January 1, 2025 • 2hr 9min

#2250 - Raekwon

The Joe Rogan Experience

Raekwon, founding member of Wu-Tang Clan, joins Joe Rogan to discuss the group's formation, impact on hip-hop culture, creative process, and upcoming projects including a documentary about his classic album "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx" and new solo material.

#2250 - Raekwon

0:00

-0:00

Key Takeaways

Wu-Tang Clan's Formation - RZA was the mastermind who brought together 9 talented MCs from Staten Island and Brooklyn to form what would become one of hip-hop's most iconic groups
Authenticity & Expression - The group's success came from their authentic expression of their lived experiences and creative vision, refusing to be molded by record industry executives
Musical Innovation - Wu-Tang pioneered a new model of a hip-hop collective where individual members could pursue solo careers while remaining part of the group
Cultural Impact - The group helped establish hip-hop as a serious art form and influenced countless artists who came after them
Legacy - 30+ years later, Wu-Tang's music and movement continues to resonate with new generations of fans

Introduction

Raekwon, founding member of Wu-Tang Clan, joins Joe Rogan to discuss the group's formation, impact on hip-hop culture, creative process, and upcoming projects including a documentary about his classic album "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx" and new solo material.

Topics Discussed

Early Days of Hip-Hop (13:35)

Raekwon reflects on his first exposure to hip-hop in the early 1980s through his cousins who were involved in street life. He describes how the music provided an escape and form of expression for youth growing up in difficult circumstances.

Sugar Hill Gang's "Rapper's Delight" was one of the first hip-hop songs that caught his attention
The emergence of hip-hop coincided with the crack epidemic hitting urban communities
Music became a way to document and process the realities of street life
"Back then hip-hop was really an expression for the ghetto...we needed something to keep us cool, keep us in a vibe mode" - Raekwon

Formation of Wu-Tang Clan (21:51)

The story of how RZA brought together the original members of Wu-Tang Clan and developed their unique philosophy and approach.

Started with RZA, GZA, and ODB as the "All In Together Now Crew"
RZA's experience with a bad record deal inspired him to create something new and independent
The name "Wu-Tang" came from kung-fu movies but represented their reality in Staten Island
"It was really a mistake. It wasn't really designed to be that way" - Raekwon on having 9 members

Creative Process & Group Dynamic (1:23:07)

Discussion of how Wu-Tang approached making music and managed the creative dynamics between multiple talented artists.

The beat selection process was crucial for inspiring lyrics
Members would push each other to write better verses
Despite conflicts, the group stayed together through mutual respect
"Each one of us had a style that was unreckoned...we wanted to show the world that you will love all of us" - Raekwon

Impact on Hip-Hop Business Model (1:21:50)

How Wu-Tang revolutionized the business side of hip-hop through their innovative contract arrangements and approach to solo careers.

Created a model where members could sign individual record deals while remaining in the group
Set precedent for other artists to have more creative and business control
Demonstrated the potential for hip-hop artists to build sustainable careers
"We did something that was so new to the world" - Raekwon

Classic Albums & Legacy (1:57:53)

Raekwon discusses his classic solo album "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx" and its lasting impact on hip-hop culture.

Album celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025
New documentary "The Purple Tape Files" will tell the story of its creation
Influenced fashion trends like Cuban link chains becoming popular
Demonstrates hip-hop's ability to shape broader culture

Current Projects & Future Plans (2:01:53)

Details about Raekwon's upcoming projects and thoughts on hip-hop's evolution.

New album titled "The Empress's New Clothes" coming in Q2 2024
Documentary about "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx" in development
Continues to push for authentic artistic expression in modern hip-hop
"I'm still at my best when it comes to making music...I'm an architect rapper now" - Raekwon

State of Modern Hip-Hop (1:52:38)

Discussion of how hip-hop has evolved and concerns about current trends in the genre.

Criticism of repetitive sounds in current hip-hop
Importance of maintaining artistic growth and evolution
Need for more knowledge and substance in lyrics
"Sometimes it's just sitting in one f**king box...it's about opening up the doors for everybody" - Raekwon

Conclusion

The conversation provides deep insights into Wu-Tang Clan's formation, creative process, and lasting impact on hip-hop culture. Raekwon emphasizes the importance of artistic authenticity and continuing to push boundaries while staying true to hip-hop's roots as a form of genuine expression. His upcoming projects demonstrate his ongoing commitment to evolving as an artist while maintaining the qualities that made Wu-Tang revolutionary.