Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II is the fourth solo album by American hip hop rapper and Wu-Tang Clan-member Raekwon, released September 8, 2009, on Ice H2O/EMI Records in the United States. It is the sequel to his critically acclaimed debut album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… (1995).
The album debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200 and at number 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, while selling near 68,000 copies in its first week. Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Pt. II received universal acclaim from music critics, based on an aggregate score of 89/100 from Metacritic. The album sold 132,000 copies in the United States as of November 12, 2009, according to SoundScan.
Background
The album was originally announced in late 2005, when it was stated that Busta Rhymes would be executive producing the album. In January 2006, Raekwon announced that the album was finished, and production was largely credited to RZA, with RZA and Busta Rhymes being named executive producers. In 2006, it was revealed that Wu-Tang Clan members GZA and Inspectah Deck would be featured, returning with their Wu-Gambino personas.
Busta Rhymes' influence on the project became more solidified when it was announced Raekwon had signed a contract with Dr. Dre's label Aftermath Entertainment, to which Busta was signed. The deal was structured so that the released would be a joint venture between Wu-Tang and Aftermath Entertainment. After a period of time and reported delays in the recording process, the two parties eventually separated from the original agreement. The decision came after it was revealed Dr. Dre had reportedly become creatively tied up with his personal Detox record, and had lost interest in working on Raekwon's album. Raekwon stated in an interview that Aftermath isn't the label the album will be released on, stating Dr. Dre is a busy man and may not have the time to give the album his full attention, but that two tracks from the album were produced by Dr. Dre.
A supposed insider from Aftermath spoke about the album and its repeated delays:
The album, which was still not released by 2007, and was named the #6 most anticipated album of 2007 by XXL Magazine , though it would be pushed back numerous times and numerous changes were made to the release date.
In an interview with HipHopDX.com, Raekwon commented on the upcoming album:
Near the end of 2007, Wu-Tang Clan group leader RZA came under attack from members Ghostface Killah and Raekwon over the production of the group's 2007 album 8 Diagrams , with Raekwon even going as far as to say he would not include any of RZA's production on the album.
Raekwon and RZA later made up with Raekwon deciding to work with RZA who served as the album's executive producer.
While the album wasn't talked about much in 2008, in an interview with DJ Semtex, Raekwon stated the album was set for release in February 2009, as he stated it could be ready at that point, but he continued to fine-tune and add more material.
The album's first single, originally entitled "Wu Ooh" and later retitled "New Wu", was released for playback on various radio mixshows, including New York's Hot 97, with an official video being released on the internet. The video features Ghostface Killah and Method Man, who rap their verses respectively as well as guest appearances from The Alchemist, The RZA, Cappadonna, Inspectah Deck and other Wu-Tang affiliates including Popa Wu.
In interviews in early 2009, he stated the album will be released through his own label, Icewater Records, with him later confirming EMI as another label the album will be released on.
In April 2009, Raekwon conducted an interview with XXL where it was confirmed that Busta Rhymes would no longer be credited as executive producer on the album. In the same interview it was stated that the album would be released on August 11, 2009. Raekwon later announced that, due to a leak of a song on the album entitled "Surgical Gloves," as well as sample clearance issues, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II would be pushed back once again to September 8, 2009.
Structure and lyricism
The album follows a similar crime laced cinematic approach as the original. In keeping with the structure of and concept of OB4CL the loose storyline of a mafioso crime boss is told mainly from the 3rd person. It is combined with carefully placed skits weaved into the beginnings and ends of songs.
In contrast to the first album/story where the main character is attempting to leave behind a criminal life, here he has seemingly embraced the life. The narrative has these older characters taking a look back at their pitfalls and spoils as they have finally risen to the top. "While many of their '90s peers recycle toothless tautologies about bringing New York back or vainly wrestle with advanced age by collaborating with flavor-of-the-minute flotsam and jetsam, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah refuse to stay forever young. Proudly profane, the two come off as salty mafia dons with long memories, too old to change their ways but with the narrative skill and eye for detail of master storytellers in their prime."
The album's final track, "Kiss The Ring" has Masta Killa's narration summarizing the loose concept of the story and closing the album in film-like fashion.
The lyricism displayed on OB4CL2 has been highly praised, especially Raekwon's performances:
Recording
Announced producers were confirmed to include RZA, J Dilla, Dr. Dre,, Erick Sermon, Allah Mathematics; Marley Marl, Scram Jones, Pete Rock and The Alchemist.
There was some speculation as to what RZA's role would be on OB4CL2. On the original album, RZA was the only producer to contribute as well as the album's executive producer. Raekwon had commented early on that the sequel would be different in this light. " definitely put his two cent in and made his elements, and that’s what it’s about. But I can’t allow one man to lead my destiny no more." Raekwon spoke on the difficulties of working on the project with the legendary producer:
During Rock the Bells '09, Raekwon spoke on the importance of getting the right producers on board with the project:
Raekwon spoke on what it was like getting the opportunity to rhyme over the late J Dilla's production:
Expectations grew high for the album as wide variety of reports attached various guests and producers to the project. An all-star cast of musicians appeared on the record, but many more of these reported collaborations did not come to fruition or did not make the final cut. Reports mentioned Raekwon working with a wide variety of guests as well. Raekwon stated The Game and Travis Barker would be featured on the album, although neither would appear on the final product. Raekwon mentioned in an interview that a track was recorded with Bun B (of UGK) called "Never Used To Matter". Bun B earlier said in a Pitchfork Media interview that he was to be featured in the album, however the mentioned track was not on the final cut. Raekwon stated that rapper Nas wished to be on the album, featured on a song with a familiar style to an earlier collaboration from the two, "Verbal Intercourse". Despite this, a collaboration with Nas was not recorded for the album. According to New York rapper Sean Price, Raekwon had originally planned on putting Nas alongside Jadakiss on the song "Broken Safety".
Release
On July 22, 2009, a report was published which claimed numerous collaborations, final track names, and producers. A month later on August 27, another report was published featuring the final track listing.. The two reports listed most of the same tracks, but with slight differences in names, producers, and featured guests. The change lead to the perception that there were many tracks cut from the final listing, however it is more likely that the details were transcribed incorrectly as most of the tracks listed were released in some form. The final album differed from the initial report as follows:
- "Godfather" retitled to "Black Mozart" (was previously a solo track called "Secret Indictment")
- "40 Deuce" retitled to "Broken Safety"
- "Wu Ooh" retitled to "New Wu"
- "Nigga Me" retitled to "About Me"
- "Kareem Khan" retitled to "We Will Rob You"
- "Walk Wit Me" was moved to a European/iTunes Bonus track
"Criminology 09" featuring Ghostface Killah and "Rockstar" featuring Inspectah Deck & GZA were the only songs listed in the report that was eventually cut from the final line-up. "Criminology 09" had been earlier leaked and discussed by Raekwon as being included on the effort. An additional song was added to the August report and remained in the final line-up titled "Baggin Crack" and produced by Erick Sermon. It is only available on the explicit version of the album.
Reception
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Pt. II was released on September 8, 2009 and was ranked the number one downloaded album available on iTunes for the first three days of its release. It debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200 and at number 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, the same positioning as the original Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... , while selling near 68,000 copies in its first week.
Upon release, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Pt. II received universal acclaim from most music critics, based on an aggregate score of 89/100 from Metacritic. Allmusic gave it 4 out of 5 stars and lauded Raekwon's lyrical ability, writing that he is "in top form, sp
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