Rae's groundbreaking debut album helped to bring the flavour of flossing to wax as well as the use of the moniker among Wu brethren and other prominent emcees. The single "Verbal Intercourse" featured the first appearance of Nas Escobar, Nas' alter ego. Similarly, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, who served as Rae's partner in rhyme throughout the entire Cuban Linx album, also developed a slew of other identities. Identities like Lex Diamond, one of the flashy, witty and intellectually stimulating personas of the multifaceted Raekwon.
In the years after the release of Cuban Linx, Raekwon continued to record several albums with the Clan including the platinum Wu-Tang Forver (1997) and The W (2000), as well as the gold Iron Flag (2001). He also starred in the critically acclaimed film Black and White, before releasing his second solo album, Immobilarity in 1999. Four years later, it's time for another masterpiece from Raekwon.
The Lex Diamond Story, Raekwon's forthcoming third solo album is that desperately needed effort. This new LP is as much a reflection of his first musical triumph Cuban Linx, as it is a manifestation of the future and what is to come from this great emcee. Raekwon is like the E.F. Hutton of hip-hop: when he speaks, everyone listens. The current void in hip-hop is filled with this rap veteran's
crafty verbal gymnastics and artistic form of storytelling. The Lex Diamond Story takes the top shelf elements of the Wu's first album and the finest sentiments of Raekwon's debut and joins them together to deliver another classic album to the masses.
A lyrical gourmet meal, The Lex Diamond Story shows that The Chef still possesses the recipe to cook up a jambalaya of words with the main ingredient being superior skills. Animated and intense, Raekwon's stealth delivery is filled with emotion, skilled cadence and an array of diverse stories, hooks, and topics. The track, "All Over Again (The Way We Were)" touches on the flavour of "Can It Be All So Simple" with its tale of street survival. Meanwhile, "Pit Bull Fights" is reminiscent of the ferocious lyrical beating inflicted on "Incarcerated Scarfaces." Raekwon is indisputably at his creative beast. Unchained and uninhibited, he is assertive with his music and focused on his goals.
Crane Style
Raekwon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Talk to them niggas, man, stop playing, man
For real, man
Redskin leather, Indian sex
Pair of fresh Mocs on, lighting Lear on my flesh
Let my arm roll, fresh off the honor roll, platinum bottles of Cru'
All my niggas do what I got 'em for
Lines is nothing, blunt out, fuck him
All we know is jewelry and I mashed that, everybody excited
To see whatever bling on, smash that
Clever, more like a fox and ox together
Two stainless glocks, rocks and a feather
Yeah, I'm from the lead era, shoot at
Anything that move, and move out America
And all we ever want is needed, seen it
Like a young Filipino in Kuwait getting treated
Heavy horror armor, spike a bitch like her
Half a pound of good weed, then float through Gowanus
Brilliant master, sixteenth chapel in the Apple
Flooded up, Warridge wackos
Park Hillians getting hillions, that means millions
All on feet like Nigerian
Shallah, I got 'em
Heat-seeking missile spit, don't even try to hide, nigga
Sizzle through your skin bars, call me cyanide, bitch
Try me if you want, homey, violation's a no-no
I am the health hazard, skull & bone, poisonous logo
Unleash the dragon, massacre the scene
I'm spitting, burn a hole through the speaker,
And start melting the street up
Somebody please call the fire department
And I'm a strong believer,
Ya'll know that I ain't the one to start with
Cause once the fuse is lit and we strike a match and the spark smell
My fangs bleed and we nam them up like ox tail
Ya'll see what's happening, ya'll know what the truth is
Somebody please ask Shallah Rae why he making me do this
Cause once I finish dudes, it's unfortunate for them yappers
Throw them in the trash, they ain't no recycling bin for rappers
I microphone control, it's the current dominant factor
The records been bodied, I personally request the pastor, gone
The lyrics to Raekwon's "Crane Style" are full of vivid imagery and clever wordplay. In the opening lines, Raekwon describes his style as a combination of "Redskin leather" and "Indian sex," which sets the tone for the rest of the song. He then goes on to talk about his expensive taste, with references to platinum bottles of champagne and flashy jewelry. Raekwon positions himself as a master of his craft, with sharp rhymes and a confident delivery. He also references his roots in Park Hill, a neighborhood in Staten Island where he grew up.
