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.
Real Ain't Real
Raekwon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do you know where you going to?
Do you like the things that Lex serving you? But Lex'll murder you
[Raekwon]
A truck Acura, crazy, heavy tuck style, Dutch style
All my niggaz look rich, all the bitches fuck loud
Seeing a Benz and look sizzling, don't let it rain, daddy
Hyper and shooting at snipers, bloodbaths, some, they laugh
Gleaming in some luxury labs, all the wally down, flicks we flash
Grabbing bitches blowing in whips, every blessing, flip up flags
I put that on my wallet, I'm great, kid with the Purple Tape
Claim names, the Louis Lex Diamonds and the makes
All the bank robbing niggaz pump aids, jewelry glass
Commission the mass, to stop the record, pa, switch plates, yo
Real niggaz get big, fake niggaz get hit
Talk about bitches won't come to your shit
I'm throwing on balley's, laying in denalli's
On my way to Cali, fuck niggaz I respect, gun playing the slip
[Chorus: Polite]
Real ain't real no more, yo these niggaz is fake
Ever stared in the eyes of a snake?
To all my real niggaz keeping it street, fuck running your mouth
If it's war, then we talk the heat
Hitting off, leaving bastards dead, watch his body collapse
And push his brains to the back of his head
And y'all niggaz gon' respect the God, and the word of the streets
You niggaz wanna see Lex go hard
[Raekwon]
I sing liver than the Ten', sitting in the V, choking my hat down
Everybody fly, folding bricks
Once my niggaz get on, it's on, I'm popping niggaz off top
This is my yacht, stay the fuck off
Ya'll ran with the Cuban, started changing names, nigga listen
I started it, you need to just pass me the chain
Don't give me that "I respect your work" bullshit
I shot the same game, shot niggaz in planes and stole niggaz wizzes
Yo, that's my ninjas, catching bodies a hobby
Sit back, doola hits, more, listen
Twisting, wrist glisten, slang lord, handle my position
Is to sit back, and kill all fake niggaz
And I sware my ear is the rear version
Don't got time to kill on every track, fuck rap, change the wheel
Kneel behind 'burbans, and burst one knee, this is me
All the kid ever wanted was more burners
[Chorus]
[Hook 2X]
Raekwon's song Real Ain't Real is an ode to the harsh realities of life on the streets, with lyrics that paint a vivid picture of the violent and often deadly underworld that he grew up in. The hook, "Do you know where you going to? Do you like the things that Lex serving you? But Lex'll murder you," warns of the dangers of getting caught up in the drug trade and trusting the wrong people.
Raekwon references luxury cars, expensive jewelry, and beautiful women, but also speaks of the need to stay vigilant and be prepared to defend oneself at all times. He even asserts his own dominance, stating that he started the game and deserves respect and recognition for his contributions.
The chorus, delivered by Polite, emphasizes the idea that "real ain't real no more," with too many people pretending to be something they're not. The message to listeners is clear: stay true to yourself and your principles, and don't let anyone take advantage of you.
Overall, Real Ain't Real is Raekwon's powerful statement on the contradictions and dangers of street life, and a warning to those who might be tempted by the lure of easy money and fast cars.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you know where you going to?
Do you have direction in life and a clear understanding of your goals?
Do you like the things that Lex serving you? But Lex'll murder you
Are you happy with the lifestyle of indulgence and materialism provided by Lex but aware of the danger that comes with it?
A truck Acura, crazy, heavy tuck style, Dutch style
A flashy and expensive SUV with a unique and eye-catching design.
All my niggaz look rich, all the bitches fuck loud
My associates exude wealth and extravagance, while the women they surround themselves with are exuberant and energetic.
Seeing a Benz and look sizzling, don't let it rain daddy, that's when the reds get more busy
When luxury vehicles, such as Benz, appear appealing and sleek, it is important to avoid them during dangerous times as that attracts unwanted attention.
Hyper and shooting at snipers, bloodbaths, some, they laugh gleaming in some luxury labs, all the wally down, flicks we flash
Some of us revel in violence and conflict, while others enjoy the lavish lifestyle and flaunting their wealth by displaying high-end watches (Wallys) and flashing expensive jewelry.
