Raekwon, a.k.a. “The Chef”, still has a gift for graphic poetic narration. The Wu-Tang legend’s new album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. 2, released on Sept. 18, is not a far shot off from the 1995 original classic. The two albums share similar characteristics — aggressive lyrical storytelling, punctuated with guest appearances from some other clan members: Ghostface Killah, Inspecta Deck, GZA and Method Man.

Listeners will find that “About Me,” featuring Busta Rhymes and produced by Dr. Dre, deviates stylistically from a RZA-produced track. It happily complements Raekwon and Busta Rhymes’ deadly lyrics, seeming cheerful rather than insidious. Still, RZA and Raekwon succeeded in revitalizing the same no-joke flows and beats of the original Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. “Black Mozart,” for instance, combines the theme from “The Godfather” with a somber beat, setting the stage for Raekwon to tell us another illustrative tale.With distinctive elements of old and new present in Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. 2, Raekwon remains a force to be reckoned with in the hip-hop world.