When considering the best qualifying member of the Wu-Tang Clan to give a thorough analysis of every project they’ve conceived, the RZA easily bests his brothers, seeing that he oversaw each compilation as a general and executive producer. Seeing that Raekwon has adopted the role of the Clan patriarch as of late, his input is highly valued in 2010.

In a classic Shaolin sitdown with Vibe, the Chef gives the nitty gritty on every Wu-Tang group album as well as his own solo endeavors. Spliced in between moments of sheer honesty (I realized that my fanbase was looking at me like, “Hey, hold up! This is not Raekwon.” Lex Diamond was definitely a learning experience.”) and overlooked efforts—no mention of Iron Flag which stands as the 2nd best Wu album in my opinion—Rae lived it so he’s going to tell it.

Of course the storied Cuban Linx saga poses as the article’s highlight. Just like he and Ghost told me last year, The Purple Tape captured the ambiance of an aura, one that was transitioned perfectly on cassette, vinyl and CD.

Ghostface and I were the visual MC’s. We became narrators of the street world. We knew we had a record like “C.R.E.A.M.” that took off huge for us. So I knew that was the direction I wanted to head into for my album. We figured out a way to combine the karate skits of the first album to the whole mafia, killer drug shit. And Ghostface was the perfect MC to back me up. We had the same kind of elements. We were the more street type of dudes in the crew. We both go back to niggas wearing rings on each finger, rocking the cable ropes, and going to school with high top fades with half moon parts, and loving Polo. But we also knew what it felt like to be in front of store freezing putting in work.

And of course, the album that sent a stroke through Hip-Hop’s commercial artery, proving raw rap still had its purpose to be revered for anyone who wanted to hear it. Jay-Z scanned the numbers but Rae got the numbers; critical acclaim and a rejuvenated interest in all things Wu followed thereafter. It’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. II.

I started [making this album in 2005], so the gray hairs started kicking in on this one [laughs]. I was experiencing a lot of stress because when you think about the first Cuban Linx project that we did because the Wu was always together. When I made Cuban Linx II we were so far away from each other. I’m scratching my head like, What the fuck did I just get myself into? A lot of personal things were going on in my life. At times, I didn’t even think I would be able to complete this album. But I felt like the challenge was built for me. I had to make sure the album had the right Cuban Linx sound and still be able to stand with today’s hip-hop.

Read the rest over @ Vibe.