Raekwon, born Corey Woods in New York City in 1970, is a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan. His name comes from the 5 Percent Nation, an offshoot of the NOI and he converted to Islam in 2009. His debut album Only Built for Cuban Linx… is a hip-hop classic known as the “purple tape” and features many other members of the group, especially Ghostface Killah.
In 2019, Wu-Tan An American Saga dropped on Hulu and the show highlights the formation of the group. Details about how Raekwon connected with RZA and Ghostface in Staten Island are shared on the show and their history runs deep. His full stage name is Raekwon The Chef, and he’s also used the names Lex Diamonds, Shallah Raekwon, and Louis Rich.