The next solo album from Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon will feature several Dr. Dre-produced tracks, according to mtv.com, and be released on Dre’s Aftermath label. There’s no official street date yet, but expect Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, Part 2 (a sequel of sorts to Raekwon’s 1995 debut) in 2007.
Referencing his revered debut seems like a cheap ploy to boost sales and interest, but the Dre affiliation could provide a fresh angle for a Wu solo album. We’ll have to see what they come up with.
Speaking of Wu solo albums, this news is a good enough reason to discuss the best in the catalogue. It seems like there have been hundreds, and Ghostface Killah is certainly the most consistent. My Top 5:
1. Genius/GZA Liquid Swords
2. Ghostface The Pretty Toney Album
3. Ghostface Killah Supreme Clientele
4. Raekwon Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
5. Ghostface Killah Fishscale
It should also be mentioned that Ghostface Killah’s “Kilo” from Fishscale is a candidate for Best Song of 2006.
How soon we forget the dead! Where is ODB’s Dirty Version, the 32 in the Chambers series? The very first Wu Tang solo record, it is an all-Wu achievement. It should be included at least to respect his Nigga Please album. Big Baby lives! (and Cuban Linx should be at least second, an equal half with Swords as the apex of Wu-world dominance. Even if it could’ve been called Only Built 4 Chorizo)
I’m assuming you’re referring to ODB’s debut, Return to the 36 Chambers? It’s got its moments. “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” was landmark. “Brooklyn Zoo” was very strong. I’d say Nigga Please was maybe a little better. “Got Your Money” was massive. The title track, “Rollin’ Wit You” are solid.
Regardless, I don’t think ODB carries an album the way the GZA, Ghost and The Chef can. And when you compare Ghost to Raekwon, Dennis Coles aka Iron Man aka Tony Starks aka Ghostface Killah brings more creativity and excitement.
Granted, Ghostface is the one to beat in pure originality and amazing story telling. But Wu Tang is at heart the sounds of RZA and his best work is Swords/Linx. Poor Method Man, none of his Tical’s make the top 5 and now he’s not even the best actor in Wu Tang anymore (http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=6367), though I await another cameo ffrom his character Cheese on HBO’s The Wire (you know, the best show EVER)