Since 2017, the Wu-Tang Clan group has been eligible to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. However, the nine-man New York Rap collective has yet to appear on the ballot. As 2019’s induction ceremony takes place Friday night (March 29) in Brooklyn, RZA says that he believes the voting committee should properly consider Wu-Tang’s merits.
“I think we should [get inducted], and I do care,” RZA tells Rolling Stone‘s Jason Newman. The Brooklyn, New Yorker also feels that his group’s catalog fits the curation of the Cleveland, Ohio museum. “Listening to a song like ‘Bring da Ruckus,’ I thought I was making Hip-Hop, but sh*t, it has a motherf*ckin’ Rock & Roll groove like a motherf*cker. I don’t know how the f*ck I did that. I go back and listen to some of The Beatles progressions and some of [Led] Zeppelin’s progressions and movements, like, okay, I was on some sh*t, though.” Besides RZA, the collective includes GZA, Raekwon, Method Man, Ghostface Killah, U-God, Masta Killa, Inspectah Deck, and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard.
The MC/producer/DJ adds that he feels that the energy of the Rock & Roll youth movement of the ’60s and ’70s evolved into Hip-Hop for the ’80s and ’90s. Hip-Hop acts in the Hall include Run-D.M.C., Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, Tupac, and N.W.A. The Abbott says that he understands if it “takes time,” but feels that such a move is beneficial for Rock and Hip-Hop.
As a solo artist, RZA has worked with Rock artists including the Hall Of Fame-inducted Sly Stone as well as The Black Keys, Dog Eat Dog, The Mars Volta, and Travis Barker. In 2016, he partnered with Interpol’s Paul Banks to form Banks & Steelz. The duo released an album, Anything But Words. Meth’, Ghost’, and Masta Kill all appeared.
Tomorrow’s Hall Of Fame induction class includes Janet Jackson, Def Leppard, Radiohead, and The Cure, among others.
Since 2017, the Wu-Tang Clan group has been eligible to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. However, the nine-man New York Rap collective has yet to appear on the ballot. As 2019’s induction ceremony takes place Friday night (March 29) in Brooklyn, RZA says that he believes the voting committee should properly consider Wu-Tang’s merits.
“I think we should [get inducted], and I do care,” RZA tells Rolling Stone‘s Jason Newman. The Brooklyn, New Yorker also feels that his group’s catalog fits the curation of the Cleveland, Ohio museum. “Listening to a song like ‘Bring da Ruckus,’ I thought I was making Hip-Hop, but sh*t, it has a motherf*ckin’ Rock & Roll groove like a motherf*cker. I don’t know how the f*ck I did that. I go back and listen to some of The Beatles progressions and some of [Led] Zeppelin’s progressions and movements, like, okay, I was on some sh*t, though.” Besides RZA, the collective includes GZA, Raekwon, Method Man, Ghostface Killah, U-God, Masta Killa, Inspectah Deck, and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard.
The MC/producer/DJ adds that he feels that the energy of the Rock & Roll youth movement of the ’60s and ’70s evolved into Hip-Hop for the ’80s and ’90s. Hip-Hop acts in the Hall include Run-D.M.C., Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, Tupac, and N.W.A. The Abbott says that he understands if it “takes time,” but feels that such a move is beneficial for Rock and Hip-Hop.
As a solo artist, RZA has worked with Rock artists including the Hall Of Fame-inducted Sly Stone as well as The Black Keys, Dog Eat Dog, The Mars Volta, and Travis Barker. In 2016, he partnered with Interpol’s Paul Banks to form Banks & Steelz. The duo released an album, Anything But Words. Meth’, Ghost’, and Masta Kill all appeared.
Today (March 15), Drink Champs released its episode with Xzibit. Notably, another Southern California-based lyricist also guested on the show. Kxng Crooked (akaCrooked I) joined N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN’s round-table alongside Mr. X-To-The-Z. In a two-hour discussion, the show played host to some of Crook’s most revealing thoughts surrounding the 2018 disbanding of Slaughterhouse.
Just under one year ago, the Long Beach, California MCmade an announcement that shocked some fans. “I’ve been sober for two years. Let me tell you a secret: sober Crook likes to rap. [Slaughterhouse] ain’t rapping [together] no more and that’s fine. It was fun while it lasted,” Crooked I told fans in a video published last April. He also addressed the group’s third album, which had been in the works for years. “Glass House, I have no clue. All I can tell you [is] it exists. If it comes out, I’ll retweet it. Other than that, it’s all love. Everybody who supported me in Slaughterhouse, thank you.”
Kxng Crooked joins the Xzibit conversation at the 1:03:00 mark. At 1:11:00, Crooked I is asked about Joe Budden’s impact on the group disbanding. The guest begins addressing Budden’s late 2017 remarks that eventually led to a high-profile beef with Eminem. “I just felt like [Joe Budden’s] approach was wrong. If you don’t like something, ‘It’s not for me,’ [or] ‘Yo, I don’t like it,’ [or], [Eminem’s] the homie, [but] this ain’t for me.’ But when you say something is ‘trash,’ you sh*t on Paul Rosenberg’s rollout, you’re taking it a little further.”
The guest continues, “And then I know the backstory; I know that there were some issues that [Joe Budden] felt against the label. You’re not giving [Eminem] a fair critique now, ’cause now you’ve got malice behind what you’re saying; it’s personal. My whole thing was like, just keep it a buck.”
Last year began with Eminem making a “Chloraseptic (Remix)” including new lyrics that many—including D12’s Bizarre—believed were in response to Joe Budden’s words. By last August’s sneak-attack album, Kamikaze, Eminem left nothing to suspicion. Less than a week after the release, Em showcased the “Fall” video, containing the bars, “Somebody tell Budden before I snap, he better fasten it or have his body bag get zipped / The closest thing he’s had to hits is smackin’ b*tches.”
