Yorker Nas had won in 2008). Their staff justified this pick with this description of Raekwon's career in 2009:

Raekwon brought it back to lyrical, dope rap. He released an album that spoke to teens, twenty-somethings, thirty-somethings, and beyond. Without compromising, the Chef made an edgy Hip Hop record that refused to bastardize the catalog he laid down 15 years ago. On top of that, Rae (along with Ghostface) was a go-to for numerous rappers making albums, ranging from the Playaz Circle to Jadakiss to BK One. That's beyond real, as was a year filled with performing in arenas, clubs and even churches. When it came to mastering the ceremony, Rae had 'em all following the leader.^[20]

—HipHopDX

[edit] Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang

After the critical and relative commercial success of Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II, Raekwon collaborated with Method Man and Ghostface Killah for Wu-Massacre, a short trio album designed to showcase unity within the group. Following this release, Raekwon resurrected talk of Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang, a project announced in 2007, originally planned as a Wu-Tang album, minus RZA, due to his response to the previous group album 8 Diagrams. Raekwon forwarded his projects continuously thru his growing label Icewater. He both worked on his own project while signing other underground artists. Raekwon's son is rumored to be heavily involved in his father's label.

Though not a Wu-Tang Clan project, Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang was released in March 2011, serving as Raekwon's fifth solo LP. As originally planned, RZA did not participate on the project,^[21] however, several other Wu-Tang members made appearances, as well as Black Thought, Nas and Rick Ross,^[22] among others. Shortly after Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang was completed, Raekwon revealed that he intends on eventually releasing a third installment to the Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… albums.^[23]

Discography[link]

Albums[link]

Collaboration albums[link]

Mixtapes[link]

• 2006: The Vatican Mixtape Vol.1 hosted by DJ Riddler
• 2006: The Vatican Mixtape Vol.2 The DaVinci Code
• 2006: Heroin Only hosted by DJ Thoro
• 2007: The Vatican Mixtape Vol.3 House of Wax
• 2009: Cuban Revolution - Blend Tape remixed by Memory Man
• 2009: Blood on Chef's Apron hosted by DJ Absolut
• 2009: Staten Go Hard Vol.1 hosted by Brinks Boys
• 2010: The Vatican Mixtape Vol.4 hosted by DJ Riddler
• 2010: Cocainism Vol.2 hosted by Brinks Boys
• 2010: Coke Up in da Dollar Bill hosted by DJ Whoo Kid & DJ Scream
• 2011: Trouble Makers hosted by DJ Love Killed Kurt
• 2012: Unexpected Victory

Compilations[link]

• 2009: Raekwon Babygrande Recordings (with Ice Water Inc.)

Singles[link]

As featured performer[link]

Other appearances[link]

