From Staircase to Stage: The Story of Raekwon and the Wu-Tang Clan

Written by Raekwon and Anthony Bozza

Narrated by Raekwon and Landon Woodson

Featuring an exclusive interview with Raekwon the Chef and his son!

Legendary wordsmith Raekwon the Chef opens up about his journey from the staircases of Park Hill in Staten Island to sold-out stadiums around the world with Wu-Tang Clan in this revealing memoir—perfect for fans of The Autobiography of Gucci Mane and Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter.

There are rappers who everyone loves and there are rappers who every rapper loves, and Corey Woods, a.k.a. Raekwon the Chef, is one of the few who is both. His versatile flow, natural storytelling, and evocative imagery have inspired legions of fans and a new generation of rappers. Raekwon is one of the founding members of Wu-Tang Clan, and his voice and cadence are synonymous with the sound that has made the group iconic since 1991.

Now, for the first time, Raekwon tells his whole story, from struggling through poverty in order to make ends meet to turning a hobby into a legacy. The Wu-Tang tale is dense, complex, and full of drama, and here nothing is off-limits: the group’s origins, secrets behind songs like “C.R.E.A.M.” and “Protect Ya Neck,” and what it took to be one of the first hip-hop groups to go from the underground to the mainstream. Raekwon also delves deep into the making of his meticulous solo albums—particularly the classic Only Built 4 Cuban Linx—and talks about how spirituality and fatherhood continue to inspire his unstoppable creative process.

A celebration of perseverance and the power of music, From Staircase to Stage is a master storyteller’s lifelong journey to stay true to himself and his roots.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Nov 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781797134765

Raekwon

Raekwon the Chef has been one of the most sought-out voices in hip-hop for nearly thirty years. Born as Corey Woods, the Staten Island native is a true originator of lyricism, street culture, and rugged NYC style. As a founding member of Wu-Tang Clan, he achieved success with Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) in 1993, and followed it up with his platinum solo debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, and countless classic collaborations. He is also an entrepreneur and the founder of his own label, ICE H2O Records, and divides his time between New York, Atlanta, and Texas.

Reviews for From Staircase to Stage

[Tury Fresh · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Increíble vistazo a la vida de un gigante, 10/10, me encantó

[Antonio S · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book. Like always, Shallah does a great job of painting vivid pictures with just his words. This book is a love story and drama all in one.

[James Jeff · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great job Chef! Another classic like the Purple Tape…..look forward to the film

[John DeWitt · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such an inspiring and motivating story!!!
Growing up with Wu-tang songs it was so great to hear all the back stories most of all my favorite song Cream..
Loved hearing about my home town SI..

[jd cuellar · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book !! haven’t listened to a whole audiobook ever this is my first one, well worth it ! thank you Raekwon for the memories and great music and the great stories told in this book !! Highly recommend