[VIDEO] Raekwon - "Walk With Me"

Here's the official video for the bonus track off Raekwon’s new album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 (which is IN STORES NOW a.k.a. GO BUY THAT SHIT).

"I'm on a crisp blue yacht, with my hand on a twat."

Now, that's how you start a song. Here's the downloadable mp3 version for you at home.

THROWBACK THURSDAYS.

We had to get some real professionals for the job, son.

Smif-N-Wessun x Raekwon = Classick. I remember when I first heard this joint back in 1998, I was blown away. Two of my favorite rap conglomerates, Boot Camp Clik and The mighty Wu-Tang Clan on the same track? Now that's what I call a good idea, son. Blazin through.

The Making of Only Built For Cuban Linx 2

Wu-Tang is for the children. And Raekwon is for the people. He made this album for you. It may have been a long time coming, but all good Chefs know that you can't rush a gourmet meal. It takes time, planning, and careful preparation. And of course, sometimes you have to put out a few fires...

The Chef lets you in on the trials and tribulations surrounding the long awaited, often delayed new album, Only Built For Cuban Linx PT. 2. Rae also admits he made this album for the people, because that's what they asked for. In fact, he goes on to say that artists need to be more cognizant of what the fans want. He says, even though it's not in his blood, he might even do an auto-tune record if it became highly requested. I'm going to get my Andy Dufresne on, and write a letter a day, everyday, asking the Chef to cook up an auto-tuned track. Just because.

We salute you, Rae. The new album is fire. Thank you.

[NEW] Raekwon ft. Lyfe Jennings - "Catalina" (prod. Dr. Dre)

Oh word?? New Raekwon produced by the good Doctor? That's what I'm talking about! Here's another leak from The Chef's upcoming album, OB4CL2, dropping September 8th. It's like Raekwon and Jay-Z leak day around these parts. Don't say I never gave you anything...

[DOWNLOAD] Raekwon ft. Lyfe Jennings - Catalina (prod. Dr. Dre)

Another NMC Premiere. Thought you knew.

[NEW] Raekwon ft. Cappadonna & Ghostface - "10 Bricks" (Prod. by J. Dilla)

New shit from Raekwon's upcoming album, Only Built For Cuban Linx 2. This is official. It looks like this album might actually see the light of day. It's also dope that the 2 songs leaks from this project are produced by J Dilla. Good thinking, Raekwon. We also get a Cappadonna sighting, which is exciting in itself. Sorta.

[DOWNLOAD] Raekwon ft. Cappadonna & Ghostface - 10 Bricks (Prod. by J. Dilla)

[NEW] Raekwon (ft. Ghostface, Method Man, Inspectah Deck) - "Flying Daggers" (prod by J Dilla)

Sound the sirens. Hide the women and children. The Wu is back! This joint is fire. Five legends on one song? It's disgusting. Dilla channeled his inner RZA on this one, and came with a classic Wu sounding beat. Deck set off the song with his best verse since "Triumph." Rae brings his classic mafioso drug dealer rap. Method Man brings comes with his usual top notch braggadocios word play. And Ghost manages to spit a hard ass verse while still mentioning every article of clothing in his closet.

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 drops September 8th. Yes, I'm officially excited.

[DOWNLOAD] Raekwon (ft. Ghostface, Method Man, Inspectah Deck) - "Flying Daggers"

RAEKWON TALKS ABOUT PRODUCERS ON OB4CL2.

Today, the tracklist was released for Raekwon's highly anticipated album and it features production from some of the best to ever do it, including Dr. Dre, Pete Rock, Dilla, and of course the RZA,
We sat down with the Chef to talk about the producers he enlisted on his upcoming album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2, and why he decided to work with multiple cats instead of just the RZA like he did on the original. Hotdamn, I cannot wait for this shit to drop.

[NEW] U-God (ft. Raewkwon & Slanie) - "Cocaine"

U-God is probably the least heralded of the Wu members (well, except for Masta Killa), and the dude I probably check for the least (well, except Masta Killa), but this song is actually pretty dope. Granted, the title gives away the entire concept of the song, and the cocaine raps have been beaten into the ground. But it's got a classic gutter Wu sound to it. Give it a spin.

[DOWNLOAD] U-God (ft. Raewkwon & Slanie) - "Cocaine"

Raekwon & Crooked I Get Ready To Rock The Bells.

East meets West as the Rock The Bells veteran Raekwon talks to the rookie Crooked I about hitting this summer's biggest hip hop tour, and what to expect while he's out there. Dope moment from these too lyrical assassins. Rae even goes as far as to stay he might have to touch the stage with Crook to perform together. Can you image that shit? Good Lawd. I'm already getting excited for the L.A. spot at Rock The Bells...and it's over 2 months away. Stay thirsty, my friends.

