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.
Crown of Thorns
Raekwon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Play wealth, keep your health and your heart first
The belt that's been passed on the last car collision and cracks
We was there rolling up, holding duffel bags, that's facts
Blood on his Fila's, crested Levi's
Laid there, two chains on, where's the throne
I was slick, like poets who know his shit, cold as shit
Thugs that stay loaded then blow throughout the global quick
Right in front of the Flash Gordon, you crabs goners
Stealin' styles so we taxed him out on Billy Childs
The bodies was ripped from water, twist the chalice
A grown folks game to the older folks
Grey haired gangsters rockin' New Balance
See the chodes, a few challenges
Money spill, heads tumble, thugs rumble, drugs crumble
But still I'm still upon in bankers trust, thankin' us
Preparing my speech, pulled up in a peach Corniche
Seats are burgundy, soccer gear and Louis cleats
Hand me my medals, pussy he just laughin' at us
I know you wanted my bitch, but money won't attract her
They trained, pullin' pistols see the aims
It's desert shark, that blow apart flesh and bones when it starts
The originator, Cuban linx chains, diamonds and clarks
Swim on this crime wave where bags of money get washed
They say Loyalty's golden and it will make you rich
Well, I'm royal, my cloth is purple, I never switch
High chief, low eyes and hella jewels
Word from the wise, it's time to rise and show and prove
Getting money is easy, keeping it that's the hard part
Creeps and scavengers roam the land, call 'em aardvarks
Go ahead and try me now, filthy rich Africans
From the slums' glorious days, I bring the action in
Long hair Brazilians love swallowing my children
Self made poet, poetry constantly bringin' millions in
Scratch that small talk, meetings with the higher ups
Walls necessary, cemetery bitch and bury chumps
Spark up a branch and sip the champagne for the pain
Let's celebrate, this duffel bag snatch your dime piece bag another coffin though
From the era where the code is 'never trust a hoe'
My advanced stride is the coldest, yo
Ritual's get the bread and stay upon your square
For the leeches and the sly foxes please be aware
'Cause they will pray upon your shortcomings
Jeopardize the family's heir
Here's the first glass, sip it to hell, I'll see you there
They say loyalty's golden and it will make you rich
Well, I'm royal, my cloth is purple, I never switch
High chief, low eyes and hella jewels
Word from the wise, it's time to rise and show 'em proof
In Raekwon's song "Crown of Thorns", he reflects on his experience as a member of the Wu-Tang Clan and as a successful rapper. Throughout the song, he touches on themes of loyalty, wealth, and the constant threat of danger. He starts off with a reference to the dangerous lifestyle that he and his fellow rappers used to have, with "shooters in buildings" and "coups in the pavilions". However, in the midst of this lifestyle, he reminds himself and the listener to prioritize health and heart over wealth. He then references a past altercation where they were "rolling up, holding duffel bags" and one of his associates is found dead with "blood on his Fila's".
Raekwon then goes on to brag about his success, referencing expensive brands like Louis Vuitton and "diamonds and clarks". However, he knows that with wealth comes danger, warning that "creeps and scavengers roam the land". He emphasizes the importance of loyalty, reminding the listener that loyalty is what makes one "rich" and distinguishing himself as a "royal" who never "switches". He continues with references to different cultures and their attraction to him, including "long hair Brazilians love swallowing my children". Finally, he advises the listener to stay vigilant against those who would take advantage of their weaknesses, the "sly foxes".
