Having born in Brooklyn, New York, USA, Raekwon is a renowned American rapper as well as a prominent member in Wu-Tang Clan.
He also has been mentioned as the pioneer of Mafioso rap.
He is basically a rapper who raps next to his dear friend named Ghostface Killah as well as performs as a fellow Wu-Tang member.
He debut single was “Heaven and Hell’ which was a record deal collaborating with Loud Records. This song was incorporated in the movie “Fresh”.
Early Life
Having taken birth on January 12, 1970, Raekwon’s birth name is Corey Quontrell Woods. He took birth in Brooklyn in New York, USA. Raekwon belongs to the ethnicity of African American ethnic group and is of American nationality.
His father is Cori Andrea who is not at all known publically. Much is not known about his schooling or graduation. Though there are many rumours saying he has somewhat dropped out of his high school as he wanted to carry on with his rapping career, no clear evidence is yet found. It is said, Raekwon has grew up under the shelter of his dearest friend Ghostface Killah with whom he used to do clubbing and perform together at various clubs.
Career
Raekwon is said to be the founder of the rap genre prevalent during the mid 90s named as Mafioso. Right from the beginning of his career, Raekwon has taken up various stage names like Shallah Diamond, Lex Diamond, Shallah Raekwon and also Raekwon the Chef. Initially he performed with his dearest friend till he got his first debut signed with Loud Records named ‘Hell and Heaven’ as a soundtrack for a movie. After this, he made an appearance in a music video by the R&B group named Allure which was the group’s debut.
After this, he got placed at About.com by the editors who listed him on the Top 50 MCs of Our Time. Raekwon’s music then was described as ‘Street Epics’ by The Miami New Times. His music was further described to be ‘straightforward yet linguistically rich universes not unlike a gangsta Iliad’. Then the time for his first ever sola album titled as ‘Only Built 4 Cuban Linx’ got released. This album was yet another collection of hip-hop songs and did undergo a significant transformation.
The tracks in the album moves like scenes move in a film from one to another. It has some stimulating instrumentals along with amazing dramatic lyrical stories; Raekwon tried to paint vibrant pictures as well as brought out some powerful imagery through all his enthralling verbal expression. It has been said that this album gained him popularity and much success because he has worked with Dr. Dre and Busta Rhymes. His original which was cult classic titled ‘Protect Ya Neck’ took away the limelight where his verbal expression was the main attractive element.
Raekwon also collaborated with few of his fellow friends and released an album named ‘Wu-Massacre’. Shaolin Vs Wu-Tang was one of his solo popular project and not specifically a hit for his entire clan. He achieved solo success as it has appearances by his popular fellow friends, Rick Ross being one of them. Eventually he chose to take a big step and created his record house which he named as ‘Ice H20 R4ecords’.very soon after this, he got his EP released entitled as ‘Lost Jewellery’.
His current project ‘The Wild’ for which he has great expectations and therefore, is working hard to make it successful. In many of the interviews he has found claiming righteously about his profession as a rapper, where he mentions that he wishes to be a rapper till the time he possesses the ever burning fire within him to produce great, unforgettable lyrics.
His last single got released in January 2014 which is titled as ‘All About You’ and gained much popularity which was followed by another promised new album which he has announced to be titled as F.I.L.A.
Though Raekwon has not awarded with great number of trophies, he has been nominated in various award programmes for his best rap presentation by a Duo or Group and also best song from the movie named “The Man with the Iron Fists”.
Personal Life
Raekwon is married and has a lovely daughter called Cori Andrea who has been named after him and his mother. He also has a son named Jabairi with his real long time girlfriend. In an interview, Raekwon claimed that his children are the best of the things that has ever happened to him and also they help in keeping him out of many troubles, thereby assisting him to keep his feet firmly on the ground.
He also mentioned about his mother in many of the interviews where he spoke about his mother being not a great mother as no bond grew up between them when he was slowly growing up. But he also stated that currently they are on good terms and all the past issues are now resolved.
Also, he got converted into Islam religion as he felt that their God could guide and help him to achieve the best out of his life. Raekwon, is therefore considered as an amazing and somewhat possesses unique personality who paved his way to great success with small steps and real hard work as well as dedication.
Quick Summary
Full name: Corey Quontrell Woods
Date of birth: January 12, 1970
Birth place: Staten Island, New York, U.S
Age: 47 years
Profession: Musician; Rapper
Height: 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
Weight: 89 kgs (196 Pounds)
Net worth: $12 Million
