The Lethbridge hip-hop community will be out in full force next weekend to get a glimpse of international rap icon Raekwon at the Blarney Stone.
Most widely known as being a member of the hugely popular Wu-Tang Clan, he has also released four solo albums, including his critically acclaimed debut “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.” In an interview with the Endeavour, Reakwon didn’t rule out the possibility of bringing some of his fellow Wu-Tang Clan members to town.
“There’s always special guests that travel with me. You never know. One city could be one person and a different one in another. That element of surprise is what keeps the show exciting for the fans. So, people will have to just wait and see. Bu we definitely got some (expletive) for y’all.”
However, he left little to the imagination going over the music he has in store for the Lethbridge fans.
“Oh, we gonna do it all. We gonna do some of those Wu classics, definitely some of the bangers from “Only Built For Cuban Linx 2.” Then, I wanna do some of that new (expletive). I’m working on a new album, Shaolin vs. Wu Tang. So I’mma do some of that too. It’s gonna be crazy.”
Raekwon is no stranger to Canada, and Canadian hip-hop fans and says he’s ready to come and energize.
“I first started coming up here with Wu-Tang and it always been live. First, Canada has always been eclectic with embracing different genres of music so of the top I know they open to the growth in music.”
Last December, HipHopDx, a prominent hip-hop website, chose Raekwon’s “Only Built For Cuban Linx Pt. II” as album of the year.
“Raekwon brought it back to lyrical, dope rap. He released an album that spoke to teens, twenty-somethings, thirty-somethings, and beyond,” said HipHopDx.
The album features collaborations with Method Man, Busta Rhymes and Jadakiss as well as production from Dr. Dre.
The “Only Built For Cuban Linx II Tour” starts in Lethbridge on Jan. 30 at 9 p.m. Tickets are available for $30 in advance at the Blarney Stone, Boarderline and Infamous.
After Lethbridge, Reakwon says he’ll hit Victoria, Whistler, Vancouver, Nelson, Edmonton, Calgary and Saskatoon.
“So we’re going to be here for a minute.”