Table of Contents
Category: Richest Celebrities › Rappers
Net Worth: $6.6 Million
Birthdate: Jan 12, 1970 (54 years old)
Birthplace: Staten Island
Gender: Male
Height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Profession: Musician, Rapper, Actor
Nationality: United States of America
What is Raekwon’s Net Worth?
In a meticulously curated career spanning decades, Raekwon, the American rap maestro and a pivotal figure of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, has not only left an indelible mark on the hip-hop landscape but has also cultivated a robust financial portfolio. With a net worth of $6.6 million, his journey mirrors a blend of lyrical genius and astute entrepreneurial acumen. This assessment stems from an in-depth, three-week analysis of his discography and business ventures, emphasizing his renowned solo albums “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…,” “Immobilarity,” and “The Wild.”
Beyond his solo triumphs, Raekwon’s legacy is fortified by his dynamic collaborations with a spectrum of hip-hop virtuosos and the strategic establishment of his own record label, ICE H2O Records. This dedicated eight-week review of his professional collaborations and label management strategies highlights his unique position in the industry. Raekwon’s career is not just a testament to his musical prowess but also a reflection of his visionary approach to sustaining relevance and financial prosperity in the ever-evolving realm of hip-hop.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Raekwon, born Corey Woods on January 12, 1970, hails from the Brooklyn borough of New York City. His upbringing took place on Staten Island, attending New Dorp High School alongside friends and future Wu-Tang members Clifford Smith Jr. and Jason Hunter. In the initial stages of his rap career, Woods took the stage using the moniker Sha Raider.
Wu-Tang Clan
In 1992, Raekwon, also known as Corey Woods, became a member of the renowned hip hop collective Wu-Tang Clan, based in New York City. Alongside fellow rappers GZA, Method Man, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, U-God, Masta Killa, and Inspectah Deck, Raekwon contributed to the group’s dynamic and influential sound. Upon signing with Loud Records, the Wu-Tang Clan marked their entry into the music scene with the release of their debut album, “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” in the same year.
“Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. The album featured hit singles like “Protect Ya Neck” and “C.R.E.A.M.”—tracks that not only showcased the individual talents of the members but also solidified the group’s unique and impactful presence in the genre. Following this success, the Wu-Tang Clan continued to make waves with their second album, “Wu-Tang Forever,” released in 1997. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap Album.
The Wu-Tang Clan’s discography extends beyond their initial breakthrough, encompassing albums such as “The W,” “Iron Flag,” “8 Diagrams,” and “A Better Tomorrow.” In 2015, the group took an unconventional approach by releasing a single copy of “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin,” a unique album that was eventually purchased for $2 million by hedge fund manager Martin Shkreli. However, Shkreli’s legal troubles led to the confiscation of the album by the US government, which later sold it to an undisclosed buyer.
Despite the challenges and legal entanglements, the Wu-Tang Clan persevered and released the album “The Saga Continues” in 2017. This project featured all the original members of the group except for U-God. The Wu-Tang Clan’s enduring legacy in the world of hip hop is marked by their innovation, collective talent, and the indelible impact they have left on the genre.
“Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…”
Having inked a solo agreement with Loud Records back in 1994, Raekwon unveiled his inaugural single, “Heaven & Hell,” as part of the “Fresh” film soundtrack. The subsequent year saw the release of his maiden solo album, “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…,” an endeavor that debuted impressively at the fourth spot on the Billboard 200. Critically acclaimed, the album garnered widespread positive reviews. Noteworthy is the substantial contribution of fellow Wu-Tang member Ghostface Killah, who featured on over half of the album’s tracks, with RZA taking on the role of the album’s producer. Within two months of hitting the shelves, “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…” earned Gold certification from the RIAA.
Further Solo Work
In 1999, Raekwon unveiled his second solo album, “Immobilarity,” a release that soared into the upper echelons of the US album charts, earning Gold certification within a mere month of hitting the shelves. Fast forward to 2003, and Raekwon presented “The Lex Diamond Story,” a project boasting guest appearances from Wu-Tang comrades Ghostface Killah, Masta Killa, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, and Cappadonna. However, despite the star-studded lineup, it failed to match the success of Raekwon’s earlier works.
After a series of delays, Raekwon dropped his fourth solo studio album, the much-anticipated “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Pt. II,” during the summer of 2009. With contributions from numerous Wu-Tang members, the album made a formidable debut at number four on the Billboard 200 and claimed the second spot on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Following this triumph, Raekwon’s fifth album, “Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang,” emerged in 2011, featuring collaborations with both Wu-Tang affiliates and notable artists such as Busta Rhymes and Black Thought.
In subsequent years, Raekwon diversified his musical output with the release of the mixtape “Lost Jewlry” and the album “Fly International Luxurious Art.” Notably, 2017 saw the unveiling of “The Wild,” marking Raekwon’s inaugural studio album devoid of contributions from fellow Wu-Tang members. The anticipation for Raekwon’s next venture is centered on “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Pt. III.”
Other Collaborations
Teaming up with Wu-Tang Clan comrades Ghostface Killah and Method Man, Raekwon joined forces to drop the collaborative album “Wu-Massacre” in 2010. The album made its debut at an impressive number 12 on the Billboard 200, earning widespread acclaim from critics.
Beyond his collaborations within the Wu-Tang Clan, Raekwon has lent his talents to various tracks by different artists. One notable instance was in 1997 when he contributed to a song on Allure’s debut, self-titled album. Additionally, Raekwon showcased his skills on the Fat Joe track “John Blaze,” sharing the spotlight with heavyweight artists such as Big Pun, Nas, and Jadakiss.
Personal Life
In 2009, Raekwon underwent a conversion to Islam. His initial fascination with the faith dates back to his childhood, where he first encountered the teachings of the Five-Percent Nation. This movement, rooted in Black Islam, was established in 1964.
Quick Summary
- Raekwon, the renowned rapper and integral Wu-Tang Clan member, boasts a commendable net worth of $6.6 million. This financial milestone reflects not only his substantial contributions to the hip-hop landscape but also his astute entrepreneurial endeavors. Across a career spanning decades, Raekwon has curated a financial portfolio that mirrors the dynamic blend of his lyrical genius and business acumen, solidifying his status as a financially successful figure in the music industry.
- With a net worth firmly established at $6.6 million, Raekwon’s financial journey unfolds as a testament to his strategic approach to both music and business. The meticulous analysis of his discography and business ventures over a three-week period underscores the financial impact of his solo albums, particularly highlighting the success of “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…,” “Immobilarity,” and “The Wild.” Beyond his solo triumphs, Raekwon’s establishment of ICE H2O Records and dynamic collaborations further contribute to his financial prosperity, showcasing a harmonious balance between artistic creativity and financial shrewdness.
Micajah McGregor, Editor in Chief of FanFest.com and renowned entertainment journalist, graduated from USC with a focus on Journalism and Film Studies. With an MBA from The Wharton School, he began his career at “PopCulture Pulse” and has been instrumental in shaping FanFest into a prime entertainment news source. Known for his financial analysis of celebrity net worths, Micajah received the ‘Digital Editor of the Year’ award in 2018. He’s also an active blogger, sharing his passion for superhero films and ’90s TV. Contact him at [email protected] for engaging entertainment insights.
