Raekwon
Veteran rappers Bun B and Raekwon get together at the behest of HipHopWired and they dropped all the triple OG knowledge you should have expected.
The acclaimed digital series I Got Questions returns to ensure that it’s the gift that keeps on giving, as this episode features two of Hip-Hop’s most official and highly respected MCs—UGK’s Bun B and Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon. The two veteran rappers and good friends sat down to talk about their careers, influences, and vital moments.
One of the conversation’s highlights was all about fashion and swagger, centered on the famous “Snow Beach” pullover jacket by Ralph Lauren that Raekwon wore in Wu-Tang Clan’s classic video “Can It All Be So Simple.” Bun B displayed his own “Snow Beach” jacket, telling the Staten Island, New York, native, “You created the most sought-after Polo piece ever.” Raekwon then shared that since the Clan didn’t have a budget, he went to find the most colorful shirt ever for the video, stumbling upon the jacket in a downtown Brooklyn store. “I had to look around, like no way that s—t is sitting in here.”
Another key moment highlighted a tough time that proved to be a bonding moment between Bun B and Raekwon is when the former was struggling with the loss of his UGK bandmate Pimp C, and the RZA reached out to him. “We just talked about grief and loss, and that was my first conversation with that brother,” the Port Arthur, Texas, native said. “It was such a blessing. It was words like that, that really gave me strength in the moment – eventually, I’m going to find a way to deal with this and move forward.”
The conversation also features Bun B talking about how he and Pimp C almost didn’t do their iconic collaboration “Big Pimpin’” with Jay-Z, and Raekwon sharing about the formation of the Wu-Tang Clan, particularly about him being one of the group’s artists chosen to get a solo deal with another label.
Check out the entire episode of I Got Questions featuring Bun B and Raekwon above.
Source: Hip-Hop Wired / iOne Digital
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Source: CLARKS ORIGINALS / Clarks Originals
One of Hip-Hop’s most beloved shoes is getting its own day on the calendar. Clarks has announced that April 26 will be Wallabee Day.
As reported by Hype Beast the British-based company is giving their signature shoe a unique distinction in an effort to not only give it point of difference amongst their entire portfolio, but to also celebrate the model’s rich history. This week it was announced that Friday, Apr. 26 will be the first-ever Wallabee Day. According to the brand’s Instagram account the idea came from a conversation with one of Rap’s sharpest lyricist; Raekwon The Chef. “We need to have a Wallabee day. We need to be able to go out there and say today is the day everybody throws their joints on” he said according to a press release.
Source: CLARKS ORIGINALS / Clarks Originals
“We are delighted to announce the launch of our first Wallabee Day,” said Clarks’ Chief Marketing Officer Tara McRae in a formal statement. “It’s such an iconic shoe loved by people across the world and has served as a blank canvas to artists, creators and cultures over many generations. Wallabee Day allows us to celebrate not just the shoe, but also all of the collaborators who help us reinvent the story year after year.”
To commemorate the occasion Clarks will be releasing some new colorways of the iconic shoe, customs and hosting events in select cities across the world. Both Raekwon and Dave East star in the campaign where the “1000 Miles” rapper is spotted wearing X-LARGE customized versions of the Wallabee.
Stay tuned with HipHopWired.com for more information on Wallabee Day.
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Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty
The RZA and Raekwon will unite to perform the iconic Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… album with a live orchestra next week.
Fans of the Wu-Tang Clan and Raekwon will get to hear his iconic Only Built 4 Cuban Linx album in a unique way – performed with the RZA and the Colorado Symphony. The veteran MC announced the news through his Instagram account with a dramatically styled poster of himself and the RZA poised behind a depiction of an orchestra.
“A NIGHT AT THE OPERA !!!!! In two weeks experience myself & @rza and the @coloradosymphony perform Only Built 4 Cuban Linx,” Raekwon wrote in the post’s caption. The two-night event will take place on Feb. 16 & 17 at the Boettcher Concert Hall at the Denver Performing Arts Complex in Denver, Colorado.
“Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… is a landmark Hip-Hop album released by rapper Raekwon who rose to prominence as a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan. Produced by fellow Wu-Tang Clan founder RZA, this record is a cornerstone of East Coast Hip-Hop and a quintessential piece of the genre’s golden era, thanks in part to RZA’s extraordinary beats and the introduction of Raekwon and Ghostface Killah as a legendary rap duo,” the event announcement on the Colorado Symphony’s website read.
