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Raekwon

About this Artist

For over 25 years, Raekwon The Chef has been one of the most sought out voices in Hip-Hop music. The Staten Island native, born Corey Woods – is a true originator of lyricism, street culture, and rugged NYC style. From swarming the mainstream with Wu-Tang Clan, to his classic debut album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, the Staten Island native is a swordsman with rhymes.

In 1993, Raekwon made his musical debut with his fellow Wu-T ang members on the classic album, Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). On this album, the young MC dropped iconic verses on classic singles C.R.E.A.M., Protect Ya Neck, and Can It All Be So Simple. Gritty, while introspective, Raekwon’s verses were inspired by his poverty-stricken upbringing, mistakes from a criminal past, while also expressing artistic pride for his unique rhyme style. With the success and momentum of Wu-Tang Clan driving his rise, Raekwon signed his first deal as a solo artist with Loud Records. 

In 1995, Raekwon released his debut solo album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. Also affectionately eferred to as The Purple Tape, a nickname inspired by the album’s cassette form – The Purple Tape ushered in an era of criminology in rhyme, confessed through intricate slang, dirty samples, and revolutionary skits. Awarded the prestigious “5 Mic” rating review by The Source Magazine the debut remains one of the keystones of the Wu-Tang catalog. Quickly achieving Gold status in just four days, the album forever changed the rap narrative, claimed its place among the list of classic albums, and graduated to becoming certified platinum. 

With the 1990s acting as a definitive decade for his career, Raekwon used the 2000s to cement his legendary place in hip-hop history. A key player in three Wu-T ang Clan albums, acclaimed side projects with Ghostface Killah, Method Man, and a plethora of other guest appearances – Raekwon released the sequel to his debut solo album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. II in 2009. Boasting an all-star cast of collaborators, the critically acclaimed and highly anticipated album received numerous accolades, and was celebrated across the industry. 

With a total of seven released solo albums under his belt, Raekwon has remained steadfast in his craft, and has expanded his career beyond the notable artist and rap legend. In addition to several entrepreneurial ventures, Raekwon can now proudly add published author to his long list of achievements. His autobiography, From Staircase to Stage: The Story of Raekwon and the Wu-Tang Clan was published in late 2021 and left many in the music and literary industry buzzing with excitement. 

Currently producing The Purple Tape Files, a feature-length documentary about the making of his heralded debut solo album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx– the celebrated MC, innovator, and all around legend is also passionately occupied in the promotion of his line of sparkling wine Licataa and Hashstoria, a cannabis brand collective.