Raekwon and Mobb Deep

Raekwon is a legendary rapper, entrepreneur, and founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan, whose groundbreaking work has left an indelible mark on hip-hop culture. Bursting onto the scene with the seminal group debut Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) in 1993, Raekwon quickly established himself as a formidable lyricist and storyteller.

His 1995 solo debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...—often referred to as the “Purple Tape”—revolutionized hip-hop by pioneering the mafioso rap subgenre. The album’s intricate slang, cinematic skits, and gritty production created a blueprint that influenced countless artists and helped define an era of street narratives and complex lyricism. Honored with the prestigious “5 Mic” rating from The Source, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... remains a cornerstone of the Wu-Tang legacy and a revered classic in hip-hop history.

Mobb Deep is one of the most iconic and influential hip-hop duos to emerge from the East Coast. Comprised of Prodigy and Havoc, the Queensbridge, New York natives helped define the sound of hardcore hip-hop in the 1990s, pairing raw lyricism with dark, minimalist production. Over the course of their career, Mobb Deep developed a sound that became synonymous with gritty street realism—uncompromising, cinematic, and deeply influential.

Their landmark sophomore album, The Infamous (1995), is widely regarded as a cornerstone of East Coast rap. Anchored by the anthemic “Shook Ones Pt. II,” the album delivered chilling, atmospheric beats and vivid, hard-edged storytelling that resonated deeply with listeners and helped shape the tone of New York hip-hop for years to come.