User:JpGrB/Sandbox 4/Archive 1

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II is expected to be the fourth solo album from Wu-Tang Clan rap artist Raekwon. It will serve as a sequel to his 1995 album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx....

2005–2006
The album was originally announced in 2005, when it was confirmed that Busta Rhymes would be executive producing the album. The original planned tracks for the album, were from studio sessions while working on the Wu-Tang Clan album 8 Diagrams.

In January 2006, it was announced by Raekwon that the album was finished, and production was largely credited to RZA, with RZA and Busta Rhymes being named executive producers. Also in 2006, it was stated Wu-Tang group members GZA and Inspectah Deck would be featured, much like they did with the first, returning with their "Wu-Gambino" personas. Dr. Dre was also credited as a producer, as it was announced Raekwon had signed a contract with Dr. Dre's label, Aftermath Entertainment.

2007–2009
The album, which was still not released by 2007, was named the "#6 most anticipated album of 2007" by XXL Magazine, though it would be pushed back numerous times and numerous changes were made to the release date.

In an interview with HipHopDX.com, Raekwon commented on the upcoming album:

"It’s damn near 200% done. I wanna drop it on a major, but you’re definitely gonna get it by the summer of next year. By hook or crook. If I gotta do it independent, I gotta release it. I did a lot of hard work on this record and I refuse to throw it out and people be like, Yo Rae, I ain’t know your shit was out. Nah, I can’t afford for that to happen no more. That happened to me on The Lex Diamond Story. That happened to me on Immobilarity. I’m not going for it on this one. I’m not letting the industry control my destiny on this record. People been wanting this record for the last 10 years, so I gotta make sure that this shit is bulletproof."

A supposed "insider from Aftermath" spoke on the album and its repeated delays:

"The Raekwon album came in done. It’s finished! It’s a finished record. Dre did two records, we were doing the deal, and during the deal the Christmas break came. We took a break for two weeks - came back - Dre acted like we never spoke! I was like ‘Alright, this Raekwon thing…’ and he’s like 'Nah, I ain’t fuckin’ with that no more'."

While the album wasn't talked about much in 2008, in an interview with DJ Semtex, Raekwon stated the album was set for release in February 2009, as he stated it could be ready at that point, but he continues to fine-tune and add more material. He has since stated March 2009 as the scheduled release date, with a northern hemisphere summer release date later being confirmed by the rapper.

Label issues
Originally to be released as a joint venture between Wu-Tang and Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment, Raekwon has since been searching for new distribution. The decision came after it was revealed Dr. Dre had reportedly become creatively tied up with his personal Detox record, he hadn't an interest in working on Raekwon's album. Raekwon stated in an interview that Aftermath isn't the label the album will be released on, stating Dr. Dre is a busy man and may not have the time to give the album his full attention, but that two tracks from the album were produced by the Dr. Dre.

In interviews in early 2009, he stated the album will be released through his own label, Icewater Records, with him later confirming EMI as another label the album will be released on.

Production and recording
Announced producers are set to include RZA, Dr. Dre, J Dilla, Erick Sermon, Allah Mathematics, and DJ Scratch; Marley Marl, Scram Jones, and Pete Rock were also confirmed.

Near the end of 2007, Wu-Tang Clan group leader RZA came under attack from members Ghostface Killah and Raekwon over the production of the groups' 2007 album 8 Diagrams, with Raekwon even going as far as to not include any of RZA's production on the album, but instead, let Kanye West helm production of the planned first single, "Ode to Shaolin". Raekwon and RZA later made up, one a 2009 release date was set for the album, with Raekwon deciding to use the RZA productions.

Guests
Raekwon has stated The Game will be featured on the album, with Travis Barker also being confirmed as a guest. Bun B of UGK has said in a Pitchfork Media interview that he is featured in the album.

Wu-Tang Clan
Ghostface Killah has stated he'll be appearing on the album:

I'm about to go on the road again and I gotta finish up (the sequel to 'Only Built 4 Cuban Linx') with Raekwon.

Other members of the Wu-Tang Clan that are set to appear include Method Man, GZA and Inspectah Deck.