Grabbing bitches blowing in whips, every blessing, flip up flags
Picking up women and enjoying fast cars while highlighting every opportunity and blessing with celebratory gestures.
I put that on my wallet, I'm great, kid with the Purple Tape claim names, the Louis Lex Diamonds and the makes
I swear on my wealth that I am successful and I am a legendary hip hop artist with the album 'Only Built 4 Cuban Linx,' which features brands such as Louis Vuitton, Lex Diamonds and expensive cars.
All the bank robbing niggaz pump aids, jewelry glass commission the mass, to stop the record, pa, switch plates, yo
The criminals rob banks and use the funds to purchase cars with tinted windows, jewelry with sparkling gems, and change their license plates to avoid being identified by law enforcement agencies.
Real niggaz get big, fake niggaz get hit talk about bitches won't come to your shit
Authentic and successful individuals elevate themselves, while phony ones get eliminated. Those who speak poorly about women will not receive the same respect and admiration from others.
I'm throwing on balley's, laying in denalli's on my way to Cali, fuck niggaz I respect, gun playing the slip
I am dressing up in high-end designer shoes (Balenciagas) before comfortably sitting in a GMC Yukon Denali while traveling to California to disregard those who don't deserve my respect and use firearms without caution.
I sing liver than the Ten', sitting in the V, choking my hat down everybody fly, folding bricks
My performance and delivery are superior to other rappers, while sitting in a luxury vehicle with my hat pulled low. Everyone around me is flashy and dealing drugs.
Once my niggaz get on, it's on, I'm popping niggaz off top this is my yacht, stay the fuck off
Whenever my associates thrive, we become a prominent force and I have the authority to eliminate anyone who attempts to interfere with our wealth and status.
Ya'll ran with the Cuban, started changing names, nigga listen I started it, you need to just pass me the chain
You used my album's name and started changing aliases, so you need to give me credit for creating the trend and pass the spotlight down to me.
Don't give me that 'I respect your work' bullshit I shot the same game, shot niggaz in planes and stole niggaz wizzes
Don't pretend to admire my success when we're playing the same dirty game, shooting people even while in the air and stealing women from others.
Yo, that's my ninjas, catching bodies a hobby sit back, doola hits, more, listen twisting, wrist glisten, slang lord, handle my position
My associates take pride in committing murders for fun, so let me sit back, take a hit of marijuana and listen to their exploits. I flex my skills as a lyricist and am in charge of leading this gang.
Is to sit back and kill all fake niggaz and I swear my ear is the rear version don't got time to kill on every track, fuck rap, change the wheel
My ultimate goal is to eliminate all those who are inauthentic and disingenuous, and I have a keen sense of hearing that can detect those types of people. I don't have time to waste on mediocre rap and instead, I drive my life forward towards success.
Kneel behind 'burbans and burst one knee, this is me all the kid ever wanted was more burners
I kneel behind GMC Suburbans and shoot a victim in the knee to show off my ruthlessness. This is who I am and all I ever wanted was more guns to continue my dangerous lifestyle.
Real ain't real no more, yo these niggaz is fake ever stared in the eyes of a snake?
Authenticity and truthfulness are hard to find; many people are pretending. Have you ever come across someone with the same qualities as a snake?
To all my real niggaz keeping it street, fuck running your mouth if it's war, then we talk the heat hitting off, leaving bastards dead, watch his body collapse and push his brains to the back of his head
To those who are genuine and stay true to their roots, let's not just make empty threats but use firearms to eliminate our enemies, witnessing their lifeless bodies collapse, and causing their brains to move backward due to the force of the gunshots.
And y'all niggaz gon' respect the God and the word of the streets you niggaz wanna see Lex go hard
You will show me, the God, respect and consider my insights on street life. You all want to see Lex display his harsh and violent nature towards enemies.
Do you know where you going to?
Do you have direction in life and clear understanding of your goals?
Do you like the things that Lex serving you? But Lex'll murder you
Are you happy with the lifestyle of indulgence and materialism provided by Lex but aware of the danger that comes with it?
Contributed by Hailey B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
charles Lawrence
great mixtape had it on cd back in day this differently was slept on great upload