the411online.com: $50 reviews (5 stars)

$50 reviews (5 stars)

September 24, 2009

Review: RAEKWON, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II

Fourteen years have passed, yet somehow Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II picks up right where the original left off. The Wu-Gambinos are back, complete with the aliases of their aliases. The stars, of course, are Chef Raekwon (as Lex Diamonds) and his sidekick, Ghostface Killah (a.k.a. Tony Starks). But Method Man, Inspectah Deck, RZA, GZA, Masta Killa, Cappadonna and Blue Raspberry reprise their roles in the sequel as well, along with some new faces. The movie samples return, but there's no purple tape this time. Instead, the CD cover has been recreated with the hue's haze. It's rare that skits are welcome, but their presence adds to the cinematic feel in this instance, just as it did before.

The biggest difference is in the production. While RZA handled every track on the first, Erick Sermon, Pete Rock, Dr. Dre, Marley Marl and even the late J-Dilla contribute here. All amazingly find a way to fit into the Linx blueprint and still complete a cohesive album. But it's no tribute. And it's not a cash grab, either. Everyone involved in the project seemed in tune with what a sequel to Only Built 4 Cuban Linx represents and adjusted their games accordingly.

Among the guest standouts from behind the boards are Marley Marl's all-too-brief "Pyrex Vision," Necro's "Gihad," Pete Rock's "Sonny's Missing," Erick Sermon's "Baggin' Crack," J-Dilla's "House of Flying Daggers," "Ason Jones" and "10 Bricks" and Dr. Dre's "Catalina" and the Busta Rhymes-blessed "About Me." Not to be outdone, the RZA supplies two of the disc's best: "New Wu" and "Black Mozart."

And the guest highlights aren't limited to production. Ghostface makes the most of his second billing, appearing on so many tracks they didn't even bother to list him on all of them. Method Man pairs with Ghost and Rae on the aforementioned "New Wu," which despite the name is as vintage as it gets.

The only MC with a non-expired license to sing -- Slick Rick -- does just that on "We Will Rob You." But no one steals the show from Raekwon, who seems especially inspired by the return to where his solo career started. For the finale, Scram Jones serves as the closer, delivering an unlikely, but inspired, Elton John sample for "Kiss the Ring." Needless to say, Raekwon gets the win. Click here to find out how to buy this album.

-- Mason Storm

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Sep 24, 2009 2:35:00 PM | $50 reviews (5 stars), Raekwon, Reviews

December 16, 2008

Review: Q-TIP, The Renaissance

People have been waiting for 10 years for this album -- literally. I still remember the day in 1998 that A Tribe Called Quest's The Love Movement, Outkast's Aquemini and Jay-Z's Vol. 2 ... Hard Knock Life arrived. Quest was easily the favorite at that time, but ended the day in third place. In some ways it felt as if the Tribe had passed the torch of consistent excellence to Outkast that day, even if the masses followed Hova from that point on. As the years passed we awaited a return. Quest or Q-Tip -- it didn't matter, just as long as it was a worthy comeback. Finally, The Renaissance has arrived.

This album flows effortlessly from track to track, just like the good old days. Before you know it, you're halfway through and haven't stopped bobbing your head. It doesn't have the obvious single like "Vivrant Thing" or the mainstream advertising staying power of "Galvanize," but who wouldn't trade a consistently solid album for a one-hit wonder?

Still, I'll single out a few: the creatively sports-themed "Won't Trade," the lead single, "Gettin' Up," the a capella-blessed "Dance on Glass" and the hidden title track that precedes it. R&B stars past and present Raphael Saadiq, D'Angelo and Norah Jones complement three other worthwhile songs. That covers half of the 12 listed, but honestly, I enjoyed them all from start to finish. Just throw it on, leave it alone and enjoy. Click here to find out how to buy this album.

-- Mason Storm

Around the Way
allmusic: 4.5
Entertainment Weekly: A
Pitchfork: 8.4/10
HipHopDX: 4.5