• 1993 Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers (album by the Wu-Tang Clan)
• 1994 "Meth vs Chef" (from the Method Man album Tical)
• 1995 "Raw Hide" (from the Ol' Dirty Bastard album Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version)
• 1995 "Right Back At You" & "Eye For An Eye" (from the Mobb Deep album The Infamous)
• 1995 "Investigative Reports" (from the GZA album Liquid Swords)
• 1995 "Respect Mine" (from the Fat Joe album Jealous One's Envy)
• 1996 "Iron Maiden", "The Faster Blade", "260", "Assassination Day", "Winter Warz", "Box in Hand", "Fish", "Camay", "Daytona 500", "Motherless Child", "Black Jesus", & "After the Smoke Is Clear" (from the Ghostface Killah album Ironman)
• 1996 "Nighttime Vultures" (from the Mobb Deep album Hell on Earth)
• 1997 Wu-Tang Forever (album by the Wu-Tang Clan)
• 1997 "Give You All I Got" (from the Allure album by Allure)
• 1997 "Nasty Immigrants" (from the Nutty Professor soundtrack)
• 1998 "Dart Throwing" (from the Cappadonna album The Pillage)
• 1998 "Intellectuals" (from the Sunz Of Man album The Last Shall Be First)
• 1998 "Skew It On The Bar-B" (from the Outkast album Aquemini)
• 1998 "John Blaze" (from the Fat Joe album Don Cartagena)
• 1998 "Spring Water" & "As The World Turnz" (from the La the Darkman album Heist Of The Century)
• 1998 "Black Trump" (from the Cocoa Brovaz album Rude Awakening)
• 1998 "Spazzola" (from the Method Man album Tical 2000: Judgement Day)
• 1998 "Movin' On (Remix)" (from the Mya album Mya)
• 1998 "The Game" (from the Pete Rock album Soul Survivor)
• 1999 "Frozen" (from the Slick Rick album The Art of Storytelling)
• 1999 "Can't Fuck Wit" (from the Mobb Deep album Murda Muzik)
• 1999 "Shell Shock" (from the U-God album Golden Arms Redemption)
• 2000 "Money Talks" (from the Sticky Fingaz album Black Trash: The Autobiography Of Kirk Jones)
• 2000 "Apollo Kids" & "Wu Banga 101" (from the Ghostface Killah album Supreme Clientele)
• 2000 "The Heist" (from the Busta Rhymes album Anarchy)
• 2000 The W (album by the Wu-Tang Clan)
• 2001 "Love Is The Message" (from the Cappadonna album The Yin & The Yang)
• 2001 "Maxine", "Flowers", "The Forest" & "The Hilton" (from the Ghostface Killah album Bulletproof Wallets)
• 2001 Iron Flag (album by the Wu-Tang Clan)
• 2003 "Respect Mine" (from the Mathematics album Love, Hell Or Right)
• 2003 "What's Fuckin With Us" (from the CHOPS album Virtuosity)
• 2004 "The Turn" (from the Method Man album Tical 0: The Prequel)
• 2004 "D.T.D." (from the Masta Killa album No Said Date)
• 2005 "Real Nillaz" (from the Mathematics album The Problem)
• 2005 "Advanced Pawns", "Destruction Of A Guard" (from the DJ Muggs and GZA album Grandmasters)
• 2005 "So Long (feat. Mashonda)" (from the Cassidy album I'm A Hustla)
• 2005 "New York (feat. Ghostface Killah)" (from the AZ album A.W.O.L)
• 2005 "Black Opera" (from the Supernatural album S.P.I.T.)
• 2005 "The Watch" (from the Ghostface Killah and Trife Da God album Put It on the Line)
• 2006 "Kilo", "R.A.G.U.", "9 Milli Bros." "Dogs of War" & "Three Bricks" (from the Ghostface Killah album Fishscale)
• 2006 "Goldmine" (from the Busta Rhymes album The Big Bang)
• 2006 "It's What It Is" (from the Masta Killa album Made in Brooklyn)
• 2006 "The Glide" & "Presidential MC" (from the Method Man album 4:21...The Day After)
• 2006 "Brazil", "Enemy (Remix)", "Cocaine World", "Thousands To M's" (from the Ill Bill album Ill Bill Is The Future Vol.2: I'm A Goon)
• 2007 "Yolanda's House", "Rec-Room Therapy", "Paisley Darts" and "Shakey Dog Starring Lolita" (from the Ghostface Killah album The Big Doe Rehab)
• 2008 "The PJ's" (from the Pete Rock album NY's Finest)
• 2008 "Bulletproof Diaries" (from the Game album LAX)
• 2008 "Royal Flush" (Big Boi feat. Andre 3000 and Raekwon)
• 2008 "Coka Moshiach" (from the Ill Bill album The Hour Of Reprisal)
• 2009 "Puttin' Work In" (from the EPMD album We Mean Business)
• 2009 "Four Minutes to Lock Down" (from the Method Man & Redman album Blackout! 2)
• 2009 "Ice Cream" (from the Fat Joe album Jealous Ones Still Envy 2 (J.O.S.E. 2))
• 2009 "100 Miles and Runnin'" (from the Warren G album The G Files)
• 2009 "Cartel Gathering" (from the Jadakiss album The Last Kiss)
• 2009 "Legacy" (Ninja Assassin Soundtrack) feat. Ceazar, Xzibit, and M.U.R.S.
• 2009 "Coke" (from the U-God album Dopium)
• 2009 "Stay Off the Fuckin' Flowers" (from Blakroc, a hip-hop/rap collaboration album with the The Black Keys)
• 2009 "Something to say" (from the Slalom printre cretini album by Parazitii)
• 2010 "I Wish" (from the Yelawolf album Trunk Muzik 0-60
• 2010 "Time Will Tell" (from the Styles P & DJ Green Lantern album The Green Ghost Project)
• 2010 "The Big Game" (from the Inspectah Deck album Manifesto)
• 2010 "One Thing" (from the Freeway & Jake One album The Stimulus Package)
• 2010 "Audio Meth" (bonus track on the Rick Ross album Teflon Don)
• 2010 "Dutch Masters vs. Phillies vs. Bamboo", "The Reserves", & "The Oath" (from the Capone-N-Noreaga album The War Report 2: Report the War)
• 2010 "Runaway Love Remix" (Justin Bieber feat. Kanye West & Raekwon)
• 2010 "Lord Lord Lord" (Kanye West feat. Mos Def, Raekwon, Swizz Beatz & Charlie Wilson)^[34]
• 2010 "Everyday Struggle" (from the Faith Evans album Something About Faith) feat. Raekwon
• 2010 "Chase Manhattan" (from the Ill Bill & DJ Muggs album Kill Devil Hills)
• 2010 "Gorgeous" (from the Kanye West album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy)
• 2010 "Sooner or Later (Die 1 Day)" (from the Lloyd Banks album The Hunger for More 2)
• 2010 "The Heat" (from the Twista album The Perfect Storm)
• 2010 "Gutter Water" (from the Gangrene album Gutter Water)
• 2010 "Live It" (from the Paul Wall album Heart of a Champion)
• 2010 "Superhero Music" (From the Diggy Simmons Mixtape Airborne)
• 2010 "Michael Knight (Remix)" (From the Currensy album Pilot Talk II)
• 2011 "Pushing Keys" (From the Fat Joe album The Darkside Vol. 2)
• 2011 "Drops Is Out" (From the Jim Jones album Capo)
• 2011 "Combat Jazz" (From the Limp Bizkit album Gold Cobra)
• 2011 "Prevail" (From the Smif-N-Wessun & Pete Rock album Monumental)
• 2011 "No Pretending" (From the 9th Wonder album The Wonder Years)
• 2011 "Letter To Da Rap Game" (From the 2 Chainz album T.R.U.REALigion)
• 2011 "The Red Carpet" (From the Evidence album Cats & Dogs)
• 2011 "Runaway Love (Kanye West Remix)" (From the Never Say Never: The Remixes album)

Music videos[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website
• Raekwon on Myspace
• Raekwon at MTV
• Raekwon at the Internet Movie Database