Raekwon - Only Built 4 Cuban Linx

Before I had even listened to this album I had convinced myself I wouldn't like it for a number of reasons. Only Built 4 Cuban Linx kicked off the sub genre of Hip-Hop known as crack-rap of which I was not a fan. Another reason for my pessimism was that I wasn't particularly impressed by Raekown based on the other Wu-Tang material I'd already heard, (which I'll admit wasn't much.) Anyway I wasn't listening to anything else so I thought I'd give it a spin and see what all the fuss was about.

What I first noticed was the excellent and ingenious production courtesy of the RZA. He uses a wide range of Soul samples, leaves them unpolished and underpins them with gritty drum breaks. This leaves the seemingly lush tracks featuring strings and piano keys oddly depressed. Most of the tracks have a grimy atmosphere which complements the lyrics perfectly. On top of this there is still room for a couple of RZA's trademark spine tingling kung-fu-esque tracks on the album, such as "Guillotine (Swordz)" and "Verbal Intercourse".

The first time I listened I only caught snatches of the lyrics but what I mostly noticed were Raekown and Ghostface Killah's erratic flows and excessive use of slang. For a listener unfamiliar with Hip-Hop they'd immediately think "what the f**k are these guys talking about!?" Most casual Hip-Hop fans would probably be clueless as well. There should be a glossary of the vernacular included in the liner notes. But after a few more plays and a lot of concentration I listened in awe as a whole world unfolded. The listener is submerged into the life of a drug dealer. Crack house robberies, high stake stick-ups and luxurious shopping sprees. Ghostface and Raekown have a flair for dirty crime narratives and bring them to life using rich yet brutal imagery.

I could be here all day quoting the entire album. It is that good.

The constant use of slang makes these gritty stories even more convincing but also renders the album incomprehensible for those unfamiliar with Hip-Hop and the vernacular used in hardcore New York rap. Raekwon and Ghostface's personalities can't help but shine through and they often reflect on the life of crime and look to families as their future, which gives the album a human depth few (if any) studio-hustlers could achieve, even if they bothered trying.

After listening to the album a few more times it dawned on me how gifted Raekwon and Ghost are as MCs. They possess a wealth of technique that is not noticeable at first because of their unruly flows and colourful language. There are also brilliant guest verses. The best probably being Nas' on "Verbal Intercourse", Inspectah Deck's on "Guillotine (Swordz)" and Masta Killa's on "Glaciers of Ice."

However this isn't an album anyone can take off the shelf, put on and instantly enjoy. It's very inaccessible and takes several plays for its brilliance to reveal itself. The subject matter may be morally ambiguous and the greatness of the album hard to recognise but once it is the listener will be left in no doubt of the genius of everyone involved in its making. Especially Ghostface Killah, The RZA and Raekown. A thoroughly solid album from start to finish. Can't ask for more than that.