TheLostBoy

The frustrating wait has ended. Today, hip-hop is breathing an anxious sigh of relief because Papa Wu's much anticipated, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2, is finally on the streets. Corey Woods, aka The Chef, aka The Hip-Hop Architect, erected substantial blueprints for lyrical success with the 1995 debut, solo release of OB4CL. The release of The Purple Tape is one of the most significant contributions to hip-hop. This album's entrenched Mafioso motif is responsible for establishing the canon which heavily influenced such greats as: Tupac, Nas, Biggie and Jay-Z.

Although Raekwon's initial effort is hailed as a lyrical masterpiece, this maestro of the sixteen has yet to design another album that comes close to spawning the same acclaim as his first. Today the streets will voice its opinion of OB4CL2. Will it be viewed as a sequel that came entirely too late? Or, will it possess the classic characteristics of its predecessor? In this concise interview with BallerStatus.com, Raekwon openly discusses everything from the inception of hip-hop to the emerging MCs that have caught his attention.

BallerStatus.com: Since its infancy, hip-hop has surprised the masses with its tenacity. What are your thoughts on the maturation of hip-hop?

Raekwon: I think it has matured on a business level, but not necessarily [on an artistic one].

BallerStatus.com: Do you consider yourself to be a "Golden Era" MC? According to the Chef, what era of hip-hop are we currently experiencing?

Raekwon: I guess if that's what you wanna call it. Hip-hop is experiencing a saturation of one record and that's it instead of a full-length album.

BallerStatus.com: You're a living legend that's still attacking the mic. Your creativity has impacted the history of hip-hop and has even had it rewritten. With that said, in what ways have your skills as a lyricist improved over the years?

Raekwon: Just being able to come up with different stories and [I] just don't have to talk 'bout coke and guns all day. I'm basically on the top of my game right now.

BallerStatus.com: It's been over 14 years since the release of OB4CL. With such a successful album, how'd you approach creating its sequel?

Raekwon: Well, I approached it with the same intensity [that I use on all] of my albums [that] I've created, but with a little more slang and Mafioso talk.

BallerStatus.com: Given the great amount of time that's elapsed since the release of OB4CL, can you pinpoint the catalyst that spawned the creativity of OB4CL2?

Raekwon: It was basically just the fans that really did that for me. I always knew I had it in me to make another one. But the fans kept calling me.

raekwonBallerStatus.com: The Rza was the exclusive producer on the original. Will this one have the same cohesive cinematic sound if it has multiple producers? Are there any surprising collaborations?

Raekwon: Most definitely, it will have the cinematic sound, but it just will be different producers. They didn't go out [for] that Wu-Tang sound, but def will be some surprise collabs on the album. But, y'all have to wait and see.

BallerStatus.com: In an article you did with HipHopDX you said, "I'm not letting the industry control my destiny on this record." In what ways did you work to ensure that OB4CL2 will be certified classic?

Raekwon: I mean, I had multiple deals on the table for the project, but I felt it needs the utmost attention and if they couldn't give that to me then we couldn't do business. But, I weighed out my options and came up with the best situation for me.

BallerStatus.com: As a hip-hop connoisseur what collective characteristics makes a dope MC or a dope group?

Raekwon: A dope MC or group has to be able to touch many topics and has to be versatile. They won't limit themselves to one type of rhyming, they'll be inventive in their own way.

BallerStatus.com: What is necessary for a group to achieve longevity? What's the biggest thing that you learned from the Wu-Tang?

Raekwon: Man, be loyal to ya fans and don't sell out for anything. Stay true to yaself. Some people ain't made to sell millions of records. You might be that dude that goes gold, but has the utmost respect in the streets, you know? But the biggest thing that I've leaned in the Clan is brotherhood and loyalty. We stressed that for a long time coming up -- if we stick together and be loyal to each other, we're unstoppable.

BallerStatus.com: Within the last 10 years has any emerging talent dropped a classic that's commanded your attention, if so please explain?

Raekwon: Not really. Honestly, I don't really listen to rap music outside -- Really, I listen to old school music like Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, etc.

BallerStatus.com: Will there be a "Verbal Intercourse 2?" Do you consider Nas to be your protégé?

Raekwon: I don't know. Who knows? Nah, Nas is in no way my protégé. He's a good friend of mine and we both came up together.

BallerStatus.com: As a man, what has been the greatest accomplishment that Corey Woods has achieved thus far? What goals are you working towards?

Raekwon: I would have to say having kids, you know? My goals would be being a better father, brother and business man.

2009-09-02 - Raekwon OB4CL 2BallerStatus.com: The way that one decorates his home may be viewed as an extension of his personality. What does your home's décor say about yourself?

Raekwon: Well me, I'm the chef, so that means I cook up all types of dishes and make them flavorful. My cribs have colors, but they don't clash together. You will be like, "How did he think of putting these colors together and it looks fly?"

BallerStatus.com: The MLB season is underway and President Obama got to threw out the opening pitch at the All-Star Game. If the opportunity were to present itself, at which stadium, would you like to throw out the opening pitch?

Raekwon: Of course, it would have to be at, Yankee Stadium. Plus, a lot of people don't know I played baseball. [I] possibly could have made it to the league. When I was young, and in the hood, they [would] call me the black Babe Ruth.

BallerStatus.com: Baseball is considered our national pastime, has the rampant alleged steroid use compromised the dignity and legitimacy of the game?

Raekwon: Very much so. People are thinking that these stars are just genetically talented to hit home runs, then [once] you find out they [are] using 'roids it hurts the game dramatically.

BallerStatus.com: Is there any impactful advice that you'd like to share with the world about making hip-hop a rewarding career?

Raekwon: I would say, make sure you want to do this, because there is no retirement fund in this. You get what you make out of it. So, in a nutshell, I'm saying its go hard or go home.

BallerStatus.com: Do you have any closing comments?

Raekwon: I know the fans [have] been waiting for this classic album. I'm back and it's finally coming out; no more holding back. I'm bringing back that hip-hop that everyone loved. Peace.

Source-

__________________