Wu-Tang Clan members Raekwon and Ghostface Killah made an appearance at the Sundance Film Festival on Saturday night to confirm what many in the hip-hop world were already reporting: The duo would be overseeing a documentary of the pair's landmark album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, which will be titled The Purple Tape Files. A trailer was revealed to the guests at the event, who enjoyed cocktails and a Q&A with the emcees at a "Purple Carpet" screening.
What can we expect from the film? We couldn't tell you...the clip hasn't made its way online yet although Raekwon took to Twitter to confirm the facts this morning. No names have been suggested in terms of director, and we can only hope to get appearances from the bevy of guest stars that dot the album, including Nas as well as many Wu-Tang Clan affiliates such as RZA, GZA and Method Man.
The purpose of the documentary can't be questioned however: 2015 marks the 20th anniversary of the album's release. Only Built 4 Cuban Linx has been cited as the primary influence behind "Mafioso" rap as well as for inspiring many rappers to assume alter-egos (Raekwon operated as "Chef Raekwon" on the album, and Ghostface appeared as Tony Starks) and for popularizing the Cristal brand of champagne in the hip-hop scene. It was the best-received album from any Wu-affiliate, and perhaps even trumped the Clan's own Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).
Raekwon and Ghostface Killah have already been booked for the Coachella Music Festival, where we (and every other music publication) have suggested they'll be performing the classic album in full. Hopefully other live performances together will follow.
Stay tuned for further announcements with relation to the forthcoming documentary.