In response to the album, Joe Budden released a fiery episode of his podcast. In addition to unpacking a history of tensions between he and Marshall surrounding the marketing, assistance, and creative input of Slaughterhouse, the retired MC alleged that he’d been a better rapper and than Eminem for the last decade. The host yelled his points throughout the episode, stating that he’d be willing to respond to Em’ in a song, if his opponent gave him something worth responding to.
Back on the new Drink Champs, Kxng Crooked points to that September podcast as evidence that these feelings had been seeded for some time. “Eventually, it came out with, ‘I felt like I was better than Em’ for [the last] 10 years,’ [and more].” Crooked asserts that Joe’s anger towards Em’ and label head Paul Rosenberg was not used in context for his scathing Revival criticism.
At 1:14:00, N.O.R.E. says that he possibly questions the merits of Budden’s argument regarding Rap superiority over the last decade. In response, Crooked I says, “Every MC is supposed to feel like they’re the best, so I’ll give [him] that. Now that you’ve said that, I think you’ve got to back it up with more than just a statement. ‘Cause Em’ came at you, where you at, Joe? You said that you was better than him for the past 10 years. He gave you a few bars. You gotta back it up now; you just said this. If you don’t back it up, I don’t think even you believe [it is true].” Xzibit, who has worked extensively with Eminem adds, “You can’t just say [you are not responding because of] retirement. All bets are off.”
Crooked I continues, questioning Joe Budden’s appreciation and loyalty to Eminem and Shady. “I feel like Joe forgot [about the helping hand] when he was saying what he was saying. I don’t forget solid sh*t; that’s just not how I’m cut.” He suggests that earlier, Budden needed help that Eminem and Shady provided. To further illustrate, Crook’ recalls an early 2000s meeting with Suge Knight and N.O.R.E. in a Manhattan recording studio. He says that he forever remembers Noreaga’s help in a time when the Death Row co-founder and star artist wanted to make sure they were safe on the East Coast. “I never forget solid sh*t. So I would think as long as Em’ and Paul didn’t cross him in some type of way, I would think [Joe Budden] would have enough respect to be like, ‘Yo, I ain’t gon’ step on the gas on this one.’”
At 1:18:00, Kxng Crooked reveals how Joe’s 2017 words ultimately botched plans for Glass House. “It definitely affected Slaughterhouse. Because me and Royce [5’9] was working behind the scenes, trying to get the [Glass House] album out to the people. [The ‘Untouchable] critique] was like a grenade; he took the pin out and tossed that b*tch,” says the guest with a chuckle.
Addressing Joe’s podcast points from last September, Kxng Crooked also defends Eminem’s input. Budden was critical of Eminem not giving the group the proper push, compared to 50 Cent, D12, and earlier Shady successes. “I believe we came in at a time on Shady where Em’ didn’t have to do so much sh*t. He was used to having one formula to make things rock. But that formula was changing with the times,” explains Crook. Last year, Joe was also critical of Eminem’s production, beat choices, and creative input on a group that had released one album before signing with Shady. In an interview with Sway Calloway produced by Shady, Eminem responded to those charges.
Crooked I seemingly agrees with Marshall. “So what Em’ did, he said, ‘Okay, that first round [with welcome to: OUR HOUSE], that’s on me. Y’all go back in and make another album, and I’ma just let y’all rock. Whatever y’all wanna do, handle it the way y’all want to handle it. Roll it out how you want to roll it out, just do you.’ We all agreed and went back into the lab.” It is here that the C.O.B. founder says he is most frustrated. “That’s my problem [with what happened]: if you agree to go back and record another album and give it another shot, why is we still talking about [welcome to: OUR HOUSE]?” Kxng Crooked seemingly suggests that Budden remained displeased with the group album, instead of seizing the opportunity surrounding a follow-up album. Moreover, the California veteran says he relocated to New York City for six weeks to work on that unreleased LP. “Then the team broke up.”
N.O.R.E. asks if the guest considered the group of four solo MCs “a brotherhood.” Kxng Crooked responds, “I thought it was. Then, at times, I say, ‘I don’t think it was.’” Moments later he says, “I’m just cut different; I got three Slaughterhouse tattoos. When it was goin’ down, if anybody was in trouble, I was there with ’em. It was just a different scenario.” N.O.R.E. and Crooked I bring up Joe Budden’s late 2000s beef with Wu-Tang Clan. Kxng Crooked admits that fallout from that short-lived beef involving a physical 2009 altercation with Raekwon, cost him relationships with his circle.
At 85:30, N.O.R.E. says that after witnessing the 2018 breakup of Slaughterhouse he has faith for a reunion. Royce, Crooked, and Joell worked together on the remix to “Timberlan’d Up” late last year. “I don’t think it’s over,” says the Capone-N-Noreaga co-founder. Quickly, Crook’ puts those notions to bed. “It’s a wrap on that one.”
At 1:03:00 Rory enters and joins. N.O.R.E. asks the new guest if there will be a Slaughterhouse again. “This is an ambush; I want to get this on record,” responds The Joe Budden Podcast co-host who previously worked at Def Jam and Sony Records. “I saw Crook’ outside; Crook’ is love all day. This is a total ambush; I just want to make that clear…Slaughterhouse is none of my business. Why would y’all ask me about Slaughterhouse?” He charges that Crooked I and Joe Budden’s relationship is an isolated situation. “I can’t objectively talk about Slaughterhouse. One of their members is family to me. That’s their business.”
Ten minutes later, at 1:13:00, Kxng Crooked brings up that the loyal fans will always ask about the group that nearly lasted a decade. “People want to know, that’s how strong the Slaughterhouse brand was.” “Not was, is,” corrects Rory. Moments later, the MC born Dominick Wickliffe reflects on his group. “I don’t know why it’s gone; I know the Em’ sh*t played a big part in it…” In the next breath, Crook’ affirms his loyalty to Eminem, who he worked with nearly a decade before Slaughterhouse.
At 1:55:00 N.O.R.E. asks Rory if he thinks Joe went too far with his Eminem criticism. “I think a lot of the things that Joe [was quoted as saying] were made up, if you go back and look at what he [actually] said on Everyday Struggle. I think it got blown out of proportion. I think a lot of sh*t went to [headlines].” He adds, “Just knowing Joe personally, and how much he loves Em’, and respects him, sh*t got blown outta proportion, dog.”
As Rory speaks, Xzibit shoots Crooked I a look. The LBC native interrupts, “He used the word ‘trash,’ and I think that was—” Rory interrupts, asking about the context of the word. Kxng Crooked states that it was in reference to “Untouchable.” “[Joe Budden] said, ‘It’s trash, throw it in the rice,’ or some sh*t. You know what Joe be sayin’. But yeah, I mean, that’s going too far.”
In response Rory aligns with his podcast co-host’s opinion. “I don’t think he was buggin’” Kxng Crooked interjects, “Well, I think he was. I know you don’t want to have that conversation, yeah, but my whole thing is, like I was sayin’, dog, if you got a lil’ issue with somebody, pass on the critique of their album and their singles. Because, how can you be fair? How can you come from a place where you’re just listening to it [while] setting your personal feelings to the side? I don’t think so.”
Crooked I continues, “See, me and Royce, we were very hands-on with Slaughterhouse. From the beginning to end…we really went in the trenches for Slaughterhouse. You get me? So when you go in the trenches like that, if you got a communication line with your brothers, then you talk to your brothers. ‘Yo, this is what I’m about to do. Is this gonna harm anything that you guys are doing to try and get Glass House out right now? ‘Cause I don’t like my time to be wasted. If I’m flying from Cali’ to New York, sittin’ in them offices, fighting for this Glass House sh*t, on my own time, let me know if you’re gonna throw a grenade at [somebody]. Just let me know, and I won’t get on that plane. You feel me?”
As Kxng Crooked finishes his sentence, Rory gets up and exits the room without a goodbye. With a belly-laugh, Kxng Crooked claims, “It got awkward.” Seconds later, the episode ends.
Earlier in the Drink Champs episode, Crooked I makes a powerful point about his former boss, Suge Knight. The once feared record exec, who is currently serving a 28-year prison sentence for the killing of Terry Carter, made the MC his flagship artist between late 1999 and the mid-2000s. Despite that tenure, Crooked I never released his Say Hi To The Bad Guy debut solo album while signed to the legendary label. Like Kurupt and Michel’le, he was also offered an executive position by the Compton, California native.
At 1:53:00, Kxng Crooked says, “He wanted to give me an exec job, at one point. I know Kurupt had a job.” N.O.R.E. suggests that Dame Dash bit from Knight when he appointed Cam’ron to be Roc-A-Fella Records’ president. “Suge is like this: ‘I’m gonna go meet with Lyor [Cohen], and I want you to learn the game and get your business IQ up, so I’m gonna take you with me. So you can just soak up game.’ That’s how Suge was. He wanted to do retirement funds for artists, he wanted to do [healthcare for artists]. But every time he tried to do something on that level, he got resistance from the powers that be. And sometimes that resistance comes in the form of the Feds knocking at your door.”
In 1996, the FBI reportedly investigated the label founded by Knight and Dr. Dre. The L.A. Times reported the probe the same month that label star Tupac Shakur was fatally wounded in Las Vegas, Nevada. Knight, who was with Pac during that incident and also hit with gunfire, was eventually sentenced to prison for violating probation that night. After Knight was released, in the early 2000s, the FBI raided Death Row’s Beverly Hills offices, and various properties, including Crooked I’s home.
Today (March 15), Drink Champs released its episode with Xzibit. Notably, another Southern California-based lyricist also guested on the show. Kxng Crooked (akaCrooked I) joined N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN’s round-table alongside Mr. X-To-The-Z. In a two-hour discussion, the show played host to some of Crook’s most revealing thoughts surrounding the 2018 disbanding of Slaughterhouse.
Just under one year ago, the Long Beach, California MCmade an announcement that shocked some fans. “I’ve been sober for two years. Let me tell you a secret: sober Crook likes to rap. [Slaughterhouse] ain’t rapping [together] no more and that’s fine. It was fun while it lasted,” Crooked I told fans in a video published last April. He also addressed the group’s third album, which had been in the works for years. “Glass House, I have no clue. All I can tell you [is] it exists. If it comes out, I’ll retweet it. Other than that, it’s all love. Everybody who supported me in Slaughterhouse, thank you.”
Kxng Crooked joins the Xzibit conversation at the 1:03:00 mark. At 1:11:00, Crooked I is asked about Joe Budden’s impact on the group disbanding. The guest begins addressing Budden’s late 2017 remarks that eventually led to a high-profile beef with Eminem. “I just felt like [Joe Budden’s] approach was wrong. If you don’t like something, ‘It’s not for me,’ [or] ‘Yo, I don’t like it,’ [or], [Eminem’s] the homie, [but] this ain’t for me.’ But when you say something is ‘trash,’ you sh*t on Paul Rosenberg’s rollout, you’re taking it a little further.”
The guest continues, “And then I know the backstory; I know that there were some issues that [Joe Budden] felt against the label. You’re not giving [Eminem] a fair critique now, ’cause now you’ve got malice behind what you’re saying; it’s personal. My whole thing was like, just keep it a buck.”
Last year began with Eminem making a “Chloraseptic (Remix)” including new lyrics that many—including D12’s Bizarre—believed were in response to Joe Budden’s words. By last August’s sneak-attack album, Kamikaze, Eminem left nothing to suspicion. Less than a week after the release, Em showcased the “Fall” video, containing the bars, “Somebody tell Budden before I snap, he better fasten it or have his body bag get zipped / The closest thing he’s had to hits is smackin’ b*tches.”
In response to the album, Joe Budden released a fiery episode of his podcast. In addition to unpacking a history of tensions between he and Marshall surrounding the marketing, assistance, and creative input of Slaughterhouse, the retired MC alleged that he’d been a better rapper and than Eminem for the last decade. The host yelled his points throughout the episode, stating that he’d be willing to respond to Em’ in a song, if his opponent gave him something worth responding to.
Back on the new Drink Champs, Kxng Crooked points to that September podcast as evidence that these feelings had been seeded for some time. “Eventually, it came out with, ‘I felt like I was better than Em’ for [the last] 10 years,’ [and more].” Crooked asserts that Joe’s anger towards Em’ and label head Paul Rosenberg was not used in context for his scathing Revival criticism.
At 1:14:00, N.O.R.E. says that he possibly questions the merits of Budden’s argument regarding Rap superiority over the last decade. In response, Crooked I says, “Every MC is supposed to feel like they’re the best, so I’ll give [him] that. Now that you’ve said that, I think you’ve got to back it up with more than just a statement. ‘Cause Em’ came at you, where you at, Joe? You said that you was better than him for the past 10 years. He gave you a few bars. You gotta back it up now; you just said this. If you don’t back it up, I don’t think even you believe [it is true].” Xzibit, who has worked extensively with Eminem adds, “You can’t just say [you are not responding because of] retirement. All bets are off.”
Crooked I continues, questioning Joe Budden’s appreciation and loyalty to Eminem and Shady. “I feel like Joe forgot [about the helping hand] when he was saying what he was saying. I don’t forget solid sh*t; that’s just not how I’m cut.” He suggests that earlier, Budden needed help that Eminem and Shady provided. To further illustrate, Crook’ recalls an early 2000s meeting with Suge Knight and N.O.R.E. in a Manhattan recording studio. He says that he forever remembers Noreaga’s help in a time when the Death Row co-founder and star artist wanted to make sure they were safe on the East Coast. “I never forget solid sh*t. So I would think as long as Em’ and Paul didn’t cross him in some type of way, I would think [Joe Budden] would have enough respect to be like, ‘Yo, I ain’t gon’ step on the gas on this one.’”
At 1:18:00, Kxng Crooked reveals how Joe’s 2017 words ultimately botched plans for Glass House. “It definitely affected Slaughterhouse. Because me and Royce [5’9] was working behind the scenes, trying to get the [Glass House] album out to the people. [The ‘Untouchable] critique] was like a grenade; he took the pin out and tossed that b*tch,” says the guest with a chuckle.
Addressing Joe’s podcast points from last September, Kxng Crooked also defends Eminem’s input. Budden was critical of Eminem not giving the group the proper push, compared to 50 Cent, D12, and earlier Shady successes. “I believe we came in at a time on Shady where Em’ didn’t have to do so much sh*t. He was used to having one formula to make things rock. But that formula was changing with the times,” explains Crook. Last year, Joe was also critical of Eminem’s production, beat choices, and creative input on a group that had released one album before signing with Shady. In an interview with Sway Calloway produced by Shady, Eminem responded to those charges.
Crooked I seemingly agrees with Marshall. “So what Em’ did, he said, ‘Okay, that first round [with welcome to: OUR HOUSE], that’s on me. Y’all go back in and make another album, and I’ma just let y’all rock. Whatever y’all wanna do, handle it the way y’all want to handle it. Roll it out how you want to roll it out, just do you.’ We all agreed and went back into the lab.” It is here that the C.O.B. founder says he is most frustrated. “That’s my problem [with what happened]: if you agree to go back and record another album and give it another shot, why is we still talking about [welcome to: OUR HOUSE]?” Kxng Crooked seemingly suggests that Budden remained displeased with the group album, instead of seizing the opportunity surrounding a follow-up album. Moreover, the California veteran says he relocated to New York City for six weeks to work on that unreleased LP. “Then the team broke up.”
N.O.R.E. asks if the guest considered the group of four solo MCs “a brotherhood.” Kxng Crooked responds, “I thought it was. Then, at times, I say, ‘I don’t think it was.’” Moments later he says, “I’m just cut different; I got three Slaughterhouse tattoos. When it was goin’ down, if anybody was in trouble, I was there with ’em. It was just a different scenario.” N.O.R.E. and Crooked I bring up Joe Budden’s late 2000s beef with Wu-Tang Clan. Kxng Crooked admits that fallout from that short-lived beef involving a physical 2009 altercation with Raekwon, cost him relationships with his circle.
At 85:30, N.O.R.E. says that after witnessing the 2018 breakup of Slaughterhouse he has faith for a reunion. Royce, Crooked, and Joell worked together on the remix to “Timberlan’d Up” late last year. “I don’t think it’s over,” says the Capone-N-Noreaga co-founder. Quickly, Crook’ puts those notions to bed. “It’s a wrap on that one.”
At 1:03:00 Rory enters and joins. N.O.R.E. asks the new guest if there will be a Slaughterhouse again. “This is an ambush; I want to get this on record,” responds The Joe Budden Podcast co-host who previously worked at Def Jam and Sony Records. “I saw Crook’ outside; Crook’ is love all day. This is a total ambush; I just want to make that clear…Slaughterhouse is none of my business. Why would y’all ask me about Slaughterhouse?” He charges that Crooked I and Joe Budden’s relationship is an isolated situation. “I can’t objectively talk about Slaughterhouse. One of their members is family to me. That’s their business.”
Ten minutes later, at 1:13:00, Kxng Crooked brings up that the loyal fans will always ask about the group that nearly lasted a decade. “People want to know, that’s how strong the Slaughterhouse brand was.” “Not was, is,” corrects Rory. Moments later, the MC born Dominick Wickliffe reflects on his group. “I don’t know why it’s gone; I know the Em’ sh*t played a big part in it…” In the next breath, Crook’ affirms his loyalty to Eminem, who he worked with nearly a decade before Slaughterhouse.
At 1:55:00 N.O.R.E. asks Rory if he thinks Joe went too far with his Eminem criticism. “I think a lot of the things that Joe [was quoted as saying] were made up, if you go back and look at what he [actually] said on Everyday Struggle. I think it got blown out of proportion. I think a lot of sh*t went to [headlines].” He adds, “Just knowing Joe personally, and how much he loves Em’, and respects him, sh*t got blown outta proportion, dog.”
As Rory speaks, Xzibit shoots Crooked I a look. The LBC native interrupts, “He used the word ‘trash,’ and I think that was—” Rory interrupts, asking about the context of the word. Kxng Crooked states that it was in reference to “Untouchable.” “[Joe Budden] said, ‘It’s trash, throw it in the rice,’ or some sh*t. You know what Joe be sayin’. But yeah, I mean, that’s going too far.”
In response Rory aligns with his podcast co-host’s opinion. “I don’t think he was buggin’” Kxng Crooked interjects, “Well, I think he was. I know you don’t want to have that conversation, yeah, but my whole thing is, like I was sayin’, dog, if you got a lil’ issue with somebody, pass on the critique of their album and their singles. Because, how can you be fair? How can you come from a place where you’re just listening to it [while] setting your personal feelings to the side? I don’t think so.”
Crooked I continues, “See, me and Royce, we were very hands-on with Slaughterhouse. From the beginning to end…we really went in the trenches for Slaughterhouse. You get me? So when you go in the trenches like that, if you got a communication line with your brothers, then you talk to your brothers. ‘Yo, this is what I’m about to do. Is this gonna harm anything that you guys are doing to try and get Glass House out right now? ‘Cause I don’t like my time to be wasted. If I’m flying from Cali’ to New York, sittin’ in them offices, fighting for this Glass House sh*t, on my own time, let me know if you’re gonna throw a grenade at [somebody]. Just let me know, and I won’t get on that plane. You feel me?”
As Kxng Crooked finishes his sentence, Rory gets up and exits the room without a goodbye. With a belly-laugh, Kxng Crooked claims, “It got awkward.” Seconds later, the episode ends.
Earlier in the Drink Champs episode, Crooked I makes a powerful point about his former boss, Suge Knight. The once feared record exec, who is currently serving a 28-year prison sentence for the killing of Terry Carter, made the MC his flagship artist between late 1999 and the mid-2000s. Despite that tenure, Crooked I never released his Say Hi To The Bad Guy debut solo album while signed to the legendary label. Like Kurupt and Michel’le, he was also offered an executive position by the Compton, California native.
At 1:53:00, Kxng Crooked says, “He wanted to give me an exec job, at one point. I know Kurupt had a job.” N.O.R.E. suggests that Dame Dash bit from Knight when he appointed Cam’ron to be Roc-A-Fella Records’ president. “Suge is like this: ‘I’m gonna go meet with Lyor [Cohen], and I want you to learn the game and get your business IQ up, so I’m gonna take you with me. So you can just soak up game.’ That’s how Suge was. He wanted to do retirement funds for artists, he wanted to do [healthcare for artists]. But every time he tried to do something on that level, he got resistance from the powers that be. And sometimes that resistance comes in the form of the Feds knocking at your door.”
In 1996, the FBI reportedly investigated the label founded by Knight and Dr. Dre. The L.A. Times reported the probe the same month that label star Tupac Shakur was fatally wounded in Las Vegas, Nevada. Knight, who was with Pac during that incident and also hit with gunfire, was eventually sentenced to prison for violating probation that night. After Knight was released, in the early 2000s, the FBI raided Death Row’s Beverly Hills offices, and various properties, including Crooked I’s home.
New York rappers Raekwon and Nicki Minaj are sending out prayers. The Big Apple natives have reacted to the horrific Ethiopian Airlines fatal plane crash responsible for killing 157 people.
New York rapper Raekwon knows JAY-Z is a one of one. The Chef has come forward to salute Young Hov and his Roc Nation team for having a middle school student’s “Pledge of Allegiance” case dismissed.
Rae hopped on Instagram Wednesday to give Jigga and the Roc some huge props.
11-year old Jabari Talbot exercised his freedom of speech by choosing not to participate in the national anthem, which led to his wrongful arrest @leonardfournette immediately called to show support & invited him to a game next season The case has since been dismissed pic.twitter.com/H1vVnNOcYC
— Roc Nation Sports (@RocNationSports) March 6, 2019
Last month, Roc Nation publicly spoke up for 11-year-old Jabari Talbot when cops arrested him after not standing up for the Pledge of Allegiance in school.
Jabari Talbot, an 11-year old student from Lakeland, Florida, was arrested in school after he exercised his right to not participate in the Pledge of Allegiance. We stand with Jabari and his mother to stop the over-policing and criminalization of Black students. #TeamRocpic.twitter.com/38wdcLcxai
An 11-year-old Polk County student refused to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, and after explaining his reasons, he was kicked out of class and eventually arrested for being disruptive and disobeying commands to calm down and leave the classroom. He was also suspended for three days. (Bay News 9)
In the mid-1990s, Smif-N-Wessun burst onto the scene brandishing two barrels locked-and-loaded with raw Rap talent. Following a breakthrough appearance on Black Moon’s seminal Enta Da Stage, the skills of Tek and Steele shimmered on their 1995 debut, Dah Shinin’. Da Beatminerz-produced album balanced vigor, street-smarts, and just the right amount of Brooklyn Soul for a display that cemented the Boot Camp Clik as a force to be reckoned with. Twenty-five years later, General Steele and Tek are still standing strong, with the stars and bars of a decorated career. The pair just released their sixth album, The All. Like their first LP, this body of work pairs the MCs with a respected production team: 9th Wonder & The Soul Council. Moreover, the 12-song effort showcases maturity and vulnerability, all while adhering to their unique brand of Hip-Hop. Featuring Raekwon, Rick Ross, and Rapsody, among others, the Bucktown USA/Duck Down Music release underpins Smif-N-Wessun’s influence on the genre. Now in their forties, Tek and Steele’s artistry is in a state of renaissance, not unlike that of JAY-Z, Royce 5’9, Pusha-T, and other peers. These artists are evolving, shedding skin, and taking listeners to new places. Less than a week ago, Ambrosia For Heads‘ Editor-in-Chief Jake Paine interviewed Smif-N-Wessun at Crown Heights’ Brooklyn Combine. Inside a space where strategic planning happens daily, Tek and General Steele reflect on their career and explain how Smif-N-Wessun reloaded with some of its best music. All can watch the full interview at AFH TV.Masta Ace, Marco Polo & Smif-n-Wessun Team Up To Salute Bucktown (Video) On “Testify,” Tek rhymes, “They say take ‘em back to Dah Shinin’ / But they don’t know the shape that my mind’s in.” At 3:45 in the interview, the two men explain where their heads are at in 2019. “I think we approached [the album] with an open mind. We had The Soul Council, that was really hands on with us. It wasn’t just dudes giving us beats. We had a guy like 9th Wonder who was like, ‘Yo, I can hear this vibe on this type of track. This vibe sounds like this.’ And it’s like, ‘Word? That’s what you hear? Aight; let’s see if we can catch that vibe right there.’ So, we was really building the tracks up,” says General Steele. The pair made two trips to North Carolina. The mornings began early, not without a stop at Biscuit World, a southern restaurant in close proximity to 9th Wonder’s studio. Many mornings, Khrysis, who produced seven of The All‘s 12 tracks, joined for these breakfasts. “We had to come with the content. We had to come with the words and the content that made sense. So, it wasn’t us just sitting there and just writing in the studio,” he admits. I get older, I don’t like writing in the studio. It feels so contrived to me. But when we was in that space, it was more of like a family space. It was an open lane to create. If you get tired of creating, you can go into the room and watch television, watch Netflix or something like that. We come back, and I’ll be in the studio, and we switch it. We pass off [rhyme] books and stuff like that. So really, like, on our own time, you know?” Smif-N-Wessun Show Boom Bap Sounds Amazing With Live Instruments (Video) After past albums with Da Beatminerz and 2011’s Monumental with Pete Rock, Tek describes the chemistry with The Soul Council. “We was all giving input. We worked with Khrysis the majority of the time hands on. So, even if he gave his input, I gave mine. Khrysis gave his. Not only 9th [Wonder], E. Jones, [Eric] G, even Ka$h [Don’t Make Beats], and Rapsody had their joints [in addition to] singing [by Heather Victoria and others]. We had a [white] board writing the names of the songs down. A lot of the titles of the songs came from the actual record we may have been talking about at the time, or whatever we were just feeling in the song. So, we write it down and we record it, and then we’ll just come up with the content of it.” Smif-N-Wessun Join Termanology On A Song That’s Rugged & Raw (Video) Later in the conversation, Smif-N-Wessun recall their time dabbling with Rawkus Records. Already in the Priority Records family, the pair worked extensively on Soundbombing and Lyricist Lounge compilations, in addition to features on Talib Kweli’s solo debut, Quality. The duo recall “Super Brooklyn,” garnering great interest. Sadly, similar to Pharoahe Monch’s “Simon Says,” a sample cease-and-desist halted a much-needed re-awakening to the group entering Y2K. By the late 1990s, Smif-N-Wessun was taking its proverbial industry lumps. A legal battle with the gun company forced a temporary name-change to Cocoa Brovaz at an inflection point. Despite time spent with Tupac Shakur, plans for a One Nation album were tragically halted with his 1996 death. Meanwhile, a fast-rising record like “Super Brooklyn” was stopped right as radio was pushing play. At 34:00, the duo was asked if they feel they have faced a harder road than most. 9th Wonder Brings Smif-n-Wessun & Rick Ross Together For A Song That’s Super Fly (Audio) Steele responds with a powerful sentiment. “Nah. Biggie and Pac [are] dead. Big L is gone. Guru is gone.” Tek interjects, “There’s always somebody who’s got it worse than you. So, the toughest battle is, as long as you breathing every day above ground is a great one.” Steele continues, “Every time we do a show, especially overseas, we always pay homage to the brothers that’s not here anymore. And that’s part of the show where we get a chance to get a breath. Imagine that. We get a breath for all of these ones that set it forth before us. The game has allowed us to perform. It could be worse. It could be worse.” 9th Wonder Closes Out An Incredible Year With More Than 40 Beats & Songs Perspective is critical, and Smif-N-Wessun are positive about a bumpy road. With a statement album newly in fans’ hands, they have reason to celebrate. Watch the full interview at AFH TV.Bundle packs for The All are also available to Heads via Duck Down Music. They include the digital album, vinyl, a CD, hoodie, t-shirt, beanie, sticker pack and Smif-N-Wessun & Champion Sound Live From Prague digital album. Photograph by Photo Rob. #BonusBeat: Smif-N-Wessun’s “Stahfallah” music video:
The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of Terror Squad’s Big Pun. Over the past few hours, New York rappers from Fat Joe and Nas to Raekwon and Cormega have remembered Pun’s legacy on his death’s 19th anniversary.
Set as the co-featured match of Saturday night’s Manny Pacquiao-Adrien Broner card at the MGM Garden Arena, Staten Island’s Marcus Browne took the vacant interim lightweight world title as he unanimously defeated the seasoned Badou Jack remaining undefeated at 23-0. Browne’s win served as a huge gain for the often slated “forgotten” borough of Staten Island, New York which was supported by several of the region’s “finest” including the Wu-Tang Clan’s own Raekwon and class act emcee Redman.
Browne, who is notably from the Park Hill projects, the same stomping grounds as Raekwon (10304 style) received kudos from the Chef via Instagram the following day as news of his victory traveled throughout the borough. “STATEN ISLAND FIRST WORLD CHAMPION!!!!!!!! #standup. #PARKHiLLPROJECTSNIGGAS. He from my hood !!!!! Congratulations champ !!!!!!!!,” Raekwon wrote.
The slick rapping Redman also showed kudos to Browne despite being a New Jersey native, the Funk Doc’s ties with Shaolin run deep (evident through his bond with Method Man). The Muddy Waters MC promoted the highly anticipated fight with a photo of Browne rooting for the now young champion to make Staten Island history. “THE REAL FIGHT TONIGHT on PayPerView UNDERCARD is Staten Island’s OWN MARCUS BROWNE VS. BADOU JACK !! Yo Marcus We Tuned In Go Hard YOUNG BRUH !! LES GO !!”
