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Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II

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Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II is the fourth solo album from the American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan-member Raekwon. Released on September 8th 2009, it is the sequel to his critically acclaimed 1995 album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx....

Background

The album was originally announced in late 2005, when it was stated that Busta Rhymes would be executive producing the album.[10] In January 2006, Raekwon announced that the album was finished, and production was largely credited to RZA, with RZA and Busta Rhymes being named executive producers.[11] Also in 2006, it was revealed that Wu-Tang Clan members GZA and Inspectah Deck would be featured, returning with their "Wu-Gambino" personas much like they did with the first.[12]

Busta Rhymes influence on the project became more solidified when it was announced Raekwon had signed a contract with Dr. Dre's label, Aftermath Entertainment which Busta was currently a member of.[13] The deal was structured so that the released would be a joint venture between Wu-Tang and Aftermath Entertainment. After a period of time and reported delays in the recording process, the two parties eventually separated from the original agreement. The decision came after it was revealed Dr. Dre had reportedly become creatively tied up with his personal Detox record, and had lost interest in working on Raekwon's album.[14] 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,[15] but that two tracks from the album were produced by Dr. Dre.[16]

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'.[17][18]

The album, which was still not released by 2007, and was named the "#6 most anticipated album of 2007" by XXL Magazine,[19] 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.[20]


Near the end of 2007, Wu-Tang Clan group leader RZA came under attack from members Ghostface Killah[21] and Raekwon[22] over the production of the group's 2007 album 8 Diagrams, with Raekwon even going as far as to say he would not include any of RZA's production on the album.

[On 8 Diagrams], whatever else he wanted to grow on, we weren’t crazy over it. And that’s the whole thing people took out of context. No one tried to take anything away from RZA as a producer. It was more or less you can’t be selfish, and have to work with everybody’s ears and eyes on something. Him being the dude that he is with mad platinum albums, some n*ggas be super cocky. ‘I don’t wanna hear nothing, I got this.’ That’s what happened in that situation.[23]

Raekwon and RZA later made up with Raekwon deciding to work with RZA who served as the album's executive producer.[14]

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 continued to fine-tune and add more material.[24]

The album's first single, originally entitled "Wu Ooh" and later retitled "New Wu"[25], was released for playback on various radio mixshows, including New York's Hot 97, with an official video also being released on the internet. The video features Ghostface Killah and Method Man, who rap their verses respectively as well as guest appearances from The Alchemist, The RZA, Cappadonna, Inspectah Deck and other Wu-Tang affiliates including Popa Wu.[26]

In interviews in early 2009, he stated the album will be released through his own label, Icewater Records,[27] with him later confirming EMI as another label the album will be released on.[28]

In April 2009, Raekwon conducted an interview with XXL where it was confirmed that Busta Rhymes would no longer be credited as executive producer on the album.[29] In the same interview it was stated that the album would be released on August 11, 2009.[29] Raekwon later announced that, due to a leak of a song on the album entitled "Surgical Gloves," as well as sample clearance issues, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II would be pushed back once again to September 8, 2009.[30]

Recording

The album follows a similar crime laced cinematic approach as the original. It is combined with carefully placed skits weaved into the beginnings and ends of songs. Along with epic samples and mighty production, OB4CL2 likens itself with Pt. I as more of an experience than a quick listen.

Announced producers were confirmed to include RZA, Dr. Dre, J Dilla[31], Erick Sermon, Allah Mathematics;[32] Marley Marl[33], Scram Jones, Pete Rock and The Alchemist.[29][34]

There was some speculation as to what RZA's role would be on OB4CL2. On the original album, RZA was the only producer to contribute as well as the album's executive producer. Raekwon had commented early on that the sequel would be different in this light. "[RZA] definitely put his two cent in and made his elements, and that’s what it’s about. But I can’t allow one man to lead my destiny no more."[35] Raekwon spoke on the difficulties of working on the project with the legendary producer:

One thing about RZA is he’s like the Wizard of Oz. He’ll give what he feels like giving you, but he has other shit that he doesn’t really admire too much because it doesn’t represent his growth and development process. I knew he already had it; it’s just hard to get him to go back into his bag of goodies because he’s so used to dealing with another bag right now. So that was the situation with the first album. I felt like ‘yo, I want this sound.’ But he was like ‘this is going to be the new sound!’ So now it happens to be a want situation. RZA is the type where you’ll ask for this, and he’ll give you something else. But he always has what you want [laughs]. You may have to search for a little bit, do some soul searching, but you’ll find what you need. That’s why happened on Cuban Linx II. I got what I needed from him for my shit.[36]

During Rock the Bells '09, Raekwon spoke on the importance of getting the right producers on board with the project:

I allowed myself to track down some of the finest niggas in the game that done it and basically get them involved with the project. RZA was always there to do whatever, whatever... but at the same token I wanted more. You know what I mean, I wanted to go out and challenge myself even more with different production and different producers.[37]

Raekwon also spoke on what it was like getting the opportunity to rhyme over the late J Dilla's production:

He's like a Dre, man. He's like a Dre and a RZA, like a combo. You know what I mean and I think that he didn't really get the full fledged support that he's supposed to get. But, in my book, he's that Nigga. And he came with the flamers![38]

Dilla, he’s a musical maestro, a Quincy Jones in his own world. I did not know his power until I listened to his catalog. He played his part in hip-hop. I’m glad to be involved with him. It was a blessing. He stepped his grizzly up for me. He gave the tracks that special blend. Thanks to Busta for making it happen. I got this while Dilla was still alive. I worked with the best, it was bound to happen. I really appreciated his energy.[39]

Expectations grew high for the album as wide variety of reports attached various guests and producers to the project. An all-star cast of musicians appeared on the record, but many more of these reported collaborations did not come to fruition or did not make the final cut. Reports mentioned Raekwon working with a wide variety of guests as well. Raekwon stated The Game[40] and Travis Barker would be featured on the album, [34] although neither would appear on the final product. Raekwon mentioned in an interview that a track was recorded with Bun B (of UGK) called "Never Used To Matter".[41] Bun B had also earlier said in a Pitchfork Media interview that he was to be featured in the album, however the mentioned track was not on the final cut.[42] Raekwon also stated that rapper Nas wished to be on the album, featuring in a song with a familiar style to an earlier collaboration from the two, "Verbal Intercourse".[43] "Regarding 'Verbal Intercourse 2,' Nas said he’s gonna be on the album. We’re still working on catching him." Despite this, a collaboration with Nas was not recorded for the album.

Release

On July 22, 2009, a report was published which claimed numerous collaborations, final track names, and producers.[44] A month later on August 27, another report was published featuring the final track listing.[45]. The two reports listed most of the same tracks, but with slight differences in names, producers, and featured guests. The change lead to the perception that there were many tracks cut from the final listing, however it is more likely that the details were transcribed incorrectly as most of the tracks listed were released in some form. The final album differed from the initial report as follows:

  • RZA produced "Godfather" later retitled to "Black Mozart",(previously a solo track entitled "Secret Indictment")
  • "40 Deuce" retitled to "Broken Safety"
  • Dr. Dre produced "Nigga Me" retitled to "About Me"
  • Scram Jones produced "Walk With Me" was moved to an European/iTunes Bonus track

"Criminology 09" featuring Ghostface Killah and "Rockstar" featuring Inspectah Deck & GZA were the only songs listed in the report that was eventually cut from the final line-up.[44] "Criminology 09" had also been earlier leaked and discussed by Raekwon as being included on the effort.[46] An additional song was added to the August report and remained in the final line-up titled "Baggin Crack" and produced by Erick Sermon. It is only available on the explicit version of the album.[45]

Reception

The album was welcomed with universal positive acclaim from music critics and fans alike reaching number 1 on the American iTunes album chart. Allmusic critic David Jeffries gave the album four stars out of five, while Sputnikmusic[6] gave the album five stars out of five. These reviews applauded OB4CL2 for its production and posited that Raekwon's efforts have resulted in a worthwhile followup to many previous Wu-Tang Clan solo albums. OB4CL2 was ranked the number one downloaded album available on iTunes for the first three days of its release.