Busta Rhymes comes in for the second verse, bringing his signature energy and wordplay to the track. He boasts about his ability to spit "heat-seeking missile" lyrics that can burn a hole through a speaker. Busta also talks about his desire to be the dominant force in the rap game, and his willingness to take out anyone who gets in his way.
Overall, "Crane Style" is a showcase for Raekwon and Busta Rhymes' lyrical prowess, as well as their larger-than-life personalities.
Line by Line Meaning
Redskin leather, Indian sex
I'm wearing high-quality leather and having fulfilling experiences
Pair of fresh Mocs on, lighting Lear on my flesh
I have new shoes and a flashy lighter to go with my lavish lifestyle
Let my arm roll, fresh off the honor roll, platinum bottles of Cru'
I'm showing off my success and academic achievements while drinking expensive champagne
All my niggas do what I got 'em for
My friends and associates listen to my commands and follow through
Extra flashy grind, hit 'em with a crisp rhyme
My style is over-the-top and I deliver my rhymes with precision
Lines is nothing, blunt out, fuck him
I'm not wasting my time with mediocre lines and will just smoke a blunt instead
All we know is jewelry and I mashed that, everybody excited
We are skilled at acquiring and showing off expensive jewelry, which impresses people
To see whatever bling on, smash that
Everyone wants to see and possess the shiny and luxurious items we have
Clever, more like a fox and ox together
I am smart and can be both cunning and strong like a fox and an ox combined
Two stainless glocks, rocks and a feather
I have two guns and valuable items along with a feather for decoration
Yeah, I'm from the lead era, shoot at
I come from a violent time and am not afraid to use my firearm
Anything that move, and move out America
I will shoot anything that moves and quickly leave the country to avoid the consequences
And all we ever want is needed, seen it
We only desire and require what is deemed valuable and significant
Like a young Filipino in Kuwait getting treated
We obtain what we desire and are treated in a similar way to a fortunate Filipino in a wealthy country
Heavy horror armor, spike a bitch like her
I have strong protection and will harm anyone who opposes me
Half a pound of good weed, then float through Gowanus
I have a large amount of high-quality marijuana and will peacefully travel through a specific area
Brilliant master, sixteenth chapel in the Apple
I am exceptionally talented and my skills can be compared to Michelangelo's achievements
Flooded up, Warridge wackos
I have flooded my jewelry with diamonds and rubies and my associates are also wealthy and extravagant
Park Hillians getting hillions, that means millions
People from my neighborhood are becoming millionaires and achieving great success
All on feet like Nigerian
We all have expensive shoes like wealthy Nigerians
Shallah, I got 'em
I have everyone under my control
Heat-seeking missile spit, don't even try to hide, nigga
My rapping style is powerful and accurate, and my enemies cannot escape or hide
Sizzle through your skin bars, call me cyanide, bitch
My lyrics will burn and affect those who are against me, like a deadly poison
Try me if you want, homey, violation's a no-no
I dare anyone to challenge me or disrespect me, as it is not advised
I am the health hazard, skull & bone, poisonous logo
I am dangerous and deadly, with an intimidating symbol to represent me
Unleash the dragon, massacre the scene
I will release my fury and dominate the competition
I'm spitting, burn a hole through the speaker,
My rhymes are so intense they will damage the singers and equipment
And start melting the street up
My skills are so hot they have the power to damage the ground
Somebody please call the fire department
I am creating a dangerous situation that requires emergency attention
And I'm a strong believer,
I have confidence and faith in my abilities
Ya'll know that I ain't the one to start with
Everyone knows better than to confront or provoke me
Cause once the fuse is lit and we strike a match and the spark smell
Once I am provoked and angered, the situation will quickly become explosive and dangerous
My fangs bleed and we nam them up like ox tail
I will violently attack and harm anyone who crosses me
Ya'll see what's happening, ya'll know what the truth is
The situation is clear and obvious, and everyone knows what is really going on
Somebody please ask Shallah Rae why he making me do this
Someone needs to question why I am being forced to act violently
Cause once I finish dudes, it's unfortunate for them yappers
The people I attack will suffer severe consequences and regret their actions
Throw them in the trash, they ain't no recycling bin for rappers
Once I am done with them they are worthless and cannot be rehabilitated in the rap game
I microphone control, it's the current dominant factor
I am currently in control of the microphone and the rap game
The records been bodied, I personally request the pastor, gone
I have successfully defeated the competition and am now requesting a funeral for them
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind