Raekwon

Raekwon, born Corey Woods, is a platinum-selling rapper and a founding member of the Staten Island hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan. He gained prominence with the group following the release of their debut album, "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)." Known on stage as The Chef, Raekwon is recognized for his distinctive voice and as a key figure in the development of the Mafioso rap sub-genre.

Raekwon launched a solo career with the album "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...," which received critical acclaim and is regarded as a foundational work in 1990s hip-hop. The album achieved Gold and later Platinum status and is credited with influencing artists such as Nas and The Notorious B.I.G. He continued his solo discography with albums including "Immobilarity," "The Lex Diamond Story," and "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II." The latter was praised as a return to form and was named Album of the Year by HipHopDX, which also recognized Raekwon as Emcee of the Year. His collaborative projects include "Wu Massacre" with Method Man and Ghostface Killah, and "Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang," featuring artists such as Busta Rhymes, Nas, and Rick Ross. Raekwon also contributed to Wu-Tang Clan albums including "A Better Tomorrow" and released solo projects such as "Fly International Luxurious Art," "The Wild," and "The Emperor's New Clothes."

Raekwon is known for his collaborations with prominent hip-hop artists, including OutKast, Nas, and Kanye West. He has been recognized by About.com as one of the Top 50 MCs of Our Time. In addition to his music career, Raekwon is a record executive and founder of Ice H2O Records. He is also a published author, with his autobiography, "From Staircase to Stage: The Story of Raekwon and the Wu-Tang Clan," offering insights into his journey in hip-hop and the music industry. With a career spanning more than three decades, Raekwon is regarded as an influential figure in hip-hop, known for his cinematic storytelling and impact on rap culture.