Marcus Browne is now recognized as Staten Island’s first world champion and a proven legend of the borough at the young age of 28. It is always a gratifying sight to witness veteran successors support the rising eminence of the youth from their respective regions.
New York rapper Nas is going down memory lane. God’s Son hit up social media this week to share a vintage shot of himself with Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon and Mobb Deep.
Nasir Jones went to Instagram Thursday (January 10) night with the rare pic.
Almost 10 years ago, Raekwon blessed Rap fans with one of the most anticipated Wu-Tang Clan solo albums since Y2K. Chef had previously made one of the highest-acclaimed LPs not only within the Wu family catalog, but throughout all of Hip-Hop care of his 1995 solo debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Like collaborators Nas and Snoop Dogg, Shallah had learned that a classic debut could be a gift as well as a curse. Follow-up LPs including 1999’s Immobilarityand 2003’s The Lex Diamond Story did not garner the the same acclaim. While Raekwon was trying new sounds and cultivating new themes on his solo works, fans forever appeared more interested in the beloved Purple Tape.
In a decade when Nas made a Stillmatic homage to his debut, Raekwon eventually opted to revisit his magnum opus. In late 2005, Chef’ revealed that a sequel was the next item on his menu. By early ’06, MTV confirmed that Busta Rhymes would be executive producing the effort. RZA, who was at the helm for the ’95 original, also stepped in to share that role soon after. By year’s end, Raekwon reportedly signed to Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment, through Busta, who was already there. Dre was confirmed to beats, as was RZA, in addition to Busta’s late homie J Dilla, Flipmode’s DJ Scratch, and Scram Jones. The prospects paved a new runway for an artist who many felt was underrated, despite gold albums and platinum Wu success.
Sadly, a lot transpired between 2006 and 2009, even if may not have seemed so in the eyes of fans. Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Pt. II was delayed for a reported litany of reasons. Busta Rhymes would only release one album on Dre’s label, The Big Bang. Although that 2006 LP offered a first taste of Raekwon on Dr. Dre (and Erick Sermon) production thanks to “Goldmine,” Bus’ had moved on shortly after. Without his stakeholder, Rae’s role at Aftermath seemingly drifted into the abyss. He joined the ranks including Rakim, Joell Ortiz, Bishop Lamont, King T, The Last Emperor, Eve, and Hittman—artists in waiting, without a release date. Other reasons for delay included reported sample clearances and revisions on Rae’s part. To make matters worse, Wu-Tang’s 8 Diagrams was largely panned in the midst of the transition.
However, in 2009, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…Pt. II eventually arrived. More importantly, the effort delivered what so many fans had been requesting. The album appeased core Heads by with its purple glow. It gave Raekwon a Top 5 debut for the first time since ’95 and was a keystone release during a transitional period in Rap.
Cuban Linx II may be best remembered for its sprawling tracklist and an all-star cast of producers. As reported three years prior, RZA, J Dilla, and Scram Jones remained involved. Pete Rock, Marley Marl, Erick Sermon, Alchemist, and Necro joined the ensemble. However, Dr. Dre’s work also carried over to the ICEH20/EMI release (Raekwon’s label).
Andre Young provided not one but two cuts. Video single “Catalina” was the more memorable of the pair that also included the Busta Rhymes-assisted “About Me.” Featuring Lyfe Jennings on the hook, the fifth and final single from Raekwon’s fourth solo studio album was, as the Wu MC described it, “multi expensive Rap.” It is unclear if Dre gave Rae’ the Aftermath carryover or not, but it was a big dog move for an artist previously criticized for his beat selection on his second and third album.
Interestingly, “Catalina” samples “Rainy Dayz,” a track from the first Cuban Linx, as well as dialogue and music from the film The Killer. It was also originally titled “Congo” on Dre’s beat-tape. Rae’ told Complex‘s Daniel Isenberg in 2011 that he recorded the song (which is co-produced by Mark Batson) in Dre’s Southern California studio. “I think I aired it out right there. Real quick, impressed him. Yeah, one of my 15-minute specials. But, the rhyme that’s on there now isn’t the rhyme that I said. Because one thing, when I get in the studio, I may try three or four rhymes. So, I had other rhymes to this too. I was saying all kinds of other sh*t.” The verse would shift, prompting a name change. “I called it ’Catalina’ because it just reminded me of being on a yacht with a bunch of f*cking Casablanca ni**as having caviar sandwiches and fish. You know, the beat was just making me think of being on a night cruise or something, and I was like, ‘Yo, if I’m on a yacht, then the name of this boat needs to be called ‘Catalina.””
The video, which involves Lyfe, captures that attitude. Maybach limousines, diamonds, and chartered flights accent Raekwon’s raps on the song. He shows the mafioso lifestyle in a garage, mansion, and more, all while kicking his raw delivery.
The Chef’s had a throwback sensibility throughout. He reworked his “C.R.E.A.M.” verse, perhaps the best-known bars of his career. “I grew up on the foul side, nickel bag vial side Purple tops, two for fives / I had seven grams, outside with my eleven mans / On the corners with a pocket full of contrabands / Running up and down fire escapes / NARCs coming, jump in the window, let your Nikes fly, hide the flakes / Guess up in the Hill it was real to me / What a ni**a would have did if you steal from me / All my life around drug ni**as, villains who want millions / Ni**as with them hoodies on, with Techs in the building / Mad fiends, bags of green, Gillette razors / Fly neighbors, all live blazers / Designer jeans, that’s why we live, ni**as need sh*t in they crib / Go broke, you gonna rope you a vic’ / It’s just full-time stragglers / Ni**as try to take your place and smile in your face, but still and all backstabbers.”
While things did not happen according to plan, Raekwon gave fans what they wanted and made another great album. Moreover, the 2009 release allowed the MC to make those moves. 2011’s Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang employed a different sound, and with a strong brand intact, Raekwon Heads were willing to embrace it. Meanwhile, the model for sequels stayed with Shallah, as his imprint released Capone-N-Noreaga’s The War Report 2: Report The War in 2010.
