Raekwon and Ghostface Killah just unveiled the official trailer for Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, a documentary that revisits the making and impact of Raekwon’s groundbreaking 1995 solo debut.
The film, titled The Purple Tape Files, has been years in the making and arrives just in time for the 30th anniversary of the album. Widely hailed as a classic, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx is credited with changing the sound and style of East Coast rap in the 90s. The documentary aims to honor that legacy with in-depth storytelling and never-before-seen footage.
In the trailer, Raekwon reflects on his state of mind during the album’s creation. “I put myself into a serious mindframe,” The Chef revealed. “A serious storytelling album. I had to make this product stand out.”
He also spoke on the visual identity that became synonymous with the project. “I knew that purple represents royalty, and that’s exactly what I was looking for,” he explained, nodding to the vibrant cassette tape that earned the project its nickname, The Purple Album.
The Purple Tape Files is expected to give fans a deep dive into not just the music but the movement that followed. With Ghostface playing a key role in the album’s legacy and the documentary, the film promises a rare glimpse into the magic that helped shape an era.