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.
What's Goin' On
Raekwon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Days that fly through the mist, so young and so rich
Powerful minds, the lines get intense
Wall to wall, cats in hell, so many trapped lost
Some will prevail and get clapped off in jail
Families mentally dyin', the roads is narrow
Jump out, bow and arrow, hit you with science
Huh, we've been livin' this daily
War between money and lust, trust me, I hit enough dust
Suade fronts, color schemes, truck rings, stuck kings
Suade fronts, Balley's and blunts
Living amongst thieves, all we did was robbin', we won, Marvin
[Outro: Marvin Gaye sample (Raekwon)]
Hey baby, what you no good? (That's right lord)
And trusted and back with, it's me I want
(Niggas gotta cut this faggot millennium shit out right now)
War is hell (War is hell, and get real with life)
And will it be (start teachin' ya'll brothers, man)
When will people start gettin' together again
In Raekwon's song "What's Goin' On," he delves into the harsh realities of life and the struggles that many people face on a daily basis. The lyrics speak to the experiences of those living in poverty and desperation, highlighting the violence and pain that they must endure. Raekwon details the struggles of those living in the inner city, where the walls are closing in on them and opportunities are few and far between. He speaks about the mental toll that this can take on people, as their families are torn apart and their futures seem bleak. Despite these hardships, there is a glimmer of hope in the science that he imparts to his listeners, trying to impart some knowledge that can help them survive in a world that is often against them.
The use of the Marvin Gaye sample at the end of the song serves to emphasize the themes that Raekwon is exploring. Gaye is one of the greatest soul singers of all time, and his social commentary on issues like war and poverty deeply resonated with people during his lifetime. By using his work as a sample, Raekwon is paying homage to Gaye's legacy and drawing attention to the fact that many of the same problems that he sang about are still present today. The lyrics of the song call for people to come together in the face of adversity, to teach each other and empower one another to make positive changes in their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Days that fly through the mist, so young and so rich
Time feels like it's moving quickly, and we're all so young with so much potential.
Powerful minds, the lines get intense
People who are smart can argue fiercely.
Wall to wall, cats in hell, so many trapped lost
Everywhere you look, people are struggling and unable to escape their difficult situations.
Some will prevail and get clapped off in jail
Some people will succeed and some will end up in jail or prison.
Families mentally dyin', the roads is narrow
Families are struggling emotionally, and there don't seem to be many options available to them.
Jump out, bow and arrow, hit you with science
I'm ready to fight and use my knowledge like a weapon.
Huh, we’ve been livin' this daily
This is the reality we face every day.
The wiz know what it is, that’s why the vision is more clearly
The people who are smart understand this reality, which makes it even more clear to them.
War between money and lust, trust me, I hit enough dust
There's a constant battle between wanting to make money and giving into temptation, and I've made my fair share of mistakes.
Suade fronts, color schemes, truck rings, stuck kings
I like to wear expensive clothing and jewelry to show off my success.
Living amongst thieves, all we did was robbin', we won, Marvin
We grew up in a culture where stealing was common, and we feel like we won because we're successful now.
Hey baby, what you no good? (That's right lord)
Marvin Gaye is questioning someone's actions.
Niggas gotta cut this faggot millennium shit out right now
Raekwon is dissatisfied with the music industry and thinks people need to stop making certain types of music.
War is hell (War is hell, and get real with life)
Marvin Gaye is singing about the horrors of war.
When will people start gettin' together again
Marvin is asking when people will come together and unite.
Contributed by Gabriella V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jordiedobbie795
Let’s all remember that ODB was nothing but a class act. He had so much respect for himself and others.
@dingusmyers
but but but you wouldn't want a funny thing to happen at your funeral/memorial!!!1! life has to be 100% serious 100% of the time!!!
@lindsayrockwellstone2045
think bro was talking sarcastically. ODB was crazy, he did whateva the fuck he wantex
@jaydee0187
Necramonium tramadol ain't shit
@LiamDuffProductions
This was, for myself anyways, your most insightful, well conducted interview. Great conversation on something 2 decades old, yet relevant to the point that we're gladly speaking on it now.
@johnnybravo7778
When he said ODB just wanted to be seen, that made me smile and shed a little tear. That showed the humanity in him. Everyone wants to be recognized.
@ronaldrollins8073
One of the most memorable moments in music history.
@ParisMorece
How can you not love Raekwon, good story! R.I.P ODB!
@raventakayama
That's just it. In hip hop or any area of entertainment you're going to have disruptions. Most are largely seen as entertaining no matter how rude it may be. Stepping on stage after the award was given out and saying whatever is on your mind is both rude and entertaining. Its a memorable moment in hip hop and is seen as an event of defiance against a growing commercial industry. No one was dead. No one's family was out there giving a tribute to a dead loved one. There's a difference.
@thegod1973
Listening to Rae reminisce only reminds you of how original The ODB was and how much he will and continues to be missed. Peace To The GODS.