The Lex Diamond Story
Raekwon · 2003
59 min · 20 tracks · gangsta rap
A gritty narrative unfolds through hard-hitting beats and vivid storytelling that immerses listeners in street life and ambition.
Top tracks — play these first
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Pit Bull Fights Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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King of Kings — This track showcases Raekwon's skillful storytelling and vivid imagery, painting a picture of his rise in the drug trade amidst gritty realities.
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Ice Cream, Part 2 — Building on the legacy of the original, this track features clever wordplay and memorable hooks, continuing the mafioso rap tradition with flair.
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Lex Diamond Story — The title track closes the album with introspection, reflecting on Raekwon's journey while tying together the thematic elements presented throughout.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines vivid storytelling with gritty production, though its pacing and skit-heavy structure affect cohesion.
What we noticed
- Several tracks employ a slow to mid-tempo pace, allowing for Raekwon's intricate lyricism to take center stage.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- narrative-driven listening experience
- immersive storytelling moments
- reflective and contemplative themes
- dynamic emotional journeys
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — The album solidified Raekwon's reputation post his acclaimed debut.
- Moods
- Introspective· Dark
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2003, The Lex Diamond Story is Raekwon's third studio album, following the critically acclaimed Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.... By this time, Raekwon had solidified his position within the Wu-Tang Clan and was exploring themes of wealth and street life with greater depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ghostface Killah· Inspectah Deck· Nas
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Once Upon a Time
The narrator recounts a pivotal moment from their past, detailing a shift from innocence to streetwise awareness that defines their character.
This structure not only establishes a narrative arc but also contrasts youthful dreams with harsh realities, underscoring the album's overarching themes.
Tracklist
- 1 The Lex Diamond (intro) 1:02
- 2 Pit Bull Fights Start here 2:01
- 3 Hitman Salary (skit) 0:09
- 4 King of Kings 3:49
- 5 Missing Watch 3:25
- 6 All Over Again 3:33
- 7 Clientele Kidd 3:53
- 8 Smith Bros. 4:15
- 9 Restaurant (skit) 2:08
- 10 Robbery 3:49
- 11 Fuck You (skit) 0:25
- 12 Pa-Blow Escablow 3:09
- 13 Musketeers of Pig Alley 3:06
- 14 Ice Cream, Part 2 3:44
- 15 The Hood 3:48
- 16 Wild Chimpanzees (skit) 1:59
- 17 Planet of the Apes 4:28
- 18 Wyld in da Club 4:04
- 19 Once Upon a Time 5:04
- 20 Lex Diamond Story (outro) 1:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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