This is dedicated to the 2 man team that in the 90s gave us the standard of being part of a powerhouse movement and creating another one inside of it. Raekwon the Chef and Ghostface Killah are the gold standard of being generals that lead armies while being part of a bigger army themselves. I first heard Wu-Tang Clan in 1992 on a Prince Rakeem track. We were all like what the fuck is Wu-Tang Clan and we chilled on the name and wanted to see what is going on. In 1993, Proteck ya Neck dropped on Video Music Box and the world was open to the Wu-Tang movement. Over time the Clan dropped a monster classic album and then the soldiers in the army dropped soldiers who became generals.
In 1995 Only Built for Cuban Linx dropped and Raekwon dropped the album that changed the game as a solo artist. The title alone changed the game by having a feature artist that guest starred another artist. With Ghostface Killah being on his album and bringing a style to compliment the main artist Ghostface cemented himself as a capable artist that deserves to be heard more. 1 year later we received the Ironman album and with the aid of soul samples and 70s movies Ghostface dropped an album that guest starred Raekwon the Chef and Cappadonna (Cappachino). This revolving feature highlighted the classic Hip-Hop proverb "My seeds, Go with his seeds, marry his seeds, that's how we keep Wu-Tang money in the family..." (Ghostface Killah - Glaciers of Ice).
As years have passed and countless of albums have dropped, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah have cemented the value of the 2 man rap team that is what Hip-Hop is starving for with the desire for collaboration albums and the group dynamic in Hip-Hop. When we think of the best Hip-Hop groups, the team of 2 is always of as the best lyrical punchers as a team. We think of EPMD, M.O.P., Smif N Wessun, Eightball & MJG, UGK, Mobb Deep, Outkast and more from the different territories of the Hip-Hop landscape. This Blog is to highlight the greatness Raekwon and Ghostface brings to the culture that the people still want: Great, timeless music connected with memories of music and situations they can relate to in life. Raekwon has given us the streets and the growth of a man that overcame harsh life to be a Don. Ghostface gives us the same but with a different style of presentations. He highlights the soul of the 70s with the street tales of the 80s and 90s with grown man music and wisdom.
To celebrate them we have created a part 1 playlist that is available for all members of Heritage Hip-Hop's website. We created the Power of 2 Playlist featuring a Part 1 based on Raekwon the Chef and Ghostface Killah. This playlist is to remember the sound of Hip-Hop before and to inspire Hip-Hop artists that are leaders in the genre today and tomorrow. Join HeritageHipHop.com and become a member to listen to this playlist. We celebrate our greats by reliving their music and their influence in the genre. From video vames, to movies, comic books, art and so much more. Wu-Tang Clan has changed the world. Raekwon the Chef and Ghostface Killah is no different as they have coined the terms Purple Tape, The Wallobee Champs, and more. Salute to the Generals that took street raps and the lost art of Story rhymes to the next level. Enjoy the playlist and if you like this more will come. Leave a comment, Peace.