The year was 1995, what many might call the heyday of rap music and Hip Hop culture, one sign post of that era was the seminal album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. That album was brought to the people by way of the Wu-Tang Clans own Raekwon and was an instant classic that sold over a million copies in the US alone. Now the MC back more than a decade later with the long awaited sequel to that landmark album.
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 is set to release late this summer thanks to a new partnership between EMI Records and Raekwon’s own ICEH20 Records. EMI will be aiding Raekwon with distribution and publicity for the album which is already generating a buzz on the local radio stations thanks to the first single off the album ‘The New Wu’. The single and video features Wu-Tang alums Method Man and Ghostface Killah.
“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.” “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.”
Here’s hoping that Raekwon will receive a reversal of fortune as he goes back to his Hip Hop roots, his last album The Lex Diamond Story came out in 2003 and didn’t receive the same sales figures as Immobilarity (his second album) or Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. With the muscle of EMI behind him and an all star guest list that includes The RZA, Dr. Dre, J Dilla, The Wu-Tang Clan, Jadakiss, Busta Rhymes, Bun B and The Game, among others, this album is shaping up to be something special.
"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.”
Stay tuned for more info on Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 as the release date gets closer.
