When "Only Built For Cuban Linx..." was released in 1995, the Wu had already established themselves as a force to be reckoned with within the rapgame. Their group effort "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" had put them all on the map and solo efforts were being released with great reviews, "Only Built For Cuban Linx..." was no different. Taking inspiration from almost every gangster and mofiso movie that he could find Raekwon created an epic Cosa Nostra tale that would perfect Mafioso-Rap and would serve as inspiration for everyone that came after him.
Fourteen years and two solo album let downs later, Raekwon finally goes back to his original blueprint and delivers the long awaited sequel to his magnificent debut album. It doesn't disappoint.
Like the original, the guest list is long. Wu members, affiliates and other guests, all participate at the top of their game. After a refreshing intro from Popa Wu (which continues where Pt I ended), Inspectah Deck starts throwing his darts with cunning brilliance on "House of Flying Daggers" a track fueled by a marvelous production from the late J Dilla. Once Deck's opening frenzy ends, Raekwon himself then takes the reins with his profound lyricism and clever rhymes. Ghost follows with equal excellence and Method Man then ends the 5 star opener with a sincere and perfected "Man, ya niggas ain't shit to us" as the start of the final verse. Leaving you with little doubt that this might just be what you have been waiting for for so long.
The rest of the album is lit up with more amazing grimy production, RZA is back on board, more J Dilla follows, Pete Rock, Dr. Dre and The Alchemist are on the list, Allah Mathematics and Ice Water Productions also come up with some of the albums finest production. However, despite the heavyweight guest list and big names that help shape this record into what it is, Raekwon seems eager to prove that this is still his album and that he is the man in the high seat. With his raw but intelligent narrating, this crime cinema-esque tale shows his fineness with relative ease, and the Chef once again proves that his name should be up there right at the top with the other great MC's and storytellers of his era.
How this album was burdened with so many expectations and a flood of doubt, only to prevail with such excellence is quite and amazing achievement. A modern classic in making, leaving Wu fans wanting more.
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