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Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II is expected to be the fourth solo album from Wu-Tang Clan rap artist Raekwon. It will serve as a sequel to his 1995 album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx....

Background

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2005–2006

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The album was originally announced in 2005, when it was confirmed that Busta Rhymes would be executive producing the album.[1] The original planned tracks for the album, were from studio sessions while working on the Wu-Tang Clan album 8 Diagrams.

In January 2006, it was announced by Raekwon that the album was finished, and production was largely credited to RZA, with RZA and Busta Rhymes being named executive producers.[2] Also in 2006, it was stated Wu-Tang group members GZA and Inspectah Deck would be featured, much like they did with the first, returning with their "Wu-Gambino" personas.[3] Dr. Dre was also credited as a producer, as it was announced Raekwon had signed a contract with Dr. Dre's label, Aftermath Entertainment.[4]

2007–2009

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The album, which was still not released by 2007, was named the "#6 most anticipated album of 2007" by XXL Magazine,[5] though it would be pushed back numerous times and numerous changes were made to the release date.

In an interview with HipHopDX.com, Raekwon commented on the upcoming album:

It’s damn near 200% done. I wanna drop it on a major, but you’re definitely gonna get it by the summer of next year. By hook or crook. If I gotta do it independent, I gotta release it. I did a lot of hard work on this record and I refuse to throw it out and people be like, Yo Rae, I ain’t know your shit was out. Nah, I can’t afford for that to happen no more. That happened to me on The Lex Diamond Story. That happened to me on Immobilarity. I’m not going for it on this one. I’m not letting the industry control my destiny on this record. People been wanting this record for the last 10 years, so I gotta make sure that this shit is bulletproof.[6]

A supposed "insider from Aftermath" spoke on the album and its repeated delays:

The Raekwon album came in done. It’s finished! It’s a finished record. Dre did two records, we were doing the deal, and during the deal the Christmas break came. We took a break for two weeks - came back - Dre acted like we never spoke! I was like ‘Alright, this Raekwon thing…’ and he’s like 'Nah, I ain’t fuckin’ with that no more'.[7][8]

While the album wasn't talked about much in 2008, in an interview with DJ Semtex, Raekwon stated the album was set for release in February 2009, as he stated it could be ready at that point, but he continues to fine-tune and add more material.[9] He has since stated March 2009 as the scheduled release date,[10] with a northern hemisphere summer release date later being confirmed by the rapper.[11]

Label issues

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Originally to be released as a joint venture between Wu-Tang and Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment, Raekwon has since been searching for new distribution. The decision came after it was revealed Dr. Dre had reportedly become creatively tied up with his personal Detox record, he hadn't an interest in working on Raekwon's album.[12] Raekwon stated in an interview that Aftermath isn't the label the album will be released on, stating Dr. Dre is a busy man and may not have the time to give the album his full attention,[13] but that two tracks from the album were produced by the Dr. Dre.[14]

In interviews in early 2009, he stated the album will be released through his own label, Icewater Records,[15] with him later confirming EMI as another label the album will be released on.[16]

Music

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Production and recording

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Announced producers are set to include RZA, Dr. Dre, J Dilla, Erick Sermon, Allah Mathematics, and DJ Scratch;[17] Marley Marl, Scram Jones, and Pete Rock were also confirmed.[18]

Near the end of 2007, Wu-Tang Clan group leader RZA came under attack from members Ghostface Killah[19] and Raekwon[20] over the production of the groups' 2007 album 8 Diagrams, with Raekwon even going as far as to not include any of RZA's production on the album, but instead, let Kanye West helm production of the planned first single, "Ode to Shaolin".[21] Raekwon and RZA later made up, one a 2009 release date was set for the album, with Raekwon deciding to use the RZA productions.[12]

Guests

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Raekwon has stated The Game will be featured on the album,[22] with Travis Barker also being confirmed as a guest.[18] Bun B of UGK has said in a Pitchfork Media interview that he is featured in the album.[23]

Wu-Tang Clan

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Ghostface Killah has stated he'll be appearing on the album:


Other members of the Wu-Tang Clan that are set to appear include Method Man, GZA and Inspectah Deck.[18]

References

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  1. ^ Remmie Fresh (March 18, 2005) Busta Rhymes To Executive Produce Raekwon's Album AllHipHop Accessed April 5, 2009.
  2. ^ Shaheem Reid (January 11, 2006). Raekwon Linx up with Busta MTVNews Accessed December 11, 2007.
  3. ^ Steve (November 21, 2006). Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 - More Info. GroundHipHop. Accessed December 9, 2007.
  4. ^ Raekwon Partners With Dr. Dre For Cuban Linx Sequel
  5. ^ Remedy: The Top 10 Most Anticipated Albums of 2007, XXL Magazine (January 30, 2007). Accessed December 8, 2007.
  6. ^ Paul W Arnold (July 27, 2007). Raekwon: Hell's Kitchen. HipHopDX. Accessed December 8, 2007.
  7. ^ Nah Right » Blog Archive » Behind the OB4CL2 Delay
  8. ^ unkut.com - A Tribute To Ignorance (Remix)
  9. ^ DJ Semtex SEMTEX TV- RAEKWON INTERVIEW on Vimeo Vimeo Accessed August 28, 2008.
  10. ^ Omar Burgess (November 11, 2008). Raekwon Promises Cuban Linx 2 In March HipHopDX. Accessed November 12, 2008.
  11. ^ March 11, 2009 What Had Happened Was: Raekwon Vibe. Accessed March 13, 2009.
  12. ^ a b Features : Raekwon: Cuba Libre
  13. ^ YouTube - HHO Raw: Raekwon talks about Cuban Linx 2
  14. ^ Interview with Raekwon RiotSound. Accessed December 23, 2008.
  15. ^ [1]
  16. ^ [2]
  17. ^ Chris "Milan" Thomas (August 29, 2007). Raekwon: Politick Ditto. AllHipHop. Accessed December 8, 2007.
  18. ^ a b c Andreas Hale (November 19, 2008) Raekwon To Release Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 In March BET Accessed December 25, 2008.
  19. ^ Video: Ghost Disses The Wu Album
  20. ^ Video: Raekwon Opens up About W-Tang's Internal Conflicts
  21. ^ Raekwon's "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II" Finally Set for Release!!
  22. ^ SOHH.com: NYC BLOG: Raekwon Talks That Cuban Linx Part II: "This Is Not A Commercial Album."
  23. ^ Pitchfork News: Bun B Talks About the Final UGK Album
  24. ^ Ghostface Thinking 'Big' With Albums, Book
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