Almost 10 years ago, Raekwon blessed Rap fans with one of the most anticipated Wu-Tang Clan solo albums since Y2K. Chef had previously made one of the highest-acclaimed LPs not only within the Wu family catalog, but throughout all of Hip-Hop care of his 1995 solo debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Like collaborators Nas and Snoop Dogg, Shallah had learned that a classic debut could be a gift as well as a curse. Follow-up LPs including 1999’s Immobilarityand 2003’s The Lex Diamond Story did not garner the the same acclaim. While Raekwon was trying new sounds and cultivating new themes on his solo works, fans forever appeared more interested in the beloved Purple Tape.
In a decade when Nas made a Stillmatic homage to his debut, Raekwon eventually opted to revisit his magnum opus. In late 2005, Chef’ revealed that a sequel was the next item on his menu. By early ’06, MTV confirmed that Busta Rhymes would be executive producing the effort. RZA, who was at the helm for the ’95 original, also stepped in to share that role soon after. By year’s end, Raekwon reportedly signed to Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment, through Busta, who was already there. Dre was confirmed to beats, as was RZA, in addition to Busta’s late homie J Dilla, Flipmode’s DJ Scratch, and Scram Jones. The prospects paved a new runway for an artist who many felt was underrated, despite gold albums and platinum Wu success.
Sadly, a lot transpired between 2006 and 2009, even if may not have seemed so in the eyes of fans. Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Pt. II was delayed for a reported litany of reasons. Busta Rhymes would only release one album on Dre’s label, The Big Bang. Although that 2006 LP offered a first taste of Raekwon on Dr. Dre (and Erick Sermon) production thanks to “Goldmine,” Bus’ had moved on shortly after. Without his stakeholder, Rae’s role at Aftermath seemingly drifted into the abyss. He joined the ranks including Rakim, Joell Ortiz, Bishop Lamont, King T, The Last Emperor, Eve, and Hittman—artists in waiting, without a release date. Other reasons for delay included reported sample clearances and revisions on Rae’s part. To make matters worse, Wu-Tang’s 8 Diagrams was largely panned in the midst of the transition.
However, in 2009, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…Pt. II eventually arrived. More importantly, the effort delivered what so many fans had been requesting. The album appeased core Heads by with its purple glow. It gave Raekwon a Top 5 debut for the first time since ’95 and was a keystone release during a transitional period in Rap.
Cuban Linx II may be best remembered for its sprawling tracklist and an all-star cast of producers. As reported three years prior, RZA, J Dilla, and Scram Jones remained involved. Pete Rock, Marley Marl, Erick Sermon, Alchemist, and Necro joined the ensemble. However, Dr. Dre’s work also carried over to the ICEH20/EMI release (Raekwon’s label).
Andre Young provided not one but two cuts. Video single “Catalina” was the more memorable of the pair that also included the Busta Rhymes-assisted “About Me.” Featuring Lyfe Jennings on the hook, the fifth and final single from Raekwon’s fourth solo studio album was, as the Wu MC described it, “multi expensive Rap.” It is unclear if Dre gave Rae’ the Aftermath carryover or not, but it was a big dog move for an artist previously criticized for his beat selection on his second and third album.
Interestingly, “Catalina” samples “Rainy Dayz,” a track from the first Cuban Linx, as well as dialogue and music from the film The Killer. It was also originally titled “Congo” on Dre’s beat-tape. Rae’ told Complex‘s Daniel Isenberg in 2011 that he recorded the song (which is co-produced by Mark Batson) in Dre’s Southern California studio. “I think I aired it out right there. Real quick, impressed him. Yeah, one of my 15-minute specials. But, the rhyme that’s on there now isn’t the rhyme that I said. Because one thing, when I get in the studio, I may try three or four rhymes. So, I had other rhymes to this too. I was saying all kinds of other sh*t.” The verse would shift, prompting a name change. “I called it ’Catalina’ because it just reminded me of being on a yacht with a bunch of f*cking Casablanca ni**as having caviar sandwiches and fish. You know, the beat was just making me think of being on a night cruise or something, and I was like, ‘Yo, if I’m on a yacht, then the name of this boat needs to be called ‘Catalina.””
The video, which involves Lyfe, captures that attitude. Maybach limousines, diamonds, and chartered flights accent Raekwon’s raps on the song. He shows the mafioso lifestyle in a garage, mansion, and more, all while kicking his raw delivery.
The Chef’s had a throwback sensibility throughout. He reworked his “C.R.E.A.M.” verse, perhaps the best-known bars of his career. “I grew up on the foul side, nickel bag vial side Purple tops, two for fives / I had seven grams, outside with my eleven mans / On the corners with a pocket full of contrabands / Running up and down fire escapes / NARCs coming, jump in the window, let your Nikes fly, hide the flakes / Guess up in the Hill it was real to me / What a ni**a would have did if you steal from me / All my life around drug ni**as, villains who want millions / Ni**as with them hoodies on, with Techs in the building / Mad fiends, bags of green, Gillette razors / Fly neighbors, all live blazers / Designer jeans, that’s why we live, ni**as need sh*t in they crib / Go broke, you gonna rope you a vic’ / It’s just full-time stragglers / Ni**as try to take your place and smile in your face, but still and all backstabbers.”
While things did not happen according to plan, Raekwon gave fans what they wanted and made another great album. Moreover, the 2009 release allowed the MC to make those moves. 2011’s Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang employed a different sound, and with a strong brand intact, Raekwon Heads were willing to embrace it. Meanwhile, the model for sequels stayed with Shallah, as his imprint released Capone-N-Noreaga’s The War Report 2: Report The War in 2010.
G.O.O.D. Music’s Teyana Taylor is soaking in some serious Wu-Tang vibes. The crooner has come this Friday with her Clan-heavy new “Gonna Love Me” remix music video premiere.
@leonardfournette immediately called to show support & invited him to a game 
. #PARKHiLLPROJECTSNIGGAS. He from my hood !!!!! Congratulations champ !!!!!!!!
#BlackExcellence
some joy and laughter! Praying for Many Blessings for the WORLD!!
