Raekwon's 1995 solo debut album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... was produced by RZA.
Released on August 1, 1995, the album is Raekwon's first solo studio project and one of the defining releases of the Wu-Tang Clan's early period. RZA handled the production entirely, creating a slower, cinematic sound built from soul samples, strings, piano loops, and dialogue influenced by kung-fu and mafia films.
The record was designed like a crime film: Raekwon plays the central character, Ghostface Killah acts as a major co-star, and RZA functions like the director behind the scenes. Ghostface appears throughout the album, while other Wu-Tang members contribute verses and performances. Nas's appearance on "Verbal Intercourse" was especially notable because it marked an early collaboration between Wu-Tang's circle and a prominent outsider.
The album is often nicknamed the Purple Tape because of its original purple cassette packaging. Its mafioso-rap storytelling, dense slang, and richly atmospheric production made it a landmark of 1990s hip hop. A common mix-up is crediting Ghostface as the album's artist because of his extensive role; Raekwon remains the primary artist, while RZA produced the project.