The lyricism displayed on OB4CL2 has been highly praised, especially Raekwon's performances:

...on more and more of these Cuban Linx II cuts, Raekwon himself ends up walking away with top honors; he doesn't always nab the big one-liner, but his presence on these songs is irrefutably huge.[47]

One of the album's highlights, "10 Bricks", was reviewed by Pitchfork Media as a standout track:

...Cappadonna sneers over Dilla's vintage snares, gaunt orchestral flourishes, and a whiny guitar loop that imitates a tortured Chinese harp suite. Cap's in rare form, bookended by Rae's trademark blow blow-by-blow (almost impenetrably slung) and a ferociously-amped Ghost. What's great about "10 Bricks" is how fearless and energized these bars are, transforming otherwise lightweight-jabs into something potently formidable.[48]

The University of California, Berkeley's student publication, The Daily Californian, applauded the album's diverse but seamless production as its highlight:

...Pt. II displays a dizzying roster of 13 producers ... each with well-established and distinct takes on their craft. Rather than playing out as some sort of haphazard compilation, the album flows seamlessly. The myriad of producers didn't work together, but somehow they all managed to end up on the same page. If anything, this is what makes Only Built 4 Cuban Linx ... Pt. II so fantastic.[49]

Track listing

All songs performed by Raekwon. Executive produced by The RZA, Raekwon and Busta Rhymes.

# Title Producer Samples Time
1 "Return of the North Star" (feat. Popa Wu) BT
  • "North Star (Jewels)" by Raekwon
  • "Have Mercy" by Raekwon
  • "Mellow Mood Part I" by Barry White
 2:39
2 "House of Flying Daggers" (feat. Inspectah Deck, Ghostface Killah,
Method Man & GZA) 		J Dilla 3:51
3 "Sonny's Missing" Pete Rock 2:28
4 "Pyrex Vision" Marley Marl 0:54
5 "Cold Outside" (feat. Ghostface Killah, Suga Bang Bang) Icewater Productions 4:40
6 "Black Mozart" (feat. Inspectah Deck, RZA, Tash Mahagony) RZA 3:24
7 "Gihad" (feat. Ghostface Killah) Necro 2:57
8 "New Wu" (feat. Ghostface Killah, Method Man) RZA
  • "I've Changed" by The Magictones
 3:50
9 "Penitentiary" (feat. Ghostface Killah) BT 2:35
10 "Baggin Crack" Erick Sermon 1:58
11 "Surgical Gloves" The Alchemist
  • "Castle Walls" by Styx
 3:24
12 "Broken Safety" (feat. Jadakiss, Styles P) Scram Jones 2:45
13 "Canal Street" Icewater Productions
  • "Stop! in the Name of Love" by Margie Joseph
 3:37
14 "Ason Jones" J Dilla 3:06
15 "Have Mercy" (feat. Beanie Sigel, Blue Raspberry) Icewater Productions 3:51
16 "10 Bricks" (feat. Cappadonna, Ghostface Killah) J Dilla 3:16
17 "Fat Lady Sings" RZA
  • "If This World Were Mine" by Zulema
 2:17
18 "Catalina" (feat. Lyfe Jennings) Dr. Dre
  • Dialogue from the film The Killer
 3:28
19 "We Will Rob You" (feat. GZA, Masta Killa, Slick Rick) Allah Justice 3:15
20 "About Me" (feat. Busta Rhymes) Dr. Dre 3:59
21 "Mean Streets" (feat. Inspectah Deck, Ghostface Killah, Suga Bang Bang) Allah Mathematics 4:29
22 "Kiss the Ring" (feat. Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa) Scram Jones 4:09
Bonus tracks
23 "Walk Wit Me" Scram Jones
  • "Guillotine (Swordz)" by Raekwon
 4:18
24 "The Badlands" (feat. Ghostface Killah) BT 2:30

