Straight Gangsterism » Wu-Tang Clan

Raekwon: Solo careers hurt Wu-Tang

Langston — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:18:20 +0000

In this short interview done for VLAD TV, Raekwon suggests that solo careers hurt the Wu-Tang Clan. Essentially, he claims that the solo albums bred jealously and competitiveness which ultimately damaged group productivity. This is strange because I always felt that Wu-Tang’s structure, which facilitated solo moves, was part of the reason they collectively and individually made dope music for so long. A more rigid group structure would have lead to even more intense frustration and competitiveness.

Furthermore, the solo albums only made them better MCs. I think the jump, emceeing wise, from 36 Chambers to Wu-Tang Forever was in-part due to the solos. It gave them a comfortable space to build their identity and sharpen their skills.

Anyways, Raekwon offers an interesting take that I’ve never heard before. Check it out…

Back

Langston — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 05:07:06 +0000

I’ve been on a long hiatus partly because I’ve been hella busy and partly because I’ve been debating over what direction I want to blog to go. I’ll spare you the details of the debate, but I do need to explain the changes that I am making. Given that the hip hop blogworld is oversaturated, making things such as breaking news and videos easily accessible, I will no longer make such posts. I will post new videos and news on Straight Gangsterism’s facebook page, so check that out and become a fan.

I’m currently training to become an ethnomusicologist with a focus on hip hop music and culture. Because of this, I think I have the ability to critically examine and write about the music and the community(ies) that inform it. So, Straight Gangsterism will feature pseudo-scholarly articles on the various elements in hip hop’s sphere. This can range from music (which is the base) to society, politics, and more. This was sort of the format in the beginning, but I eventually switched it up greatly.

That being said, my hiatus would have been longer if it wasn’t for one monumentous event: The release of Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II.

We waited many years for the release of Cuban Linx’s sequal. I will admit to being skeptikal not only about the quality of the album, but also whether it would actually come out at all. I’m sure many felt the same way. No matter how dope his many mixtapes were, I was sure this would be wack. Ten years ago I copped Immobilarity, Rae’s followup to OB4CL, the day it came out and was throroghly dissapointed. After that, I paid little attention to the Chef until very recently.

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II is one of the best albums I’ve heard in the past ten years. I’ve listened to it over and over again and have failed to find a flaw. Rae is sharp as ever and all the guests (Wu-Tang, Beanie Sigel, Busta Rhymes, D-Block) offer dope spots. The beats are riduclous, absolutely incredible. RZA, Pete Rock, J. Dilla, Marley Marl, Dr. Dre, Necro, Erick Sermon, Alchemist, and others provide the perfect soundscape for Rae’s mic mastery. Cuban Linx II has its predecessor’s vibe, but a much updated sound and style. Rae came through and I thank him for it. Hip Hop aint dead.

The album is so good, that this joint is only an ITunes bonus track:

Raekwon – “Walk With Me”

Go cop Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II and keep checking out Straight Gangsterism.

*Chunk Deuce*

Raekwon f/Method Man & Ghostface “New Wu”

Langston — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:42:31 +0000

Props to Rap Radar and Worldstarhiphop for the videos. This is a certified banger. This sound! This sound is what got me into hip hop. I’ve been missing it the last few years. Raekwon’s been killing it lately. That Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II should be a banger. There are two videos for this track, I prefer the original.

Raekwon f/Method Man & Ghostface “New Wu” original

second version without Ghostface

I’ve always wanted to be in a Wu video. I can stand in the backgrounded, hoodied and Tim’d up with the best of them. When am I gonna get a shot??

Peace

Old School Joint of the Week: Ghostface Killah – All that I Got is You

Langston — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:28:41 +0000

Ghostface Killah featuring Mary J. Blige/Tekeitha “All That I Got Is You.” From Ironman (1996)

Everything about this song is moving. The strings, the keys, and Ghost’s narrative combine to drain all of the emotion out of the listener. In my opinion, it’s one of the 20 best hip hop songs of all time and definitely near the top of Wu-Tang’s catalog.

“Sometimes I look up at the stars and analyze the sky/And ask myself was I meant to be here…why?”

Peace