With the expansion of Hashstoria, Raekwon the Chef adds his name to the robust rolodex of hip-hop figures entering the professional cannabis industry.
On November 13, Raekwon made history with the expansion of his cannabis brand, Hashstoria, by opening a new dispensary in the Four Corners sector of downtown Newark. The grand opening marked a significant milestone for the Wu-Tang Clan legend’s professional foray into the legal cannabis industry.
In 2021, the “Ice Cream” emcee co-founded the Hashstoria brand collective alongside Charlamagne tha God, Bakari Sellers, and Jedd Canty, with its first locations launching in Oregon. The state boasts a rich cannabis industry compared to the state of New York, making it an ideal starting point for someone of Raekwon’s caliber to launch such an initiative. Hashstoria subsequently opened three locations in the Oregon cities of Astoria, Gladstone, and Springfield.
The name of the cannabis collective, Hashstoria, is a lexical amalgamation combining “Astoria,” the Oregon city where the brand first launched, and “hash,” the popular term for the cannabis concentrate hashish.
Although Staten Island is Raekwon’s stomping ground, the choice to open a location in Newark’s Four Corners is strategically tied to a broader vision. Four Corners is steeped in hip-hop history, serving as a microcosm of unapologetic to hip-hop culture during the Golden Era and ‘90s. This area hosted some of the most priceless moments at culturally significant venues such as the Peppermint Lounge and Sensation.
“Cannabis is just one part of our vision for Newark,” said Raekwon in a press statement. “We’re not just normalizing cannabis use; we’re using it as a catalyst to uplift our people and culture, much like hip-hop has done for decades.”
Raekwon’s plan for Hashstoria extends beyond a mere retail dispensary—it aims to be a cultural hub in the form of a wellness center and lounge. The presence of Hashstoria not only contributes to Newark’s hip-hop imprint but also demonstrates a commitment to becoming an asset to the local community. This act was a given for the Wu-Tang legend and his co-founders, though the journey to realize it was not without its challenges.
Last March, the Newark Central Planning Board rejected Hashstoria’s site plan application, primarily due to disapproval over the proposed storefront imagery. The designs included three animated drawings of a woman rolling a blunt and an animated depiction of the image showcasing the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard holding a 40-ounce beer. Vice chair Kalenha Witcher expressed reservations about the artwork, stating her desire to refrain from “glamorizing smoking” or potentially triggering individuals in recovery.
The dispensary’s proposed location opposite the Old First Presbyterian Church also raised concerns. Members of the historic landmark’s congregation questioned the potential impact on the community.
After refining their site plan application, Hashstoria reapplied and received approval from the Newark Central Planning Board in August 2023. The revisions included architectural modifications for facade renovation, which were presented to Newark’s Landmark and Historic Preservation Commission. These changes were necessary as the location, 799-805 Broad Street, sits in the heart of the historic Four Corners district. Rachael Grochowski of RHG Architecture+Design led these modifications. Hashstoria also provided reassurances of their projected compliance with Cannabis Regulatory Commission regulations.
Two months later, Raekwon and his Hashstoria collaborators received the green light from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC). The commission awarded a Class V cannabis retail license to the team, which includes media personality Charlamagne tha God, former South Carolina State Representative and civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers, and Jedd Canty of Canty Ventures.
“We are committed to working with the great city of Newark to safely and legally expand the cannabis industry here,” Sellers affirmed in a press statement. “We appreciate the collaboration with the Mayor’s office and the City Council, and we look forward to making a meaningful impact in the community by creating opportunities and fostering local talent.”
The extensive efforts and turning points in Hashstoria’s journey are undoubtedly worthwhile, as the ultimate plan is to implement a consumption lounge in addition to offering premium cannabis products. The space will also serve as a mini art gallery featuring the works by local artists, a performance venue, and working space bearing a coffee shop-like aesthetic. Hashstoria is poised to become a pivotal space in the city of Newark, aligning with the city’s ambition to enhance its stance as a cultural hub with a unique emphasis on African-American heritage. This development coincides with the rapid market growth in recreational-use sales within New Jersey’s cannabis market sector, further distinguishing Newark’s position in this evolving industry.
Hashstoria was privy to a warm welcome during its grand opening last Wednesday. Raekwon, Charlamagne, Sellers and Canty were joined by an impressive array of guests for the ribbon cutting ceremony led by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. The event was star studded including funk legend George Clinton, rap icon Fat Joe, Wu-Tang’s Inspectah Deck, and Naughty by Nature’s Treach. Also in attendance was Dupree “Do It All” Du Kelly of Lords of the Underground—who now serves as a Newark City Council member, as well as Lord Finesse, among others.
“We’re proud to be part of Newark’s growing renaissance,” said Raekwon. “We’re bridging the gap between the city’s rich history and its bright future, helping to write the next chapter.”
Raekwon joins the ranks of Wu-Tang Clan members who have professionally entered the cannabis industry. Earlier this year, Method Man’s cannabis brand, TICAL, made its Staten Island debut. In 2016, Ghostface Killah, along with Killah Priest from the Wu affiliate group Sunz of Man, released Wu Goo, a series of flavored all-organic hash oils—this product appears to be currently discontinued. Cappadonna developed his own hybrid cannabis strain called Cappachino, which was available for purchase in Massachusetts.