Wu-Tangers Fear Not, Raekwon Will Forever Bring the Realness Posted by Lucas Garrison on 06/06/13 | Filed under Raekwon, Wu-Tang Clan, F.I.L.A

Perhaps the biggest fear of any underground hip-hop aficionado, aside from going deaf, is hearing a well respected rhymer sell their soul and make the transition from an unique, underground emcee to a mainstream cookie cutter rapper. I know the feeling all to well, a la B.o.B and even Kanye to an extent (although he was mainstream to begin with, but the quality of his music has diminished over time). Those fans might have been a little worried when Wu-Tang’s Raekwon announced the title of his forthcoming album will be "Fly International Luxurious Art (F.I.L.A)", considering the title sounds like it should be the name of Trinidad James’ art gallery.

Those fans are right about something, this album will definitely have a more popular, dare I say it mainstream sound. To the worry-warts and naysayers I say give Rae a chance. It is possible to create a balance between real, authentic music and something that can also be played on the radio; look at K.R.I.T, Andre 3000, or Kendrick. If anyone can find that balance its Raekwon. When you hear him talk about his process and development as an emcee and how he became a songwriter, you can tell he is much more than someone looking to make a quick buck. He discusses it in an interview with Peter Rosenberg, where he elaborates on his process and what recording with the Clan was like. I was impressed by how he really delves in to the concepts before recording and how he thinks before recording and, instead of spitting something erratic and disjointed, he really takes the time toc craft a plan of attack. Also, on another side, it is fascinating to hear him talk about what it was like to record with everybody in Wu-Tang; what I wouldn’t give to be a fly on the wall.



More on the subject of F.I.L.A, The Chef also spoke on the album and the concept behind it. I said it in the Nicki Mianj vs Peter Rosenberg piece and I will say it again; I have no problem with artists trying something new and going for a different sound, so long as its genuine and comes from a place of actual artistry. From the sound of things, Rae has the right approach in the album. For someone who has put out consistently dope, underground material and was a member one of the most well-respected groups in hip-hop history, I think he has earned the right to try something new; and its not like he is putting out a pop album with Justin Bieber, you know the man is gonna stick to his roots to some degree.



The newly released single for the album, “Soundboy Kill It” featuring Melanie Fiona should put any qualms to bed, as it seems that Raekwon has found that balance. His flow is still gritty, and I love how the edgy Jerry Wonda beat both compliments his forceful flow while keeping the energy up. Melanie Fiona adds a more R&B, poppy element to the song with her hookwork, but it is a nice compliment to the more abrasive sounds of Raekwon; I think both underground fans and mainstream fans can find something they like on the cut and although its only one song off an album, Raekwon has me totally confident in his ability to find the much sought after balance between keeping it real while making something for everybody.

See Also:  The Immersion: The Death of Dilla, The Birth of Raekwons “OBCL II”
See Also:  Raekwon Adds A Few Cuban Linx To Big Sean’s “24 Karats Of Gold (Remix)” (Listen & Download)