Raekwon: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx (Yellow & Clear Colored Vinyl) Vinyl 2LP

This is the crown jewel of the Clan's solo efforts. All the early Wu solo joints were strong, but what separates Linx is the finesse. The record has the mandatory hype Wusingles ("Glaciers of Ice," "Ice Cream," "Incarcerated Scarfaces"), but it's the moody non-single joints that really feel. The centerpiece is the lyrically delicate but rugged "Verbal Intercourse." "Live on the run, police paying me to give in my gun, trick my wisdom with the system that imprisoned my son, smoke a gold leaf I hold heat nonchalantly I'm raunchy, but everything I do is real, It never haunts me" - Nas delivers with the verse of that year ('95), elevating Rae and Ghost's at the same time. "Knuckleheadz," "Rainy Dayz," "Guillotine," "Can It Be All So Simple (remix)," "Ice Water," "Heaven or Hell." It doesn't stop. This limited 2022 reissue comes pressed on clear and yellow split colored vinyl in a gatefold jacket and includes the previously CD-only track "North Star (Jewels)." Recommended.

• yellow & clear split colored double vinyl pressing
• remastered sound
• newly designed gatefold sleeve w/ liner notes
• original release year: 1995
• music label: Get On Down 2022

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2012