Stanisland Magazine

The Wu-Tang rapper returns with crystal clear hip-hop featuring Ghostface, Westside Gunn, and more

Wu-Tang Clan flagship lyricist Raekwon has dropped his new album The Emperor’s New Clothes.

Released by Mass Appeal Records, a label headed by legendary rapper Nas, it features some incredible hip-hop surprises.

Who Features on The Emperor’s New Clothes?

The Chef’s latest musical instalment features an array of legendary names. Among them, Wu-mic-slayer Inspectah Deck, Ghostface Killah, and Method Man.

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His stylistic choices also see him turn to Conway the Machine, Benny the Butcher, and Westside Gunn who further firm his quest for dominance. Other appearances include Carlton Fisk, Marsha Ambrosius, Tommy Nova, and Stacy Barthe.

As expected, the brains behind the machine, Nas, makes an appearance on track number 13, The Omerta.

What it Sounds Like

As usual, multi-syllabic bars are on the menu, with some incredible back-to-back collaborations. This is especially true of the track Wild Corsicans, a posse cut featuring Griselda’s best.

“Jaws filled, this star hill, the dope from Park Hill,
Where fiends walk walls and cartwheels” – Raekwon on “Bear Hills”

It’s a classic sound in the vein of boom-bap quill penning and a vote in favour of his cultivated swagger. Continuing to showcase that he hasn’t lost his touch, there’s a formal, yet relaxed, approach to how he attacks the beat.

With samples that strike the mirror of his classic style, Raekwon proves why you still shouldn’t mess with him — and why he’s one of the best to ever touch the mic.

The Verdict

While we don’t get anything revolutionary, there’s a palate served for those of a refined order. Rap heads will love it, auto-tune fans will dismiss it, but the quality Raekwon delivers on The Emperor’s New Clothes is undeniably a solid offering of hip-hop in its purest form.

The Cuban Linx artist retains the pageantry derived from his golden-era stomping ground, employing skits and more, while grabbing the wordplay bull by the horns. It’s a visceral, artistic effort within the crosshairs of the genre’s sweet-spot.

Stream it and Buy Vinyl Copies

You can stream the album on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

Should you want to hold this stellar album in your hands, you can purchase vinyl and CD copies directly from the Mass Appeal website.

Alternatively, the album is currently in stock at trusted stores, including Rough Trade and Norman Records.

Complete Tracklist

1. Intro
2. Bear Hill
3. Pomogranite feat. Inspectah Deck & Carlton Fisk
4. Veterans Only Billionaire Rehab (Skit)
5. Wild Corsicans feat. Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, & Benny The Butcher
6. 1 Life feat. Stacy Barthe
7. Barber Shop Bullies (Skit)
8. Open Doors feat. Tommy Nova
9. 600 School feat. Ghostface Killah & Method Man
10. The Guy That Plans It
11. Da Heavies
12. Officer Full Beard (Skit)
13. The Omerta feat. Nas
14. Get Outta Here feat. Ghostface Killah
15. The Sober Dose Gift (Skit)
16. Debra Night Wine feat. Marsha Ambrosius
17. Mac & Lobster feat. Ghostface Killah