To me this is not an instant classic & doesn't have the same feeling as the 1st one, but that being said, it is already a classic in my opinion. Let me explain why. The first time I heard this album was with my friend, he was the first one to cop it since there was only ONE COPY in my cd store! Lucky son of a [...], anyway the first time I heard it I found it to be a great Banger with a little VVu-vibe. Nothing more, nothing less. Although little did I know & was soon to realize that this Killa Bee had already stung me. I guess my anticipations were too high but even that being the case, I knew I had to buy it. I finally did order it last week right here on amazon and I am very happy I did. The only tracks I wasn't feeling at first were: Black Mozart (dunno why?), Baggin' Crack (I found it to be so-so, hadn't really listened to the lyrics), Canal Street (I thought why take this old [...] beat?) & Mean Streets. Which I have to say isn't much out of 22 tracks. On the second try, I was really starting to feel the vibe and was soon forgetting what I thought to be the bad parts of it. This album really grew on me fast, kind of like a plague but a good one! Now I can say it is a classic, it has been in constant rotation ever since I got it. (Only 3 days ago) & it's not moving anytime soon. It's also hands down the best album out this year 2009 (that was easy). The reason why it doesn't have the same feeling as it's predecessor is simply because: number 1 it's modern (they had to evolve with their sound to keep up with modern-day Hip-Hop) and number 2 OB4CL Part 1 was about him coming up, in part 2 he already did so it is much more grown-up, he already has the wealth, the fame, the bling, his Hip-Hop status but stays gutter nonetheless & did not forget where he came from. Raekwon actually feels really hungry on here to my surprise & so does the rest of the clan it really feels like they're still a family, and there are great appearances! There is not one guest on this album I am not feeling, Busta is a nice surprise! Everybody puts in their 2 cents to shine and it really shows. It also feels like he tried to recreate OB4CL and in my opinion he did a really great job. Here's why: On Part 1 there were alot of instant classics like Ice Cream, Incarcerated Scarfaces, Criminology, etc. Same thing for Part 2: House Of Flying Daggers, New Wu, We Will Rob You... Penitentiary to me kind of feels like Criminology, Cold Outside kind of like Rainy Dayz, New Wu like Ice Cream yet different. They used the same elements that made the first one a classic and that is what makes this sequel so perfect. Except with a little more Chef and less RZA. You would think the lack of RZA to be a big problem but it barely is, we could of used more GZA on here but oh well, I guess we can't have everything. I'm guessing he was busy... They've all got lives now, they probably have families to take care of so they can't dedicate as much time to Hip-Hop as they used to. That being said, as we can hear all over this album they don't want to see the Fat Lady Sing.

The bottom line is this album is dope from start to finish, it made me love Hip-Hop all over again & is a definite five stars, I would give it more if I could! For those who disagree maybe you should give it another try, there is absolutely nothing sell-out about this one, it does not in any way feel lazy & Raekwon really brings the ruckus with his lyrics. It is nice to see big names in Hip-Hop support The Chef, like Slick Rick, Busta Rhymes, Styles, Jada, Sigel. People who keep it real. The ODB tribute Ason Jones is really heartfelt & we can feel how important he still is to the clan. I also love the originality & freshness of this cd, the beats are great, you would think after all these years it would sound old but that is not the case. Like I said before it isn't an instant classic but it isn't far from it & I am sure it will grow on you quickly just as it did the same thing for me. If you haven't bought it yet then what are you waiting for? Support Hip-Hop & go get it RIGHT NOW, you don't know what you're missing.

Love this cd, gettin heavy rotation daily and is a very strong release from one of ma fav artists. This could be the best hip hop release from all of 09... i give it 4.5 stars cuz its a very good cd with a few gems but its not a classic. The reason ppl will still talk about OB4CL in 10 years will be cuz of da original, its most def a classic, this aint a classic but its very good. Lovin "Broken Safety", jada is fire on that track. On "Surgical Gloves" rae is blessed wid a beautiful alkemist beat which he rips. "House of flying daggers" is a non-stop attack of masterful mcs on an adrenaline rush of a beat. other cuts i like are "black mozart", wid a deadly beat, "ason jones" with the dedication to odb, and "we will rob you" lets the mcs shine but the hook is mad corny. We will we will ROB YOU......... mad corny...
Well this is definitely a good pick up. rae goes real hard, he shines. GO OUT AND SUPPORT HIP HOP

After several years (and delays) Raekwon the Chef (along with Tony Starks) releases his second masterpiece. "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx" is still an amazing album. Like most classics in rap or hip-hop, Raekwon's fist joint ages like fine wine. If you haven't listened to said classic, check it out now.

"Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Part 2" is another classic (albeit with a more polished, '09 feel). Raekwon, along with his Clansmen, step up and deliver street anthem after bloody street anthem. Each track is mad "niggerish" (as Charley Murphy would say).

"Return of the North Star" welcomes the listener back into Chef's Cuban Linx world. (Play both albums back-to-back.) "House of Flying Daggers" is a pure Wu-Banger. "New Wu," which most of us heard online, represents the Wu in the same vein as "Triumph" (or even "Careful (Click, Click)"). "Surgical Gloves," "Pyrex Vision," "Penitentiary," and "Baggin' Crack" are perhaps my favorite tracks. (Raekwon can spin a story, son.) "Ason Jones" is a wonderful tribute to Big Baby Jesus. "We Will Rob You" and "10 Bricks" are some of the best displays of witty, unpredictable talent and natural game in recent years. Ghostface Killah slays the competition on these tracks. And likewise, Method Man comes correct (and as grimy) as usual.

Some of the aforementioned tracks are short (2 to 3 minutes or so). But the album clocks out at 1:10:52...so really, we get plenty of street knowledge.

All in all, this album is a fitting sequel to one of the best albums we've ever heard. Raekwon (and his posse) give us another standard in hip-hop lyricism and production. (Thank God RZA produced several key tracks on this beast.)

I keep telling people: Raekwon never fell off! Hopefully...while all the shark biters are waiting...these Cats will smash the world again.

Wu-Tang forever.

Peace.

Loved Cuban Linx 1 and this is nothing like that album....except that it Rocks the House and is just as or more essential for one to have in their Wu CD/Vinyl Collection....there's a lot of songs and mabye one...two...naw, one song outta over twenty that could be considered a 'skip it' track

Another classic ta fallow up OB4CL pt.1. With Raekwon & GFK and all tha other Wu-tang Clan members that came through on this make it perfect.
I don't know what else ta tell you. It's a must have for any Wu-Tang Clan fan out there.

There are a lot of Wu-Tang albums. Some good, some not so much. This is a must have.

This is one that you can play from start to finish and not feel too tempted to skip tracks. Definitely lives up to Linx Pt. 1, which says a lot.