Overall, "Crown of Thorns" is a reflection on the difficulty of success and the constant threat of danger that comes with wealth and power, while also emphasizing the importance of loyalty and staying true to oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
From shooters in buildings to coupes in the pavilions
From violence and danger to luxury and indulgence
Play wealth, keep your health and your heart first
Don't let money consume you, prioritize your well-being and morality
The belt that's been passed on the last car collision, and cracks
The damage and legacy left by previous violent confrontations
We was there rolling up, holding duffel bags, that's facts
Presenting a past involvement in criminal activity
Blood on his Fila's, crested Levi's
Physical evidence of violence and danger
Laid there, two chains on, where's the throne
A victim of violence or crime, questioning the value of seeking power
I was slick, like poets who know his shit, cold as shit
Confident and skilled, drawing a comparison to skilled writers
Thugs that stay loaded then blow throughout the global quick
Violent criminals causing global disruption
Fast money and sneakers, cool out king silks on
Living a flashy and extravagant lifestyle
Right in front of the Flash Gordon, you crabs goners
Taunting and threatening enemies or rivals
Stealin' styles so we taxed him out on Billy Childs
Punishing those who copy or steal their style or ideas
The bodies was ripped from water, twist the chalice
Possibly referring to disposing of bodies, involving ritual or symbolism
A grown folks game to the older folks
Criminal activity is a game for adults who know the risks
Grey haired gangsters rockin' New Balance
Older criminals still living an extravagant lifestyle
See the chodes, a few challenges
Not clear, possibly referring to observing or facing obstacles and difficulties
Money spill, heads tumble, thugs rumble, drugs crumble
A chaotic and dangerous environment with many factors in play
But still I'm still upon in bankers trust, thankin' us
Acknowledging success in achieving financial stability and recognition
Preparing my speech, pulled up in a peach Corniche
Presenting oneself with poise and luxury
Seats are burgundy, soccer gear and Louis cleats
Further showcasing luxury and extravagance
Hand me my medals, pussy he just laughin' at us
Possibly referring to a conflict or rivalry with an enemy
I know you wanted my bitch, but money won't attract her
Asserting the value of loyalty and love over money or wealth
They trained, pullin' pistols see the aims
Describing a violent confrontation with enemies or rivals
It's desert shark, that blow apart flesh and bones when it starts
Referencing a violent weapon or method of attack
The originator, Cuban linx chains, diamonds and clarks
Establishing oneself as an original and influential figure with flashy and expensive accessories
Swim on this crime wave where bags of money get washed
Participating in a criminal enterprise where money is the primary source of profit
They say loyalty's golden and it will make you rich
Emphasizing the importance and value of loyalty and its potential rewards
Well, I'm royal, my cloth is purple, I never switch
Asserting one's own loyalty and regal status, with a refusal to betray or turn on others
High chief, low eyes and hella jewels
Presenting oneself as a powerful and successful figure with wealth and status
Word from the wise, it's time to rise and show and prove
Encouraging others to step up and demonstrate their own abilities and loyalty
Getting money is easy, keeping it that's the hard part
Acknowledging the challenges and risks of maintaining wealth and success
Creeps and scavengers roam the land, call 'em aardvarks
Describing those who prey on the successful or vulnerable, using an animal metaphor
Go ahead and try me now, filthy rich Africans
Challenging and taunting potential enemies or rivals
From the slums' glorious days, I bring the action in
Bringing success and action from humble beginnings or difficult situations
Long hair Brazilians love swallowing my children
Unclear, possibly a symbolic or metaphorical statement
Self made poet, poetry constantly bringin' millions in
Describing oneself as a self-made artist with successful and lucrative work
Scratch that small talk, meetings with the higher ups
Moving past idle chatter to more important and influential interactions
Walls necessary, cemetery bitch and bury chumps
Possibly implying the need for secrecy, with a warning to those who pose a threat
Spark up a branch and sip the champagne for the pain
Using alcohol and drugs to cope with difficulties and struggles
Let's celebrate, this duffel bag snatch your dime piece bag another coffin though
Celebrating success and possibly making a threat to competitors or enemies
From the era where the code is 'never trust a hoe'
Describing a past time or culture that emphasized caution and mistrust of others
My advanced stride is the coldest, yo
Asserting one's own skill and ability above others
Ritual's get the bread and stay upon your square
Possibly referring to acting methodically and maintaining discipline to achieve success
For the leeches and the sly foxes please be aware
Warning of potential threats from those who seek to manipulate or deceive
'Cause they will pray upon your shortcomings
Describing the methods of those who seek to take advantage of others
Jeopardize the family's heir
The danger or risk to one's own family or legacy
Here's the first glass, sip it to hell, I'll see you there
Possibly referring to enjoying life and indulging in excess, with a defiant attitude
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Corey Woods, Philip Perry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Walt B Council
Track sounds and feels like a scene in a cinematic action packed blockbuster.....needs a video.
Red Skywalker
drop a video
larry burks
he should have made this the single. best raekwon song ive heard in a long time
Order of the Sun
My favorite song on this album.
DJ Tim space King
Me 2
Demetrius Barnes
Alvin Gonzalez this and the reign
jay roar
this song gives me goosebumps
Fernando Rhin
Instrumental?
Deez123
@Scott Mallory same here!
Scott Mallory
jay roar I listened about 50 times in a row the first time I heard this