From Amazon.co.uk
Raekwon takes a brave, but perilous step towards self-definition on his sophomore effort by refusing the help of Wu-Tang's resident beatmaster, RZA. Following up his critically lauded
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, "The Chef" goes with teams of no-name producers in an effort to carve out his own space. Fans of Raekwon's edgy verbal style--flashy rhyme bursts coloured by ghetto stoop wisdom--won't despair. On songs like "Fuck Them" and "Raw", Rae spits a seemingly endless array of verses, full of street-culture signifyin' and biting bravado. But musically, he's hurting for RZA's presence: most of the beats are thin imitations of the Abbot's style to begin with, swinging between two narrow--and ultimately mediocre--poles, either whiny strings or pensive piano chords. Despite Rae's propulsive vocals, the production can't keep up, almost slowing
Immobilarity down to the point of immobility.
--Oliver Wang