It’s been 14 years since Raekwon released his groundbreaking debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…. After releasing two lackluster albums, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II was announced. It’s been four years in the making, and only recently have we been able to hear parts of it.

First off is a clip of a track called “Hood Story”. It’s a straight-up Raekwon rap over an incredible beat featuring electric guitar chords and a synth underlying everything. No chorus (in the clip at least), just verses. It kills us everytime we get to the fade out at 1:33. Luckily the next two are full songs.

“Criminology 2″, the follow-up to the original “Criminology” off of the original Cuban Linx. The beat is really similar to the original, Scarface dialogue and all; Ghostface is back too of course. Not quite as good as the original, but miles better than anything Raekwon has put on his last two albums.

Finally is the brand new “Back From The Slums”. Raekwon, Ghostface, and Method Man all have verses while solely Method Man provides the best chorus I’ve heard in ages. Ghost-like background vocals create an eerie atmosphere throughout the whole song which lead people to call it “Wu Ohh” when the track title was unknown. Incredible overall; hopefully half the album is this good.

Raekwon – Hood Story (Clip)

Raekwon – Criminology 2 (feat. Ghostface Killah)

Raekwon – Back From The Slums (feat. Ghostface Killah & Method Man)

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II is expected out in March, but a source tells us that the actual release date may be April 7th. Additional tracks will be sent to DJs in the coming weeks, so check in with us for the latest MP3s from the album.

-Evan