Two decades after making his solo debut in the game, hip-hop legend Raekwon remains one of the genre’s mainstays as he continues to exhibit his talents for listeners all over.
His latest release – Fly International Luxurious Art – verifies the claim, as the Staten Island emcee takes a moment to reflect on the work he’s put in, while simultaneously showcasing his “art” to audiences new and old.
“It’s like a griffin, it’s like a sphinx,” says Raekwon explaining the meaning of the album cover’s lavish appearance, during a VIP listening party and keynote interview in Toronto prior to his performance at the city’s Phoenix Concert Theatre. “It’s a statue from a lot of hard work through the years – getting that legendary credibility in the game, and really just monumenting it.”
“It’s half eagle, half lion,” he adds. “That’s how I feel. The lion side of it is me being in the jungle and dealing with a lot of the shit that comes with being in territories of danger. I’ve been through it. The eagle side [is me] flying over all the bullshit, [hovering] through the universe the way I’m supposed to.”
Deservedly so, the mindset of being a “fly” individual is reflected on the new project, as Raekwon gives listeners illustrations of where he’s at in life right now. He’s paid his dues over the past 20 years, and now he’s earned the right to be acknowledged as one of the Gods of the game.
Alongside fellow veterans like Snoop Dogg, Ghostface Killah and Busta Rhymes, as well as newer stars like A$AP Rocky and French Montana, the Chef places emphasis on serving variety with this effort, all while adjusting to the abundance of cameos and a newer sound.
Toronto’s She Da God – producer of one of the album’s standout tracks, “Wall To Wall” – was on hand for the VIP listening party and was personally congratulated by Raekwon for her continuous hard work.
This modern sound comes in large part from a flurry of producers contributing to the project in ways that push Raekwon to rhyme over fresher, more current production, all while still allowing the emcee to excel from a lyrical standpoint.
Toronto’s She Da God – producer of one of the album’s standout tracks, “Wall To Wall” – was on hand for the VIP listening party and was personally congratulated by Raekwon for her continuous hard work. Raekwon’s love for Toronto is legit, and his ear for talent proves it.
In addition to that, he’s done several shows in the city, and even goes as far as to shout out Eglinton Avenue on the track “Live To Die”.
“I’ve been out here. I’ve always felt like Toronto and New York [are] like twins,” Raekwon explains to the crowd gathered inside of the Red Bull Toronto head offices. “[I’ve been] able to explore and go through some of these neighbourhoods and see the people. To be honest with you, it feels like I’m in Brooklyn.”
Audience members, young and old, united in the word-for-word recital of classic cuts such as Wu-Tang Clan’s “C.R.E.A.M.” and Raekwon’s “Ice Cream” record from his debut album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx – which was released 20 years ago.
The similarities between the two cities have been acknowledged in the past, and now it seems as if more artists are noticing the parallels.
The adoration of hip-hop is one such element within the comparison. This love for great music was confirmed during Raekwon’s performance later that evening.
Audience members, young and old, united in the word-for-word recital of classic cuts such as Wu-Tang Clan’s “C.R.E.A.M.” and Raekwon’s “Ice Cream” record from his debut album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx – which was released 20 years ago.
The performance of the newer records off Fly International Luxurious Art marked lively moments during the Chef’s hour-long set as well. Due to the newness of the music, the lyrical unity of the audience was a bit disjointed at times, but nonetheless, the energy was still there.
Whether you’re trapped in the ’90s or you’ve acquired a more modern taste, Raekwon has got you covered. When you consider his longevity, the aforementioned fact is that much more incredible.
Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Creative Commons
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