References

  1. ^ Jeffries, David. Review: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II. Allmusic. Retrieved on 2009-09-10.
  2. ^ AbduSalaam, Ishmael. Review: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II.Allhiphop. Retrieved on 2009-09-13.
  3. ^ Caramanica, Jon. Review: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II. The New York Times. Retrieved on 2009-09-10.
  4. ^ Saba, Michael. Review: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II. Paste. Retrieved on 2009-09-11.
  5. ^ Juon, Steve 'Flash'. Review: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II. RapReviews. Retrieved on 2009-09-10.
  6. ^ a b Abdul-Rakham, Sobhi. Review: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II. Sputnikmusic. Retrieved on 2009-09-10.
  7. ^ Ryan, Chris. Review: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II. Spin. Retrieved on 2009-09-10.
  8. ^ Mintz, Corey. Review: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II. Toronto Star. Retrieved on 2009-09-10.
  9. ^ Jones, Steve. Review: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II. USA Today. Retrieved on 2009-09-10.
  10. ^ Remmie Fresh (March 18, 2005) Busta Rhymes To Executive Produce Raekwon's Album AllHipHop Accessed April 5, 2009.
  11. ^ Shaheem Reid (January 11, 2006). Raekwon Linx up with Busta MTVNews Accessed December 11, 2007.
  12. ^ Steve (November 21, 2006). Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 - More Info. GroundHipHop. Accessed December 9, 2007.
  13. ^ Raekwon Partners With Dr. Dre For Cuban Linx Sequel
  14. ^ a b Features : Raekwon: Cuba Libre
  15. ^ YouTube - HHO Raw: Raekwon talks about Cuban Linx 2
  16. ^ Interview with Raekwon RiotSound. Accessed December 23, 2008.
  17. ^ Nah Right » Blog Archive » Behind the OB4CL2 Delay
  18. ^ unkut.com - A Tribute To Ignorance (Remix)
  19. ^ Remedy: The Top 10 Most Anticipated Albums of 2007, XXL Magazine (January 30, 2007). Accessed December 8, 2007.
  20. ^ Paul W Arnold (July 27, 2007). Raekwon: Hell's Kitchen. HipHopDX. Accessed December 8, 2007.
  21. ^ Video: Ghost Disses The Wu Album
  22. ^ Video: Raekwon Opens up About W-Tang's Internal Conflicts
  23. ^ Raekwon: The Cuban Linx II Interview
  24. ^ DJ Semtex SEMTEX TV- RAEKWON INTERVIEW on Vimeo Vimeo Accessed August 28, 2008.
  25. ^ Video: Raekwon feat. Ghostface Killah & Method Man - New Wu
  26. ^ Raekwon On Cuban Linx 2: ‘Just Getting It In Like I’m Broke Again’
  27. ^ Raekwon To Release Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II In March Of 2009
  28. ^ Raekwon announces new deal with EMI on the On-Air Idiots show
  29. ^ a b c Raekwon Talks Aftermath Deal, Busta Rhymes’ Decision To Leave Label
  30. ^ "Raekwon pushes back Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II album release date to September 8, 2009". WeLiveThis. Retrieved July 1 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |dateformat= ignored (help)
  31. ^ Raekwon Announces Guests, Producers For OB4CL2
  32. ^ Chris "Milan" Thomas (August 29, 2007). Raekwon: Politick Ditto. AllHipHop. Accessed December 8, 2007.
  33. ^ Raekwon Interview
  34. ^ a b Andreas Hale (November 19, 2008) Raekwon To Release Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 In March BET Accessed December 25, 2008.
  35. ^ Raekwon: Stakes Is High
  36. ^ Raekwon: The Cuban Linx II Interview
  37. ^ Raekwon Interview
  38. ^ Raekwon Interview
  39. ^ Okayplayer Raekwon Interview
  40. ^ SOHH.com: NYC BLOG: Raekwon Talks That Cuban Linx Part II: "This Is Not A Commercial Album."
  41. ^ Raekwon: Stakes Is High
  42. ^ Pitchfork News: Bun B Talks About the Final UGK Album
  43. ^ Raekwon: The Cuban Linx II Interview
  44. ^ a b Final Cut of Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 Surfaces
  45. ^ a b Nas Misses Raekwon's Cuban Linx II
  46. ^ Raekwon: The Cuban Linx II Interview
  47. ^ Track Reviews: 10 Bricks
  48. ^ Track Reviews: 10 Bricks
  49. ^ 'Only Built 4 Cuban Linx ... Pt. II' Is a Satisfying Sequel to the Original
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