RZA Presents Only Built 4 Cuban Linx With Raekwon And The Colorado Symphony
Rap and classical music may not seem like a natural pairing, especially if you’re not used to recognizing hip-hop as a form of fine art. But through their ongoing relationship with Wu-Tang Clan, the Colorado Symphony has successfully fused the two genres and brought a whole new audience to the symphony. Their latest collaboration, RZA Presents Only Built 4 Cuban Linx….With Raekwon and the Colorado Symphony, is their fourth production together.
The Maestro, The Chef, and the Colorado Symphony.
A brief history of the odd couple: In 2021, Wu-Tang and the Colorado Symphony played two sold-out shows at Red Rocks and Mission Ballroom. The former was immortalized in a RZA-directed documentary, A Wu-Tang Experience: Live At Red Rocks Amphitheatre, that was released in 2023 as part of a film series commemorating hip-hop’s 50th birthday (and has since seemingly disappeared from the internet). In 2022, RZA performed at the Symphony’s Imagination Gala, and was named one of three Colorado Symphony Imagination Artists when the series was introduced that fall. Then in 2023, RZA worked with the symphony to compose and stage his own ballet, which they debuted as a double feature alongside a live-scored showing of RZA’s favorite Kung-Fu film, 36 Chambers of Shaolin. And that’s where my story begins.
Through Westword, where I was a contributing writer at the time, I had the opportunity to interview RZA ahead of his two-night stint at Boettcher Concert Hall last year. (Huge shoutout to Westword’s amazing music/arts/culture editor extraordinaire, Emily Ferguson, who gave me the opportunity.) One of his publicists hooked me up with a ticket to the premiere, and though I was mesmerized by the sheer sight of RZA spinning records in front of a 60-piece orchestra, it definitely showcased RZA more as a composer than as the de facto leader of Wu-Tang. The genre-defying musical genius of RZA was on full display, but as a hip-hop nerd with little connection to classical, I wanted more OG Wu-Tang.
Well, RZA delivered. For their 2024 production, RZA invited Wu-Tang’s Raekwon to perform his debut solo album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.… in its entirety, with live instrumentation from the Colorado Symphony. So when the publicists I previously worked with emailed me asking if I’d be interested in interviewing Raekwon, there was no way I was passing it onto another (employed) journalist. (Once again, big thanks to Emily for making it work!) And of course, I finagled my way into attending the show. Despite the unhinged shenanigans of the couple seated next to me (mostly the guy, but girl, why would you bring him?), witnessing the live symphonic interpretation of Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…. was one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced. The combination of live instrumentals and hip-hop is always magic to me, but to see it elevated to such an epic scale, with a full orchestra helmed by two rap icons, multiplied that magic exponentially. In the space of one stage, hip-hop’s storied past collided with its limitless future.
This was a full theatrical production (wardrobe changes, sets, background visuals and all) that absolutely obliterated any notion that hip-hop isn’t “real” or “fine” art. While the Colorado Symphony began by playing an instrumental version of the album’s opening track, RZA, who produced the original album, walked out to massive applause and took a seat behind a bare desk to the left of the stage. A young woman dressed like a secretary wheeled out a shopping cart full of money, and started lining up stacks of cash in front of him. As RZA thumbed through the bills, Raekwon sauntered on stage from the other direction in a sequined tuxedo jacket and black fedora, also to thunderous applause. Rapping as soon as he stepped out from behind the curtain, Raekwon took his place in the spotlight opposite RZA, who contributed occasional ad libs from his desk. At the end of the first track together, the two met in the middle of the stage for a warm embrace.
For those familiar with Wu-Tang’s complicated history of inner-group beefs, this was not just a hug, but an affirmation to fans that the Wu-Tang brotherhood endures. Post-hug, RZA at last positioned himself behind the DJ decks, which were set up to look like a bar, complete with stools and a fully-stocked bar cart. But when Raekwon got to the chorus of “Criminology,” RZA leapt to his feet to join in, prompting a sea of “W” hand signs from the enthusiastic crowd.
Several songs in, RZA took a pause to reminisce about the late nights they spent in the studio recording Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…. I thought he was just being nostalgic, but he was actually preparing to introduce a very special surprise guest: Blue Raspberry, the long-lost female vocalist responsible for most of the album’s hooks (RZA joked that they had to flip through “an actual Rolodex” in order to get back in touch with her nearly thirty years later.) Looking absolutely radiant in a sparkly black gown trimmed with feathers, Blue Raspberry joined the gentlemen on stage for “Rainy Dayz,” and stunned everyone with her powerful, perfectly-preserved voice.
Blue Raspberry brought this entire tribute full circle.
For me, Blue Raspberry was the icing on the cake. Don’t get me wrong, I would’ve been thrilled with just RZA, Raekwon, and the Colorado Symphony as planned. It must be said here: Chris Dragon, conductor of the Colorado Symphony, is a dynamic force in his own right even if you (like me) have no background knowledge of classical music. But the sweet reunion with Blue Raspberry, whose booming vocals reverberated throughout the entire concert hall, made this tribute complete (even without Ghostface, who “guest starred” on the original album). Too many of hip-hop’s OGs have strayed so far from their roots, but RZA and Raekwon joyfully welcoming their old friend made those late-night studio sessions seem only moments, rather than decades, in the past.
If the Clan members have become jaded over the years, it doesn’t show on stage. Throughout the evening, the same thought kept occurring to me: They look like they’re having so much fun. And as an audience member, their energy and enthusiasm was contagious. There’s been much discussion recently (fueled by comments from rap giants like Andre 3000 and Killer Mike) about whether rap has an age limit. As some rappers get older, it’s impossible for them to sustain the same passion they had for an art form that’s so intrinsically linked to their youthful escapades. But for RZA and Raekwon, hip-hop is not just a fond memory. It is actively part of who they are.
RZA and Raekwon exude an inherent authenticity, an aura of genuine love and appreciation for hip-hop that simply can’t be imitated. As Raekwon told me in our interview, he was “raised” by hip-hop. And that’s how this felt: like a love letter to the culture that raised him. Taking Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…., a gritty soundtrack to 90s street life, and showcasing it in the context of a symphony, symbolized not just how far Wu-Tang has come, but also how hip-hop is now a cultural phenomenon that has expanded globally into unexpected spaces– like classical music. I’ll be eagerly awaiting the announcement of RZA and the Colorado Symphony’s next masterpiece (RZA if you see this, bring Method Man next, thanks!), and if you get the chance to attend, do it.
