Cordless News

Since his debut solo LP went platinum in 1995, Raekwon The Chef has solidified his place as a certified rap legend. Now with the release of the sequel Only Built For Cuban Linx pt 2, this longstanding member of the Wu Tang Clan brings the raw side of hip-hop back to the masses. Rae speaks about the rumours of a new Wu Tang album, being ranked as top 10, and looking to the UK for unsigned talent...Words by Lawrence Gichigi

Wassup Rae? I'm chillin', I'm chillin'. Everything's cool...

Your new LP Only Built For Cuban Linx pt. 2 is clearly the sequel to your platinum selling debut. How is it similar to the first album that made the world sit up and take notice? It's cinematic in the same way the first was, and it represents the raw core of real hip-hop. When you think of some of the great albums, they always got that great hip-hop form. This album definitely has that sound. It sounds like the early 90s real hip-hop sound.

You definitely filled the album. You've got more than 20 tracks on there! I wanted to make the people comfortable with knowing that they're getting a real album and not just a little bit of something, y'know? I wanted to really impress the people and make this a full album.

Your favourite track? If I were to pick one I'd say House Of Flying Daggers. It definitely takes me back to that Wu era and it's a hardcore beat right there!

There are rumours of a new Wu Tang album emerging. Can you speak on that? Like I said Wu Tang is here forever and the album is definitely coming. No dates yet because we've gotta deal with the politics first because it has to happen under the right energy. In February we're releasing a project with myself, Ghostface Killa and Method Man. Then you've got the a project called The Shaolin Vs Wu Tang which I promised the world and to top it off, we're making a special announcement New Years day.

MTV recently championed you at #10 in the top MCs in the game. Do you agree or are you thinking more along the lines of top 3? Firstly, I'm appreciative of being in their top 10 regardless and I love the fact that editors take their time to acknowledge strong MCs in the game. Between me and [Jay-Z], we probably got the longest stretch out of everybody on the list. I look at it like I'm one of the dudes in the game who became legendary for staying true to hip-hop. But you can't put a number on me 'cos I'm #1 all day every day!

I've got a few questions here from your fans. Firstly; Your real name's Corey. How did you get the name Raekwon The Chef? Due to your skills in the kitchen or the way you handle beef on the streets? We was definitely out there in the streets but I didn't get my name cos of that. I got the name Raekwon The Chef because at one point I was in the Nation of Islam and I was given a name but only the Raekwon part was suitable for the music so that's where I got that. In those old karate flicks there was an old dude called The Chef who was nasty and mean. RZA said "You remind me of this dude, this is what we gon' call you'. That's how we came with Raekwon The Chef.

Nice and simple. Secondly, the UK has a lot of unsigned talent. Would you ever look here to sign an artist to your label ICEH2O? I'm looking now. One thing I always stress is that I don't think European rappers get the respect that they deserve. I get love on both sides of the map so its a great feeling to know I've got people across the world who love me like that. I would love to sign some cats from the UK and I am gonna do it. Get ready for the explosion!

What have we got to look forward to in the new year? Like I said get ready for the surprise announcement on new years day! Look out for The Shaolin vs Wu Tang record and the Meth, Rae and Ghost album. We're gonna keep hip-hop rolling. I don't plan on being away for so long again.

Only Built For Cuban Linx pt 2 Out Now