It’s been twenty years since Raekwon dropped Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, an album that upped the ante on New York’s brilliant Hip Hop scene in the early 90s and added another monster solo project under the Wu-Tang banner. Despite the album never receiving Grammy consideration nor really selling huge numbers, there’s no doubt “The Purple Tape” is ingrained within the culture’s history. So of course it makes sense that a documentary celebrating the landmark project would be in the works. Taking to Sundance Film Festival in January, The Chef and Ghostface Killah announced a feature film highlighting the creation of the album entitled The Purple Tape Files. In line with the hype around last year’s critically acclaimed Time is Illmatic documentary highlighting the impact of Nas’ Columbia Records debut Illmatic, the next great Hip Hop documentary could potentially be on the way.
Over the weekend, a thirty minute preview event of The Purple Tape Files was presented at Beverly Hills hotspot Phillipe Chow. Though Ghostface Killah encountered some flight issues leading to his nonattendance, director Jean Shepherd, producer Steve Raze and Raekwon were there to interact with eager fans. Despite being relatively low-key in regards to the numerous Grammy events taking place, Hip Hop veterans ranging from LL Cool J to Busta Rhymes showed their support among several notable names.
Though cameras weren’t allowed during the actual screening, here are five things we picked up during the viewing.
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Not A Typical Documentary
The feature film celebrating Nas’ debut may stylistically remind some of the amazing rock doc A Band Called Death. If expecting something along the lines of Time is Illmatic, one may be disappointed. However, that’s not a knock against the quality.The Purple Tape Files is just a different beast. Part documentary, part fictional take on events tackled within Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, there’s a stylized sheen presented that worked well thematically. Think of it as something along the lines of The Streets Is Watching. Most of the interviews with Ghost and Rae take place in this extremely luxurious mansion full of everything a mafioso could ask for. There’s even one shot of Ghostface smacking a BBW’s ass like a true G.
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Crowdsourcing Campaign Means It’s Not Finished
It could all be so simple. What was presented was pretty fascinating despite the project not being anywhere near completion due to budget constraints. Which is where their upcoming crowdsourcing campaigns comes into play. For something incomplete, The Purple Tape Files already feels like a quality product that should motivate fans to contribute where they can. Like any modern fundraising campaign, there are some interesting treats in store for those who contribute that haven’t been mentioned yet.
A Few Noticeable Interviews
Clearly a bulk of The Purple Tape Files’ interviews will center around Raekwon and Ghostface Killah. That’s not all, though. Wu-Tang’s de-facto leader RZA also gives his insight on the album he laid the production to. Coming straight from his highly regarded Time is Illmatic documentary, Nas gives his thoughts on the album. Most importantly, he talks a bit about OnlyBuilt 4 Cuban Linx highlight “Verbal Intercourse.” Also giving his perspective on the creation of the album is Busta Rhymes. Though more interviews with Hip Hop heavyweights are allegedly planned, what was shown is essentially good enough.
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There’s A Good Team Behind It
AllHipHop co-founder Steve Raze is producing The Purple Tape Files meaning that someone with an expertise is insuring a project of this magnitude should work out. Co-owned by Raekwon and Raj “Trini” Maharaj, Third Eye Films is helping with production as well. Handling the visuals for the documentary is Rebel Alchemy. Based out of Brooklyn, the company is a creative agency that has a pretty stellar catalogue of collective projects under their belts. The catalog includes Alexander Wang, Dior, Dodge, Def Jam, American Express, Vice and HBO among others. At the head is director Jean Shepherd who has already proven with the little footage presented that this will be held together perfectly.
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Truly Stands The Test Of Time
RZA’s production still shines twenty years later but the star and co-stars of this classy hood drama illuminates like no other. Every track from opener “Knuckleheadz” to original closer “ Heaven & Hell” play like impressive set-pieces. Makes sense as Only Built 4 Cuban Linx has been compared to Francis Ford Coppola’s 1972 classic The Godfather. Hell, the impact of The Chef’s first solo outing is still influencing Hip Hop today and The Purple Tape Files really hones in the point.
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