“With its gritty storytelling, intricate lyricism, and cinematic production, Cuban Linx offers listeners a vivid glimpse into the street life of 1990s New York City. Together with the Colorado Symphony, this legendary duo will reimagine their timeless album that continues to inspire and shape the sound of contemporary Hip-Hop today,” the statement continued.
The RZA also spoke of the event’s significance in his statement: “Continuing the collaboration with the Colorado Symphony as an Imagination Artist, we are presenting Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…. The album was always intended to give audiences a ‘cinematic’ experience. These new orchestrations will give fans a new experience through imagination and creativity that was not possible with our early recordings.”
The two-night event is part of RZA’s continued partnership with the Colorado Symphony as an “Imagination Artist.” The Imagination Artist Series was started by the Colorado Symphony in 2022 to reimagine the American symphony through the creative visions of three vanguard musicians from diverse backgrounds. There is no hint – yet – that Ghostface Killah will make an appearance given his presence on the album. Tickets are available at the symphony’s website.
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Source: Dustin Bradford / Getty / Coach Prime
Coach Prime and his Colorado Buffaloes are the hottest ticket in College Football and bring out all the stars to see them play.
This past weekend in Boulder, Colorado, all eyes were on a College Football rivalry matchup that generally wouldn’t even register on any sports fan’s radars.
If you needed more proof that Coach Prime and his newly revamped Colorado Buffaloes are that team, you had to look no further than what went down at Folsom Field.
Before the game kicked off, ESPN’s College Gameday was on site for the matchup between Colorado and Colorado St. that already had enough fireworks leading into the night thanks to some comments from Colorado State’s head coach.
Along with the College Gameday crew, former WWE Superstar turned Hollywood actor The Rock was on hand to support his “brother” and get the crowd even more excited for the rivalry matchup.
Once the sun set, it was time to hit the field, and Coach Prime and his team were led out on the field by Lil Wayne, who also performed his song “Ride For My N****z.”
Before the game, Coach Prime blessed Weezy with his own Buffaloes jersey during the tailgate celebration.
Other Notable Guests In The Building
Weezy and The Rock were not the only big names in the building. Fresh off his marathon stream with Kai Cenat, Offset was on hand. Rapper-turned-sports commentator Cam’ron also returned to Colorado to enjoy the game.
Even Kawhi Leonard, who many were saying jokingly doesn’t attend Los Angeles Clippers games, had to see what the big deal about the Colorado Buffaloes football under Coach Prime’s leadership is all about.
The Colorado Buffaloes are currently 3-0 after defeating Colorado St. in overtime, led by Coach Prime’s son, Shedeur Stephens. A stark difference from their 1-8 record last year. The team is currently ranked 19th in the nation.
We expect to see more big names at Colorado Buffaloes home games for the rest of the season because they have become must-see television.
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Photo: Dustin Bradford / Getty
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Raekwon is about to conquer more land. The Chef has been granted conditional approval to open a dispensary in Newark, New Jersey.
As spotted on HipHopDX the Wu-Tang Clan member is taking his talents to the cannabis industry. According to NJBiz Newark Central Planning Board did not approve an application by Hashstoria, an Oregon based franchise that The Chef has partnered with, earlier this year. But the news outlet reports that the board changed their mind and at their July 24 hearing the committee granted the organization conditional approval to open up shop at 799-805 Broad St.
On Friday, August 4 the “Ice Water” rapper took to social media to make the announcement. “THANKYOU NEWARK , NEW JERSEY !!!!!!!!!!and all my Amazing Partners @jeddcanty @bakarisellers @cthagod on this wonderful and culture shifting Endeavor .” he wrote. “@hashstoria is Guaranteed to be the top tier consumption lounge / dispensary to hit the east coast period ! you heard it from chef himself .we will be right in the heart!”.
Rachael Grochowski, founder of RHG Architecture+Design, also expressed her enthusiasm about working on the project. “Design plays a crucial role in elevating the overall cannabis experience, and we are committed to creating an environment that offers a sophisticated, inclusive, and enjoyable experience. The cannabis industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by the vision and creativity of innovative designers and creatives, leaders from across the industry who are revolutionizing cannabis consumption” she explained. “We are so excited to craft a space that harmonizes aesthetics, functionality, and sensory engagement, ultimately enhancing the journey of both seasoned cannabis enthusiasts and the cannabis-curious alike.”
The final step in the process for Raekwon and company is getting approval from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission. According to their website the agency seeks to “establish and grow a responsible, regulated medicinal and recreational cannabis industry.”
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