Raekwon gushes that “the wait is finally over” for Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2, featuring The RZA, Dr. Dre, J Dilla and others, as he signs deal with EMI to release the follow-up to his 1995 hip-hop classic this summer.
Raekwon, whose 1995 platinum classic Only Built 4 Cuban Linx was universally hailed as a rap classic and has sold more than 1.1 million units in the US, according to Nielsen Soundscan, has signed a distribution deal with EMI Label Services for his ICEH20 Records label to release Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 in the US and Canada later this summer. EMI Label Services will also provide Raekwon with additional radio promotion support and licensing and synchronization services.
“The wait is finally over,” Raekwon says. “Words cannot describe how extremely happy I am to work with EMI Music to put out my album.”
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 buzz single and video “The New Wu” features fellow Wu-Tang Clan members Method Man and Ghostface Killah and is getting mixshow airplay at radio stations across the country, including Hot 97 in New York. The album features a spectacular line-up of guest appearances and producers: The RZA, Dr. Dre, J Dilla, The Wu-Tang Clan, Jadakiss, Busta Rhymes, Bun B and The Game, among others.
“We are thrilled to have a chance to work with the legendary Raekwon,” said Dominic Pandiscia, Senior Vice President and General Manager, EMI Label Services. “He has had a massive impact on the history of Hip Hop and Urban music overall. Everyone at EMI is excited to be working on this record and continuing his legacy.”
Rap fans were mesmerized by Raekwon’s distinctive brand of street slanguistics when he emerged as a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. The Staten Island, New York rap group’s debut album, 1993’s Enter The Wu-Tang Clan (36 Chambers), was a landmark collection that introduced the group’s signature blend of kung-fu inspired reality rap. Raekwon established himself as a solo star in 1995 with the release of Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. The mafia minded album, which peaked at No. 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album chart, unfolded like a cinematic crime caper, with such imaginative songs as “Criminology,” “Incarcerated Scarfaces” and “Ice Cream” propelling the album to platinum status.
Raekwon’s second album, 1999’s Immobilarity, was certified gold. To date, Raekwon has career sales of more than 1.6 million units in the US, according to Nielsen Soundscan.
Now, with the impending release of Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2, Raekwon is ready to release his second masterpiece. “It’s been a long time coming,” he says, “and I’ve put my blood, sweat and tears into making this classic album for my fans.”
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
YES!
Is it just me, or has Rae’s shine pretty much dissipated for 09′??? It’s not like this is Detox or Relapse. Dude is pushing 40 and which fans will buy this album?
Some of these guest artist are suspect. Dr Dre? The Game? Bun B? Busta Rhymes? Why couldn’t this be just a Wu guest list much like the first.
http://kevinnottingham.com/2009/01/29/only-built-4-cuban-linx-ii-set-for-april-release/
This thread says people are waiting for this. I asked a similar questions.
This album is HIGHLY anticipated…. HIGHLY. Will it live up to the hype? Who knows. But yeah, the guest list is legit. This is the official press release straight from Rae’s publicist.
The return of the purple tape. Gotta cop fresh wallys and a dutch.
Tokyo ?? A DUTCH?? We dont play with those on the west coast ….
true bay shit is a Honey Berry Backwood….
but na i dont like those either and yes i am excited for this album, i especially wanna hear the songs with Dilla and Dr . Dre Beats,
J Fizz your 100% right im a bay cat too but i fucks with peach optimos more
i do blaze woods but not on the regular. Had to on Mac Dre’s birthday
but yeah honestly to the guy who wanted only wu collabs, Since they worked so hard to even stand eachother a full wu collab album would be unlikely.
still how can you be a hip hop fan and be mad at dre game and bun? shits gonna be hot and you know the production is gonna slap hard too
Yo Fizz do you. I twist dutches. Hell i take it to the papers every now and then on some grown man shit, whatever works. I really dont care what cats use as long as it works for them and they putting it in the air for the album.
But yo i cant wait for this album. Rae stepped up his writing game since the first one but production has to be thorugh the whole way through to pull it off. I read that Rae is supposed to have the whole clan spazzing out on the dilla beat. The “wu ooh” joint is popping right now and thats a huge look. I wanna see what else Rza is gonna pull out for this joint.
Easily the most anticipated album of the year for me. I dont expect it to be as dope as the original but if it comes anywhere near i’ll be more than pleased. Hopefully Rza comes with that “punch you in yo face” kinda music haha
We’ll see……….. Happy to see it’s finally coming but if he waits again….. the spotlight is gonna fall off of him. I love Rae BUT dude gotta come right…… OR Put it out Indie style.
DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I can sit and stare at my stereo again and not feel crazy about it. OBFCL spoke to me like no other CD at that time. It was like a good “train wreck” that I couldn’t stop focusing on.