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.
Kiss The Ring
Raekwon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
La Cosa Nostra, it's our thing
So salute, and toast to the best who done it
Murder rap shit, I spit, for the vets who love it
When I step inside, kiss the ring, Wu Familia
La Cosa Nostra, it's our thing
So salute, and toast to the best who done it
Murder rap shit, I spit, for the vets who love it
By the time you read this letter
Your head gon' fly off your shoulder for lying
And I'm a be in bed like holders
Blood from a horse on your spread, you tried to play me now
I'm coughing up, dough on your head, you just a baby
See me in the flick as a Rick, I had to maybe with me
All these niggas stay in the 90's, getting rich
Rick Ruler robe on with rings, walking to the throne
Fronting like I know I'm the king, I live alone though
Buying up, China's Beemers, taking it to Simon's in Medina
Only just to blind you and leave ya
These young boys is crafted with aim, I bought 'em all
Fly ranches, cause they all stand beside me with flames
Regardless, yo, to making the classic, you gon' witness some of the tactics
Some died, live in the action
A live general when he walk, if he died, then we slide
Ninety thou' in the coffin, and take the child
When I step inside, kiss the ring, Wu Familia
La Cosa Nostra, it's our thing
So salute, and toast to the best who done it
Murder rap shit, I spit, for the vets who love it
Black Jesus, check my walk, check my talk
Legend in the flesh and I rep New York
Crowned king, been down to bang, I'm House Gang
Knockout specialist, in and out the ring
Got dinner tables long as boats with old kitchens
And Wu-Tang logos splashed on all the dishes
You know how I speaks the truth, how I teach the youth
I'm an animal, I beast the booth
Been grinding, banging out for food to eat
Your boy still eating good, check my new physique
Since the world is mine, I'm a write my name on the clouds
So that ol' yee faithful, can praise it and bow
Now he's an old Mafia don, from back when
He managed to survive the game, ducking fame
It's how he maintained, the State of Grace, kept his lab laced
Ladies of a fine taste, kept his place guarded
While the young charted, found acquitted, all charges
And his heart loss and, marksmen take the contract
From the contact, waiting for the right event, it all made sense
He left no prints on the weapon, and he was blasting
Came home from prison stashing, still stacking
His whip still matching his kit, steel flashing
Hands quick, nice with his shit, three holy foods
Drops jewels, from a street corner level, young brother, I'm a rebel
Here to instruct private soldiers to buck arms
Ya'll rap cats had your last win, toast the kings
It's Wu-Tang, it's our thing, kiss the ring
When I step inside, kiss the ring, Wu Familia
La Cosa Nostra, it's our thing
So salute, and toast to the best who done it
Murder rap shit, I spit, for the vets who love it
When I step inside, kiss the ring, Wu Familia
La Cosa Nostra, it's our thing
So salute, and toast to the best who done it
Murder rap shit, I spit, for the vets who love it
The lyrics of Raekwon's song Kiss The Ring talk about the Wu-Tang Clan and the Italian-American Mafia's similarities, hence, Wu Familia and La Cosa Nostra become interchangeable terms. Raekwon compares himself to an old Mafia don, someone who managed to survive the game without any scars or marks. He talks about wanting respect and for people to kiss his ring when he enters a room, which is a sign of submission and loyalty.
The song is a display of Raekwon's street knowledge, his money, and power in the rap game. His lyrics are his way of asserting dominance and letting others know who the real kings of the rap game are. The use of the phrase "murder rap shit, I spit" could be seen as a threat and a warning to all those who dare to challenge his authority.
Overall, Kiss The Ring is an anthem for anyone who wants to proclaim his/her authority, especially in the rap game. It is a song that showcases Raekwon's skills as a rapper, his knowledge of the streets, and his determination to hold onto power.
Line by Line Meaning
When I step inside, kiss the ring, Wu Familia
Showing respect and loyalty to the Wu Familia by kissing the ring upon entering.
La Cosa Nostra, it's our thing
The Wu Familia is like the Italian-American Mafia, it's their way of doing things.
So salute, and toast to the best who done it
A call to honor and recognize the best in the game.
Murder rap shit, I spit, for the vets who love it
Rapping about violent crimes and homicides is what the older veterans of the rap game appreciate.
By the time you read this letter
You will face deadly consequences for lying and disrespecting me.
Your head gon' fly off your shoulder for lying
Physical harm will come to those who betray Raekwon and the Wu Familia.
And I'm a be in bed like holders
Raekwon will be resting comfortably while his enemies fall at his feet.
Blood from a horse on your spread, you tried to play me now
Raekwon will spill blood and punish anyone who tries to deceive or betray him.
Fly ranches, cause they all stand beside me with flames
Raekwon has loyal followers who are willing to defend him with deadly force.
Black Jesus, check my walk, check my talk
Raekwon is a godlike figure who speaks and moves with authority and power.
Crowned king, been down to bang, I'm House Gang
Raekwon is the crowned king of his gang and will fight to protect his turf.
Since the world is mine, I'm a write my name on the clouds
Raekwon is confident and feels unbeatable, he wants his name to be known everywhere.
He left no prints on the weapon, and he was blasting
Raekwon is a skilled hitman who leaves no evidence behind after carrying out an assassination.
Here to instruct private soldiers to buck arms
Raekwon is commanding his followers to arm themselves and prepare for battle.
It's Wu-Tang, it's our thing, kiss the ring
The Wu-Tang Clan is a powerful and influential group, show them respect and pay homage by kissing the ring.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BERNARD J.P. TAUPIN, BERNIE TAUPIN, COREY WOODS, ELGIN EVANDER TURNER, ELTON JOHN, JASON HUNTER, JASON S. HUNTER, MARC D. SHEMER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Omegah TV
When it's all said and done, this will be one of Rae's most remembered songs.
Omegah TV
@Steven Obiol thank you fam 👍🏿
Al-lea James
100
Raw’tizm
Hopefully not this version though lol
Steven Obiol
Absolutely correct, well put.
irieeyes12
1000
BIGNick7513
Deck is the most underappreciated rapper of all time.
Rene Ortiz
He went hardest imo and he did the chorus that's legendary
Steven Obiol
Yup, he should be on all those top ten lists
Adam Gordon
BIGNick7513 : Most definitely 🔥🔥