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Raw

By: Lamont "U-God" Hawkins
Narrated by: Lamont "U-God" Hawkins
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Publisher's summary

The explosive, never-before-told story behind the historic rise of the Wu-Tang Clan, as told by one of its founding members, Lamont "U-God" Hawkins.

“It’s time to write down not only my legacy, but the story of nine dirt-bomb street thugs who took our everyday life - scrappin’ and hustlin’ and tryin’ to survive in the urban jungle of New York City - and turned that into something bigger than we could possibly imagine, something that took us out of the projects for good, which was the only thing we all wanted in the first place.” (Lamont "U-God" Hawkins)

The Wu-Tang Clan are considered hip-hop royalty. Remarkably, none of the founding members have told their story - until now. Here, for the first time, the quiet one speaks.

Lamont “U-God” Hawkins was born in Brownsville, New York, in 1970. Raised by a single mother and forced to reckon with the hostile conditions of project life, U-God learned from an early age how to survive. And surviving in New York City in the 1970s and 1980s was no easy task - especially as a young black boy living in some of the city’s most ignored and destitute districts. But, along the way, he met and befriended those who would eventually form the Clan’s core: RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Inspectah Deck, Ghostface Killah, and Masta Killa. Brought up by the streets, and bonding over their love of hip-hop, they sought to pursue the impossible: music as their ticket out of the ghetto.

U-God’s unforgettable first-person account of his journey, from the streets of Brooklyn to some of the biggest stages around the world, is not only thoroughly affecting, unfiltered, and explosive but also captures, in vivid detail, the making of one of the greatest acts in American music history.

This program includes the song "Fire" (featuring Method Man & Jackpot Scotty Wotty) (DJ Green Lantern Remix) from U-God's Bring Back God II mixtape, under nonexclusive license from Babygrande Records, Inc.

©2018 Lamont "U-God" Hawkins (P)2018 Macmillan Audio
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What listeners say about Raw

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    5 out of 5 stars

It's always the good ones that have to die...

I knew little of UGod prior to reading this book. To his point, being a fan of the WTK... I knew of the members but the Klan is strongest as a unit and not necessarily its individual parts. I hope they can work out their differences. It's true. Brothers always fight. I'm looking forward to the Showtime series on the Wu coming up in May. Really enjoyed this book. A lot! The headline is just a play from the song Tears, but it seems poetic since ODB was the one member who wasn't shy about expressing his views. May he R.I.P.

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Great story; masterful storyteller

Being a fan of the Wu-Tang Clan since day 1, I always enjoy hearing a good story from any of the Clan’s members. I am glad U-God followed through on his desire to write about his life and his version of the Clan’s journey. I am also glad he agreed to add his authentic voice to the narration of the audiobook. I identified with some things, empathized with others, and laughed at the light-hearted moments while learning about his perspective of life. A must-read for any WTC fan or anyone looking for a RAW memoir!

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Great Read

This was a very good book... funny at times but also sad.. overall a very great read.

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this is a great read!

no-good told it like it is in this book the read was nice it wasn't boring he sounded good and not mechanical. it's nice to know how the WU tang team was treated. (like shit)

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  • Overall
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Great Bio Piece on the Real Hustle

Sometimes you gotta hear the struggles and adversities of others to appreciate life and encourage you to work hard.

thanks Baby U'ie for reminding me.

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I Love how raw an in detail u god got in this book

loved how raw an detail u god
did with this book..loved how he didnt hold back an got it all out...an i support what he an all the wu members do!!!!!

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Wow... what a journey

This book took me back to the 90s and my days coming up in Brooklyn. The God had quite the journey from his days on the Island. I love the way it was written & I’m glad he read the book himself, it gave it more authenticity. Not the most famous member of the Wu, but this gave an insight as to why. I really hope they can settle their differences & come together again as one. Overall great book, great reading/performance & an absolute great story.

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    3 out of 5 stars

Good if a Wu-Tang fan!

I thought it was cool but it was disjointed at times, regardless of this, you'll enjoy it if you are a fan. It's not a literary piece of art, so don't expect that!!!

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U God stories

I enjoyed listening to history. His upbringing, his life in and out of jail, family ,and his adventure of being a Wu Tang Clan member. I wish him the best and pray for your continues success.

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Loved his raw style

I for one, love for people to not sugar coat things. I feel like Ugod could be like a long lost uncle or something. But yeah I appreciate his perspective of the Wu-Tang experience. I didn't really detect any disrespect at all. Just him telling it like he saw it. I loved every bit and loved to hear about the growth. Loved showing how you can grow and still be yourself.

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