Raekwon: From Hip-Hop Legend to Cannabis Entrepreneur, the Founding of Newark Dispensary Hashstoria
In the gritty streets of Staten Island, a legend was born—Shaquan “Raekwon” McRae, better known as Raekwon the Chef. He’s one of the pillars of hip-hop, a mastermind whose verses shaped the sound of a generation. But now, decades after the world first tasted his lyrical gourmet on Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…, Raekwon is cooking up something entirely new. This time, the ingredients aren’t beats and rhymes, but cannabis and wellness.
Raekwon’s newest venture, Newark Dispensary Hashstoria, isn’t just a dispensary—it’s a cultural hub, a wellness center, and a living testament to the transformative power of cannabis. As Raekwon himself puts it, this isn’t about selling flowers; it’s about creating a space where people come to feel better, to learn, and to embrace cannabis in a way that’s rooted in community and education.
A Legacy in Music, a Future in Cannabis
Raekwon’s foray into cannabis wasn’t a quick leap; it was a journey that began long before the opening of Hashstoria. It’s a journey that tracks back to the early days of his career when cannabis wasn’t just a recreational indulgence—it was an artistic catalyst. The connection between hip-hop and cannabis has always been undeniable. From the moment Raekwon stepped into the rap game, he was writing rhymes to the rhythm of the smoke in the air.
"I remember writing my first rhymes and sitting down, smoking a joint or a blunt," Raekwon reminisces, his voice crackling with nostalgia. "It got me to where I am today, and sometimes, I think about how it amplified my dreams and visions. It wasn't just about getting high—it was about inspiration, about unlocking creativity."
The cannabis culture and hip-hop have always had a symbiotic relationship. Both served as outlets for marginalized voices, but Raekwon, along with his Wu-Tang Clan brothers, took that connection to new heights. The 1990s hip-hop scene, with its gritty, raw authenticity, was the perfect backdrop for the rise of cannabis as both a cultural and creative force. But Raekwon’s influence didn’t stop at the music; his brand has always been about authenticity, about giving people something real. And now, with Newark Dispensary Hashstoria, Raekwon is giving his fans and his community something even more tangible: a new way to experience the healing and creative properties of cannabis.
The Birth of Hashstoria
For Raekwon, the decision to open Hashstoria was deeply personal. Located in Newark, New Jersey, the dispensary reflects his roots and his belief that cannabis has the power to change lives. As a place where patients can find high-quality products and also learn about the medicinal benefits of cannabis, Hashstoria is meant to be more than just a dispensary. It’s a wellness center, a sanctuary where community and education come together to demystify the plant and promote its healing properties.
“We’re not just serving flowers,” Raekwon asserts. “We’re creating a space where people can learn about cannabis, about what it can do for your body, for your mind. It’s about wellness, not just getting high. I’m here to give back to the community that has supported me all these years.”
This vision of Hashstoria as a community-centered dispensary is a far cry from the illicit, underground cannabis dealings of the past, a reality Raekwon knows all too well. He speaks with passion about the transformation of cannabis from a controversial substance to a legal and accessible wellness product. But even as it becomes more mainstream, he remains steadfast in his mission: to offer not just any cannabis, but top-tier, high-quality products.
“We want to make sure that people are getting what they deserve,” he says. “We’re dealing with some of the best cultivators out there, not just my team but other brands that we’re connected to. It’s about quality. We’re giving people the best of the best.”
The Cannabis Culture Shift
One of the more profound changes in the cannabis landscape is the shift from recreational use to a more holistic approach. In the early days, cannabis was often associated with partying and escapism, but over time, Raekwon has seen firsthand how people’s attitudes toward the plant have changed—especially in the hip-hop community, which has been at the forefront of cannabis culture.
"Back in the day, we just smoked it for the vibes, for the creativity," Raekwon recalls. "But as I started traveling more, meeting with young professors, learning about the medicinal properties, I began to see how much cannabis could actually help people—especially for health issues like anxiety, insomnia, or chronic pain."
This shift in perspective led to the creation of Hashstoria. While Raekwon had always known about cannabis’s potential to enhance creativity, he didn’t truly grasp its full range of benefits until he started having conversations with doctors and scientists.
“As I learned more, I realized that it was bigger than just getting high,” Raekwon says. “Cannabis can be a medicine, and people need to know that. That’s why it’s important for us to teach people about how cannabis can help with mental awareness, with health, with stress relief. It’s not just about selling products—it’s about changing lives.”
Community Connection and Education
This educational aspect is what sets Hashstoria apart from other dispensaries. The dispensary isn’t just a place to buy cannabis—it’s a place to learn, to engage, and to find support. Whether it’s teaching people about which strains help with specific ailments or introducing newcomers to the world of cannabis, Hashstoria is a resource for anyone looking to understand the plant and its benefits.
“We want people to come in here and feel like family,” Raekwon explains. “If you’re dealing with something like glaucoma or chronic pain, we’ve got knowledgeable staff that can help you find what’s right for you. We’re not just here to sell, we’re here to support, to educate, and to make sure you get the best care possible.”
It’s this sense of community that Raekwon is most passionate about. It’s a chance for him to give back to the very people who helped shape his journey. As he sees it, Hashstoria is more than just a business—it’s a reflection of his values and his desire to see his people thrive.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Hashstoria
Looking to the future, Raekwon has big plans for Hashstoria. With the first location open in Newark, the goal is to expand to more cities, providing communities across the country with access to high-quality cannabis products, as well as the education and support they need to navigate the changing cannabis landscape. Raekwon’s ultimate goal is to empower others to follow his lead, creating a network of cannabis entrepreneurs who are committed to doing things the right way.
“I want to see other people do what we’re doing,” he says. “Maybe they’ll open their own dispensaries, maybe they’ll take what they’ve learned here and do something bigger. There’s room for everyone in this industry, as long as you’re doing it the right way.”
As for Raekwon himself, the future is just as bright. With new music on the horizon, including two fresh albums set to drop next year, the Chef’s creative fires are burning hotter than ever. Whether he’s in the studio or behind the counter at Hashstoria, Raekwon is still cooking up the kind of magic that only he can deliver.
“I’m still making classic albums, still doing what I love,” he says with a smile. “And the cannabis side of things? That’s just another way for me to connect with people, to give back, and to keep pushing the culture forward.”
As Raekwon continues to build his legacy in both music and cannabis, it’s clear that his journey is far from over. In fact, it’s just beginning. With Hashstoria as his new stage, Raekwon is proving once again that he’s not just a hip-hop legend—he’s a cultural force, ready to reshape the cannabis industry one flower at a time.