The CMJ Festival, or CMJ Music Marathon, has come a long way since hosting two bands in one small New York City venue in 1981. Now, the festival is considered one of the world's most important outlets for new music. To set the scene, it gives 1,400 performers the chance to showcase their talents in over 80 clubs and theaters spread across Gotham.

The festival draws 120,000 people annual for five non-stop days and nights. As well as live music, there is exclusive parties, conference events featuring industry insiders and entertainment law seminars and college days. 

CMJ gives quality new acts a true platform and the festival has success. In 2004, it hosted a couple of little known bands named Arcade Fire, Antony & The Johnsons, The Decemberists and Coheed & Cambria. A year later it was Grizzly Bear, Hot Chip and We Are Scientists. In 2008, Lady Gaga played and Mumford & Sons turned out in 2009.

Head over to CMJ's website to get a feel for the talent on show this year, though one booking that caught our eye was Wu-Tang Clan legend Raekwon headlining the AllHipHop.com 15th year anniversary party at SOB's on October 17, 2013.

The hip-hop star, who remixed Drake and Jay Z's Pound Cake from Nothing Was The Same, is joined by Schoolboy Q, Talib Kweli and Black Moon as the biggest hip-hop stars on show at this year's festival. 

Watch our behind the scenes video from the recording of Raekwon's All About You:

Raekwon releases his sixth studio album Fly International Luxurious Art in January 2014. The first single All About You featuring Estelle was released on August 20, 2013.

The CMJ Music Marathon takes place in New York City from October 15-19.

RaekwonRaekwon Is Heading To The CMJ Festival