Raekwon: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…PT. II

There’s an old adage that states that the sequel is seldom better than the original.  Godfather II, Shrek 2, and The Dark Knight are some obvious examples that contradict that way of thinking.  But for every X-Men 2, two Spiderman 3’s get made.  So far, rap sequels haven’t measured up that well, either.  For example, neither of the subsequent Blueprint albums lived up to the original, which is understandable considering how highly regarded The Blueprint is.  Raekwon’s long-awaited Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…Pt. II has quite the name to uphold, as the original, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…, is one of the most legendary albums in hip-hop history.  The challenge is to grade this album on its own merits, not compare it to the extraordinary piece of work that was the original.

The similarities to OB4CL are there, clearly.  The album cover, aside from the colors (still with the symbolic purple), are damn near identical.  Coke and criminal activity return as the prevalent theme.  Ghostface reprises his role as the co-star to Raekwon’s main character.  Even the cinematic feel is back, though RZA only does a few beats this time while serving as executive producer.  The production is in the more-than-capable hands of legends like RZA, Dr. Dre, Pete Rock, Marley, Erick Sermon, Alchemist, and the late J Dilla, among others.

The album starts off with a short skit, and then launches a full-frontal assault with “House of Flying Daggers.”  J Dilla breaks the Wu-Tang off with a beat that makes you envision the Wu-Tang MCs marching with legions of swordsmen behind them.  Ghostface, Method Man, and Inspectah Deck all show up and demonstrate that the Wu-Tang chemistry is just as strong in 2009 as it was in 1993.  “New Wu” also grabs on the strong Wu chemistry, enlisting Method Man and Ghostface on the mic and RZA on the boards, who along with Raekwon, are the most relevant Wu members right now.  “Cold Outside” brings some strong horns and an even stronger, louder hook from Suga Bang Bang.  The hook may be too loud, but it works to bring home the point that Rae and Ghost preach during the song, departing from their criminal roles and taking a few minutes to address society’s ills and even the Iraq War.

“Broken Safety” brings together a dream combo of Raekwon and two of New York’s favorite crack game Mcs, Jadakiss and Styles P, and the three blend effortlessly.  Ghostface would have been a natural over the Scram Jones beat as well and should have been on it, but that’s my only complaint on that song.  Dr. Dre delivers, with an intro that pays homage to the skits on the original album.  “Catalina” is one of Dre’s best beats of the year, and the Lyfe Jennings hook makes it all the more radio-friendly.  “Catalina” screams “single,” but is street enough for the regular Raekwon listener.

Like the original, OB4CL2 is long.  But unlike the original, it’s a tad too long at 22 tracks.  While GZA’s appearance on “We Will Rob You” is welcome, the rest of the song falls short.  The beat is basic, and the Slick Rick hook is predictable based off the title and isn’t catchy, let alone good.  “About Me” with Busta Rhymes is similarly basic; the beat sounds like a basic, generic beat that Dr. Dre sleepwalked through while making it.  It’s hard to believe the same producer made this beat and “Catalina” on the same album.  Another complaint that numerous listeners have voiced is Raekwon’s tendency to lapse into a lazy, toned-down flow that can put you to sleep.  As dope as “Pyrex Vision” is because of the JJ Band sample used in O.C.’s “Jewelz,” it’s too short and Raekwon sounds like he’s mumbling in his sleep.  He’s energized on a good number of tracks, but others he sounds like he just smoked an ounce of sticky and got on the mic, minus the giggles.

While the production throughout is on point and the stories and lyrics are entertaining, OB4CL2 has its flaws, though only a few.  The flaws certainly aren’t big enough to call this an unworthy sequel.  On the contrary, this album is certainly one of the best releases of the year, certainly one of the best Wu-Tang albums, solo or otherwise, and is more than worthy of carrying the name of its predecessor.

87/100

Standout Tracks:

“Catalina”

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“House of Flying Daggers”

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“New Wu”

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