Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... cover

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...

Raekwon · 1995

73 min · 18 tracks · gangsta rap · hardcore hip-hop · East Coast hip-hop

A cinematic journey through gritty street tales, layered with intricate wordplay and haunting beats.

Why this album works

'Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...' is often hailed as one of the defining albums of the 1990s hip-hop era, influencing the development of mafioso rap. It received critical acclaim, securing a spot on numerous best-of lists and heralded for its storytelling and complex lyrics. The album also featured collaborations with fellow Wu-Tang members, further cementing its cultural impact within the genre.
Career context
Released in 1995, 'Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...' was Raekwon's debut solo album following his emergence as a standout member of the Wu-Tang Clan. The project solidified his place in hip-hop, showcasing a distinct mafioso rap style that diverged from the group's collective sound. This release marked a pivotal moment in his career, establishing him as a solo artist while expanding the narrative depth of East Coast hip-hop.
Stylistic neighbors
Nas· Fat Joe· Big Pun

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Striving for Perfection 1:43
  • 2 Knuckleheadz 4:03
  • 3 Knowledge God 4:24
  • 4 Criminology Standout 3:47
  • 5 Incarcerated Scarfaces 4:43
  • 6 Rainy Dayz 6:03
  • 7 Guillotine (Swordz) 4:23
  • 8 Can It Be All So Simple (remix) 5:39
  • 9 Shark Niggas (Biters) 1:39
  • 10 Ice Water 3:38
  • 11 Glaciers of Ice 5:21
  • 12 Verbal Intercourse Standout 3:32
  • 13 Wisdom Body 2:39
  • 14 Spot Rusherz 3:13
  • 15 Ice Cream Standout 4:13
  • 16 Wu-Gambinos 5:39
  • 17 Heaven & Hell 4:56
  • 18 North Star (Jewels) 3:58

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata