NEW YORK - MAY 1997: American rap artist Raekwon of the rap group Wu-Tang Clan poses for a April 1997 portrait in New York City, New York. (Photo by Bob Berg/Getty Images)
Raekwon Proves Wu-Tang Is Still for the Children at Mission Creek Festival
The spirit of hip-hop royalty came alive in Iowa City last weekend as Raekwon, the legendary Wu-Tang Clan wordsmith, delivered a commanding performance at the 2025 Mission Creek Festival. The annual arts and culture celebration, now in its 20th year, saw a packed Englert Theatre rocking to the beats of “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…”, Raekwon’s seminal solo debut. For fans young and old, the message was clear: Wu-Tang is still very much for the children.
Clad in signature streetwear and exuding confidence, Raekwon hit the stage with the cool demeanor of a rap don, blending nostalgia with timeless bars that still carry weight. The crowd roared as classics like “Incarcerated Scarfaces” and “Ice Cream” echoed through the historic venue. Though decades removed from the gritty ’90s New York that birthed the Wu-Tang legacy, the energy in Iowa City proved the music still resonates.
“This right here is love,” Raekwon told the crowd mid-set. “We came from the corner to the culture, and we’re still here for the kids, still here to build something real.”
His presence marked a high point in a festival already stacked with heavy-hitting talent. Indie rock stalwart Julien Baker and alt-country provocateur TORRES brought their collaborative energy to the stage, while folk troubadour William Elliott Whitmore grounded the weekend with soul-stirring acoustic sets. Yet it was Raekwon’s performance that seemed to stitch together the festival’s past and present, a bridge between classic influence and contemporary relevance.
Mission Creek 2025 also marked a turning point: the final year the Englert Theatre would helm the festival’s production. Co-founder and Artistic Director Andre Perry reflected on the milestone, calling it a “celebration of legacy, community, and the future of independent art.” The festival’s literary component didn’t disappoint either, with acclaimed author Rachel Kushner leading readings and discussions that filled local venues.
As Raekwon closed his set with a tribute to the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard, chants of “Wu-Tang forever” rang out — a reminder that this music, this movement, still matters. For one unforgettable night in Iowa City, Raekwon proved that the torch of hip-hop’s golden era still burns bright, especially for the next generation.