Wu-Tang Live @ The Apollo in 1997.

Classic. Historic. Everybody's there except the RZA. ODB blesses the stage something fierce. The crowd goes insane. Great times all around.

Shout out to YN for making these embeddable. I know that's not a word, but fuck it. I just made it one.

Wu-Tang Covers Remixed.

Wow, this is super duper fly. Wu fans and design heads are gonna love this. I know I did, and I'm both. Graphic designer Logan Walters has remixed all the original Wu-Tang covers in the style of classic old school Blue Note jazz record covers. Iconic covers meet a timeless look. They are calling the project either Blu-Tang Clan or Wu Note Records. Call what you want, I call it incredible.

The designer plans to do all 21 Wu-related albums, but here are the first 8. I can't wait for the next ones...

Raekwon Explains "The Purple Tape"

At the Rock The Bells Press Conference I had the chance to chop it up with the god, Raekwon regarding his thoughts on the upcoming tour and some of the artists he'd be sharing the bill with like Crooked I (of Slaughterhouse). Of course, Only Built For Cuban Linx (OG and Part 2) came up in the conversation, but I didn't want to ask him the same generic questions about it. Since I'm a lifelong Wu fan, I asked him a question that I've wanted to know since 1995:

Why was the original Cuban Linx tape purple?

Rae goes in on how they came up with the idea and how it's been tied to the album forever. Being a true WU fan, Crooked I throws out his own questions for Raekwon in this East meets West interview. This is some behind the music shit right here.

Rock The Bells 2009 Press Conference.

We brought you the lineup freestyle. And now here are the highlights from the press conference where they announced the official lineup for Rock The Bells 2009. KRS-One, Damian Marley, Raekwon, and Tech N9ne in the building.

Throwback Thursdays.

Wu-Tang Clan - "Can It Be All So Simple"

"...You know everybody talking about the good ole days, right? Evvvverybody - the good ole days, the good ole days. Well, let's talk about the good ole days."

Some 1993 exoticness. Kickin the fly cliches.

Rock The Bells 2009 Lineup Freestyle.

Supernatural does what Supernatural does best, and freestyles the entire lineup for the 2009 Rock The Bells Tour. Headlined by Nas & Damian Marley, the roster also includes The Roots, Common, KRS-One, Slum Village, Raekwon, RZA, and so much more. To peep the full roster, let Supernat tell ya in this video.

[NEW] Jadakiss (ft. Ghostface & Raekwon) - "Cartel Gathering"

This one appears on Jada's upcoming album, The Last Kiss which hits stores April 7th. Ghost has the line of the song when he says:

"Don't drink the Crys, Ghost about to piss in it."

Vintage Starks.

[DOWNLOAD: Jadakiss (ft. Ghostface & Raekwon) - "Cartel Gathering"]

Shout out to the 2dopeboyz for this one, who just became part of the okayplayer network. That's a huge look for them.

[NEW] Busta Rhymes ft. Raekwon, The Game & Uncle Murda - "Watch How You Talk"

Busta said he wants to drop new shit every week. Aight, cool with me. I'll post it every week. Glad we're on the same page.

[DOWNLOAD: Busta Rhymes ft. Raekwon, The Game & Uncle Murda - "Watch How You Talk" (Clean)]

Courtesy of Splash.

Pepsi Smash Mic Pass ft. Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss, Raekwon, Jim Jones and Jay Rock.

Dope concept. Every year at the NBA All-Star break, Pepsi throws the Pepsi Smash concert series. They flipped it and did a live cypher from Arizona, with 5 different MC's in 5 different locations...passing the proverbial mic. Check it out, it's pretty fly. This might be the best Pepsi commercial of all time.

[NEW] Raekwon ft. Ghostface & Method Man - "Back from the Slums"

Here's a nice little gem that is reportedly off of OB4CL2. Ghost and Meth join the Chef for this doo-wop flavored joint. The Wu proved that you can sample anything and make it fresh.

DOWNLOAD: Raekwon ft. Ghostface & Method Man - "Back from the Slums" (Clean)

Link courtesy of 2dopeboyz.

[NEW] Raekwon ft. Ghostface & Crooked I - "Yes Sir"

Here's a collabo gem that will appear on a project called “The Live & Direct Show” which is being put out by Stenge-O-Matic from the groups Anotha Level. Yes, THAT Anotha Level. The Live and Direct Show will also features T.I., Glasses Malone, Akon and many more. Check for that to drop Feb 19th.

DOWNLOAD: Raekwon ft. Ghostface & Crooked I - "Yes Sir"