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.
Rover Sport
Raekwon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All that heroin out there, nigga
I can't tell, nigga, what's up
I can't tell you nothing no more
[Raekwon]
Pull up the Range sport, blow in the back of the trunk
Color sickening, bitches is blunt
We generate hoods and hide this gwop
For all the blocks we invading, we be caking & strip naked
I know you wasn't selling by the building, I feel the hating
Dust blunts with heroin, servin up Steak'ems
Shot him by the building, yo, and spit on his laces
Rich niggaz'll rise, more eyes, yo, Busta, what up?
Chilling like we at the 25's out
Night time is vibe, pies get thrown to guys
You fuck up this money, bones is fried
I'ma stay fly, getting paper, sit on a ten acre kitchen
Bout the size of the Ritz at Penn Station, yup
Rich niggaz we spot you, stay genuine, cousin
Do your numbers, fam, regardless, yo, we got you
[Interlude: Raekwon]
Hahahaha... ahhhh, do it nigga, there, you should fucking..
Fucked up New York Yankee hats on fronting
Niggaz know Cuban Linx when they hear it nigga
Huh... I'm the motherfucking Ali of the game, bitch
[Raekwon]
Nigga Chef back, wood back, he in the good Ac'
What's hood, me in your hood, we got the good crack
Don't violate me, I hate, I'm like Star and Buc
In the morning, I'm mourning, wild on the fake, yo
Stay dropping bracelets, cases of Cryst' and Cru'
Don't even move duke, take off your shoes
We hardbody action packed, keep a baboon
The jewels is back, with strappers on, come take it
Shoebox with nothing but hash, alotta old ass
Wallies is off the meat rack, splash
Nigga, Diamond down, moving like China Town
Me and forty-five mad real niggaz, we light clowns up now
In "Rover Sport," Raekwon talks about his luxurious lifestyle and drug business while expressing his disinterest in the opinions of others. He begins the song by referencing heroin and how it's difficult to tell what's going on. The first few lines of the song describe a flashy car with a trunk full of drugs with women all around. He also mentions how they will eliminate any snitches that get in their way. His crew generates revenue from multiple blocks that they have taken over. Raekwon is aware that some were not happy about their take over and their success. He also references that they smoke and sell heroin around the city. The night time is a special time to sell drugs as it's when most transactions tend to happen. If someone gets in the way of the business, the only outcome would be harm. He also mentions that he is getting richer by the day and now has a penthouse apartment-sized kitchen. Raekwon ends the song by threatening those who might try to come for them, as he and his crew are hardbody action-packed and are not to be messed with.
Line by Line Meaning
All that heroin out there, nigga
Raekwon is acknowledging the presence of heroin in the area and expressing concern about it.
I can't tell, nigga, what's up
Raekwon is unsure of what's going on around him and is unable to make any judgments or give advice.
Pull up the Range sport, blow in the back of the trunk
Raekwon is riding in a Range Rover and smoking weed in the back of the car.
Color sickening, bitches is blunt
The color of the car is impressive and the women around them are easy to manipulate.
Snitches get plucked and popped, cut and chopped
Those who inform on others will be punished, possibly violently.
We generate hoods and hide this gwop
They create their own areas of control and hide their money from authorities.
For all the blocks we invading, we be caking & strip naked
They are taking over different areas and making a lot of money, often by taking from others.
I know you wasn't selling by the building, I feel the hating
Raekwon is aware that someone is jealous of his success and may be trying to interfere.
Dust blunts with heroin, servin up Steak'ems
They are mixing heroin with weed and selling cheap steak sandwiches on the side.
Shot him by the building, yo, and spit on his laces
They are willing to kill people who cross them and taunt them after the fact.
Rich niggaz'll rise, more eyes, yo, Busta, what up?
As they become wealthier, they will attract more attention and need to be more careful. Raekwon is addressing Busta Rhymes.
Chilling like we at the 25's out
They are relaxing, perhaps like they are on a basketball court with a 25-point lead
Night time is vibe, pies get thrown to guys
The night is the time they are active, selling drugs and making money.
You fuck up this money, bones is fried
If someone messes up their financial situation, they will suffer dire consequences.
I'ma stay fly, getting paper, sit on a ten acre kitchen
Raekwon plans to keep looking good, making money, and owning a large kitchen in the future.
Bout the size of the Ritz at Penn Station, yup
His dream kitchen is as big as the Ritz-Carlton hotel near Penn Station in New York City.
Rich niggaz we spot you, stay genuine, cousin
Raekwon and his associates can identify wealthy people and they advise them to stay true to themselves.
Do your numbers, fam, regardless, yo, we got you
Raekwon wants his friends to make as much money as possible and assures them that he will support them.
Hahahaha... ahhhh, do it nigga, there, you should fucking..
Raekwon is laughing and encouraging someone to do something.
Fucked up New York Yankee hats on fronting
People are trying to look cool by wearing fake New York Yankees baseball caps.
Niggaz know Cuban Linx when they hear it nigga
Raekwon's music is recognizable and people are familiar with it.
Huh... I'm the motherfucking Ali of the game, bitch
Raekwon sees himself as the Muhammad Ali of the rap game, a symbol of power and success.
Nigga Chef back, wood back, he in the good Ac'
Raekwon is back and in a good mood, riding in a luxury car
What's hood, me in your hood, we got the good crack
Raekwon is asking what's going on in the neighborhood and assures listeners that he has high-quality drugs.
Don't violate me, I hate, I'm like Star and Buc
Raekwon doesn't like being disrespected and compares himself to Star and Buc, who hosted a controversial radio show.
In the morning, I'm mourning, wild on the fake, yo
When he wakes up in the morning, Raekwon is angry about anything fake or phony.
Stay dropping bracelets, cases of Cryst' and Cru'
They are keeping watches and jewelry on the move, along with cases of high-end alcohol.
Don't even move duke, take off your shoes
Raekwon and his associates are ordering someone to remove their shoes, perhaps so they can be searched or robbed.
We hardbody action packed, keep a baboon
They are tough and always ready for action, keeping a baboon for protection.
The jewels is back, with strappers on, come take it
They have their valuable jewelry with them and are ready to defend it if necessary.
Shoebox with nothing but hash, alotta old ass
They keep hash in a shoebox and some of it is old and not very good quality.
Wallies is off the meat rack, splash
Raekwon's Wallabees shoes are impressive and fashionable.
Nigga, Diamond down, moving like China Town
One of Raekwon's associates is wearing diamond jewelry and moving around quickly, like in a busy Chinese market.
Me and forty-five mad real niggaz, we light clowns up now
Raekwon and 45 other serious guys will take care of anyone who tries to mess with them.
Contributed by Aiden J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.