Legendary New York rapper Raekwon has announced his first solo album in eight years. Titled The Emperor’s New Clothes, the album will be released on July 18 through Mass Appeal Records.
Produced by top names like Swizz Beatz, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, and Nottz, the album features collaborations with fellow Wu-Tang Clan members Ghostface Killah, Method Man, and Inspectah Deck. Other notable guest artists include Nas, Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, Conway the Machine, Stacy Barthe, and Marsha Ambrosius.
Raekwon, a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan, described the album as a powerful statement against trends and the status quo. “Truth over trends – Don’t let status quo control authenticity,” he wrote on Instagram. He promised listeners “valuable imagery” and “aggressive wordplay,” calling the project a classic.
The Emperor’s New Clothes is part of Mass Appeal’s “Legend Has It…” series, which will release seven albums from hip-hop legends including Nas & DJ Premier, Ghostface Killah, Mobb Deep, De La Soul, Big L, and a mystery returning artist.
Raekwon has been a key figure in hip-hop since the early 1990s, contributing to all seven Wu-Tang Clan studio albums. Despite some past conflicts within the group, he remains an influential voice in the genre. Earlier this year, he released a collaborative album with producer Mathematics titled Black Samson, the Bastard Swordsman.
