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.
North Star
Raekwon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Doin' my regular thing, man
But, yo, I'ma get back up with you though, baby
Know what I'm sayin'? You know you my nigga, kid
I'ma always come through for you, baby
Yo man, you gotta understand, this shit is real though, man
All the time, word
Yo man, that's you man (bring her over here)
Whassup baby? Goddamn, look at you man
Damn God, I got a shit out you man
Man, I done watched you man, since you was a little crumb-snatcher
A little weed-hopper running around here man
Look at you baby, you look good
(We've got the powers to resurrect the dead)
You understand? I watched you go through a lot of trials and tribulations
But you know somethin', like I used to always tell you, baby
A good listener's a good learner
(G-o-d's my reality)
I see you listened very well, you understand?
(I'm elevating strong and I'm gonna go on to the highest degree)
Your time is coming, baby
See sometime, it could be like, a rear view
You know what I'm sayin? And people don't know when their blessing comes
But I've watched you grow, baby, man you is a very intelligent man
Man, I watched you when I used to sit down
And you used to trick me out my money shootin' dice, nigga is you crazy?
Hahahahahaha
(G-O-D's my reality)
Crazy you crazy, man
You remember that shit man?
When we used to be down there in the hills and shit, man?
(I'm elevating strong I'm gonna go on to the highest degree)
And you'd catch the-, oh here come Old Man Freed
He'd be yellin', "You little slick ass"
Hahahaha
Talk to me baby, you know what I'm sayin?
Hahahaha
I remember all them things, but I'm watchin' you growin'
But remember one thing, Rae, like I used to tell you
The child you was is makin' you the man you is today
And if you don't know where you came from, baby
Then you damn sure know that you don't know where you goin'
Can you see what I'm sayin'?
Know which way you travellin'
(We've got the powers to resurrect the dead)
You understand? And follow that destiny, follow the light
And it'll set you free
(Oh, G-O-D's my reality)
'Cause I've watched you, baby
You my main man
Yeah
(We're elevating strong and we're goin' on to the highest degree)
Now that could be the Wu-Tang production
Start to knuckle up and, gun shots start to click the block's duckin'
Could it be, and would it be, that we was babies
Catchin' rabies, niggas seem to act crazy
Day one, in my spot July the tenth
I had a mint, stickin' up Devines hittin' 'em with nines
I was toxie, from layin' up in Roxy's all night
This nigga bust a shot, licked my man's wife
It was havoc I contact the Abbot
He shook the shoulder though, then he passed the fat chrome automatic
We goin to war, you know we headed to the floor
He woulda, did it, for me fuck it, let's mosie
Schemin' dough, with the P.L.o., wrapped on tight
Sayin in my mic, "Yo, we gotta go"
My first impression was to add some lessons
Question, one, what made you even show your gun and blow the session?
He replied and rocked the green eye
And, yo, he started, yellin', "Them niggas sellin' two for fives"
But he's a goner and I got my corner
What, I'm feedin' my babies, cash rules from morn' to dawnin'
Yeah, Rae baby
Feedin' my babies, cash rules from morn' to dawnin'
Only God is the son of man
(We've got the powers to resurrect the dead)
I'll say it one time, and be certain that fake God does not exist
(Oh, G-O-D's my reality)
(I'm elevating strong we're gonna go on to the highest degree)
This is why the universe, has itself balanced the scale
Of Devine knowledge, and it was measured by the portion
Of solid knowledge
No man, can judge for another
But each man must weigh all facts and circumstances
And find truth in his own judgment of righteousness
See, the way to evil, balance equality in no man
For no man is good and bad at the same time
Either he's good, or he's bad
The lyrics to "North Star" by Raekwon are filled with philosophical and reflective contemplation. The song opens with a conversation between God and Raekwon. Raekwon assures God that he is doing his best to live his life the right way, despite the difficulties he faces. God tells Raekwon that he has been watching him for a long time and knows that he has been through many trials and tribulations.
God emphasizes the importance of being a good listener and a good learner, and encourages Raekwon to follow his destiny and the light. The second verse of the song is a glimpse into the gritty world of inner-city life, with references to gunshots, robberies, and other forms of street violence.
Throughout the song, Raekwon wrestles with questions about the nature of good and evil and the role that each individual plays in determining their own fate. He acknowledges that the universe is balanced by divine knowledge, and that no man can judge another. "North Star" is a contemplative meditation on life's mysteries and a reminder of the importance of seeking the truth.
Line by Line Meaning
(We've got the powers to ressurrect the dead)
Raekwon is communicating with God and acknowledging they have the power to do the impossible.
G-O-D's my reality
Raekwon is emphasizing that God is the ultimate source of truth and the foundation upon which everything in life is built.
I'm elevating strong and I'm gonna go on to the highest degree
Raekwon is suggesting that he is in the process of achieving greatness and pushing himself forward even when things are tough.
We're elevating strong and we're going on to the highest degree
Raekwon is uniting with others to strive for success and to become the best versions of themselves.
Ohh, G-O-D's my reality
Echoes the earlier line for emphasis.
Cash Rules for mortal daughters
Raekwon is acknowledging that material possessions are fleeting, but it is essential to provide for loved ones while one can. He understands that living by values and principles helps to set a solid foundation for future generations.
Only God is the son of man
Raekwon is emphasizing the importance of God and that everything else pales in comparison.
I'm elevating strong we're gonna go on to the highest degree
Echoes the earlier line for emphasis.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Barry White, Robert F. Diggs, Corey Woods
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind