Corey Woods, a.k.a. Raekwon or Raekwon the Chef, was born on January 12, 1970. Known for his lucid verses and for being a pioneer to the Hip Hop game, Raekwon started his career in the 90’s with the legendary group Wu-Tang Clan which welcomed an age of underground, grimy sounds that included a martial arts feel. The group has one of the most memorable albums in Hip Hop ‘til this day (Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)) (1993). Raekwon is known for his verses on the album in impressive songs such as “Protect Ya Neck;” but it wasn't until 1995 when he emerged from the kitchen and invited Hip Hop into his personal chamber releasing a perfectly sautéed, full course meal by means of his album “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.”
By popular demand, “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx” gave Raekwon a high-ranking start to the journey of his career. This album has monumental hits such as: Ice Cream, Scarfaces, Criminology, Verbal Intercourse, Knowledge G...
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Corey Woods, a.k.a. Raekwon or Raekwon the Chef, was born on January 12, 1970. Known for his lucid verses and for being a pioneer to the Hip Hop game, Raekwon started his career in the 90’s with the legendary group Wu-Tang Clan which welcomed an age of underground, grimy sounds that included a martial arts feel. The group has one of the most memorable albums in Hip Hop ‘til this day (Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)) (1993). Raekwon is known for his verses on the album in impressive songs such as “Protect Ya Neck;” but it wasn't until 1995 when he emerged from the kitchen and invited Hip Hop into his personal chamber releasing a perfectly sautéed, full course meal by means of his album “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.”
By popular demand, “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx” gave Raekwon a high-ranking start to the journey of his career. This album has monumental hits such as: Ice Cream, Scarfaces, Criminology, Verbal Intercourse, Knowledge God and Guillotine (Swordz) which was featured on the show Boondocks “Granddad’s Fight” episode, to reveal a few. This album also showcased the talents of his band mate Ghostface Killah and symbolized the beginning of the “Rae and Ghost” collaborations which have yielded some of Hip Hop’s most beloved songs off of the albums Bulletproof Wallets (2001), Links to Poetry (2009), and Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II (2009) which sold 66, 000 copies in its first week on the charts with critics and fans both proclaiming it to be the best album of 2009.
Raekwon promised his fans the mythical “Shaolin vs. Wu Tang” (March 2011) in comeback to RZA’s “8 Diagrams” album. “Shaolin vs. Wu Tang” features the likes of Rick Ross, Lloyd Banks, Nas, Black Thought and Jim Jones with production by DJ Khalil, Sean C and LV, Scram Jones, and Eric Sermon. The album accompanies the beloved Wu Tang sound into the current era leaving fans reminiscing while excited about the originality of the sound.
In 1999, Rae released Immobilarity which went Gold and has an extensive reservoir of other albums including The Lex Diamond Story (2003). After anticipation and some label turbulence, the Chef finally found a new home at the EMI Group. This seasoned label joined forces with Raekwon and his independent label Ice H2O Records Inc. In addition to this independent label, he has ascertained Ice H20 Canada, with the hopes of presenting the world to some of the untouched talents of our northern neighbors. Raekwon also developed 3783 Media which is based in Los Angeles, CA. in order to facilitate in offering music video and editing production, videography & editing, photography, studio rental, and artist management.
Currently, the impeccable, respected Raekwon has out the mix tape (Lost Jewelry) and is working on a new Album entitled “Fly International Luxurious Art” which he plans on releasing in April 28th, 2015. While successfully working on his new project, Raekwon has a cooking show in the works and, without limits, is demonstrating that he is multi-talented by working on a biopic entitled “Cash Rules Everything around me.” He is also presently writing an autobiography.
There is no substitute for this genius! He has received raving reviews from Time Magazine, iTunes, Complex Magazine, The Source Magazine, Rolling Stone Magazine, Hip Hop DXX, Canada’s Exclaim Magazine, a host of other immeasurable magazines, major sites, and blogs. Raekwon has not restricted himself to music, but has also done some acting in the 1999 film “Black and White” and appeared on The Monique Show in 2009 & 2011. His music was also played in over a dozen films, documentaries and television shows. Although the amount of work he has done is vast, he does not plan on stopping there.
Although today’s market is competitive and his music career expands for 20 years, Raekwon keeps his name relevant with rich diversity lending his impeccable gift to fellow musicians. He has worked with artists such as Kanye West, Bun B, Fat Joe, and Justin Bieber. He also participated with his Wu Brothers Ghostface and Method Man in the highly anticipated album “Wu Massacre” while being perceptive to work with underground artists like Mistah Fab.
By popular demand, Raekwon is a certified pioneer who has helped pave the way for Hip Hop, and it is no surprise that he will continue to stretch the minds of his fans. So, fasten your seatbelts and be ready for the pleasant surprises that he has cooking up in order to continue living his legacy in the entertainment industry.
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