What if the “Purple Tape” was green? Does Polo Ralph Lauren and Clarks’ Wallabee owe Wu-Tang residual for putting an entire generation on how to rock each brand? And how did Raekwon navigate dropping his solo album AFTER Meth and Ghost? This week on the Almanac of Rap, Donwill sits down with Wu-Tang Clan founding member and future Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Raekwon. Don and Rae discuss his influential solo debut album “Only Built for Cuban Linx,” its iconic purple tape marketing, and the challenges of producing its sequel. Raekwon breaks down: The importance of authenticity, hard work, and expanding the Wu-Tang universe through his music. His impact on fashion, including popularizing the Polo Snow Beach jacket and various collaborations that support emerging artists. His current goals of educating youth and maintaining artistic integrity. 0:00 – Intro 2:00 – Kick the Ballistics / Raekwon + Fashion 6:02 – Check out the OkayShop 6:12 – Welcome, Raekwon 6:53 – The Purple tape 13:21 – Cuban Linx pt. 2 18:16 – Being featured on Outkast’s Aquemini 21:52 – The Staten Island Ferry 27:13 – Current Goals & Dreams 30:24 – The Big Playback 32:11 – Outro/Credits 33:19 – Bonus Content
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