Album Description: 2008 release containing the instrumental version of this album from the Wu Tang member, originally released in 1995. Only Built 4 Cuban Linx's portraits of big-money drug deals and black underworld kingpins living in luxury had an enormous influence on the new New York hardcore scene, cinematic soundscapes support the album's tone; the appropriately dark or melancholy, shifting moods layer like different scenes in a film. 17 tracks. Altered Ego.
Amazon.com: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx is arguably the best quasi-solo Wu-Tang album (Ghostface Killah literally gets equal billing). Most of contemporary hip-hop's Mafioso-inspired themes and MC street aliases are inspired by the "Wu-Gambinos" motif introduced on this 18-cut LP. As the Wu's preeminent storyteller, Raekwon (a.k.a. "The Chef") paints Technicolor Kool G Rap-style pictures of high-stakes drug trafficking on "Criminology," and then mixes his street sensibility with 5% Nation of Islam reasoning on "Knowledge God." This album is loaded with RZA's finest production moments, as he samples a barrage of kung-fu flick sound bites, plays discordant keyboards on "Incarcerated Scarfaces," and utilizes some eerie female vocals on "Rainy Dayz." Rae's timeless duet with Nas on "Verbal Intercourse" further cements the album's status as one of the best of all time. --Dalton Higgins
Disc 1:
Striving For Perfection - Raekwon
Knuckleheadz - Raekwon Featuring Ghost Face Killer And GoldenArms
Knowledge God - Raekwon
Criminology - Raekwon Featuring Ghost Face Killer
Incarcerated Scarfaces - Raekwon
Rainy Dayz - Raekwon With Ghost Face Killer And Blue Raspberry
Guillotine (Swordz) - Raekwon With Ghost Face Killer, Genius And Rollie.
Can It Be All So Simple (Remix) - Raekwon Featuring Ghost Face Killer
Shark Niggas (Biters) - Raekwon
Ice Water - Raekwon Featuring Ghost Face Killer And Cappachino
Glaciers Of Ice - Raekwon With Ghost Face Killer, Noodles,Sunz Of...
Verbal Intercourse - Raekwon Featuring Ghost Face Killer And Nas
Wisdom Body - Raekwon Featuring Ghost Face Killer
Spot Rusherz - Raekwon
Ice Cream - Raekwon With Ghost Face Killer, Cappachino ....
Wu-Gambinos - Raekwon With Ghost Face Killer, Method Man ....
Heaven And Hell - Raekwon Featuring Ghost Face Killer
Musical Intercourse I remember when the only Wu Tang albums I owned were; 36 Chambers, Method Man's Tical, and GZA's Liquid Swords, and Beneath The Surface. I was aware of how big their discography is (when combined together is roughly around 45 albums)and was a little intimidated to go far into it. Eventually I had no choice. It got to the point where ALL I listened to were these albums (especially Liquid Swords) and I needed more. When you only own the few that I did, and know you're gonna end up getting most, if not all of their albums (including solo) there's several roads to take to travel further. I was about to get Wu Tang Forever, but decided to bypass, and get Cuban Linx, even though I'd never heard a song off it beforehand. On first listen, it didn't hit as instantly, and directly as Liquid Swords, but me and a few of my friends (who were newbies to this album as well)listened to it atleast 5 times that night. If I could compare my experience with this to anything, it'd be to a very strong hallucinogenic drug. You administer the chemical, and expect ALOT, but right away your expectations aren't so much let down, but they're not quite fullfilled. Then BLAM! It kicks in, and hits like a tone of bricks. Harder than you could have ever imagined. RZA's production, Rakekwon's story telling, Ghostface appearing on 90% of the album, the guest spots - especially Nas's verse on Verbal Intercourse. The more you let your brain obsorb this, the more you realize why so many people love this. For the last few years I've listened to this nonstop (as well as other Wu albums) which I can indeed say, this was well worth every penny I paid.
A BIG mistake people make, is expecting all Wu Tang albums (solo, or group) to sound the same. If you have this mentality, you obviously don't understand Wu Tang (which explains all negative reviews people left for this) People think, just because this is a classic Wu album, that it's gonna be EXACTILY like 36 Chambers, or whatever their favorite Wu album is.
I can't reccomend this album enough. Go get it if you don't own it. Do it.
Wow. This album is the best Wu joint to ever be released. Point blank. There is not a song on here that you can really skip thru, IF you are keen on the Wu (RZA) sound. If you are not, then maybe you shouldn't cop a listen. I would not expect the newer generation to appreciate this magnum opus but that is essentially what it is:
That is my list of favorites even though I can put the CD in my CD player and never touch a single button other than to PLAYBACK. In my opinion, this is the number 1 Wu album followed by Liquid Swords AND THEN their first release. It would seem that I am putting the carriage before the horse, but it actually goes to show just how much RZA and the Wu bangers had progressed with each year because after Liquid Swords, the albums just were not the same again (Ironman is the last great album, IMO). In order to appreciate this album, you've probably got to be 26 and older. '94, '95, and '96 were the best years in hip hop and this was the crown jewel of '95 (late '94). The making of a brand.
STRAIGHT GARBAGE, OVERRATED This album is overrated, BAD BEATS, I MEAN BAD, I can make better beats with a stick and a rock. Nas sucks
RZA's BEST WORK This album is perfect from beginng to end. Raekwon and Ghost are the best rap duo of all time. The two parters in crime narrate every track like a scence in a mafia classic. I believe RZAs production on this CD is the best he has ever done.
When rap was king I'll keep this short and sweet. "Verbal Intercourse" is the greatest rap beat of all time. I know it's not the most heard or popular but I know what I'm talking about. For those who don't get it, hopefully you'll get it soon. For those who do, more power to you. That beat is sick in countless ways. RZA was and will always be the best producer in history, '93-'97 will never be matched. Its all been downhill since. You all just have to trust me. I truly have the ear.
Anything Goes Trivia
Last Kiss
Megaton Man
Trevor
