Raekwon – Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... (2xLP)

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... (1995) is Raekwon’s landmark debut and one of the defining albums of 1990s hip-hop. Produced entirely by RZA, it expands the Wu-Tang Clan universe into cinematic territory, crafting a vivid underworld of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal. Raekwon’s intricate storytelling and smooth delivery, paired with Ghostface Killah’s dynamic presence, turn the record into a two-man epic. Tracks like “Criminology,” “Incarcerated Scarfaces,” and “Ice Cream” combine razor-sharp lyricism with lush, sample-heavy beats that feel both luxurious and menacing. More than just a solo record, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... became a blueprint for Mafioso rap — sophisticated, gritty, and full of coded narratives. RZA’s production, drenched in soul loops and cinematic flair, gives the album a timeless atmosphere, while Raekwon’s vivid language elevates street tales into modern mythology. Nearly three decades later, it remains a cornerstone of East Coast hip-hop: a work of precision, mood, and unmatched storytelling power.

Reviews

“One of the most influential rap albums ever made — cinematic, complex, and endlessly stylish.” – Rolling Stone

“Raekwon and RZA at their absolute peak — a masterpiece of world-building and wordplay.” – Pitchfork

“A gritty, elegant classic that set the standard for New York rap.” – The Guardian