24. Raekwon, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Raekwon’s debut album, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, separated him and his partner in crime Ghostface from the rest of the Wu-Tang Clan by boldly embracing the nefarious street culture that defined their path to rap historicity. With the Wu “W” projected like a bat signal on the wall behind them, their brother is clearly communicated. Raekwon will block harm coming toward his beloved, and Ghost has his brother’s back with guns blazing. The red, yellow, and black, framed by smoke billows, chains, and booze, the cover art conveyed the core messages of the infamous “Purple Tape.”