‘Back to basics’ with Raekwon

Solo hip-hop artist and member of The Wu-Tang Clan, Raekwon, arrived in Richmond Friday to promote the release of his new album “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II.”
Raekwon was interviewed on WVCW, the VCU student radio station, before his scheduled meet and greet when he announced the release of the album.
He described his work as going back to the basics, which is reinforced by rap artists like Ghostface Killah, Jadakiss, Pete Rock, Dr. Dre and Busta Rhymes, who will each appear on the album.
In addition to five Wu-Tang albums, “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II” is Raekwon’s fourth solo album and will be released Sept. 8. The album is the sequel to his first solo album “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx . ,” which went platinum when it was released in 1995.
Raekwon is accredited with beginning the sub-genre mafioso rap in the mid ’90s and his influence can be seen in many popular artists’ work across multiple genres from hard-hitting rock to its original birthplace: hip-hop.
In an exclusive interview with The Commonwealth Times, Raekwon discussed his thoughts on the young people when it comes to music and the industry itself.

The Commonwealth Times: What are your thoughts on the younger generation?

Raekwon: When I come to schools and see cats doing their thing, I know how hard it is for them to really make it and for them to still be here and still continuing to move straight. Me, as someone who didn’t do that, I look up to them. It isn’t about age. It’s about seeing them working for something-living for something, because they’re our people for tomorrow. They’re going to take care of us. It’s just a good feeling to come in here and see cats networking and doing what they do.

The CT: Are you able to promote at or visit a lot of schools?

Raekwon: We did a few, but I haven’t been doing too many lately.

The CT: What aspect do you most enjoy when you are able to interact with students?
Raekwon: I look at it as me paying respect to who (students) are and what they’re doing. This is what they’re doing and this is their skill. They deserve to be treated with the same dignity as a regular fan or a regular company. I think artists need to do this more. When we do our promo runs, we stop through these schools (and) chat with these kids. They’re the ones that are keeping hip-hop alive.

The CT: As a rap artist, what are your thoughts on music education?

Raekwon: Music is important. Music helps soothe the mind in life. I would definitely recommend more classes and hip-hop classes where you get a chance to learn history. Music can save your life. Music has done so much for my life as far as being an inspiration, being something that when I felt like I was down and no one was in my corner, that helped me. That made me adjust to certain issues and problems in the world. I think that music is definitely one of our necessities for being happy.

The CT: Do you have any advice for young musicians?

Raekwon: If this is your passion and you love this and this is what you want to do, you can be whatever you want to be. You just have to go for it and work hard. Nothing comes easy if you really love it. It brings you to a challenge. All I can say is go for it; don’t be afraid of your dreams.

The CT: Do you think it is more difficult today to break into the music industry than when you began your music career?

Raekwon: I don’t think it’s that hard. I think it’s a little difficult to get in but you have so many different networks, social things that you can do where you can have people look at you. It was different when we came in it. We didn’t have a red carpet rolled out. Now the red carpet is filled with mad different people that can step on it. It’s a red carpet with no security, so its just how you walk on it. You look at what you got and you say “I’m going to do this, I’m going to create this, I’m going to come out with my CD and my DVD and I got this.” You put whatever amount of money on the side so just in case I run into my favorite rapper at a show, I can come and say, “Yo.” It wasn’t like that for us back then.

The CT: Did you experience any difficulties breaking into the industry?

Raekwon: There were a lot of difficulties. We weren’t able to have access to college radio and there were only a few stations that were doing that. Now you have all these cities that you can go to and I’m sure it has tripled. There are multiple people that may be able to help you with your career. I think it’s like using everything as a ladder to get where you have to go, whether you’re at school doing it. Today it’s easier for you to be heard, so use it as a promo weapon.